The real vetting process

Good morning, everyone. 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 Washington, Nebraska, Indiana, and Maryland.
 

What times are we living in today? No, I’m not speaking about all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have become members of “TRY JESUS” tjforlife.com in all time zones across America (Smile). Praise God! Keep loving Jesus!

No, I’m speaking about the sign of the times. How do you view things in America? How do you view things going on around the world? Do you believe we are living in turbulent times? Or do you believe we are living in jubilant times?

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus asking him to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus rebuked them, calling them hypocrites. (Matthew 16:1-12). They could determine the sky for rain, but they were blind to who Jesus was.

Jesus mentioned Jonah in relation to predicting his death and resurrection. Like the religious leaders, many people are oblivious to the moral decay in our nation.

Many are more concerned with their heads in the sky (climate) than they are about lawlessness in their communities. When people begin to call evil good and good evil, it’s time for a spiritual wake up call, Amen?

In spite of how bleak things look, those who have a living relationship with Jesus can turn to his powerful words of protection. Please read for encouragement this morning. (Psalm 37:38-40; Nahum 1:6-8).

God is still in complete control over evil dictators. No person, family, or nation on earth can defy God, the Almighty, the creator of all the universe, and get away with it. Amen?

Let’s look to our God who reigns supreme this morning. “Heavenly Father, thank you this morning for gathering many hearts around the nation seeking your presence. Lord, we need your uplifting encouragement today.

O God, open hearts, eyes, and ears to receive your divine truth in their spirit. Show your magnificence and intercede against the enemy of their soul. Lord, prove to the evil that is against them that when you are for them, no one can harm them.

Lord, be their strength, shield, guidance, deliverance, and salvation today. Remove them from desperation and hopelessness from warring nations. This morning, take their lives and rearrange it so that it fits your idea of victory.

Help them to stand as pillars during despairing times. Give them thoughts of your glorious hand holding them in your power. Take any despair and turn it around. Use it for your glory and make them stronger because of it. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.”

Last week’s message was a blessing for many members. As we open the word for this week’s message, you may see some familiar passages related to last week.

As the Spirit of God promptings continue, this could be considered part two as we follow his word together. May the Lord’s name stand alone as we continue to be transformed by his power that works in every believer. Let’s continue.

Did you know that God has always had a plan? Did you know that God is never caught off guard? Did you know that God has already seen your beginning and ending?

But did you know that in all of God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresent, that he still allows choice on your part to surrender to this overwhelming presence and power? God never forces his intentions on you.

His son Jesus, is the greatest gentleman to ever live on this planet. Any woman looking for how herself or daughter should be treated in a relationship, should look no further than Jesus. He is the perfect groom for every woman on this earth.

But looking to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior comes with high standards attached with it. His love is beyond defining. But God comes with amazing attributes (many beyond our understanding).

The more we draw closer to God the more he will draw closer to us. But it must be on his terms. It’s called holiness. Moses needed to understand this from the very beginning. Moses was about to go through a change.

That relationship started from the ground he stood on, to show me your glory. (Exodus 3:5; 33:18). God had examined and saw the heart of Moses, he was meekful and focused.

In Moses we see an outstanding personality shaped by God. He took Moses’ characteristics and molded them until they were suited to his purposes. We can see all who God is in his handling an entire nation.

♡ We see that God Is Infinite. He is Self-existing, without origin. (Colossians 1:17; Psalm 147:5).

♡ God is immutable. He never changes. (Malachi 3:6; Romans 8:35-39).

♡ God is self-sufficient. He has no needs. John 5:26; 17:24-26; Ephesians 3:16; 20).

♡ God is omnipotent.  He is all powerful. (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Psalm 24:8; 33:6; Job 11:7-11; Hebrews 6:18; Luke 1:37; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 1:8; Ephesians 3:20).

♡ God is omniscient. He is all-knowing. (Isaiah 46:9-10). God can be everywhere, at the same time. He never sleeps or slumbers. (Psalm 121:1-8). he’s aware every moment of every day.

♡ God is omnipresent. He is always everywhere. (Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24). This is great news for Christians who feel like the prophet Elijah alone in a cave after running from Jezebel.

God came and comforted Elijah with encouragement. This should bring deep comfort to Christians who struggle with loneliness and deep sorrow. God is always near us, closer than our thoughts.

♡ God is wise. He is full of perfection. (Romans 11:33). Having wisdom is more than just head knowledge. You’re thinking without the mind of Christ is the same as a bowl of mush.

A truly wise person is someone who understands all the facts and makes the best decisions. A wise person uses his heart, soul, and mind together with the word of God as his guide.

Some people think they can have wisdom without reading the Bible. They are easy targets for deception and headed for a fall.

