Jesus is coming soon

Drawing closer than close – Sermon Repost by Pastor Todd Boxley

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 Texas, New Jersey, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, and Arizona.

What a great week everyone. It is really awesome to see God’s people love above and beyond when calamity comes near, and when it is far away.  Even though things continue to look bleak, Jesus is still in control.

Let’s pray, “Heavenly Father, thank you for gathering hearts and minds together. Lord, we need your word to awaken our souls today. Lord, sometimes our hearts are like oil that hasn’t been changed after 3,000 miles.

The sludge and heaviness begins to weigh us down. But today Lord, we pray for your fresh anointing to revive, invigorate, inspire, and fill us this morning as the fresh dew that lays on the grass.

Father, because your word says that it’s your desire to send angels to separate the wheat from the tares and to burn off all unrighteousness, we invite you right now into the midst of your people.

Lord, this morning, baptize us again in fire. Let the hearts of your people burn brightly again for you. Purify us, refine us. Bring purity to the lost. Save them, Lord. Let a billion-soul harvest of souls come forth for your Kingdom.

Father, help us with your living message today. Help us to walk in you, the Spirit of God. Grow good fruit in our lives this morning. We cannot live out these things on our own. Bless your word today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

I pray today’s message would help those that feel stuck in life. There are so many lonely people today that need lifted out of their well of emptiness. I grew up in a family where, at times it was very difficult to find any privacy or time to be alone.

Sometimes when the family would go shopping, I would ask my mom if I could stay home until they got back. It was so peaceful and quiet spending time with my favorite toy, book, or video game.

Some of you value time to get close, or closer to that object or personal touch from something or someone. Today, I’m going to ask you to look back aways to that relationship you wanted so desperately to cultivate, but it never took root.

I myself, can look back and see how much I miss my mom, who passed away in 2017. I guess you could say I grew up a mommas boy. I felt closer to my mom than my dad. Although I loved my dad, there seemed to be an armed length relationship between us.

The way we usually got a little closer, was if it involved talking about sports. I felt there were moments when I cringed instead of embracing the conversations we had. Drawing close to those you live under the same roof with can be tedious at times.

Many experts on the nuclear family (notice the word nuclear), would say it’s perfectly normal to sometimes push away from those you live with. Well, I actually spoken to many people who say they had very divisive relationships with their parents or siblings.

Even some of the older television shows like “The Brady Bunch, Little House on the Prairie, Growing Pains, The Waltons, Facts of Life, Happy Days, Different Strokes, Wonder Years, or Father knows best” seemed to portray families that had bonding close relationships.

But the realism or lack of realism did not resonate with many who tried to copy the shows day to day family experiences. I’m always so excited to hear individuals tell me about who they felt very close too growing up.

Of course some people had more than one person who was instrumental in helping to shape their lives into who they turned out to be. I always love to hear stories of people telling me they were closest to their grandparents.

I’ll never forget the time when me and about ten people stopped at a Chili’s restaurant after church. I’m not crazy about spicy food, but my daughter and her friends from church love it.

As we were seated, I always ask the waitress or waiter if there is anyone they would like for us to pray for after taking our order. I always ask for first name only to help them understand that I care about the whole of the person without knowing their last name.

Anyway, after asking the waitress if I good pray for anyone she loved, she stood there and started to cry. She has just spoken to her grandmother before she came to take our order.

Her grandmother was very ill, and she told us she was closer to her than anyone in her family. After telling her we would pray for her when she went to give our orders to the chefs, instead of leaving she stayed while I prayed for her grandmother.

I was surprised that she took hold of my hand after I finished praying and told me thank you. She felt like a tremendous burden was lifted off her shoulders because she had been depressed and disappointed all day at work.

As our food was being brought out to the ten of us, I noticed the waitress had come back with the manager, the franchise owner, and some the chefs. They began to tell me what kind of employee this waitress was.

She had won many employee of the month awards and the customers loved her. But the manager didn’t stop there. He looked at me and told that everything that was ordered was going to be free of charge.

The manager begin to share with me how much the waitress had been down about her grandmother. The waitress would talk about her grandmother all day long.

I remember telling everyone standing at our table that God has created us for fulfillment of sharing genuine oneness and closeness of love to those in our lives. I told them I would continue to pray for those who cared some much about this young waitress.

Again, I’m sure many of you have that favorite relative or friend that you seem to be inseparable from. You just enjoy being together with them. It seems time stands still when you are with them.

But sadly there are also many today still looking for that satisfying closeness in a relationship. We all remember the song “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” Some people will do anything to be liked or appreciated.

They crave this close bonding relationship with anybody that gives them some time. Did you know there are people who try to buy friendships? I never really listened to Freddy Mercury’s music from the band Queen.

Growing up as an elementary kid playing basketball, I did not know he was the one who played the “We will rock you, and “We are the champions” songs I heard playing in the gym during our game. I also didn’t know anything about his life.

But since I’ve been a Christian for some time now, one day I looked at his biography. I never knew his lifestyle. But I noticed he had written a song about finding somebody to love him.

Here are a few lyrics. Can anybody find me somebody to love?

🎵 Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little. Can barely stand on my feet
(Take a look at yourself). Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry). Lord, what you’re doing to me? (Yeah, yeah).

I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can’t get no relief, Lord
Somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody (somebody). Can anybody find me, somebody to love? 🎵

Do you think Mr. Mercury was looking for love in all the wrong places? Do you think Jesus wanted that lifestyle for him? When we try to love the world and this sinful flesh more than Jesus, it leaves us empty and still searching for that utopian closeness.

A person will never find closeness living in (Romans 1:18-32; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 2:15-19). Belief is more than a mental belief of knowing someone exists. Did you know you could live next door to your neighbor for 20 years and never know them?

You might know them to see them but never be close enough to them to have a living relationship with them. Could it be there are many people out there like Mr. Mercury saying I believe Jesus, but not let his living words impact or change their lives or lifestyles?

There is a void in every heart that was created and reserved for God and God alone. We also have an adversary (Satan) who wants to steal, kill, and destroy, and keep us from giving that void (our heart) to God (John 10:10; Matthew 13:19-22; 2 Corinthians 2:11).

There are so many people on the earth looking for closeness in anyway than can. I remember a friend who was kind to everyone at work. He approached you and gave you a big bear hug and call you his “little brother.”

But inside he was so terribly lonely. One day I trained him in a specific job he needed help with. The company asked me to evaluate his performance after he was done. While on our lunchbreak he shared with me a heart wrenching story.

It seems he was so lonely one evening that he went to his local bar and offered to buy everyone drinks. He was having so much fun (at least he thought). But there were other sets of eyes that were watching him.

After the last call was shouted, he decided to invite some of those people to his home to continue the drinking. He had even given people money to put in their gas tanks. But the evening turned very ugly.

After the so-called friends he had decided to raid his fridge and left suddenly, there still remained a few shady characters who he really didn’t know.

These bought and paid for strangers decided to attack Mr. Tony and ransacked his entire home. They left him with an injured skull and took all his cash, expensive jewelry, and other items they could carry out of his home.

After hearing this tragic story, I started to cry for him. I put my hand on his shoulder and ask God to heal his loneliness. I told him trying to buy friends will leave you empty and devalued.

I also invited him and encouraged him to come to my men’s meeting. I also asked him was there a church near his area that he would feel comfortable building close relationships with.

But because he couldn’t part with the night life, he told me he would continue to hang with only people at the bar and not take them to his beautiful home. I told him people don’t have to come to your home to hurt you.

Some of the people at his local bar already knew he was a soft touch to hit on. He sort of reminds me of the rich young ruler Jesus spoke about. Something important to remember as you read these passages.

17} “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18} And Jesus said unto him,Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19} Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20} And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21} Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22} And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:17-22 KJV). Take a look at verse 21 again. Sometimes people gloss over how Jesus deeply cared about this man.

