Pastor Todd’s weekly sermon also posted at his website TJforlife.com

 Welcome to “Try Jesus!” If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in New York, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arizona, and South Dakota.

Did you know prayer is something that everyone can do? From the very youngest to the elderly, God has opened the door for us to offer prayer. Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations. He hears the prayers and songs of little ones.

When people say to me “Pastor Todd, I’m too busy to pray.” I usually ask them “Do you have time to worry?” “Do you have time for work?” “Do you have time to argue with your spouse and children?” “If you have time for time, then you have time to pray.”

Sincere prayer always moves the heart of God to move on your behalf. It also gives you the opportunity to glorify, praise, and thank God for his faithfulness. So, are you ready to pray?

Let’s look to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. “Heavenly Father, what a day we have in your glorious presence. All the world belongs to you. In spite of the tragedy to our brothers and sisters in Israel 🇮🇱, you are still in control.

Lord, this is the day that you have made, help us be glad and rejoice in it. Lord, today open hearts, and minds all over this country to receive your word. May every assignment of Satan’s tactics be defeated in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

Holy Spirit, open callous hearts to receive the love of Jesus. Bring your swinging sword of divine power and deliverance today. Bring your saving glory and rescue those in darkness.

Prove to the evil strongholds that your power is supreme against them. Lord, you are always in control. Come now and break every chain of bondage today. Show your magnificence and intercede!

With no hesitation, bring your saving glory and rescue those who are tired and beaten down. Save these precious souls according to your word. In Jesus’ loving name, I pray, amen.”

When was the last time you went shopping to try on something you had wanted for a long time? On a scale from one to ten, what was your excitement level? Do you carry that same excitement when shopping for a friend?

As the holidays begin to roll around, (along with snow for us in Pennsylvania), many people will be out shopping for gifts that need a little more planning and information. Buying something for someone who will be wearing it might not be easy.

Growing up with four sisters, I had to learn the difference between women’s sizes versus men’s sizes. Men can sometimes run into problems when they don’t understand what misses and junior sizes mean.

Again, I had to learn the difference between what a size five is in blue jeans for a female, and how that same size is different for a male. When the holidays come around, there are so many phone calls about sizes and if they might fit.

How many of you still use the fitting rooms when you go shopping for clothes? Do you think men use fitting rooms more or less than women? How many of you just order what you want online?

Have you ever ordered something online and after receiving it you found out the item did not fit? I purchased a pair of Nike shoes online some time ago. I was excited about how they would feel and look on the basketball court.

After putting them on, I realized they were a little snug, but felt I could just play basketball through the discomfort. After coming home from playing three to four hours on the court, I drove home with my shoes on the passenger seat.

I tried to force those shoes to fit but after coming to the knowledge of truth, I knew I needed to show more gentle love towards these feet that made me a great basketball player (Smile). I can hear those who know me, great? Lol.

Anyway, those days of things not fitting go back to my childhood. How many of you grew up having hand-me-downs in your family? Sometimes neighbors and friends of my parents would call and offer dresses, clothes, and shoes.

We certainly were well taken care of by our parents, but sometimes we might receive a Nike shirt or pair of shoes we liked. I recall wearing a shirt from one friend that he was giving away. I loved that shirt. I didn’t care that it hung on me like a bed spread.

I was thin but loved it like Linus loved his blanket. One day my mother saw me wearing it to school and said I couldn’t wear it because it didn’t fit. Since then I found out that many things in my life didn’t fit.

From the first time I played with blocks in school that teach you how to fit a square peg in a round hole, to the first date I went on, to questioning whether or not my marriage was the right fit, I found out that it’s all futile without God in it.

That is what you see going on throughout this nation every day. There are people who are searching for that right niche to fit in. Because we have people in our country who are blindly trying to place groups in boxing corners, it causes hurtful divisions.

