What makes a person willing to offer himself to God?

The King and His Death

(1 Chronicles 29, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 27, 2018)

[1] And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God. [2] So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble. [3] Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: [4] 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, [5] and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?” [6] Then the leaders of fathers' houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king's work. [7] They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. [8] And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. [9] Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

[10] Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. [11] Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. [12] Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. [13] And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

[14] “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. [15] For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. [16] O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. [17] I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. [18] O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. [19] Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.”

[20] Then David said to all the assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and paid homage to the LORD and to the king. [21] And they offered sacrifices to the LORD, and on the next day offered burnt offerings to the LORD, 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. [22] And they ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness.

And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and they anointed him as prince for the LORD, and Zadok as priest. [23] Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of David his father. And he prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. [24] All the leaders and the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. [25] And the LORD made Solomon very great in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

[26] Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. [27] The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. [28] Then he died at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place. [29] Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written in the Chronicles of Samuel the seer, and in the Chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and in the Chronicles of Gad the seer, [30] with accounts of all his rule and his might and of the circumstances that came upon him and upon Israel and upon all the kingdoms of the countries.

At the End of an Era: David and the people offered willingly

The end of David's reign drew near. He had given a solemn charge to his son and to the leaders of Israel looking forward to the great project ahead of them, the building of the Lord's temple. Above all, the king called Solomon and the other leaders to a life of obedience to God's commandments.

The king admitted to the assembled leaders that Solomon was young and inexperienced. He would need help from God and men. David had done what he could for the building of a house for the Lord God. Now he called on others to give of themselves and of their substance. They were to give willingly and not out of compulsion. This was their opportunity to consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord.

The good response of the leaders was cause for much rejoicing. They celebrated together, but not as a matter of self-congratulation for their generosity. They knew that the Lord had done it all. They rejoiced in Him. They said something in verse 11 that people have said for centuries since: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty.” The kingdom of Israel was God's kingdom. The One who made the heavens and the earth was the worthy recipient of all the praise of His people. He was the Ruler over all. The people were delighted to give Him thanks.

At the Beginning of a New World: Jesus gave Himself willingly and lives on

David and the men who were with him understood that their mortal lives on this earth were brief. They knew that anything of lasting worth came from God. Whether the people brought abundant riches or gave the exceptional uprightness of excellent character to the Lord, God was the Source of these good gifts. They thanked Him and gave Him praise. Jerusalem rang with the joy of honest worship. Before long, Solomon sat on his father's throne and David had lived to see the day. Soon after that great moment, David's time on earth came to an end. He had his forty years of strife and victory as Israel's king. He died at a good old age and Solomon reigned in his place.

It would not have been right for the people to worship David or to gather in assembly to give praise to Solomon. David and Solomon were great men, but they were not gods. They humbled themselves before the Almighty. The greatest leader of the Jews would be different from David or Solomon. He would be fully man and fully God. He was willing to receive the worship of His disciples. If the children had not cried out “Hosanna” to Him, the very stones on the streets would have declared His praise. In His divine nature, Jesus was not young and inexperienced. He did not need to ask others for gold and silver in order to accomplish His mission. He is God above all and our great King forever. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

God taught us about the coming of His Son through many great men in the Old Testament who prepared the way for Jesus. All of these leaders died, even the amazing David. As Peter said about David in Acts 2:29, “His tomb is with us to this day.” Something different happened with Jesus. Because He is resurrected and still lives, His grave is forever empty. At just the right time Christ will return with a kingdom that will never end. He needs no succession plan.

Sermon Point: Our King lives forever. It is our privilege to give willingly and to live eternally.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 59 – God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth

Gospel Reading—John 21:20-25 – The Amazing Jesus

Every Blessing!

And I Will Bless Them

(Numbers 6:22-27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 20, 2018)

[22] The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [23] “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

[24] The LORD bless you and keep you;

[25] the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

[26] the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

[27] “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

The Command

3500 years ago Yahweh, the I-AM of heaven and earth, gave a command to Moses regarding words that were to be spoken through weak, sinful priests, Aaron and His sons, over the Lord's people, Israel. Priests were mediators between God and His chosen ones. They lifted up the prayers of sinful people to the Almighty together with their sacrificial offerings and spoke grace from God to unworthy mortal men and women.

The Blessing

The content of this blessing was three-fold. First, “The LORD bless you and keep you.” Yahweh, Jehovah, I-AM-WHO-I-AM, is the only true God in a fallen world of clean and unclean angelic spirits, lawful and presumptuous human authorities, false idols that men wrongly cling to and serve, and needy people wanting power for living. He is the author of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). These all come “from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” He is the One—the only. We need Him, not He us.

“Blessing” is a verb and a noun, an authorized activity of the priests and a desired result upon Israel with specific content. In Leviticus 26:3 God says to Israel, “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them,” then I will “bless” and “keep” (guard) you. These blessings included rain, food, military security, safety from wild beasts, victory over adversaries, population increase, and especially as God says in Leviticus 26:13, “I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” In the New Testament we are instructed about the preeminence of this final point in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” These two passages help us to understand the content of the blessings that were to be spoken over the people: Godliness with contentment.