Jesus genuinely loved this man. The Greek word (agapaō) loved, is how Jesus felt about this man. Jesus had emotional care towards this man. He wholly welcomed and entertained his thoughts. He was fond of, and dearly loved him.

Yes, of course this story points to not allowing our possessions or money keep us from following Jesus. Why? Because if we are not following him faithfully, whatever we grasp tightly will eventually suffocate or choke our hearts.

Jesus wanted this man’s heart more than his great possessions. Has anyone ever wanted to be close to you just because you had financial wealth, a nice home, or maybe an expensive car?

Sometimes people will carry impure motives just to take advantage of your kindness. Someone once said, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” This happened to Joshua and things didn’t work out to well for him and Israel (Joshua 9:4).

Jesus reached out to this man wanting to build a loving intimate relationship with him. God also from the very beginning wanted a bonding relationship with his creation.

I don’t have enough space to illustrate through the entire word of God where he desired that the people, he created would be closer to him. Let’s look at a few instances where God wanted to be closer to his people.

Most of you already knows what it means to be close to someone. But where many fail is how to put that closeness to action. Many people think closeness is about how they want to make themselves feel.

But God shows us a better way to be close. After Moses brought the people out of Egypt, he gave them God’s commandments to the people. All that God did for Israel was up close and personal. God fought their enemies.

4} “But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 7} For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:4,7 KJV).

God continued to stay close to Israel, leading them into the promised land. He showed them what his relationship is like by spending forty days and nights with Moses in the mountain.

Moses returned with the glory of God on his face. His relationship with God would grow closer. Moses would later ask God to show him all his glory. (Exodus 33:18-23).

Today, everyone who is in heaven with Jesus has this glory closeness on their face. God would later speak to his prophet Samuel about Saul being replaced. 

Samuel described this man as having a heart that would seek after God. “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22 KJV).

David would later write these words about his relationship with God during the time of jealousy from Saul who tried to take his life. David knew God would protect him from his enemies.

17} The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18} The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19} Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19 KJV).

Notice verse 18. God promises to be “close to the brokenhearted.” When you are going through trials in your life, the best thing to do is draw close to God’s heart. He wants to be your source of power, courage, and wisdom. Helping you through your problems.

God continued this reaching out with love towards Israel, even though they continued to sin and reject him. But throughout the Old Testament, David’s words would testify of God’s loving kindness and presence towards us.

4} “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5} Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:4-5 KJV).

The prophet Isaiah understood the comforting and closeness of God. (Isaiah 6:5-8). Before God could be up close and personal, Isaiah realized his sinfulness before God.

When one of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal, however, he told Isaiah that Isaiah’s sins were forgiven. The coal didn’t cleanse him; God did.

[Isaiah speaks more about the Messiah than any other Old Testament prophet. He describes the Messiah as both the suffering Servant and the sovereign Lord.]

The Lord is characterized by unfailing love throughout Scripture. God described himself to Moses this way: “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy!”

[The painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him. Today, the cross is our “burning coal,” representing how Jesus’ death cleanses us.]

There are many people today who want to be close to Jesus but are unwilling to give up their worldly passions. They want Jesus (the hot coal) but want to keep their sinful lifestyle.

When the Holy God of Israel desires to be close to you, you must be cleansed as Isaiah was. Getting rid of sin opens the door of closeness. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.

As we keep moving and seeing the closeness of God from the

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Old Testament to the New Testament, Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) needed the closeness of God.

Have you ever needed someone to hold you close after losing a loved one or after a messy hurtful divorce? How about losing a son or daughter in the armed forces? Maybe you haven’t heard from your son or daughter who ran away from home?

It’s difficult to bring up painful stories that people carry for years and years with broken hearts. They try everything to alleviate the pain and stop the tears. Some end up hurting themselves because the love of their life was taken.

God really does understand the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). He always has the perfect remedy for your sadness or loneliness. He’s called the greatest physician for good reason.

His love and words touch the human condition greater than any person on earth. If you need closeness, there is no better person than Jesus. That’s why the title of this site appeals to every age who needs someone to be close to them.

After you keep trying every prescribed thing that man offers you, why not “TRY JESUS!” Let’s continue with Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah was called of God. He prophesied about the coming Messiah who would establish a new covenant with his people.

[Jeremiah was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver his prophecies. He was rejected by many people. But he knew about the closeness of God. He lived a life of trust and obedience.]

The Lord revealed these words to Jeremiah how Israel would be restored after their Babylonian captivity. 3} The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

4} Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.” (Jeremiah 31:3-4 KJV).

“And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14 KJV).

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33 KJV).

Also verses 25-34. By reading these words from God, you can see and hear his consistency in wanting to be close to his people. God is an in your face, heart, and life type of God. He refuses to be in a distant relationship with people.

Have you ever heard of some married couples who seem to always need a break from each other? They plan separate events and hang out with friends more than each other.

Some will even take separate vacations from each other. Sometimes that can be a recipe for divided hearts and infiltration from outside forces. God desires to stay close, as in contact touching.

Have you ever seen two couples together that seem inseparable? Sometimes you only need a few moments of conversation to determine “these two were made for each other.” Now that is what closeness is all about.

David and Jonathan had such a relationship as close friends (1 Samuel 20:42). David and Jonathan had a friendship that made each a stronger person.

They trusted each other completely and were loyal to each above anyone else. They came from a common trust in God almighty. They also practiced what living agape really means (1 Samuel 18:1-3).

The Hebrew word soul (nephesh) which is the breath, and that which breathes. It is the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man. This was knit (qâshar) together with David’s soul.

The friendship between the two men was tied and joined together. They were bound together with their minds and hearts. Sadly, many people have no one like this in their lives.

God’s friendship with us goes even deeper and forever eternal. It always is portrayed as steady and strong, the agape kind. God seeks our best; God loves us deeply. We should also know God as a friend.

He stays with us when all others leave. Wow! What an amazing God he is! As we move from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that God continued to seek after a broken world to restore a loving bonding relationship.

Once God sent his only son everything would be peachy creamy, right? (John 3:16). Jesus (just like his Father before him came desiring to be one with his people (Luke 4:18).

During his ministry, the Pharisees and Sadducees were always trying to find ways of discrediting Jesus and causing division among the people. They even tried to use the marriage relationship to trap him.

[But Jesus told the Pharisees, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). Marriage is of God. He joined (Greek sunezeuksen, “yoked”) male and female together. It was brazen for anyone to pull them apart.]

From the very beginning of his ministry Jesus spoke about genuine love and unity to his followers. But just as Israel resisted, rejected, and were stiff neck towards God, many treated Jesus the same way.

The Bible says, 17} He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11} He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:10-11 KJV).

Jesus loved his people so much, he wanted to take them in his arms and protect them like a hen would protect her chicks. But they wouldn’t allow him too (Matthew 23:37-39).

[Many times we feel wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid and don’t know where to turn. We reject Jesus’ help because we’re not sure he can give us what we need. But who knows our needs better than our creator?]

Because they wouldn’t allow Jesus to be close to them, their house was left desolate. The Greek word desolate (erēmos) means to be lonesome. Not just in a physical sense but also in a spiritual sense. It’s to be in a solitary, lonely, uninhabited position.

Jesus doesn’t want us to be isolated and watch the enemy (Satan) destroy our lives. He’s not calling us to draw near for his own benefit. Just as husband and wives should be together in an unselfish relationship.

Paul told husbands to love their wives as Jesus loves his church. (Ephesians 5:25-30). That’s what I call being close. The Christian marriage relationship is a visual representation of how close Jesus wants to be with us.

And nothing hurts more than when your spouse’s loving advances are rejected. I’m not just speaking about the advances in the bedroom. I’m speaking about being totally shut out emotionally.

