They Shall See His Face

Scripture: Revelation 22

"They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).

I've seen some special things in my life. There are some things in life I long to see. To see His face is my deepest longing.

No one compares to Him. Nothing compares to Him. He is the beginning and the end. He is everything and all things. He is the One I long to see, to touch, to be with. To see His face, to be in His presence, to never have to leave His side, that will be glory for me.

Jason Cicero

All Things New

Scripture: Revelation 21

Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful" (Revelation 21:5).

Things in this world have gone terribly wrong because of sin. In the new heaven and new earth all the wrongs will be made right. All things will be "new."

No more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away. All things will be "new."

Jason Cicero

The Book of Life

Scripture: Revelation 20

"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).

The Lamb has a book. He writes names in it (Philippians 4:3). He blots names out of it (Revelation 3:5).

At the final judgment the Lamb's Book of Life will be opened (Revelation 20:12). Those not found in His book will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27).

Allow Jesus to love you. Allow Him to wash you from your sins in His own blood. Allow Him to write your name in His book: "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (Revelation 1:5).

Jason Cicero

KING & LORD

Scripture: Revelation 19

We glory, honor, and worship Him because of who He is:

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.

Crown Him the King of your life. Submit to Him as your Lord. Receive Him as your Savior.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89; NKJV)

Babylon the Great is Fallen

Scripture: Revelation 18

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying,"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..." (Revelation 18:1-2).

It would seem to be the Babylon under discussion in Revelation 18 is Rome. The time and historical context of the book leads me to this conclusion. Others see Jerusalem or some city yet to come.

Whatever city is under discussion in Revelation 18 know this: "strong is the Lord God who judges her" (Revelation 18:8). Cities rise and fall under the watchful eye of the true and living God. He is Lord over all and will judge righteously.

Jason Cicero

Those Who Are With Him

Scripture: Revelation 17

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).

Called - by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Chosen - in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Faithful - unto death (Revelation 2:10)

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Tomorrow morning, if the Lord wills, I will present an OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE lesson - Manners in God's House.

1. Be on time.

2. Sit quietly.

3. Let others listen.

4. Sing praises to God.

5. Talk to God.

6. Give money quietly.

7. Walk with care.

8. Take care of God's house.

Jason Cicero

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

Scripture: Revelation 16

The true and living God "rules in the kingdoms of men" (Daniel 9:21). Revelation 16 appears to describe God's judgment of the Roman empire. These "bowls of the wrath of God" are poured out on the earth, not in the final judgment, but in a judgment that results in men continuing to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:21).

Rome sinned against God, did not heed the warnings of the trumpets, and God poured out His wrath.

I have sinned against God. His trumpets of warnings are sounding now. I can avoid His wrath if I repent.

Jason Cicero

They Sing

Scripture: Revelation 15

Those "who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name" sing (Revelation 15:2-3). Not just any song, mind you. "They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).

The song they sing: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).

Long to join those who sing! Fear the Lord and glorify His name! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness!

Jason Cicero

The 144,000

Scripture: Revelation 14

In Revelation 7 the 144,000 are on earth: "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand..." (Revelation 7:3-4).

In Revelation 14 the 144,000 are in heaven: "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand...for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:1, 5).

As long as we follow the Lamb on earth, we will end up in Heaven: "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4).

Jason Cicero

The Mark of the Beast

Scripture: Revelation 13

In the latter half of the first century Roman emperors began erected emperor temples where Roman citizens were required to prove their loyalty to the emperor. Some would burn a pinch of incense at the image of the emperor. Others would pour a libation and taste sacrificial meat.

In order to buy and sell in Roman markets in the latter half of the first century one would need a certificate. This certificate was given by the cult priests to those who had worshiped the emperor. Revelation 13:17 seems to be a reference to this certificate: "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

What would the Christians of the first century do? Bow the knew to Caesar or Christ? What would you have done?

Jason Cicero

They Overcame Him

Scripture: Revelation 12

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,"Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Revelation 12:10-11)

The brethren overcame the accuser through three things:

1. The blood of the Lamb

2. The word of their testimony

3. They did not love their lives to the death.

You and I must overcome him the same way...

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Look up. It’s His day.

Look up. It’s His worship.

Look up. It’s His assembly.

Look up. Self gets too much attention.

Look up. At Him, not your neighbor.

Look up. You won’t go where you’re not aimed.