♡ God is faithful. He is infinitely and unchangingly wrapped in truth. (Deuteronomy 7:9). How many times has your faith been tested? How many times have you failed to trust God? God remains faithful even when we are faithless. (2 Timothy 2:13).

♡ God is fully trustworthy. You can trust him with your whole life. The rich young ruler couldn’t let go of the very thing that squeezed everything right he was attempting to do. In 2023, you just have to let go, and let God (Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 13:12).

♡ God is good. “God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.” Have you said this before in prayer or statement? Does it come from the deep reservoir of your heart? (Psalm 34:8). God takes pleasure in being good to us.

Yes, good people do suffer. Have you ever read the book of Job and studied how Job came out still trusting God? Do you trust God only in the good times? (Psalm 34:17-22; Romans 8:1).

♡ God is just. He is infinitely and unchangingly right. He is perfect in every way. His Son (Jesus) is also perfect in every way. The Holy Spirit is perfect in every way. (Deuteronomy 32:4;

God is always good toward men in applying justice. His judgment is fair and perfect. His doctrine of justification and redemption is seen through Christ work in atonement. Justice is not violated but satisfied when God spares a sinner.

♡ God is merciful. His is perfectly wrapped in compassion and kindness. (Romans 9:15-16; Deuteronomy 7:9-13). Because of mercy, we don’t get what we deserve. Instead, because of the mercy of God, we get life through faith in Christ.

You can find out about the mercy of God all through the book of Psalm. (Psalm 33:18>147:11). The fact that people wake up from living a life of crime, moral decay, and evil intentions, and yet still breathe and walk around shows God’s mercy. But judgment still awaits.

♡ God is gracious. God is forever wanting to spare the guilty. (Psalm 145:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Exodus 33:19). *If mercy is not getting what we do deserve (damnation), grace is getting what we don’t deserve (eternal life). 

Believers and non-believers go through life enduring the same elements of a fallen world. While all of humanity benefits from common grace, only those who profess believe and put their faith in Jesus receive saving grace.

Jesus taught us how to project hospitality to all his creation. God is not a respecter of persons. (Matthew 5:45-48; Leviticus19:18; Luke 10:25-29). God wants us to carry this loving grace in our hearts towards our neighbors.

♡ God is loving. This statement is used so flippantly by those on both sides of the incorrect coin. Some emphasize God is too loving to send someone to hell. Others will state that God is a “anything goes” kind of God.

But because God is pure love, his love is also wrapped in holiness. Without no one shall see the Lord. (Hebrew 12:14-16; 1 John 4:7-21). God so loved the world that it moved him to send his only son to redeem us from eternal separation.

The love of God is eternal, unchanging, and infinite. Because God is holy, he cannot allow unregenerated spirits (dying in sin) to enter into heaven. Romans 6:23). Hence, the words of Jesus, “You must be born-again.” (John 3:3).

♡ God is holy. He is full of glory. You or I could not see the fullness of his glory and survive it. We would immediately die. (Revelation 1:10-18; 4:8; Matthew 17:6; 28:1-4; John 18:4-6;

The words “went backward” in John 18:4 come from the Greek word (aperchomai). The word “fell” is the Greek word (pipto), which means to fall. It was used often to depict a person who fell so hard, it appeared that he fell dead or fell like a corpse.

Something to remember about God’s holiness. It is filled with unlimited power. There were approximately 300 to 600 Roman soldiers and others had all come laden with weapons, swords, and clubs to  capture Jesus.

After his resurrection, Jesus spoke this words, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). The word holy means set apart, sacred, revered, or divine.

Paul wrote about Jesus conquering all evil. (Corinthians 15:24-27; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:5-8). Born-again believers are also commanded to live above reproach and be holy. (Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Some people continually misunderstand holiness and perfection. Because we are flawed and not perfect, we cannot be God. But God has set a standard for us to reach for. Since he is perfectly moral, good, and just, without any corruption, he sets the standard for morality.

That is why Christians strive for holiness. God expects us to imitate him by following his high moral standards. We step towards it daily, knowing we cannot get there until we see Jesus face to face and enter the joy of the Lord.

The Greek word strive (agōnizomai, athleō) means to struggle to compete for a prize. To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. To contend with an adversary. To fight and labor fervently. To contend with adversaries.

Striving for something worthwhile takes effort and work. Whatever happened to self-discipline? Living a life pleasing to God in a corrupt world takes commitment and discipline. (Luke 13:24; Romans 15:30; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 2:3-5).

♡ God is glorious. God is beyond a visual portrait. He is beyond defining. His glory leaves us speechless. We can only stand in awe of him. Imagine all that the people in heaven see on a daily basis. Don’t you envy until you get there?