It’s like hearing those words that businesses sometimes will use towards other business associates, “your services are no longer required.” Today, many are married in “name only.” Even though they live in the same house, they are like two ships that pass in the night.

Falling out of love with someone when the other person still feels a oneness connection is excruciating and painful to their heart. I know exactly how that felt as a teenager. I watched someone step on my heart with another person.

No one likes to be rejected and alone. The great thing about the Lord is, he’s in this closeness thing with you from beginning to end. Many women that found a living breathing relationship with Jesus was better than any relationship they had on earth.

They knew this is the man that would always love them, never cheat on them, never harm them, and never demean or slander them. Jesus is the man every woman should want. The Bible tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Paul spoke about this seeking in the book of Acts. 27} “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28} For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:27-28 KJV). God created us to be with us, it’s that simple.

[God is revealed in his creation and is close to every one of us. But he is not trapped in his creation. God is transcendent. God is the Creator, not the creation. God is sovereign and in control, while at the same time he is close and personal.]

But as the people in Jesus’ day would reject his love and crucify him, he still continued to love them. In the Old Testament God’s power would come upon people. But Jesus told his disciples that there was coming a power that would be in them (Acts 1:4-8).

This leads me to the most powerful way of all God would be close to us. Jesus loved his disciples very deeply. John was very much a part of that love (John 13:21-27). So much that he would breathe on them a foretaste of what was coming. (John 20:22). John, along with Peter and James were the inner three who were closest to Jesus. 

He told them of his impending death, and they were saddened by it (John 16:6,27). Previously Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father. But Jesus told him “When you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.”

Jesus would further go on to say these powerful words to his disciples. 15} “If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16} And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17} Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:15-18 KJV).

The comforter and the Spirit of truth are names given to the Holy Spirit. It is he whom Jesus spoke about coming to live inside the disciples. This would take place on the day of Pentecost. He is called the Holy Spirit of promise.

This promise came to fruition in (Acts 2:1-4). Today, the person of the Holy Spirit (he is a person, not some electrical force) lives with us and in us.  He teaches us. He reminds us of Jesus’ words.

[He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil. He guides us into truth and gives insight into future events. He brings glory to Jesus.]

[The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost, he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities.]

Especially those who are religious and not born-again (Romans 8:9-11). But to those who understand Jesus’ words and the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life. The Holy Spirit lives within all who believe in Jesus Christ.

If you have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then it doesn’t matter how much church attendance you have or read books on religion, you are not saved (Spiritually reborn).

First, you need to confess your sins and recognize that Jesus has already paid the price for your sin. Then you can receive God’s forgiveness who will remember your sin no more.

Then you can get on with the business of going to church and reading about God. But this time you will be led by the Spirit of God and not by religious devils. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth.

🗣📢 Last words: Before we close for the day, here are some practical ways to draw close to God. Which is simply coming closer to God spiritually.

1) Prayer: Talk to God every day. Not like you might talk to your pet or your television when your favorite team is losing. Schedule a time each day to spend time with God. The best way to draw closer to God is to listen to his voice.

Moses did it the right way, so did Jesus. (Exodus 24:18; 25:1; Mark 6:46; Mathew 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). If you’re not praying, you’re fainting. If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.

2) Read the Bible everyday: Soak yourself in the living pages of God’s Word. You can get really close to God by opening his word. Turn off the world at times so you can see God’s Word.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:15).

3) Meditate on God’s Word: If you keep your mind on God, you won’t have to get rid of some of  the other garbage that Satan keeps trying to fill your mind with. (Psalm 1:2-3; 37:31; 119:15,97-99; Job 22:22; Joshua 1:8).

4) Identify prompting from the Holy Spirit: Like a child learning to distinguish it’s mothers or fathers voice from other voices, listen for those deep prompts from inside your spirit.

As you grow in God you will be able to discern and know the difference and between his Spirit, Satan, and the world’s voices. (Luke 2:27; 1 John 4:1-3; John 16:13; Romans 8:14-17; 26-27; Philippians 3:15).

5) Listen to worship music that Glorifies God: There is some much sound and noise in the world. Did you know God can discern between anointed music (that reaches his throne) secular music, and religious music?

True worship towards God involves him as the object of our worship. Some people think you can worship without God being a part of it. There’s a reason why God accepts Abel’s sacrifice and not Cain’s.

God always looks at the motives of the heart. Sometimes motives to worship God could be monetary. It could be worldly. We should always allow the Holy Spirit to direct us in the true worship of God.

(John 4:23-24; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17; 1 Samuel 16:23; Psalm 9:2; 150:1-6; Jeremiah 31:4; Exodus 15:20; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Zephaniah 3:17).

6) Keep a daily gratitude list: Take time to thank God for all the things he has done and provided for you. If you can keep all those sticky notes on your fridge about the family activities, why not give God a nice sticky of thanks.

(Psalms 95:2; 103:2-5; 107:1-3; Philippians 4:6-7; 11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Lamentations 3:22-24).

7) Intercede for others: Getting in the practice of telling others I got your back in prayer can be a huge encouragement for them. Prayer involving Intercession takes sacrifice on behalf of a life that’s hurting. Serious Intercession can also involve fasting.

(1 Timothy 2:1-3; Jeremiah 7:16; 1 Samuel 12:23-25; Matthew 9:27-29; James 5:15-16; Job 16:21; Numbers 12:13; Nehemiah 1:4-11; Acts 7:6).

8) Connect with a small group: Sometimes less can be more. It’s always great to connect with like-minded people who are on the same journey as you.

Connecting with small groups can sometimes have an advantage over large groups because the intimacy can be more binding and create an accountability towards one another.

(2 Timothy 2:2-3; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 13:26; Ephesians 4:11-13). Getting involved in small groups can also help in learning to serve one another in needs that may be expressed.

God is the great changer of hearts, the lifter of attitudes. As you give him the things that darken your day, he can be the sunshine in your soul. When you turn to him and pray, he delights in lifting your hearts heaviness and giving you a spirit of gratefulness.

[The more you abide in God’s Word and in his presence, the more you will hear his voice and the more victorious and successful you will be in every area of life. The Word says God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).]

“Come on everybody, get closer!”


📕 Here’s some more words to hold close to your heart. (Psalm 139:7-8; 13-18; 145:18-20; Zephaniah 3:17).



🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to draw a little bit closer. “Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s uplifting message. Lord, I have been so alone lately. I have searched everywhere to find closeness from anyone that might love or care for me.

But each time I get pushed away. I have had many thoughts about ending my life because I feel as if no one wants me. But as I found this message today, Lord, I really want to stop trying to find love and closeness my way, and try your way.

Lord, please prepare my heart to receive your love. I need you and want to know you. Reveal any anxieties and worries I have not given to you and lead me to you. Cleanse my mind and my heart, Lord Jesus.

I learned today from “TRY JESUS” that
nothing can separate me from your love. Thank you for never giving up on me. Your word says when I call upon you, you hear me and save me. Lord, remind me of these truths today.

I have a broken and contrite spirit, remind me that you are close to me through this season. I know no matter what happens, my identity as your child never changes. You have chosen me, and you call me a “royal priesthood!”

Thank you, Jesus, that your work on the cross gives me an eternal identity. You have clothed me in a new, clean, and pure garment of salvation. I will praise your name forever. Even when you feel far away, you are close, in Jesus’ name, amen.” 





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Members of “TRY JESUS” The Body of Christ. Please remember to participate in the communion of our Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:23-30).

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

Pastor Todd Boxley

tjforlife.com

Worship Center Ministry

Consider The Cost – Repost of Pastor T. Boxley’s Sermon

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 New York, North Carolina, Arizona, California, Iowa, and Minnesota this week.