Jason Moore

His Kingdom and Reign

Scripture: Revelation 10-11

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)

Revelation 11:15-19 describes the victory of the Lamb. Kingdoms rose to oppose Him. He consumed each and every one of them. These kingdoms have become His and He will reign forever. His kingdom and reign will never cease.

The prophets and saints and those who feared His name are rewarded by the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17-18). These did not oppose the Lamb. They overcame the opposing kingdoms by the Lamb. So can we.

Jason Cicero

They Did Not Repent

Scripture: Revelation 9

God has used trumpets throughout His dealings with mankind to sound warnings. Revelation 9 speaks of those who heard the trumpets, the warnings, and yet they did not heed them. "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).

Warning signs abound. See them. Repent.

Jason Cicero

When the Saints Pray

Scripture: Revelation 8

"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:1-5)

When the saints pray, great things happen.

Jason Cicero

From Under the Altar to Before the Throne

Scripture: Revelation 7

In Revelation 6:9-11 "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" are crying out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

In Revelation 7:9-17 these same souls are no longer "under the altar" (Revelation 6:9). Now they are "before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). They are still crying out with a loud voice mind you. Here what they are saying now: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10).

Before they were in "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14). Now "they are before the throne of God," serving Him, dwelling with Him (Revelation 7:15). They no longer hunger or thirst, suffer, or cry tears (Revelation 7:16-17). The Lamb shepherds them and leads them "to living fountains of waters" (Revelation 7:17).

From under the altar to before the throne because of the Lamb. The Lamb delivered these souls. He will deliver yours too.

Jason Cicero

Who is Able to Stand?

Scripture: Revelation 6

And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17)

Question: Who is able to stand?

Answer: "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Sunday—the first day of creation.

Sunday—the day Jesus arose.

Sunday—the first day salvation was preached.

Sunday—the day the church began.

Sunday—the Lord’s day.

Sunday—the day the saints assemble.

Sunday—what a great day!

Jason Moore

The Redeemer

Scripture: Revelation 5

"You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood..." (Revelation 5:9; NKJV)

He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, and blessing because He is the redeemer!

Worship Him as your Redeemer!

Jason Cicero

The Creator

Scripture: Revelation 4

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:11; NKJV).

The true and living God is worthy of worship because He is the creator of all things!

Give Him glory, honor and power as your Creator!

Jason Cicero

What Would He Say to Us?

Scripture: Revelation 2-3

"...and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man..." (Revelation 1:13; NKJV).

Jesus stands in the midst of the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3 and offers an assessment of their spiritual health.

If the Lord spoke to us, what would he say?

Jason Cicero

Let Him Hear!

Scripture: Revelation 2-3

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea had this in common: each church was comprised of some who were willing to hear, listen, and change.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

For those who have an ear, hear!

Jason Cicero

The Beginning and the End

Scripture: Revelation 1

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8; NKJV).

Where do we begin?

Where do we end?

Every question begins and ends with Jesus.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I have love." (Psalm 119:47; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

He arose!

That’s a start.

Jason Moore

A Doxology

Scripture: Jude 24-25

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,

To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.

NKJV

Two Types of Sinners

Scripture: Jude 22-23

According to Jude 22-23, there are two types of sinners.

1. Those who need compassion - "And on some have compassion, making a distinction"

2. Those who need something more intense - "but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh."

Pray in the Spirit for the wisdom to know the difference!

Jason Cicero

The Jude 20-21 "To Do" List

Scripture: Jude 20-21

There are four things in Jude 20-21 that the "called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ" are to do...

1. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith!

2. Pray in the Holy Spirit!

3. Keep yourselves in the love of God!

4. Look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life!

Jason Cicero

Certain Men

Scripture: Jude 3-19

"For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 4).

Verses 5-19 of Jude address God's attitude and plan for "certain men." God has had dealings with folks like this in the past. He is aware of the present state of things. The future doesn't threaten Him.

We can avoid the judgment of "certain men" if we will but "remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 17).

Jason Cicero

Contend Earnestly for the Faith

Scripture: Jude 3-4

Jude, the brother of Jesus, longed to write to his beloved brethren in Christ about their "common salvation." The Holy Spirit prompted him to write about something else. Out of necessity he wrote to them an exhortation: Contend earnestly for the faith!

Some had "crept in unnoticed" and "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" was at stake. Those "called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ" are exhorted to contend earnestly for the body of truth that had been delivered to them by the Holy Spirit. The faith must be defended by God's saints!