We see a rainbow in the sky and marvel at its beauty. God’s glory is far above that. (Habakkuk 3:4). His radiance and beauty emanate from all that his is and all that he does. Our whole existence and purpose is to glorify him. (Isaiah 43:7).

Now that I have listed all the amazing attributes of God, it was done to build a foundation on which to see his vetting standard compared to ours. Question, “Would you allow a stranger to come to your home, unload their stuff and move in?”

You would probably be shocked, confused, surprised, stunned, and afraid. I believe everyone has some rules and standards on how they run their home.

 Part 2  The Real Vetting Process.
And even if you did know them (a relative or close friend), you would still explain some standards in how your home is conducted. For example, I do not smoke or drink alcohol.

If someone wanted to stay in my home, I would do some background work on who they are and how I know if I can accommodate them in my living lifestyle.

Many of you in this country may have been affected by the influx of illegal immigrants in your community. What do you know about them? Is your community safe? Are you concerned for your children’s well-being?

Is there a true vetting process that takes place when individuals arrive? Vetting means to subject something to careful examination or scrutiny, to determine whether it’s credible.

Some people may come with good intentions to better their lives, others may come to do tremendous harm to the nation. So, how do you know what our leaders are doing is keeping us safe? Are they credible before God?

It’s amazing, we have great securities for every institution (schools, sporting events, celebrity events, banking, government properties, wealthy gated communities, armed forces installations, maximum security prisons, etc.)

I heard about one state that was asking homeowners to take in total strangers without knowing any personal information about them. I wonder what percentage of homeowners decided to let them move in.

Without strong leadership, communities begin to decay in moral depravity. The Bible tells us righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). Businesses run from lawlessness in unprotected areas.

A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories but by godliness. In order for this country to fix itself, it’s leaders must have upright moral characteristics that are motivated by its creator, God.

Here’s another question, “Do you believe God does everything right? If you don’t, then you should go back and reread all the attributes of God again until it is seared in your heart. Just like you would sear a juicy ribeye steak.

Someone in the Bible posed this question to God. “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” Do you know who this individual was? Times up. It was Abraham. Abraham had a very deep intellectual conversation with three strangers (Genesis 18:1-33).

God had promised a nation to Abram. God promises a son to Abraham even though him and Sarah were past childbearing age. Along the way the Lord (Jesus incarnate) showed up with two companions to give Abraham some unsettling news.

The Lord was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for its wickedness and homosexual lifestyles that were prevalent during that time. (Genesis 19:4-11; Romans 1:18-32; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9).

God was about to exact judgement and punishment on those in Sodom and Gomorrah. God gave the people of Sodom a fair test. He was not ignorant of the city’s wicked practices. He gave them a chance to repent.

This community of people did not repent after hearing about God. They had heard about Abraham from his nephew Lot who lived among them. This sad ending to a community ended differently than when Jonah preached to those in Nineveh. (Jonah 3:4-10).

In having this conversation with the Lord, Abraham knew his nephew Lot had moved into the area of Sodom and Gomorrah. His words in (Genesis 18:23) show his concerns. But God’s vetting standard of righteousness and justice never changes.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, some other nationalities came out of Egypt with them.

These non-Israelites were drawn to the Hebrews by God’s mighty works and decided to leave Egypt with them. (Exodus 12:38). In leaving Egypt they would be subjecting themselves to the spiritual vetting (God’s laws as the Jewish population did (Exodus 20:1-17).

Those who left Egypt were leaving the Egyptian gods and religion behind them. The Bible tells us God is a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 6:13-15). God had given his commandments, statutes, and judgements before the people entered the land of milk and honey.

Whenever kids go to an amusement park, there are always rules that must be followed so they can enjoy the park, be safe, and have fun. “Don’t stand up” are posted on the rollercoaster rides. God also posted his rules for right living. (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; 16-25).

Abraham knew this beforehand and showed respect and reverence to God in asking questions about his judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. God showed Abraham that asking for anything is allowed.

God’s answers come from God’s perspective. Many people make up their own way in thinking how they will get to heaven. We must remember its God’s way (narrow) or the destruction highway (wide). (Matthew 7:13-14). God knows our beginning and our ending.

[Abraham knew that God is just and that he punishes sin, but he may have wondered about God’s mercy. Abraham seemed to be probing God’s mind to see how merciful he really was. He left his conversation with God convinced that God was both kind and fair.]

God appeared unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and established by his name, God Almighty. He ratified a covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan. (Exodus 6:3-8).

God’s vetting process is not complicated for how we belong to him through following his commandments. David knew God forgives sin when we turn from it to his cleansing presence (1 John 1:9).

