The Weekly Sermon » Special Days

Every wise woman buildeth her house

Pastor David Miklas — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:10:47 +0000

Volume No. 2012 Issue No. 15 Date: May 6, 2012

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216 pdmikBBM@aol.com pastormiklas@aol.com

Ephesians 5:22-24 speaks of a wife’s relationship to her husband, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”

Ephesians 5:25-29 speaks of the husbands relationship to his wife, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”

Ephesians 5:30-33 speaks of the husband and wife relationship, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (33) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

Ephesians 6:1-4 speaks of the relationship between parents and children, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Dr. Sheldon Smith wrote in the September issue of the Sword of the Lord, “There's No Place like Home!” Be it ever so mortgaged, be it ever so humble – there's no place like home. Whether it be a palace, a tent, or something in between those two extremes, home ranks high with all of us.

Home is that place where you go when the day is done.

Home is the place with the welcome aroma of dinner in the making.

Home is the place where at all seasons you know you are loved.

Home is the place where families make their headquarters.

Home is the place of rest and refreshment.

Home is the place where you shelter your family, a place of fortification against any and all who would do them harm.

Home is that great God-given incubator in which marriage thrives and children are reared.

Home is expensive, but it is worth all it costs you.

Home will be the target of satanic evil, but worth whatever trial you have to endure.

Home will be vulnerable, yet it is the most basic fabric of our society.

Home may lack some of the latest gadgets, but still be replete with genuine happiness.

Home is at the core of all that is good and right in our world.

Home may have issues from time to time, but you'll work fervently to solve them all if you'll keep fresh in your mind that "there's just no place like home."

As we look forward to this coming Sunday – Mother’s Day, may every mother take heed to Proverbs 14:1, “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” May God’s blessing be upon you this week as you read and meditate on the Mother’s Day message taken from I Peter 3:1-6 “Wives to Husbands, say it with Words” .

In His Amazing Grace,

PS: As we have repeatedly said, we will not charge for sending the Weekly SERMON. However there are expenses associated with doing what we do. If possible during 2012, would you please consider helping us in this faith ministry? Your donation will help us to continue to “stand in the gap” in “teaching others also.” After you have given your tithes to your church and taken care of your pastor, would you consider giving either a yearly gift, or a monthly offering? Remember, for the purposes of financial accountability, we have placed this ministry under the Green Street Baptist Chapel of Edwardsville, PA. Checks made out to Green Street Baptist Chapel, memo to the Bible Baptist ministry and mailed to Bible Baptist Ministry 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706 will be applied to this ministry.

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Wives, to your Husbands, say it with Words

Pastor David Miklas — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:19:46 +0000

Sunday May 6, 2012	Phone: 570.829.5216
Pastor David Miklas	e-mail pdmikBBM@aol.com
Message: Mother's Day – 2012	Text: I Peter 3:1-6

Wives, to your Husbands, say it with Words

Introduction: Someone said, "Marriage is not so much finding the right person, as it is being the right person." There are two things that make a real marriage work:

First: A women characterized by SUBMISSION: Where the WIFE must come to terms with her role and ask, "Do I love my husband enough to live for Him?"

Second: A man characterized by SACRIFICIAL LOVE. Where the HUSBAND must come to terms with his role and ask, "Do I love my wife enough to die for her?"

With that in mind, let's look at the marriage scene in I Peter 3:1-7. On this “Mother’s Day,” let’s review FOUR marriage principles for the Wife in verses 1-6 and then on “Father’s Day,” five weeks from now, we will review FIVE marriage principles for the Husband, all found in verse 7.

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; (4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (5) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (6) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. (7) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

It may seem strange Peter’s advice to wives is 6 times as long as that to husbands. This is because the wife’s position is far more difficult than that of the husband.

If a husband becomes a Christian, he will usually bring his wife with him into the church.

But if a wife becomes a Christian, while her husband does not, she is taking a step which produces problems.

I am confident that some lady is thinking, "Sure, I will be glad to live like that as long as I have the right kind of husband." Nevertheless, these verses are written especially to the wife who has the WRONG kind of a husband.