There is truth and error. There is right and wrong. Contend earnestly for the faith that reveals truth and righteousness!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Greet a visitor.

Learn what’s-his-name’s name.

Take time for a little person.

Notice somebody who’s overlooked.

Say “thanks” to someone who needs it.

Jason Moore

Greet the Friends By Name

Scripture: 3 John

"I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name" (3 John 13-14).

Folks like to be called by their name. We would do well to learn one another's names and use them when we greet one another. Let others know you love them...call them by name.

Jason Cicero

Imitate What Is Good

Scripture: 3 John

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11; NKJV).

We are to do good, to imitate good, because God is good. Evil is not of God. Evil is of the Devil. As the children of God we are to imitate our Father by doing good.

Diotrephes was not of God. He was concerned with things that are not of God: preeminence among brethren, not receiving brethren, prating against brethren with malicious words, forbidding others to receive brethren (3 John 9-10). Diotrephes was of his father the Devil: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer and a liar from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44; NKJV).

Demetrius had “a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself” (3 John 12). Demetrius had a good testimony because he imitated God.

What about me? Do I imitate my good God or do I imitate the evil one? Let us see God and imitate what we see for “he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).

Jason Cicero

5 Things About Gaius

Scripture: 3 John

1. He was faithful (5).

2. He was a doer (5).

3. He loved the church (6).

4. He sent forth God's people "in a manner worthy of God" (6).

5. He was a fellow worker "for the truth" (8).

Jason Cicero

No Greater Joy

Scripture: 3 John

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4).

Greater - still larger (Strong's).

Joy - an inward sacred delight.

Walk - a way of life, a lifestyle.

Truth - that which corresponds to reality, what is in accordance with fact.

There is no greater joy than to play a part in another's new birth. There is no greater joy than hearing of those you taught growing up in Him. There is no greater joy than seeing the babe in Christ learn to walk in truth!

Jason Cicero

Prosperity and Health

Scripture: 3 John

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2).

Prosper - succeed in reaching (Strong's).

Health - to have sound health, to be well (Strong's).

Soul - the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (Thayer's).

The better you feel, the more good you can do. Pray for prosperity and health. Use His blessing to glorify Him and edify somebody!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Dress appropriately.

Leave early.

Greet cordially.

Smile broadly.

Speak kindly.

Respond thoughtfully.

Study diligently.

Worship soberly.

Behave politely.

Think carefully.

Live faithfully.

Jason Moore

Fellowship and 2 John 7-11

Scripture: 2 John 7-11

1. We must have fellowship with God.

2. We must have fellowship with Christians.

3. We must not have fellowship with false teachers.

Read 2 John and recommit yourself to being a person of truth, of love, and of obedience!

Jason Cicero

This is Love

Scripture: 2 John

"This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it" (2 John 6).

To love the Lord is to "walk according to His commandments." We are to walk with Him in love. We are to walk with one another in love. To love Him is to keep His commandments. To love one's brother is to keep the Father's commandments.

Walk in His commandments for "this is love!"

Jason Cicero

That We Love One Another

Scripture: 2 John

"And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another" (2 John 5).

From the beginning God has had one commandment for His children: "that we love one another" (2 John 5).

Have active good will for all of God's children today!

Jason Cicero

Grace, Mercy, and Peace

Scripture: 2 John

"Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love" (2 John 3).

Grace - God's kindness to the guilty and undeserving.

Mercy - to withhold what one deserves.

Peace - a state of tranquility that comes as a result of being in a right relationship with God.

These three blessings will be with you from the Father and the Son in truth and love if you are in Christ!

Jason Cicero

Truth

Scripture: 2 John

Truth is the opposite of what is false. It corresponds to reality. It is the state of being the case. Truth is in accordance with fact.

The word "truth" is found five times in 2 John 1-4. Our Father would have us "love in truth" (1). He would have us know the truth (1). God would have "the truth" abide in us now and forever (2). Grace, mercy, and peace is promised from above to be with us "in truth and love" (3). The call from above is to walk "in truth" (4).

Rejoice in the truth and walk in it today and throughout eternity!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!" (Psalm 119:10; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2 Peter 3:10-13; NKJV

Grow

2 Peter 3

"...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 3:18).

Grow - enlarge, increase, continue!

Grace - the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life!

Knowledge - a seeking to know!

Lord - supreme in authority!