What a tremendous week of seeing God’s people turn out for last week’s message. The nation seems it has placed itself in a blender of destruction and continues to do everything backwards without common sense.

But God continues to build his church and navigate his born-again believers through this worldly maze of sin. We continue to be his workmanship running towards the glorious prize that awaits us (Philippians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Ephesians 2:10).

Let’s bless the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “Heavenly Father, thank you for gathering our hearts together in your wonderful presence. Lord, please give us a hunger and thirst to sit at your feet the way you gave Mary.

Open our understanding to receive the Holy Spirit’s presence in your word today. Lord, please enlighten our minds with truth, inflame our hearts with love. Inspire each will with courage, enrich our lives with service.

Lord, as we begin this new day, help us to engage your will with a reckless faith. Teach us to trust in you and help us grow in righteousness. Give us the courage to step out in faith today.

Fill our hearts with your spirit and let us speak your words with boldness. Order our steps today and keep us standing on your strong foundation, for you are our never-failing rock, in Jesus, mighty name, amen.”

It truly has been a remarkable week of seeing God touch hearts and lives. When people see devastation on the outside, they never realize the work God is doing on the inside.

Yes, we hear news all day long of people’s lives being hurt by lawlessness. We hear of tragic weather events. But as we continue to pray and intercede for those in Hawaii, we must remember there are broken lives right in own neighborhoods.

Sometimes we look back in our neighborhoods and think of yester years. How so? Let me put it this way, has there ever been a time in your life when you took a nostalgic walk and looked at how things were in the past?

Today, all of us can relate to the ridiculous way prices have risen on everyday goods we purchase. What were those famous words by Superman, “Up, up, and away!” It seems Inflation has taken hard owned money and caused it sprout wings.

Does it seem like you’re spending more monthly than a couple of years ago? When something starts to inflate our currency market, virtually everything consumers buy goes up. Food, houses, cars, clothes, toys, gasoline, etc.

Because of this swelling or ballooning in this country, eventually something is going to burst. It’s pretty amazing too that when the dam starts to break, the fingers always come out and start pointing blame.

The pointing always goes back to the previous leaders. Looking back to blame is never a good thing. The only time looking back is good is when it can be helpful in making things better. I love looking back at nostalgic things I can smile about.

For example, since we all have to drink water and eat food, what was your favorite food in the 70s, 80s, or 90s? I understand many young members of “Try Jesus” were not around to see these great prices (Smile).

But In 1970 a pound of bacon cost 95 cents, a dozen eggs cost 60 cents, bread was priced at 24 cents, 10 pounds of potatoes was 90 cents, coffee was 91 cents and a gallon of orange juice cost 86 cents.

In 1970 a gallon of gas cost 36 cents. Imagine how many times those families who loved fast food could go to McDonalds and get French Fries for  $0.26, a Big Mac for $0.65, and a Coke for $0.15. How times have changed.

Those of you who loved to dress to impress could buy clothing without putting a dent in your clothing account. You could go on vacation, take your family to an amusement park, and still come home with pennies to spare.

Again, looking back can bring memories of smiles and laughter and how lives are impacted from previous generations. But my mother would always say, there’s always someone that’s going to come and mess everything up.

She knew firsthand by watching her own children come and mess things up when the house was filled with smiles and laughter. This typically happened when we were playing a family board game and one of the family members decided to cheat while playing the game.

I realize looking back is not good for everyone. Many of you would rather forget about the past you thought was supposed to be fun and loving but was disgusting and hurtful. This is the world we all were born into.

But looking back can be good for everyone. It just depends on what you went back to look at. For example, if you good go back in time, what year and what thing would you be doing?

Let me give you the answer this way. If you went back for anything associated with the world, you would still be disappointed. Why? Because since the fall of humanity (transgression against God) everything has been corrupted.

Before we open the word of God (the Bible) today, please allow me to give you one more example of what looking back my look like visually. Even though it’s a fiction story, the “Back to the Future” trilogy movie series gave realism to looking back.

The movie stars teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who is blasted to 1955 in a DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Notice the title again of the movie.

They find themselves mixed up in a time-shattering chain reaction that could vaporize their future and leave them trapped in the past. Nothing to get excited about, right?

When things finally get unraveled at the end of the third movie, you can hear Marty’s girlfriend ask Doc Brown a question about her blank paper.

Jennifer Parker: “Dr. Brown, I brought this note back from the future and now it’s erased.” Doc: “Of course it’s erased!”
Jennifer Parker: “But what does that mean?”

Doc: “It means your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one, both of you. Marty McFly: We will, Doc.

Again, the movie title is “Back to the Future.” They went back in order to get to where, the future. Why? because every time they went back, the same mishaps that happened in the past still happen in the future.

Each time they considered the ramifications of disturbing something in the past, it could have devastating results in the future. Each time they tried to fix something, something else got messed up.

Now let’s bring the full realism into today’s message. And in order to do that, you must bring the creator of all things into the picture. The Bible tells this in (Genesis 1:1).

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 KJV). The Bible also gives us more information about Almighty God (John 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Genesis 1:26-27; Hebrews 1:1-2; Isaiah 44:24; Psalm 104:29-30; Ephesians 3:9).

Jesus, the God-man is the only source we can look forward towards eternal life. 16} “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18} And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:16-18 KJV).

[Paul explained that all the thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities of both the spiritual and physical worlds were created by and are under the authority of Christ himself. This includes those who sit on seats of authority in our government.]

So, when we look at the physical world from any era without God in it, it always ends up in ruins. Yes, people like to carry titles like “The good ole days” or “Days gone by” to describe how things were in the past.

Looking back is ok if there’s something that’s just as good as it is in the future. Some might say, when I look back at meeting my spouse, it was good back then, and it’s even better now. Praise God! That’s something the Lord wants for your marriage.

But nothing on earth compares to a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said, 37} “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38} And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39} He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39 KJV).

His words tell us that loving anything more than God has empty value. Yes, husbands and wives should love each other. Yes, we should love our children and take care of those living gifts God gave to us.

We should even be good stewards over the things he has blessed us with. We just should not put any of these over our relationship with God. (Exodus 20:1-10; Deuteronomy 4:6-9).

Israel seemed to forget those powerful words God spoke to them about. The Bible tells us to set your affections on things above and not on the earth. (Colossians 3:1-3). Whenever Israel felt a little turbulent pressure, they wanted to run back to Egypt.

God had given Israel everything that needed. He met all their physical and spiritual needs. (Deuteronomy 29:2-6). And yet Israel kept looking back. So, how many times do you think Israel looked back?

Well, the answer can be found in (Numbers 14:20-24). Please remember my friends, the number of times in approximation is not as important as the condition of heart at the time of the offense.

God had spoken to them often about their rebellion, when there was a land flowing with milk and honey before their eyes ahead of them. Here’s God’s own words he spoke to Israel.

22} “Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

23} Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

24} But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:22-24 KJV).

Notice the Bible says Caleb had another spirit. You can read Caleb’s own words he spoke to Joshua in (Joshua 14:6-10). Caleb followed God with all his heart and was rewarded for his obedience. He was wholehearted in his commitment to obey God?

God isa forward-looking God. Israel’s rebellion reminds me of my own rebellion as a preteen. It involved me and my brothers. My parents had just seen a new house and were making plans for us to relocate.

Of course like any child having to move away from friends is very difficult. You’re going to miss all your friends at school. When we finally moved to our new house there were many boxes that needed to be carried to our rooms.

My dad had told us at least three times to carry our marked boxes to our rooms and unpack our stuff. We just sat there reading our comic books and thinking about the school we just left. From then on, all I remember is hearing this swoosh.

It was our dad swinging is belt against our bare legs. Too bad we had on our basketball shorts (Smile). I never jumped so high in my life off a recliner. My dad’s belt was able to swat six pairs of legs and not miss once.