Second, amplifying this importance of God's presence, the priest was to say, “The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” The Son of God has always been the visible “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). In the “fullness of time, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4). Now the church has this experience of “seeing” God in Christ with the eyes of our hearts as He is presented in the Word, “and we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). “For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Importantly, the Old Testament priests were to speak words of hope beyond the “if” of the conditional blessing of Leviticus 26 and the inability of ancient Israel to keep the Promised Land. We don't do well with “if,” but Aaron and his sons were to speak these words, “be gracious to you” about a life that would flow from the achievement of the One who would be the very face of God to us, Jesus our Savior. He gives grace to those who turn to Him for His steadfast love. Remember the story Jesus told about the two men praying, and find yourself saying along with the second man “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). This is the only way to have forgiveness, or as Jesus puts it, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.”

Third, note the end result of pure grace from God for the undeserving, “The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” God's plan for Israel was for something far greater than the “peace” which is the absence of conflict. The word is “shalom” and it means wholeness and fullness that can only find its highest and best expression in the resurrection. Such shalom requires the coming of the Man who became the countenance of God in the midst of Israel, living according to God's Law, and especially the Law of perfect Love, and then dying the death required by holy justice. Shalom required the cross, but it also needed the resurrection. It is the power of our risen and ascended Lord which fills us with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).

The Name

Leviticus 9:22 records Aaron's posture when he gave this blessing: “Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.” We are told in Numbers 6 that this act was a way of putting God's holy Name upon the people. The raising up of the hands over a group of people is equivalent to laying hands on each individual with the intention of blessing. With this in mind, many New Testament passages come to mind to help us to think about this ancient practice today for our lives as followers of Jesus Chist as those who have the Name of God on us and belong to the Lord in a very intimate way.

2 Corinthians 13:14 has the three-fold pattern, but now explicitly using the three persons of the Trinity: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” In Matthew 19:13-15 we read that Jesus touched the little ones with His hands and prayed for them. Especially in Matthew 28:19 we have the connection between the singular “Name” and the three-fold blessing, “baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” In Acts 2:39 Peter connects baptism with the promise to Abraham, “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Finally in Luke 24:50 the ascending Jesus “lifting up His hands he blessed them.”

For all who call upon the Name of the Lord, God's Word of blessing rightly administered is mighty upon His chosen flock. As He has said to true Israel, “I will bless them.” The church throughout the world has received the blessing of our ascended Lord, a better priest than Aaron. We have been marked in baptism with the Name above all names, and we have become agents of the Lord's benediction upon the true people of God. How should we respond to this great divine blessing? Bless, and do not curse, by the presence of the risen Christ within you (Romans 12:14 and James 3:10). 

How Can We Achieve Confidence and Faithfulness?

The King and His Word of Hope

(1 Chronicles 28, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 13, 2018)

[1] David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors. [2] Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. [3] But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ [4] Yet the LORD God of Israel chose me from all my father's house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father's house, and among my father's sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. [5] And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. [6] He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. [7] I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’ [8] Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

[9] “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. [10] Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”

[11] Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat; [12] and the plan of all that he had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries for dedicated gifts; [13] for the divisions of the priests and of the Levites, and all the work of the service in the house of the LORD; for all the vessels for the service in the house of the LORD, [14] the weight of gold for all golden vessels for each service, the weight of silver vessels for each service, [15] the weight of the golden lampstands and their lamps, the weight of gold for each lampstand and its lamps, the weight of silver for a lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand in the service, [16] the weight of gold for each table for the showbread, the silver for the silver tables, [17] and pure gold for the forks, the basins and the cups; for the golden bowls and the weight of each; for the silver bowls and the weight of each; [18] for the altar of incense made of refined gold, and its weight; also his plan for the golden chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. [19] “All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the LORD, all the work to be done according to the plan.”

[20] Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. [21] And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.”

David's Word to the Leaders

The king of Israel was not alone in his service of the Lord. David had appointed many individuals to do the work of the kingdom. Now the time had come to gather them together and address them concerning this most important of all duties for the nation—the worship of the Lord.

David had it in his heart to build a permanent structure for God, but the Lord redirected him in his plan. Solomon, David's son, would build the temple. The Lord would be a Father to the great son of David. He would establish the line of David forever.

There was a note of warning in David's remarks. Solomon would have to continue strong in keeping God's commandments. This same condition was upon all of Israel if they hoped to keep the land that the Lord had given to them. The temple, the land, and the stability of the kingdom depended upon the obedience of the king and the children of Israel.

David's Word to His Son

David addressed his son directly in the hearing of the entire assembly. God had chosen Solomon for this great task. The time would soon come for the fulfillment of this work. But Solomon needed to be faithful to the Lord. If the new king turned away from God, the Lord would cast him off forever.