Savior - the deliverer!

Jason Cicero

His Longsuffering

Scripture: 2 Peter 3

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as come count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

There is one thing keeping the Lord from returning in flaming fire to take vengeance on ungodly men: His longsuffering. He is "of a long spirit" with those who have not repented (Thayer's). He does not lose heart with sinners because He is not willing for any of them to perish.

It just may be that Jesus has not returned because He is waiting on you to repent...

Jason Cicero

False Teachers

Scripture: 2 Peter 2

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you..." (2 Peter 2:1).

1. False teachers operate "secretly" (2 Peter 2:1).

2. False teachers are motivated by "covetousness" (2 Peter 2:3).

3. False teachers "will utterly perish in their own corruption" (2 Peter 2:12).

False teachers will be among us. Our reponse: be godly! "...the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations..." (2 Peter 2:9).

Jason Cicero

Even to Blindness

Scripture: 2 Peter 1

To lack faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8) is to be...

1. Shortsighted - to see dimly, see only what is near (Thayer's).

2. Even to Blindness - used metaphorically, of the dulling of the intellect (Vine's).

The key to overcoming spiritual blindness is found in 2 Peter 1:9. Never forget the cleasning you received from your old sins! "For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins" (2 Peter 1:9).

Jason Cicero

All Things

Scripture: 2 Peter 1

God has given us "all things that pertain to..." (2 Peter 1:3):

1. Life - "of the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical" (Thayer's).

2. Godliness - "denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him" (Vine's).

Rejoice that God has given us everything we need to successfully make our journey from Earth to Heaven!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land." (Psalm 10:16; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

On Wednesday Robert Harkrider spoke to us from 1 John 5. "Things a Christian Knows for Sure" encouraged us to embrace the promises of God. This lesson serves us well as a "Sunday Morning Starter."

Things a Christian Knows for Sure

1. Faith overcomes the world (1 John 5:1-5).

2. Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:6-10).

3. Believers have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).

4. God answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15).

5. One born of God "keeps himself" (1 John 5:16-19).

6. The real life is in Christ (1 John 5:20-21).

Thanks to Robert Harkrider for reminding us of things we can know for sure!

Jason Cicero

Truth or Consequences

Scripture: 1 John 4

Tuesday night Robert Harkrider spoke to us from 1 John 4. "Truth or Consequences" challenged us to be honest with 1 John 4:1-6. The Scriptures say it matters what we believe and practice.

If we desire God's approval:

1. Doctrine matters (1 John 4:1-6).

2. Our actions matter (1 John 1:5-6).

3. What and who we love matters (1 John 2:15-17; 4:7-8, 20-21)

It matters how we handle differences:

1. Believe not every spirit (1 John 4:1).

2. Realize that some will depart (1 John 2:19; 1 Timothy 4:1-2)

3. Refuse false teachers (2 John 9-11; Romans 16:17)

Thanks to Robert Harkrider for reminding us that it matters what we believe and practice!

Jason Cicero

The Love God Commands

Scripture: 1 John 3

Monday night Robert Harkrider spoke to us from 1 John 3. "The Love God Commands" calls us to "believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ" and to "love one another" (1 John 3:23). Every other commandment of God hangs on the first two.

We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:8-10). We love our neighbors because our love of God affects our love of others (1 John 4:7-8, 11-12). We love our neighbors because our love of others affects our love of God (1 John 4:20-21). Our attitude of heart is to be sincere, not hypocritical (1 John 3:10-19).

Thanks to Brother Harkrider for reminding us of the love God commands!

Jason Cicero

The Love God Hates

Scripture: 1 John 2

Sunday Robert Harkrider spoke to us from 1 John 2. "The Love God Hates" reminded us that God doesn't love everything. Neither should we.

1. Remember what the world is - the realm of Satan's influence.

2. Remember what the world does to us - drives the love of God from our hearts.

3. Remember where the world is going - passing away.

Thanks to Robert Harkrider for reminding us that we should not love the world!

Jason Cicero

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Scripture: 1 John

Sunday morning Robert Harkrider spoke to us from 1 John 1. "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" reminded us that it matters how we live as Christians. Gnostics of the first century had a wrong view of the body which resulted in a wrong view of living as a Christian. We must not make the same mistake.