The body of Christ should also be careful in splintering off into to many life groups without maintaining the whole as one continuing to come together in the sanctuary as one people in the presence of God.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with having retreats for married couples, or bowling night for singles, or fun day ministries for kids. But when the gospel is moved into these places as the head and seen as being more important than the Sunday gathering, problems can occur.

Programs are great when led and placed in the care of the Holy Spirit’s leading. Then you know everything will be fitly joined together (Ephesians 4:16). People who are searching for a purpose in their lives are always trying to fit somewhere.

I think everyone would agree that people want to belong to something that makes them feel complete. God has placed that feeling inside every heart. Like a magnet, people naturally want to be and feel loved.

One of the pages on “TRY JESUS” that is entitled “Worship Jesus videos,” has a background that says, “We were created for worship.” We were created to have a living relationship with our creator. Sadly, many are seeking this relationship in a one-sided way.

How so? Let’s put it this way. How many times have you tried to start a friendship or relationship with someone that was doomed from the start? How many of you remember as a kid trying to make friends with other kids, that ended in failure?

Some people live in those oil and water relationships. There is no substance in which to build on. The world and the devil are rightly fitted together (after Adam and Eve handed it to him) because they have a common ground.

That common ground is sin. Some people will join and do anything to fit in. Have you noticed that people who are hooked on drugs seek out those who are also held in captivity. As the saying goes, “misery loves company.”

There are only two lives in which you can fit into. The life of sin, which leads to eternal separation from God, or the life of salvation, that leads to eternal life. There is no neutral to fit into.

Even when people try to categorize themselves in the camp of Atheism, Gnosticism, Nontheist, Jainism, Skeptics, Free-thinkers, Humanist, Pantheists, Naturalists, and Secularists, they still fit in the camp of unbelief.

For a label to fit it needs to resonate personally. When people give themselves a label, it gives them a fitting foundation. It then takes on an appearance that others can see. When you try on new clothes that don’t fit, what do you do?

You keep looking for that new outfit until you find the one that fits to your liking.

Again, to further the point, we have many people in this melting pot of trying to fit in somewhere, that don’t believe in miracles or special revelation through sacred texts.

Today, people are experimenting with all kinds of ways to fit into this melting pot. But what they fail to realize is, it brings blindness that keeps them from the fitting with which they were created for. The opposite of fit is unfit.

The Bible is very clear on what fits and what doesn’t fit. Earlier, I mentioned what Paul said about the church at Ephesus. In (Ephesians 2:21; 4:11-16) Paul explained to those in the church what the oneness of Jesus was all about.

Paul pointed out that we are fit together with spiritual gifts that edifies the church and brings us fit together as Jesus stands as the head of his church. The words “fitly joined together” meaning (euthetos; sunarmologeo).

This Greek word means to be harmoniously (well-placed), joined together. That’s the way God planned for his body, the Church, to be. In this spiritual fitness, we are joined together, growing through the Spirit.

Then we are ready and equipped to reach lost souls for the Kingdom of God, where Jesus rules as King of kings and Lord of lords. We are his living army growing into a mighty temple. Praise God! Hallelujah! Look what the Lord has done!

We used to sing this song in church (I still love it today). 🎵 “Bind us together Lord, bind us together Lord, with cords that cannot be broken.” Bind us together in love. 🎵

Jesus left heaven to come to a people who were unfit for his home. We were created for his love, significance, and security. Satan’s plan is to destroy our lives and make us unfit for heaven. That’s why Jesus said these words.

9} “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10}The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV).

Satan is the thief that blinds the minds and eyes of the religious. He applies spiritual blindfolds on Atheist, Gnostics, Nontheist, Jainism, Skeptics, Free-thinkers, Humanist, Pantheists, Naturalists, and Secularists.

There are other false teachers and false doctrines that also fall into this unfit camp of unbelief (2 Corinthians 4:3-7). Please know that Jesus loves all those who have been deceived and trapped in Satan’s blindfold.

It is not God’s will that individuals who choose to remain in false religions or unbelief should perish. (2 Peter 3:8-9). Jesus has said it more than once in defining how one is fit for his Kingdom. (John 10:1-7; 14:6).