Notice Peter doesn't make allowances for the wife to say, "It could be different if only I had a Christian husband or a spiritual husband." Forget the "If only" and the "If…then." Living as a Christian does not depend upon anyone else.

Peter is talking to wives whose husbands are unsaved or whose husbands are saved but living as carnal Christians.

Now, before I focus your attention upon these verses, that to some will seem very controversial, let me state two things:

Number 1: It was God who gave these words to Peter. So if you have an issue with them; then I encourage you to take it up with God in your prayer time.

Number 2: These words are sorely needed among us, as I see a tremendous problem for our women in the church in general. On this point you might not agree with me, but nevertheless it is true. Just stop for a moment and apply each one of these points in the negative and you will see the problems facing women in the church today.

The First Principle found in verses 1-2 has to do with ACTION. “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” The word "conversation" speaks about your "behavior." Even though your husband may be tough to live with, he probably isn't blind. He cannot totally ignore the behavior of his godly wife. Nagging and preaching will only drive a greater wedge between your husband and Christ. Peter is saying, I believe,

More could be accomplished if you begin to let your behavior at home speak for itself. Your prayer ought to be "Lord change me" before you pray "Lord deal with my husband.”

As a wife, you cannot make your husband something he is not, only God can do that. It is your job to obey your husband. It is God’s job to change his life.

In verse 1 the word "Subjection" has the idea of "Submission." In the context we find two basic components of submission,

In verse 6 we have the element of OBEDIENCE, this speaks of your ACTION. This has to do with WHAT you do.

In verse 2 we have the element of RESPECT, this speaks of your ATTITUDE. This has to do with HOW you do it.

ACTION and ATTITUDE are both important in the idea of submission. The absence of the one will cancel out the effect of the other.

To get a reaction from women, simply use the word submission, and duck! It is usually thought of as the curse word with the most letters. If the topic is discussed in a ladies meeting, you can feel the tension in the audience.

In Ephesians 5:22-24 the Apostle speaks to the wives where we read, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” The word “submit” is the Greek word meaning to “line up under.” Submission in the Bible is not a man vs. woman issue. But the very essence of Christianity is that we each, as Ephesians 5:21 tells us, “as followers of Christ, submit ourselves one to another.” This is not a reference to slavery or inferiority. God ordained it that way, so society could function under leadership.

God ordained a distinction in function all the way back to Genesis 3:16 when He said to Eve, “…thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” Yet in Genesis 2:24, God also said that “the two shall be one flesh.” Now for the sake of unity and workability, the woman is to be subject to the headship of her husband; not as a slave, but as one who is provided for, cared for, and given security by her husband. A lady wrote, “A man’s throne is leadership, a woman’s throne is influence. When a woman takes leadership, she loses influence, but when a woman gives up leadership, she gains influence.”

So then, what is “submission?” Written from a woman’s point of view, here are five of many possible explanations:

First: Submission is a command from God. It doesn’t take a Greek scholar to see that Paul gives a command, “wives, be subject to your own husbands…” and then compares it “…as to the Lord.” As a Christian wife would respond to her Lord, so she is to do to her husband.

Second: Submission is your protection from Satan’s control. In James 4:6-8 we read, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Third: Submission is necessary for rearing of good children. Your children will be as obedient as you are. That is a scary thought, yet an accurate one.

Fourth: Submission avoids conflicts: In any situation when a wife is not willing to yield her will to her husband, he is forced to act in a way which is contrary to God's Word. That is to say, he has two choices:

He can choose to be a bully and demand leadership by force.

He can choose to be a wimp, and allow his wife to lead.

Neither of these are good choices. The only good solution is for the wife to give up leadership to her husband and to follow him. This allows him to be the leader God intended him to be without having to behave in an un-Christ-like manner. Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Yet verse 23 of the same chapter tells us that "… the husband is the head of the wife …" How can these two Bible principles be reconciled, by both yielding their wills to each other? The wife chooses to be the one who yields the most. Submission avoids conflict in every area of a marriage.