Walking in the light involves confession of sin and repentance. One's heart must be humble. There is the purpose to obey every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Sin does not reign in the life of a Christian. The lifestyle of a child of God is one of light, not darkness. Sin is not practiced, it is regretted, confessed, and repented of from the depth of one's heart. The believer has security as he walks with the Savior. As long as we walk with Him we have the assurance of Heaven!

Thanks to Robert Harkrider for reminding us that it matters how we live in Christ!

Jason Cicero

A Sin Often Overlooked

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Robert Harkrider spoke to us yesterday morning about "A Sin Often Overlooked." The sin? Being unthankful.

Overcoming Ingratitude

1. Count your blessings - not your bruises.

2. Accept your troubles without complaining.

3. Acknowledge what you have - and would not trade.

4. Remember your gifts - instead of coveting more.

Thanks to Robert Harkrider for reminding us to be thankful!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Go out of your way today.

Get there 15 minutes early.

Invite a visitor to lunch.

Hug a little child.

Encourage someone who’s not been trying.

Take the sermon tapes to the shut-ins.

Compliment the preacher’s wife.

Don’t be in such a hurry to leave.

Bubba Garner

Under the Sway

Scripture: 1 John 5

"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19).

The whole world "lies in the power of the evil one, i. e. is held in subjection by the devil" (Thayer's). To avoid his power one must belong to God. To lie in the power of God is to be free from the subjection of the Devil.

Read 1 John 5 in preparation for our meeting with Robert Harkrider. Know the whole world lies under the Devil's sway. Know God and be delivered from the Devil's power.

Jason Cicero

God Is Love

Scripture: 1 John 4

"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:8)

1 John 4:8 does not say, "God loves." 1 John 4:8 does not say, "God is loving." 1 John 4:8 says, "God is love." His essence is love. His nature is love. He is love.

Read 1 John 4 in preparation for our meeting with Robert Harkrider. Know the God that is love. Know Him and love!

Jason Cicero

We Shall Be Like Him

Scripture: 1 John 3

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3:1-3).

God hasn't told us as much as we might like to know about Heaven. Know this: "we shall be like Him" (1 John 3:2). Be content with being like Him.

Read 1 John 3 in preparation for our meeting with Robert Harkrider. Know that in Heaven "we shall be like Him." In this hope, purify yourself.

Jason Cicero

That You May Not Sin

Scripture: 1 John 2

"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2).

From the beginning God's message to man has been, "Do not sin." Yet sin man does. In Christ, "we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). An "Advocate" is "one who pleads another's case before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant" (Thayer's). God says, "Do not sin." Yet we do. Jesus goes before the God we have sinned against and pleads for us. His plea is heard because He Himself is the "propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:2). A "propitiation" is an atonement, an appeasing. Jesus paid for our sins with His own blood and appeased the wrath of God. We have a relationship with God because of Jesus, not because we do not sin.

Read 1 John 2 today in preparation for our meeting with Robert Harkrider. Determine not to sin. Rejoice that when you do, you have an Advocate with the Father.

Jason Cicero

That Your Joy May Be Full

Scripture: 1 John 1

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life - the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:1-4)

1 John was written "that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:4). Joy is an internal delight that comes as a result of being in relationship with the true and living God. God's desire is for our "joy" to be complete.

Read 1 John 1 today in preparation for our meeting with Robert Harkrider. Experience the joy of the Lord. Allow Jesus Christ to make your joy complete.

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:8; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Look up. It’s His day.

Look up. It’s His worship.

Look up. It’s His assembly.

Look up. Self gets too much attention.

Look up. At Him, not your neighbor.

Look up. You won’t go where you’re not aimed.

Jason Moore

The Devil's Desire and Me

Scripture: 1 Peter 5

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Four things to do in light of the Devil's desire:

1. Be sober - to abstain from wine (Strong's).

2. Be vigilant - to watch, i. e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active (Thayer's).

3. Resist him - stand against, oppose (Strong's).

4. Be steadfast in the faith - firm, solid, compact, hard, rigid (Thayer's).

Jason Cicero

The End of All Things is at Hand

Scripture: 1 Peter 4

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." (1 Peter 4:7)

Two things to do in light of the end of all things being at hand:

1. Be serious - be of sound mind, exercise self-control (Thayer's).

2. Be watchful in your prayers - to abstain from wine (keep sober), be discreet (Thayer's).

Jason Cicero

That He Might Bring Us to God

Scripture: 1 Peter 3

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit..." (1 Peter 3:18).