[God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered.

But God is not slow; he is simply not on our timetable (Psalm 90:4). Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him.]

Again, let me repeat some words I spoke about earlier in the message. True authentic (born-again) believers and non-believers in our nation today have a desire to fit in physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The world loves its own. The new world order will soon be in full bloom. All who adopt it will fit in to their utopian plan. It seems they have a “Tower of Babel” mentality. If you join their blind doctrine, then you fit the agenda they are promoting.

But Jesus came with a different message about fitting in. Jesus said spoke these words. 24} “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26} For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 KJV).

Following after the world will cost you your eternal soul. Think of the exchange. Eternity versus the average span of your life here on earth (75 years) collecting stuff you can’t take with you. (Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Timothy 6:7).

The fifteen verses in (Matthew 25:31-46) is not a requirement for fitting in the Kingdom of God. Should true followers of Jesus give? Yes, absolutely! But giving is not the ticket by which you gain entrance into the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus made this clear in (Matthew 7:21-27). Our works do not make us fit for heaven. They are a by-product of what happens after you have received Jesus into your heart and life as Lord and Savior.

One good example would be the thief on the cross. He didn’t get the opportunity to do any works for Jesus, but yet he still ended up in paradise. Why? Because he acknowledged that Jesus came from a Kingdom which he owns.

Jesus told many parables to accentuate and pinpoint his topic. These stories provided a narrative to illustrate new or unfamiliar spiritual truths. Jesus used parables to teach his listeners primarily about God and his Kingdom.

One such parable involved being fitted for the right occasion. Many of you have been to weddings that had rules and requirements in the wedding invitation. Even if the requirements are not explicitly made clear, you already know how you should appear.

Jesus spoke about these requirements on how one is fit for the great wedding. Jesus told the story of a king who went out to prepare a wedding for his son. But those of his own (nationality) disregarded the call to come (Matthew 22:1-5).

So, the king sent out invitations to those in other lands. The requirements did not change. Some people think they can show up at a wedding dressed anyway they like simply because they are family.

Or they might think they can come looking unkempt just because they are best friends with the groom. But weddings require the utmost respect regardless of affiliations.

Just because your dad is a pastor doesn’t mean you get a free pass into eternity. Just because you have given more money than anyone in the church doesn’t mean you have owned eternal life.

Here, Jesus tells of one individual who thought he was qualified to come to the wedding (Matthew 22:10-14). The problem this gentleman had was he thought he could come dressed anyway he wanted.

[It was unthinkable to refuse to wear these clothes. That would insult the host, who could only assume that such guests were arrogant and thought they didn’t need these clothes.]

The wedding clothes picture the right relationship with Jesus needed to enter God’s Kingdom. He graciously clothes every believer with right standing in God’s eyes.

Jesus spoke about this in terms of individuals being thieves and robbers (John 10:1,7-9). There are many religions that dress up in beautiful adoring clothes. They dress up the physical structure of the church.

But all the outward beauty is still not a requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of God. If I were to take the clothes off a priest and put them on the person of a serial killer, would you allow that individual access into your home?

Some of you would probably open your door wide and ask him to come right in and meet the family. You probably would offer him dinner also. But once he told you who he really was, your smile and hospitality would turn to fear.

This is why Jesus said not everyone who says “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the Kingdom. There are many religions, doctrines, and teachings that emphasize the outward appearance, but disregard what’s happening on the inside (the heart). (Matthew 23:25-28).

Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for outwardly appearing upright and free of sin but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. Many religions, and denominations are run this way.

Before we close for the day, here are a few numbers to keep locked away in your math brain. ☆ Roughly 50% Americans believe they will go to heaven if they are generally good or do enough good things.

However, one-third believe salvation is obtained only by accepting Jesus Christ as savior, according to a new survey. Additionally, 63% of adults believe having faith matters more than which faith you have.

54% of U.S. adults believe they will get to heaven after they die and only 2% believe they are going to hell. It seems Jesus said that road was much wider percentage wise. (Matthew 7:13-14).