David asked God to search his heart and mind and point out any wrong motives that may have been behind his strong words. The Bible tells us to examine ourselves. Give yourself a spiritual check-up now and then. (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

God always uses his spiritual vetting by looking at the heart. (Psalm 139:21-24; Matthew 5:44; 12:34-37; 1 Samuel 16:7; Mark 7:20-23; Proverbs 4:23). Jesus could see the hearts of the religious leaders. (Matthew 12:24-25; 23:27-28).

We cannot hope to appease God by working our way into righteousness, nor sacrificing others for our own sin. There is no such thing as a half Christian. When people are vetted, you examine to bring out transparency, honesty, and no hidden lies.

It is not God’s will that any of us should be cast into darkness. (2 Peter 3:9; Micah 6:8; John 14:5-6; 1 John 2:1-6; Psalm 15:1-2). As each of us grows in our relationship with our redeemer, the Holy Spirit gives us the desire to live by his standards (Philippians 2:12-13).

The person who submits him/herself under the love of God’s tutelage will inspire to grow in their relationship with God. Just as the Israelites were tested coming out of Egypt, we are also tested in our relationship with God.

Therefore we should study his word daily until we are in his eternal care in heaven. (2 Timothy 2:15-21). God’s word forms the standard not only for personal life, but also for national life.

[Some might, in error, say that God is too kind to punish the ungodly. But to believe this means we dull the reality of his infinite, unchanging justice. God will have justice for sin, either from Christ’s atoning death or, for those who will not accept it, eternal wrath in hell.]

When we do study God’s word, we should allow it to transform our minds. I know many church goers who never read the Bible outside of Sunday. Just as you fill your belly every day, fill your mind everyday with the scriptures.

Through reading his word, we are to love God with all our mind (Mark 12:30), to change the way we think (Romans 12:2), to focus on heaven (Colossians 3:2), to destroy false arguments (2 Corinthians 10:4), and to think clearly (1 Peter 1:13).

I have a warning for our nation in 2023. As someone just said the other day, “Don’t, Don’t, Don’t. But I’m using those words in the context of do not neglect the message of the cross.

Do not abandon God’s chosen people, Israel. If you choose the opposition, you are fighting against God. Do not allow the gospel in this country to be watered down and counterfeited.

godly parents should always stress to their children the importance of staying close to the Lord. Whenever you feel tested or pulled to do something that might compromise your integrity, ask for God’s help.

Christian parents should tell their kids it is a struggle without the Lord’s strength. Parents should show their kids to abide in him when things get rough. In our corrupt nation kids are being indoctrinated everywhere.

Parents, today is so important to teach your kids to develop a close relationship with the Lord, based on his word and his presence. Our youth and young adults in our colleges are being brainwashed.

Children should learn to hang out with Jesus so much that they recognize his voice, learn his ways, and recognize the Spirit the Lord (Holy Spirit). Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and follow me. (John 10:25-28).

🗣📢 Last words: After a lengthy important message today, does knowing this make a difference in your understanding of God’s purpose in your life? Jesus loves you so much. He is trying to take what he created and use it for its intended purposes.

The next time you talk with God, don’t ask, “What should I change into?” but how should I use these abilities and strengths to do your will? Get your mouth into agreement with his word. 

Is your life complicated? Is it like a tangled web with a nest of poisonous spiders? How do you get free? The Bible says, “is anything too hard for the LORD?” The obvious answer is, “Of course not!”

Make it a habit to insert your specific needs into this question: Can I stand under God’s testing of me? Is this day in my life too hard for the Lord? Is this habit I’m trying to break too hard for him?

Is the communication problem I’m having too hard for him? Asking questions this way reminds you that God is personally involved in your life and wants you to ask for his power to help you.

What an awesome time we live in. Even as Israel is under attack, the Holy Spirit is still breathing on the Body of Christ. God will continue to bring us into a breakthrough, spiritual order.

Remember my beloved friends, they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony. (Revelation 12:9-11). Rejoice my friends! Rejoice!


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to be a soldier for Christ. “Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s message. Lord, my life has resembled darkness and not light. Those things that I want to do, I keep finding myself doing the opposite.

I want to be an enlisted soldier that reflects your Spirit and love. Today I choose to put away childish things. Lord, baptize me in your Pentecostal fire.  I thank you that you are with me in every situation I face and that my life is in your hands.

I trust you Lord, to stand with me in the days that lie ahead, knowing that no weapon has been formed against me that has the power to overcome me, that is not permitted by you. Help me in the midst of things to wait upon you.

Help me to trust your willingness shape me and mold me according to your plan. Help me to make correct choices that honor your name. Renew my strength like the eagles I pray.

Jesus, help me to run the race that is set before me, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Continue to set my eyes toward heaven. Lord, be near to me. Soothe my heart and mind. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, amen.”


*Help spread the word by sharing this web site and messages on your platform.



🙏 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). ✝️

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“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Pastor Todd Boxley

Worship Center Ministry