I guess he was tired of hearing himself talk. He gave us a chore to do, and ignoring it caused us some needed discipline. The same applied to Israel as well. God had spoken time and time again, but Israel kept looking back.

The Lord had been persevering with his people through countless illustrations of rebellious behavior, which was testing him. (Numbers 14:26-35). God is so long suffering with us. But sometimes enough is enough.

This also happened in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah. God had given instruction to Lot and his family to flee the area because God had pronounced judgement and was going to destroy it.

“For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord ; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19:13 KJV). God had promised to spare Sodom if only ten righteous people lived there (Genesis18:32).

But not even ten could be found, because the angels arrived to destroy the city. But you can see what happens when we get comfortable with corruption after a while. Sin is like blowing dust, it just sticks to everything.

When Lot tried to tell his family what was about to happen, his sons-in-law brushed him off and mocked as if to say, “Yeah right, whatever.” It’s bringing back memories of my poor thighs after disobeying my dad about moving the boxes.

But Lot’s family paid a much deeper price than my aching thighs. Because Lot lingered (as if to snuggle next to the abomination) The angels had to grab hold of his hands and his wife’s hands and the hands of his daughters. (Genesis 19:15-17).

The angels took outside the city limits and told them to not look back. But they should run to the mountains so they would not be consumed. It seems Lot just couldn’t get out of the way of himself.

Since the first choice he made with his uncle Abraham to choose which land he would take to choosing to run into a town named Zoar. But then after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah he was afraid and ran up into the mountains.

From there, things really take a disastrous turn in that gave with his two daughters who also reacted out of fear. (Genesis 19:30-38). Of course, in between that incident and the judgement of God, we cannot forget about Lot’s wife.

They were all told not to look back at the fire and brimstone destruction God was sending against Sodom and Gomorrah. What was so bad about looking at someone else’s demise?

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26 KJV). Do you think the punishment was too harsh? What did she want to see that was so important? Was she thinking about her two sons-in-law?

Only God knew what lied in her heart. Many times, looking back at the wrath and power of God can be detrimental to your life. When Lot’s wife turned back to look at the burning city of Sodom, it seemed she must have been clinging to the past.

She was unwilling to turn completely away. Maybe she was too connected to some of her friends’ lifestyles. Maybe she felt comfortable with sinful pleasures and relationships while trying to move forward with God?

[You can’t make progress with God as long as you are holding on to pieces of your old life. Jesus said it this way in (Matthew 6:24), “No one can serve two masters.” Light and darkness can never be one together.]

We are told to choose this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:14-16). Jesus even told us to consider the cost of follow him (Luke 14:25-33). There were always multitudes of people following Jesus.

But what were their reasons for following him? Many had motives that benefited themselves and no one else. Following Jesus for selfish reasons leaves you with nothing.

26} “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27} And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27 KJV).

[Jesus made this statement to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for him. He encouraged those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Jesus means totally submitting to him perhaps even to the point of death.]

Jesus made it clear that if he is not Lord of all, then he is not Lord at all. When God fills the space of something he engulfs it. He wants to fill your heart with his presence and love.

Jesus told those who were following to count the cost. It’s always wise to consider what your plan is before implementing it. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28 KJV).

[When a builder doesn’t count the cost or estimates it inaccurately, the building may be left uncompleted. How many people do you know who started going to church but when the persecution got a little heavy, they went back to their worldly comfort zone.]

So, what is that cost in 2023? Christians may face loss of social status or wealth. They may have to give up control of their money, their time, or their careers. They may be hated, separated from their families, and even put to death.

The word “consider” (katanoeō) is found in 66 passages in the King James Version (KJV). It may be used in the Old Testament for a variety of Hebrew terms.

In (Luke 12:24), Jesus used the word consider in his parable to the crowds in regarding the dangers of laying up treasures of wealth. Consider means to observe fully. To behold, discover, remark, observe, understand. To consider attentively. To fix one’s eyes or mind upon something.

We are highly more valuable than the flying birds you see today. It’s important to know what God says about you in his word. Many times, people won’t consider becoming a true Christian because they feel they might have to give up things.

Solomon told his readers if you’re going to get something, then get understanding. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7 KJV).

If you’re not going to consider the gospel, and how it will affect you in the afterlife, you’ll just keep getting what you are getting on this side of life. Someone once said, “If you are doing what you are doing, you’ll keep getting what you are getting.”


🗣📢 Last words: Typically, in life, all things have a starting point, right? We start our day off making choices that either brighten our day or we make choices that can possibly darken our day and give a different outcome.

When we follow Jesus in faithful obedience to God from our hearts, this leads to genuine love for God and others. Jesus never gave excuses to those who reneged on their promises to follow him (Luke 9:57-61).

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 KJV). The phrase, “The cross before me, the world behind me” is still effective today.

Following Jesus does not mean having a trouble-free life. We must carefully count the cost of becoming his disciples so that we will firmly hold to our faith and won’t be tempted later to turn back.

Your response to today’s message should be to consider how you might put the Lord to the test in your own life. True born-again believers read about the Lord’s faithfulness in the Bible. 

They have seen his faithfulness in their lives. Yet, when they encounter their next difficulty, do they show evidence of belief in him, a belief that knows they can trust him through the difficulty?

Remember my beloved friends, Christ has no equal and no rival. He is the Lord of all. Consider, and then move forward without hesitation toward the prize (Philippians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25).


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to surrender. “Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s message. Your word has turned my heart. Lord, take me by the right hand and lead me in paths of righteousness.

I find joy in following you, trying to place my feet in the footprints of my Father. I know there is a cost to discipleship. I’ll count the cost Lord, but when the cost is too great, I struggle.

You’re the only one that can fix me. Help me not to linger around people, places, or things that rob my joy and peace. Lord, the spirit is willing, but the flesh continues to show its rebellious ways.

Lord, my spirit doesn’t fear counting the cost of discipleship, but my flesh most certainly does. Counting the cost makes it real because you showed me how to face it. I know that the great reward in dying to self is you. You are my exceedingly great reward.

I know you want to be Lord of my life. I’ll count the cost, Lord. The cost of discipleship commands I die too self daily. But only if you’ll help me. I need your huge amounts of grace. I want to honor you with my life. I want to glorify your name.

Help me put aside all selfish ambitions to follow you wherever you may lead. Help me die to self, so I can see things through eternity’s lens. Lord, fill me up to overflowing with your love.

You have the love that impacts this hurting world. I identify with your cross, for your cross set me free. I need your strength to carry my own cross so that others may be set free, as well.

Jesus, help me to run this race well, to finally hear you say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done.” Until that time may others see you in me, In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.




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“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Pastor Todd Boxley Worship Center Ministry

Copyright © 2020-23 Worship Center Ministry. All Rights Reserved.

Setting it ablaze again repost of Pastor Todd Boxley’s Sermon

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 Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, South Carolina, Michigan, and Illinois this week.

It seems like the summer is moving at a fast pace this year. Soon, for many of us, we’ll begin to see the evidence that the fall season is upon us. Why does it seem the summer breezes by and “old man winter” tiptoes at a slow pace?

Even so, we praise the God of heaven for giving all things to richly enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17; Genesis 8:22). We certainly serve a God who is awesome in everything he does.

Let’s bless the Lord in prayer and thankfulness. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for gathering hearts into your loving presence. This is the day you have made, help us to be glad and rejoice in it.

Lord, we gather to your word, because your word gives light in darkness and it understanding to the childlike mind. Lord, open our hearts to gain understanding of your truth this morning.

Teach us to choose only your way today so each step will lead us closer to you. Help us walk by your Holy Word and not our feelings. Help us to keep our hearts purified by and undivided by your Holy Spirit.

