Men throughout time have created gods that have

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n The idols of the Bible were powerless. (Psa 135: 15 -18)

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Psalm 135: 15 -18 (NKJV) - The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. 16 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; 17 They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n That is what these men wanted. Why? Because they could live as they wished!

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power That is what these men wanted. Why? Because they could live as they wished! n The consequences of these desires caused men to become unable to reason. n

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power That is what these men wanted. Why? Because they could live as they wished! n The consequences of these desires caused men to become unable to reason. n There was much bitter fruit to eat. (Rom 1: 20 -21, 28) n

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Romans 1: 20 -21 (NKJV) - For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Romans 1: 28 (NKJV) - And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n It is possible to take the name of the true God and make Him into another god. (2 Cor 11: 4)

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n 2 Corinthians 11: 4 (NKJV) - For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n This approach yields the same result as idolatry. (2 Tim 3: 4 -5)

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n 2 Timothy 3: 4 -5 (NKJV) - traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n What is your God like?

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power What is your God like? n When we begin to know and trust the true God we cannot imagine the power that He would bring into our lives. (Eph 3: 20 -21) n

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Ephesians 3: 20 -21 (NKJV) - Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n The key is not God but our faith. God will always be faithful. (Mt 21: 21 -22)

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Matthew 21: 21 -22 (NKJV) - So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, ’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. ”

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power n Notice theme in the verses we will study today. God is described as faithful, able and just. Why? So that we might believe, obey and be blessed.

Men throughout time have created gods that have no power Notice theme in the verses we will study today. God is described as faithful, able and just. Why? So that we might believe, obey and be blessed. n When we see like this we will give emphasis to building our faith. What does out God tell us He is able to do? n

To accomplish His will without the proud n The Jews thought they had God in a fix. (Mt 3: 8 -9)

To accomplish His will without the proud n Matthew 3: 8 -9 (NKJV) - Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father. ’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

To accomplish His will without the proud n If they were Children of Abraham then how could God destroy them?

To accomplish His will without the proud If they were Children of Abraham then how could God destroy them? n This proud attitude caused them to see God’s goodness and then think that they deserved it! (Rom 2: 4 -5) n

To accomplish His will without the proud n Romans 2: 4 -5 (NKJV) - Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

To accomplish His will without the proud n God will not help the proud! (1 Pt 5: 5 -6)

To accomplish His will without the proud n 1 Peter 5: 5 -6 (NKJV) - Likewise younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. ” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

To accomplish His will without the proud n “God will inevitably appear to disappoint the man who is attempting to use him as a convenience, a prop, or a comfort for his own plans. God has never been known to disappoint the man who is sincerely wanting to cooperate with his own purposes. ” - J. B. Phillips

To accomplish His will without the proud n We need to be careful not to let our experience as “members of the church” cause us to be blind to our sins and make us think that God serves us.

To accomplish His will without the proud We need to be careful not to let our experience as “members of the church” cause us to be blind to our sins and make us think that God serves us. n How can men be leaders and then justify obvious wrongs? (Jn 18: 28) n

To accomplish His will without the proud n John 18: 28 (NKJV) - Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.

To accomplish His will without the proud n Do you see how much you need God? Do not fight Him!

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n We need to see the real danger we face from Satan. (Lk 22: 31)

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n Luke 22: 31 (NKJV) - And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n The power of Satan is found in temptation that leads to sin. (Mt 6: 13)

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n Matthew 6: 13 (NKJV) - And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n The overconfident think they have no need. Here is where Satan will always have his way. How do you think?

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms The overconfident think they have no need. Here is where Satan will always have his way. How do you think? n God will provide for those who humbly seek help. (Heb 2: 17 -18) n

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n Hebrews 2: 17 -18 (NKJV) - Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n God’s very nature in emphasized in this promise. (1 Cor 10: 12 -13)

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n 1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13 (NKJV) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

To deliver us from temptation that overwhelms n If we do not know the struggle and threat of sin then we may not be trying at all.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n We all should know the pain of shame and the joy of forgiveness. (Psa 51: 7 -12)

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n Psalm 51: 7 -12 (NKJV) - Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n We face a real danger in becoming hardened to sin and thus becoming blind.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him We face a real danger in becoming hardened to sin and thus becoming blind. n We also face a danger in being overwhelmed by guilt. n

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n God is faithful to forgive us!