David's address to the leaders of the people came at a great moment in the history of God's kingdom work upon the earth. Yet the plan for the future had a fatal flaw. God required obedience from David's son. How would Solomon measure up according to the Lord's holy standards? How would the nation do in their obligation to keep God's commandments?

The Failure of Men and the Victory of the Almighty

David gave Solomon all the plans for the temple. He had amassed a great amount of silver and gold necessary for the work that needed to be completed. The temple would indeed be built. Solomon would have the help of thousands of chosen people, and the Lord himself would be with him. But how long would Israel be able to keep the temple that Solomon built? How long would the descendants of Jacob be able to stay in the land of Canaan? Within one generation the problem with this covenant arrangement would become painfully obvious. For the facts of Solomon's failure see Nehemiah 13:23-26 and 1 Kings 11:1-11. Regarding his descendants, see the story of Manasseh (2 Chron. 33:9-13). Israel needed a New Covenant based on an obedience that would be more robust than what Solomon supplied. They needed the perfect obedience of a different Son of David. See Hebrews 1:5 about Jesus, “I will be to Him a Father...” (2 Sam. 7:14).

God's kingdom plans were always bigger than the land of Israel (Psalm 95:11). He would build a far greater temple beyond anything that David or Solomon could ever have accomplished. That temple would stand on the holiness and goodness of Jesus. He is the Cornerstone of the church and the sure foundation of a kingdom that will never end.

David called upon Solomon and the leaders of Israel to carefully observe and seek out all of the commandments of the Lord. They were to understand their mission and to do it. He urged them forward with good words of hope for every follower of the Lord to hear: “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” Yet these men could never have established God's eternal kingdom (Psalm 127:1). A better Servant of the Lord would keep the Law fully and then die for our sins. By His obedience and grace we are called to both confidence and faithfulness. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Sermon Point: Our only secure hope is in a better king than Solomon (Luke 11:31).

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 57 – Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!

Gospel Reading—John 21:1-14 – “It is the Lord!”

Eternal Friend and Neighbor

The King and His Civil Leaders

(1 Chronicles 27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 6, 2018)

[1] This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

[2] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. [3] He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. [4] Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. [5] The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. [6] This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division. [7] Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. [8] The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. [9] Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. [10] Seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. [11] Eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. [12] Ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. [13] Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. [14] Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. [15] Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were 24,000.

[16] Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; [17] for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok; [18] for Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; [19] for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; [20] for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; [21] for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; [22] for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. [23] David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. [24] Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.

[25] Over the king's treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; [26] and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; [27] and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. [28] Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. [29] Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. [30] Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. [31] All these were stewards of King David's property.

[32] Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king's sons. [33] Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend. [34] Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king's army.

David's military divisions and civil officers

The Lord brought forward men who were willing to serve King David in the battles that Israel faced. There were chosen men at the head of families of ground troops, foot soldiers serving month by month according to the king's direction. There were other men who served as civil leaders. It was in the unauthorized counting of these tribes in the days of David that so much trouble came upon Israel. But this only reinforced the promise that the Lord would make “Israel” as numerous as the stars of heaven.

Stewards of the king's property, advisers, and friends of the king

There were other appointed men throughout the land that served the king. They were managers over David's property and his interests. David also had counselors that played a prominent role in the affairs of God's people and an official “friend” or “neighbor” who stuck with him when so many others were turning away from him. All of these great men of responsibility were necessary for the functioning of the nation of Israel in her prime. The Chronicler's great hope was to see this kingdom reestablished.

Jesus and the kingdoms of this world now

Immediately before Jesus ascended into heaven His disciples asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.” He went on to correct their misunderstanding of the the extent of His reign. Their vision of the kingdom was too small. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The rulers and authorities among men and angels exercise their power and influence in the present age, but Jesus is in charge of everything in heaven and on earth. He is working out His grand design using us as His ambassadors and witnesses, and also as ground soldiers in all areas of life according to the gifts and calling that He has given us. As those who live in America, we hold to certain spiritual truths regarding the world: 1. It belongs to the Almighty Creator, Ruler, and Judge. 2. He is the Source of all rights. 3. Underlords who would contradict His Laws may be lawfully and submissively resisted.

Jesus and the kingdom of God now and forever

We would add to this American Declaration of Independence good start three more points regarding this world: 1. It is fading away, while God's kingdom is forever. 2. Jesus is the the King over both this fading world and the new heavens/earth. 3. This God/Man is your friend if you receive Him. He calls you to the high office of King's friend.

The kingdom of Jesus is being established throughout the earth through the proclamation of the gospel. One day our King will come in judgment. He will show forth the fullness of His reign throughout the great extent of the new heavens and earth. Many who have proven to be faithful in even small responsibilities during their brief days of mortality will serve Him in much greater ways when He has fully established His everlasting kingdom. Whether now or in that future Day of the Lord, we serve at the pleasure of the King. Our lives are not our own. We have been bought with a price.

Sermon Point: Our King is in charge of everything. It is our honor to serve in any way He desires. He is our eternal Friend and Neighbor.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 56 – The present age and the light of life

Gospel Reading—John 20:30-31

[30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.