Protect us from our own careless thoughts, words, and actions. Your mercy and love covers us that way. Help us this morning to rest in your word, that says, “Great is your love toward us.”

That’s amazing! But what’s most amazing is that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with us this morning. May your living message today, accomplish that which you sent it to do, in Jesus’ name, amen.”


As I mentioned earlier, these summer months seem to whiz right by. Especially when you’re traveling and having fun. How many of you love those days of inviting friends over for some good ole barbecue grill day?

Better still, how many of you love to take hold of those grilling tongs and show off your master grilling skills? There are people who love the prep time to get everything set up before you release that great smell throughout your neighborhood.

I grew up being around grills all the time. I believe I shared the story about my dad being a master griller to all the “Try Jesus” members before. My dad was not only great at grilling, he would make his own grills.

He also was enthusiastic about being the first family member to arrive at our family reunion picnic each year. To this day, I still can’t figure out why he thought he had to get out there before the sun came up to get his grill fired up and ready to go.

Me and my brothers are a testament to getting woke at 5:00 am to pack up food, drinks, grill parts, volleyball nets, and other picnic items to get to the area before anyone else. I mean, everything else in the picnic area was still sleeping.

We woke up the birds, bugs, deer, and anything else that was sleeping (Smile). If we did see a car passing through or when relatives finally did start to trickle in, they knew it was us getting things set up because they could see the fire from the grills.

My dad’s first priority was to get that fire blazing hot just the way he wanted before he would throw on those expensive cuts of meats. Whatever meats you liked, my dad had it.

But when it comes to grilling it, you can buy whatever foods you want to grill, but if the fire and coals are not prepped correctly, your food won’t have that grilling first place contest taste.

My dad wanted that fire to burn that five-star quality burn on his meats. Again, I never understood as a youth what was so important about getting up so earlier to go out to the picnic area to hear nature still snoring.

By the time the other families started showing up, we were sleep with blankets on the picnic benches. I was too tired already to play softball, volleyball, basketball, or other activities.

I did, however, enjoy watching my dad get those fires burning in all those grills. He taught us about the dangers of fire and how it can hurt you. I’ve had a few singed hairs and fingers growing up.

Some of you love being around fires. Many of you may love going to bonfires or having firepits in your backyard while roasting S’mores. It can be peaceful and comfortable sitting around discussing fun memories.

Some of you may have government laws in your states forbidding residents to have grilling or have fires blazing in their back yards. Here in Pennsylvania, many counties allow you to have them as long as you follow the state guidelines of what you can burn.

Many states and nations have lost their ability to manage their fires properly. Look at all the fires we seem to keep allowing to burn out of control and threaten citizens and their homes.

Those Canadian fires were sending their smoke down to many states in our nation. I’ve always been amazed at how many citizens know how to properly work with fires in their backyard, trim their shrubbery, trim their trees, etc.

But it seems some of our states and other nations don’t know how to properly maintain forestry management to prevent forest fires. And yet, they are still playing those old “Smoky the Bear” commercials on TV.

I’m not a forest expert, but even I know if you don’t have a controlled burn to get rid of the dead trees and dead wood on the forest floor, you will have more chance of lightening strikes hitting dead wood, or some careless camper starting a fire.

“Only you can prevent forest fires.” I remember it from my parents. But as I think about fires that have burned and destroyed for hundreds of years, there are other fires from the past that were a good, no, great thing to have happen in history.


Fires have been around forever. The God of the Bible uses fires just as my dad did, but in a more powerful and majestic way. God uses fires to pronounce judgement and he uses fire to purify and renew.

Today, I want to dive into biblical teachings about Fire. The word “fire” occurs approximately 515 verses in the KJV bible. The first-time fire is mentioned is in (Genesis 19:24). Although God did send a vision to Abram that was a smoking firepot and a flaming torch.

This fire and smoke detailed God’s holiness, his zeal for righteousness, and his judgment on all the nations. The Last mention of the word fire is found in (Revelation 21:8).

God is using fire as judgement against all who reject his love gift (Jesus). This second death will be a spiritual death, meaning eternal torment. It is a permanent irreversible separation from God.

When the Bible speaks of fire in connection with Almighty God, it describes God as being a consuming fire. “For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24 KJV). God is a devouring fire.

God’s jealousy is pure and holy. His love for us is so great that he doesn’t want that love fractured when we try to have another god (idol) equal with him. He makes a strong, exclusive demand on us. We must treat only the Lord and no one else in all the universe as God.

Many people don’t understand the pure holiness of God. When Moses led the people out of Egypt to mount Sinai, the glory of God came down on the mount in a cloud.

But God’s glory is described this way by Moses, “And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 24:17 KJV).

There was also instruction given to Moses by God that the people were to be prepared by Moses to meet the Lord before his glory came upon the mount. On the third day God’s glory covered the mount.

God told Moses to set up boundaries to the mount all the way to the base of the mount. God told Moses anyone who comes and touches the mount would be put to death.

Why? It’s not because God doesn’t love the people he delivered from Egypt, it’s because the holiness and purity of God will not allow sinful flesh in his presence. Whether it was man or beast, no one would live that touched the mount.

“And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.” (Exodus 19:18 KJV).

When God goes out, one of the elements accompanying his protocols is combustive “Holy Ghost Fire.” (Psalm 97:3). Please read aloud the first six verses of Psalm 97 to gain a visual perspective on the glory of God.

[The dark clouds that surround God symbolize his unapproachable holiness and the inability of people to find him on their own. If he were uncovered, no one could stand before his blazing holiness and glory.]

From the beginning of creation, we see God made all things good, including Fire. While Fire can be destructive and dangerous when misused, when used correctly, it can also be a tool for cooking, warmth, and light. 

My dad certainly knew how to use this fire at our family reunions, but I remember, however vaguely (being a youth) the times when my mother’s mother would talk to him about the power of Jesus.

Somethings my dad seemed to brush off. But the power and fire of God (his holiness) cannot be withstood. You either surrender to it or be destroyed by it. Dealing with God’s holiness is serious business.

# Even my mother (who wasn’t a grill master), would pass on her wisdom about being burned. How so? When I was in high school, I tried to date two girls at the same time.

I would invite them over at different times. They only knew each other in passing. But one day my mother wanted to have one of those serious talks with me when I came home from school.

She told me that she didn’t want to see me get hurt. She told me I was playing with fire with these two nice girls. She then showed me a candle with the wicks on both ends.

She then lit them and said if you keep trying to burn the candle on both ends, eventually you’re going to get burned. I sort of shrugged my shoulders and said, “ok mom.”

One month later, I was entertaining one of the girls on the porch. All of a sudden, I looked up the street, and saw the other girl walking down the street. I told the one girl I had to do something for my mom.

I ran upstairs and asked my mom to tell them both I couldn’t come outside because she put me to work. But my mom just gave me this look and held up the candle. She also said she was not going to lie for me..

The fire was coming and I was going to get burned. As one of the girls rang the doorbell, my mother answered and began to tell the girls that they should confront me.

I could hear her from upstairs. I said to myself, “What is she doing to me!” I then heard her call me downstairs. That was the slowest walk down a set of stairs in my life.

After I looked out the door, the mother finished talking with the girls and said “remember ladies, boys should never be dogs.” As I stepped outside, I smiled at both girls and before I could say hi, I felt this pain on the right side of my face.

Yes, the fire had come in the form of a swift slap across my face. I just stood there and took it. Both girls then walked away. I did learn a valuable lesson that day. My mother did console me.

By the way, the two girls ended up becoming best friends. My next date, months down the road would be a girl who went to a different high school. That’s because the two girls told the other girls in school I was a two timer.