Sin separates one from God. Once separated there is nothing one can do to bridge the gap. Christ did what no other could do.

The cost of this reunion was high. Christ suffered. He was put to death.

Christ suffered and died "that He might bring us to God." Remember His suffering and death. Rejoice in the reunion He made possible.

Jason Cicero

Taste and See

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:1-3)

Tasted - geuomai - a primary verb; to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill): KJV - eat, taste (Strong's).

"Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8; ASV).

Jason Cicero

Salvation and Suffering

Scripture: 1 Peter:1:1-12

Read 1 Peter 1:1-12 and hear the conclusion: We have a salvation worth suffering for!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn your statutes." (Psalm 119:71; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

How the first Sunday started…

God spoke; creation obeyed.

Let’s try that for a change.

Jason Moore

Just Like Us

Scripture: James 5:16-18

"Elijah was a man just like us" (James 5:17; NIV).

He prayed. It did not rain. He prayed again. It rained.

You and I are just like Elijah. Do what he did. Pray.

Jason Cicero

God and the Devil

Scripture: James 4:7-8

God - draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

The Devil - resist Him and he will flee from you.

Jason Cicero

Two Types of Wisdom

Scripture: James 3:13-18

1. The Wisdom from Above - "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).

2. The Wisdom from Below - "is earthly, sensual, demonic" and leads to "bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts" along with "confusion and every evil thing" (James 3:14-16).

Be "wise and understanding" (James 3:13). Show "by good conduct" that your "works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13). Seek "the wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17).

Jason Cicero

Guilty of All

Scripture: James 2

"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

Question: Why is James 2:10 true?

Answer: Because God is behind every law.

Jason Cicero

Thinking About Trials

Scripture: James 1

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3).

James is practical. Trials of all kinds will come our way as we make our journey from Earth to Heaven. Our attitude toward them will make all the difference here and in eternity.

Count - to consider, deem, account, think (Thayer's).

Joy - calm delight (Strong's).

Fall - to fall into something that is all around, i.e. light among or upon, be surrounded with (Strong's).

Trials - a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity (Strong's).

Knowing - to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of (Thayer's).

Testing - that by which something is tried or proved, a test (Thayer's).

Faith - conviction of the mind, trust of the heart, surrender of the will.

Produces - do work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion (Strong's).

Patience - cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy (Strong's).

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:28)

We need grace in order to serve God acceptable. We need reverence. We need godly fear.

What we need, He gives.

Jason Cicero

Looking Unto Jesus

Scripture: Hebrews 12-13

"...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2).

Hebrews 11 is full of descriptions of folks who lived by faith. Their faith prompted them to do great things to the glory of God. Even though the world was not worthy of any of them, we do not look to any of them. We look to the One of Hebrews 12. We look unto Jesus. Those in Hebrews 11 could not do for us what the One in Hebrews 12 did. He endured the cross. He despised the shame. He secured our salvation. We look unto Him.

Jason Cicero

Remission

Scripture: Hebrews 10-11

"Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin." (Hebrews 10:18)

"Remission" is about forgiveness, freedom, pardon, and deliverance (Strong's). The offering of Jesus' blood for our sin is sufficient. There "is no longer an offering for sin" because our sins have been taken away by the blood of the Lamb!

Jason Cicero

I Will Remember No More

Scripture: Hebrews 8-9

"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12).

This blessing makes every other blessing of the new covenant possible. God forgives. God then remembers no more...

Jason Cicero

The Silence of the Scriptures

Scripture: Hebrews 7

"For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood." (Hebrews 7:14)

God's silence is prohibitive.

When God specified Levi His choice prohibited the other eleven tribes from serving as priests.

The silence of the Scriptures speaks to the authority of the true and living God.

Jason Cicero

God Doesn't Lie

Scripture: Hebrews 6

"...that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us." (Hebrews 6:18).

God doesn't lie. In fact, it is "impossible" for Him to do so. We can rest easy that He who promised is faithful...

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Are you thirsty?

The invitation is for you!

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).

Jason Cicero

Jesus Prayed

Scripture: Hebrews 5

"...who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear..." (Hebrews 5:7).

When God was in the flesh, He prayed. When the Son prayed to the Father the Father "heard" Him. When the Father "heard" the Son's prayers He responded. Sometimes He said, "Yes." Sometimes He said, "No." Sometimes He said, "Wait."

He responds to our prayers with the same three responses...

Jason Cicero