15% say they don’t know what will happen after they die, 13% say there is no life after death, 8% believe in reincarnation, and another 8% believe they will go to a place of purification prior to entering heaven. (Purgatory?)   

56% of Americans say they “consciously and consistently” try to avoid sinning because they know their sin “breaks God’s heart.” ☆

Biblical truth is certainly lacking in this country. People will walk into a building and not know what truth is. They never do any research or homework on what they might be joining. Just because something is living doesn’t mean it’s alive.

Before you say, “What? How can something be alive and yet be dead?” It can when you are talking about the Spirit who gives life to those who are spiritually dead. All of us come into the world this way.

Jesus said these words to his disciples after they were confused about them eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63 KJV).

Paul spoke about this in (Romans 5:8-21; 6:3-11; Ephesians 2:1-5; 8-10; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 3:18-19). This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 KJV).

Because we have a melting pot of religions in this nation, Americans are in an “anything goes” mindset when it comes to faith, morals, values, and lifestyle. This can lead to complacency in acceptance of wrong teachings.

Jesus certainly talked more about hell than heaven. But the survey says only 2% believe there’s a hell. Common sense tells me Jesus who sits on his throne in heaven surrounded by a multitude of heavenly host (angels) would know best.

There are many shortcuts to failure, but no shortcuts to truth and what God’s word says. There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12). Jesus warned people about making excuses about following him (Luke 9:59-62; Galatians 5:19-21). 

 

🗣📢 Last words: Did you know Jesus provides clothes of righteousness for everyone who desires to fit into his Kingdom? (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 3:4-6; 19:6-8; Zechariah 3:3-5; ).

However, dear friends, each person must choose to put them on in order to enter the King’s banquet (eternal life). Jesus extends an open invitation, but you must accept and walk through the door.

No one at a wedding forces you to come from outside while you sit contemplating whether you want to go in or not. God will never force anyone to accept his standard of holiness and laws for entering his Kingdom.

There are laws in our court system. One famous lawyer spoke these words concerning a high-profile professional sports athlete turned actor, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” But in God’s law, if you don’t fit, he will evict.”

“The invitations are being sent out today, are you IN or Out?” Get fit in your garment now before it’s too late. Don’t allow yourself to miss the greatest wedding ever. Once the door is shut, it will not be opened again. (Matthew 25:10-13). Here is


📕 Here are some wonderful passages that are “tailor made” and the perfect fit for your spirit. (Hebrews 4:15-16; Psalm 45:7-8; 93:1; 104:1; Matthew 9:20-22; Acts 10:30-32; 18:6; Revelation 1:12-20; 4:1-5; 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 19:11-16; Colossians 3:12-14).


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to get fit for heaven. “Heavenly Father, please help me. I’m tired of walking around in these grave clothes. My life has no life in it. I’ve cried all the tears I can. I’m ready to surrender my heart and mind to you.

The pain has gotten too great; I can’t handle it anymore. The sadness is too deep. The loneliness is too hard. I’m hurting so bad that nobody can help me except you. The pain is so deep that no one could ever touch it except you.

Help me Jesus and make me fit for your Kingdom. I repent of my sins and know that you will fill me with newness of life According to your word in (Romans 10:8-10,13).

Soon I will be able to wear that robe of righteousness prepared just for me. I will never have to face loneliness again. I feel the joy and presence of your Holy Spirit. I can now wear your armor of righteousness and carry your sword.

Thank you for bending your ear and listening to me, even when I feel worthless and don’t have anyone else to talk to or who will listen to me. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me from this day forward.

Thank you for removing those grave clothes off my life. They were never meant to fit me. Thank you for giving me joy I never knew existed. You are forever my Lord, in your gracious name I pray, amen.”


❤ “If you would like to know Jesus as your Savior, please read the drop-down page entitled “How to know Jesus.”


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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️

Pastor Todd Boxley

Worship Center Ministry