Those words spread like fire throughout the school. Again, I learned this lesson the hard way, but I never got burned again. My parents had taught me there are many ways fire can hurt you. #

Abram was a parent just like my dad. He also handled fire, but in a more serious way. He would be willing to sacrifice his only son to God. God certainly did not approve of human sacrifice (Leviticus 20:1-5). He tested Abraham.

[God did not want Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so it would be clear that Abraham loved God more than he loved his promised and long-awaited son.]

God’s covenant with Abram was serious business. (Genesis 15:1,17,18). It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibility for Abram. To confirm his promise, God gave Abram a sign, a smoking firepot, and a flaming torch.

The fire and smoke represent God’s holiness, his zeal for righteousness, and his judgment on all the nations. The United States doesn’t realize the dangers its leaders place on its citizens when they bulk, mock, and disregard the holiness of God and his laws.

I will speak more about the fire that is coming to this nation and the fire God wants to ignite in his church (his born-again believers) as we proceed further into the message.

Let’s look at other ways God was involved in showing his presence through fire. In the book of (Exodus 3:1-5) fire is a prominent fixture in the burning bush story.

God appeared to Moses in a bush that was burning but not getting consumed. Fire is also mentioned in (Exodus 13:21,22) when God used a pillar of fire at night to guide the Israelites through the wilderness.

Again God’s fire like everything he uses, is different than how we approach and use fire. Everything man uses without consulting God ends in failure. I know individuals who worked in plants handling heated metals by fire.

When safety Protocols and procedures were not followed correctly, disastrous results could harm personnel. There are countless stories of people being burned at work and in the home because people failed to respect and follow fire precautions.

This actually took place in the Bible involving two individuals that mishandled fire. In the book of Leviticus, a book that is filled with dedication to worship, redemption, cleansing, and service to God. Exodus is the foundation for cleansing, worship, and service in Leviticus.

The overwhelming message of Leviticus is the holiness of God. “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2 KJV).

Of course, the priests were chosen to carry the leadership role in Levitical ministry. Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests. Here’s something to always consider when we take our eyes off following God’s laws.

Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them to offer. As a result, fire came out from the Lord and consumed them, and they died.

What was the “wrong kind of fire” that Nadab and Abihu offered before the Lord? The “wrong kind” of fire could be translated “foreign” fire (Psalms 44:20; 81:9), meaning “unholy” (Exodus 30:9) or even “pagan.”

Nadab and Abihu used fire from a source not approved by God (Numbers 3:4; 26:61). As leaders, they had a special responsibility to obey God. In their position, they could easily lead many people astray.

They simply failed to respect the power and holiness of God. Nadab and Abihu abused their office as priests in a flagrant act of disrespect to God, who had just reviewed with them precisely how they were to conduct worship.

There are other examples in the Bible where many were hurt or even died because they failed to realize God’s holy presence and follow his instructions. In your spare time read about Uzza (1 Corinthians 13:7-10).

David found out the hard way when he took a census of the people in Israel and Judah. (1 Chronicles 21:1-16). Why would God have a problem with counting your citizens?

God presented the opportunity of taking a census to David in order to confront David’s personal pride (2 Samuel 24:1). The Lord would deal with Israel’s disastrous national tendency to take pride in their own military strength rather than trusting in God’s protection.

Even complaining against God can cause repercussions. (Numbers 21:5-7). Peter found out what happens when we take our eyes off him (Matthew 14:28-31). When we fail to consult God, tragedies can take place. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God in all your planning.

Toying or playing around with God can be dangerous. Yes, his love covers and protects us, but his love also will discipline us (Psalm 118:18; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:11).

Again, there are ways God uses fire and other resources to show his majestic glory. Fire is used to purify and consecrate the offerings and sacrifices made in the Tabernacle. God sent fire from heaven at least six times in the Bible.

A} Fire came down from heaven to consume the sacrifice that David offered on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:26). Our God is awesome and Holy. His presence is pure and undefiled.

B} The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: In (Genesis 19:24), God rained down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them completely. Sins consequences can be deadly.

C} Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel: In (1 Kings 18:38). God was shaming the prophets of Baal, whose god sent no fire, and claiming his rightful title as Lord God of Israel.

D} The sacrifice of Solomon: (2 Chronicles 7:1).


God sent fire from heaven to consume the offering and to begin the fire that was to burn continuously under the altar of burnt offering (Leviticus 6:8-13).

[This perpetual fire symbolized God’s presence. God also sent fire when inaugurating the use of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 9:22-24). This was the real dedication of the Temple because only God’s purifying power can make something holy.]

E} During the end-times tribulation, the false prophet will cause fire to come down from heaven as a means of  deceiving people into worshiping the Antichrist (Revelation 13:13).

F} Also, at the end of the millenium, God promises that he will destroy the armies of Gog and Magog with fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9). God does not play around with fire, he always uses it perfectly.

Later on in the New Testament, fire is mentioned in the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3), and with the judgment that will come at the end of the age for those who reject God (Revelation 20:14-15).

Before we close for this Sunday’s awesome message, here are a few more examples of God’s awesome power using fire to accomplish his will, purpose, and plan.

Job’s flocks: Job’s livestock were wiped out by fire that descended from heaven (Job 1:16). However, the earlier part of (Job 1:12) explains that although this was a direct attack from Satan, Satan was acting with God’s approval.

It was a tragedy that God permitted, and in the end, God received the glory. Job was blessed with even greater flocks on the other side of his tribulations (Job 42:12).

The destruction of the priests of Baal: In (2 Kings 1:10), King Ahaziah sent a captain and fifty men to arrest the prophet, Elijah. Elijah called down fire from heaven that consumed the captain and his men.

I do have a fire assignment for you today. You can consider it to be like practicing those fire drills you did when you were in elementary school. Just as fire drills in school are important, understanding God’s power and glory is important.

For all the scriptures we have looked at today, please place a capital “G” meaning, God used fire for good, or place a “J” meaning God used fire for judgement. Of course, some scriptures have already been explained. 

Please designate a “G” or “J” after reading this passage. (Revelation 20:14,15) This fire is described as the final destination for those who reject God’s ways.

(Acts 2:3,4) This verse says that on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in the form of tongues of fire. Some people thought these people were drunk. Is this “G” or “J”?

(Matthew 3:11,12) John said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This looked ahead to Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 in the upper room in the form of tongues of fire.

John’s words also symbolizes the purifying and cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in bringing God’s judgment on those who refuse to turn from their sins (Zechariah 13:9). Was this “G” or “J”?

☆ Read carefully, some verses could be a little tricky. Also please note, water baptism does not save anyone. John baptized people as a sign that they had asked God to forgive their sins and had decided to live as he wanted them to live.

Baptism was an outward sign of commitment. I’ve always told the congregation; baptism is an outward sign of an inward work already done by the Holy Spirit.

A long time ago an elderly lady told me about people who get baptized but have never been saved. She smiled at me and said, “Their just getting wet sweetheart, they go down a dry sinner and come up a wet one. You might as well just give them a bar of soap and a washcloth.”

Water baptism is something that’s done after the Holy Spirit has baptized you in newness of life. Infant or sprinkling of water baptism cannot save you. Just read about the thief on the cross. It’s better to have the fire, right?

Ok, back to your assignment. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) God will determine whether each individual has been faithful to Jesus’ instructions. Good work will be rewarded; unfaithful or inferior work will be discounted. So, is this “G” or “J”? Be careful.

(Exodus 3:2-4) God appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed. I did touch on this verse earlier. Remember, God can choose from his unlimited resources to communicate with us as he chooses. Remember the donkey? Is this “G” or “J”?

(Hebrews 12:29) This verse tells us God as a consuming fire. There is a big difference between the flame of a candle and the roaring blast of a forest fire.

Many of you may know people who have experienced devastating house fires. Visual Memories are quickly erased. Nothing earthly can stand in the consuming fire of God. Is this “G” or “J”? Be careful.