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him God is faithful to forgive us! n We are baptized into Christ with faith in His operation. (Col 2: 11 -13) n

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n Colossians 2: 11 -13 (NKJV) - In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n We repent and confess our sins forgiveness of a God who is faithful. (1 Jn 1: 7 -9)

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n 1 John 1: 7 -9 (NKJV) - But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him n Have you ever doubted the forgiveness of a man? (Ex. Joseph’s brothers)

To forgive us when we repent and turn to Him Have you ever doubted the forgiveness of a man? (Ex. Joseph’s brothers) n We need the assurance that God gives us in His word. HE is able! n

To provide and care for us each day n How many of us realize how fragile we are?

To provide and care for us each day How many of us realize how fragile we are? n Jesus wants us to know about the power and ability of our God. (Mt 10: 29 -31) n

To provide and care for us each day n Matthew 10: 29 -31 (NKJV) - Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

To provide and care for us each day n We should neither arrogantly proceed as if nothing bad will happen nor be so worrisome that we fail to see God’s care. (Mt 6: 33 -34)

To provide and care for us each day n Matthew 6: 33 -34 (NKJV) - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

To provide and care for us each day n The ultimate care that God has for us is our spiritual welfare. (Jude 24 -25)

To provide and care for us each day n Jude 1: 24 -25 (NKJV) - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

To provide and care for us each day n We need to know that the battle will be won if we hold on to God’s provisions. (Jn 10: 29 -23)

To provide and care for us each day n John 10: 29 -33 (NKJV) - My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one. ” 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? ”

To provide and care for us each day n 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God. ”

To provide and care for us each day n We must let His word work in our hearts if we are to find these blessings. (Jn 8: 31 -32)

To provide and care for us each day n John 8: 31 -32 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ”

To provide and care for us each day n Do you have a confidence in the daily care of God?

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Do you remember what it was like when you first became a Christian?

To increase our faith and make us stronger Do you remember what it was like when you first became a Christian? n You and others may have thought that you might not make it! n

To increase our faith and make us stronger Do you remember what it was like when you first became a Christian? n You and others may have thought that you might not make it! n Please remember this warning to those who see as men do. (Rom 14: 4) n

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Romans 14: 4 (NKJV) - Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Hopefully we will be one of the tools God uses to help others. (Rom 15: 1)

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Romans 15: 1 (NKJV) - We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

To increase our faith and make us stronger n God works through His word to provide powerful blessings! (Acts 20: 32)

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Acts 20: 32 (NKJV) - “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

To increase our faith and make us stronger n We each should go through a process from being weak and vulnerable to being strong and knowledgeable. (Rom 16: 25 -27)

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Romans 16: 25 -27 (NKJV) - Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

To increase our faith and make us stronger n 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

To increase our faith and make us stronger n How does this happen? It happens day by day.

To increase our faith and make us stronger How does this happen? It happens day by day. n The test of this growth will be seen in action. (2 Cor 9: 8) n

To increase our faith and make us stronger n 2 Corinthians 9: 8 (NKJV) - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

To increase our faith and make us stronger n Please notice the knowledge of the grace of God that motivates.

To increase our faith and make us stronger Please notice the knowledge of the grace of God that motivates. n The one who has grown will not have to be begged to do God’s work. n

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n We are blessed when we see the temporary nature of this life and trust in God.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him We are blessed when we see the temporary nature of this life and trust in God. n Jesus showed us the only way to have something that will last. (Mt 6: 19 -21) n

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n Matthew 6: 19 -21 (NKJV) - “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n Paul had no regrets for the sacrifices made for Christ. (2 Tim 1: 12)

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n 2 Timothy 1: 12 (NKJV) - For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n We ultimately are looking to be raised form the dead to be with Christ.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n What is our God able to do? (Phil 3: 21)

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n Philippians 3: 21 (NKJV) - who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n We cannot know how to live until we know how to die.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him We cannot know how to live until we know how to die. n What is your God able to do? n

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n We show our faith by a diligent application of His word. (Jude 20 -21)

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n Jude 1: 20 -21 (NKJV) - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n There is a great peace and purpose when we serve a living God by faith! (Phil 4: 6 -7)

To bring us to an eternal place with Him n Philippians 4: 6 -7 (NKJV) - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.