(Exodus 13:21,22) God used a pillar of Fire to guide the Israelites by night. God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey to the Promised Land. Is this “G” or “J”? This should be easy.

Did you know that Christians today have that same guidance? We may not be guided by fire or clouds, but we are his pilgrims being guided by his word (The Bible and his Holy Spirit). Some people try to follow God without neither.

(Malachi 3:2; 1 Peter 1:7) God is compared to a refiner’s fire purifying his people like gold and silver. Peter also speaks of testing our faith through trials as a refining process in which our faith is tested like gold in a fire. Is this “G” or “J”? Again, think it through.

Just some more information on this amazing process. I was close to people at a plant who were employed in refining metals. In refining metals, the raw metal ore is heated with fire until the metal melts.

The impurities separate from the liquid metal and rise to the surface. They are skimmed off, leaving the pure metal. Without this heating and melting, no purifying would occur. As the impurities are skimmed off the top, there is a reflection.

(Matthew 25:41) There is an eternal fire awaiting those who reject the good news, (Jesus Christ). Jesus said this fire was not made for humans but was prepared for the devil and his angels. God did not create humans to destroy them. Is this “G” or “J”?

Please remember my friends, Jesus loves you very much. He died so you could be with him forever. Please read these comforting scriptures (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 9:54-56; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 1 John 2:2; 4:7-10; John 3:16,17; Romans 5:8).


There are more scriptures that point to God loving us and not creating us for destruction. Please do not follow or attend churches who teach Calvinistic fallacies. Their doctrinal teaching is subtle and very dangerous and hurtful.

Most people who sit in some churches don’t even realize their sitting in a church that teaches Calvinism. And most churches that teach it won’t say it from the pulpit because they would lose many members. (Calvin  believed God alone knows who is elect (saved) and who isn’t.  And he believed through works one was saved. But, Calvin said, a moral life shows that a person is (probably) one of the elect. Calvin himself was intensely moral and energetic, and he impressed on others the need to work out their salvation – not to be saved but to show they are saved).

Also pride can be revealed by people who think God chose them but not you. Listen my friends, if you’re a Christian, you can witness to anyone, any place, anywhere.

“If you want mercy, you can have mercy. If you want salvation, you can have salvation. If you want to be saved, on the authority of God’s Word, you can be saved.” God certainly does not ordain some people to hell.

For more information on my stance on Calvinism please watch the video on the drop-down page “TJForLife” and click on Christianity vs Cults. In 2023 have you noticed there is an increase in moral depravity in our country?

Today’s message is not a message of trying to bring fear or cause many to have panic in their lives, but there is instability around the world. Have you noticed people are doing everything backwards?

Our nation today calls good evil and evil good. We’re trying to save the planet but can’t save people in communities. Instead of getting people off drugs, we legalize and give them to them so they can destroy themselves at a slower pace.

We are locking up things in our retail stores, but we unlock the jail cells so the repeaters can get out and repeat the same crimes. We tell our children they can’t drive a car until their 16, but we allow them to make choices about what body parts to remove.

Those with wealth lock up all they have and pay much armed security in their gated community. They say they are a sanctuary receiving state, but just don’t move into our upscale neighborhood. Today we face many challenges.

God sees all that this nation has turned too. Corruption and lawlessness are spreading like a raging fire. This sinful rage is engulfing all those who are unprotected from its singe of pain. Fire is painful.

There is more fire coming to this country and all over the world. I told a friend of mine that this message was being prepared about 4 days before the fires in Maui and Hawaii.

This is just another prelude into fires that are coming at a more rampant pace. The Lord has allowed this to happen so people understand that sinful widespread corruption is like giving oxygen to a smoldering flame.

Someone wrote that “Hawaii’s fire problem is due to the vast areas of unmanaged, nonnative grasslands from decades of declining agriculture.” When states suffer from unwise leadership shortcuts, the citizens bear the brunt of it.

Some experts pointed instead to years of poor forest and brush management, in addition to declining agriculture, in Hawaii as the primary cause for the devastating fires that happened.

Did you know that God has control over nature? Do you believe God would send disasters to nations? Have you ever tried to wake up a heavy sleeper? Sometimes you have to shake them a little bit to get their attention.

The more America ignores the voice of God and goes down the path of moral decay, the fires of judgment will increase. If America continues to act with hardness the way Pharoah did, the fires of judgement will only be more severe.

But where is the church in all of this fire? Where is their burning? What kind of burning is the church doing? What happened to the fire and brimstone preaching about sin and abomination lifestyles?

Has the church become lukewarm and snuggled up to untruthful doctrines and worldly programs? Some denominations have allowed corrupt Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyles in their congregations.

Where is the Acts Chapter 2 church? Where is the Pentecostal fire of the Holy Spirit? Has the fire been put out because there is no more oil to burn in the Christian’s Tabernacle (their spiritual body).

God is holy. He is not asleep while the nation is crumbling before his eyes. God is calling his church first to wash itself from the uncleanness of idols. What church are we behaving like in Revelation?

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; (Revelation 2:18 KJV).

Is the church in the United States like the Laodiceans? (Revelation 3:13-19). God saves us from sin, and he will save us from death. But everything temporal, worthless, sinful, imperfect, or destructive will be devoured by the fire of his wrath (Deuteronomy 4:24).

Only what is good, true, sacred, and righteous will remain. Authentic born-again Christians need not worry of the judgement fire coming in this nation. They will be safe like the three Hebrew boys Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:18-25).

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 KJV).

@ This unknown leader of somewhere said it right. Until we as the true Church get tired of playing church, we will never break out of this dark wilderness we find ourselves groping in.

You have to get tired of it all. You’ve got to get tired of the rituals, the games, the carrying on, the group getaway retreats that leave us burned out and not fired up. And all the traditional junk. We need the fire of the Holy Ghost to bring a mighty change. @- unknown


🗣📢 Last words: Here’s the simple answer that the church first must grapple with. Putting out the fire of sin starts with the body of Christ. The church must lead the way in holiness living.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 KJV).

First sin must be dealt with in the church. The church cannot be the Achan family of God. (Joshua 7:19-25). True worship and oneness with God begin as we confess our sin and accept Christ as the only one who can redeem us from sin and help us approach God.

God’s people are to worship him with their lives. God gave this nation purity laws (Leviticus chapters, 11–15). He also gave us rules for daily living concerning family, and responsibilities.

Also rules for sexual conduct, relationships, values, and personal conduct and even our vows (Leviticus chapters, 18–20; and 27). These instructions involve one’s holy walk with God.

Everyone will one day be baptized, either now by God’s Holy Spirit or later by the fire of his judgment. Are you on fire for God today? Do people see you burning? Or are you just a spark covered with ashes? Why not seek God and have your spiritual pilot reignited.


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to get reignited by burning hand of God. “Heavenly Father, what a tremendous day of your word causing many to spiritually lay prostrate under your fervent heat.

This is the time when true worshipers will stand before you as vessels willing to be filled with fresh fire from the Holy Spirit. Lord, may your word be quick and powerful today, piercing even to the soul and spirit.

Lord, you know us inside and out. My thoughts, my words, my actions, my motives. Examine my heart to discover what I value most. O Lord, forgive me for my sinfulness and ignoring your words of repentance.

I’m sorry for making you an afterthought around my selfish schedule. Purify my heart so that the way I spend my time will reflect how much I value you. Set me on fire Lord. Light a fire!

Burn away the crud; burn away the hardness; burn away the immorality; burn away religion; burn away anything that hinders me from reflecting you. Cast Satan and his devils from my life.

Cause the broken and blind in this country to see your glorious work in me so they see your reflection and not me. I ask this today, in your Holy name, which is above all names, powers and authorities, the name of Jesus. Amen.”



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