Fifth: Submission is the oil that keeps the machinery of marriage running smoothly. Since the order of scripture is always correct, then the marriage machine must start with the wife giving submission to her husband. Remember, submission is not just obeying a man’s demand; it’s a woman’s gift to her husband that causes a man to feel responsible and thus encourages him to make sound decisions.

Listen to the following, written by a lady who understands the importance of “submission.” She wrote, “I realize that I will never get past the struggle I have in the area of submission. I can either give-in and live with the consequences, namely a miserable marriage, or I can decide to take my stubbornness and use it in other ways. Ladies, we have a huge, constant desire to REFUSE TO SUBMIT that is going to stay with us till the grave. Let's take that weapon and point it toward something else besides our husbands. Here are a few suggestions.”

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to that crowd of feminists who have accepted "women’s power" with all the rights and honors pertaining thereto to stand up, speak up, and demand our rights. “Anytime you feel that you deserve to be treated a certain way, whether male or female, black or white, young or old — that is nothing more than simply pride that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden.” We all struggle with submission because we all live with pride.

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to fear that tells you that you cannot have a good marriage because of your past. Refuse to allow your fear to keep you from raising children for the Lord. Do not submit to the fear that keeps you from getting involved at church. If you commit to a ministry then you may truly have to cut all ties with the world. You can no longer walk the fence.

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to the lie that you cannot change.The devil wants you to believe that you have failed so many times that you should no longer try. Do not submit to those lies! You can still succeed at your diet, an exercise program, a healthy lifestyle, a new hobby, a life without drug or alcohol addiction. You can succeed at doing a great work for God. You can raise a godly child now, even if you have an older child who is not living for Christ. Stubbornly refuse to believe that you are too weak to make it happen this time. God is for you! You can change for the better!

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to the sinful habit of listening to gossip and criticism. Jesus Christ can empower you to be strong enough to stop talking bad about others! Refuse to help others tear someone down. Do what you have to do to keep a positive spirit toward your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow church members.

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to laziness. This goes for those who have jobs outside the home or inside the home. If you are home, refuse to spend the day in front of the television or computer screen, surfing the net, chatting on line, and blogging. Get up and get to work! If you are on the job, do not waste your employer's money by frittering away the hours. Each day, fight against the laziness that makes you lose your walk with God. Get up and get your Bible open. God needs strong women who will fight the flesh and win spiritual battles.

REFUSE TO SUBMIT to the things that want to destroy your marriage, your children, your usefulness to God. Dig in and fight, not against men, or your pastor, or your kids, or other Christians. Fight the fight of faith. Determine not to lose what is really important in life. REFUSE TO SUBMIT who you are in Christ!

Listen to these words written by another woman in a book "I am a woman by God's design." This is from her chapter "Subordinate but not Inferior."

"Submission is God's design for a woman. Submission is an attitude of obedience. True submission, which is motivated by a genuine desire to be obedient to the heavenly Father, takes no consideration of selfish ends.

What will I get in return, if I submit?

Is he worthy of my submission?

Will I lose my self-identity and my individual rights, if I submit to my husband?

Before a woman can successfully submit to her husband, she must first submit to Christ. Yes, submitting, to the Lord, means giving up all her selfish desires and personal rights. Then, no longer is she alone in her control of her direction and decisions, because the Holy Spirit is to govern her life. That will ultimately affect her emotions, attitudes, and responses."

Principle #1 says, "Let your ACTIONS speak louder than your words.

Let your ACTIONS LOVE your husband to Christ.

Don't remind him about God, remind God in your prayers about your husband.

Examine yourself. Entrust your husband to God and leave the consequences of his ACTIONS to your Heavenly Father.

In the mean time let your submissive behavior be on constant display. It's what one man calls, "the silent preaching of a lovely life."

The Second Principle is found in verse 3 and has to do with APPEARANCE. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;” Peter’s point is to "AVOID GOING OVERBOARD" by patching up the externals, especially if your internals are lacking. Don't place all your emphasis on the outside. This passage isn't bad-mouthing cosmetics or taking shots at keeping yourself physically attractive. It's just encouraging you to keep it in balance.

The Apostle Paul tells us in I Timothy 2:9-10, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Nothing is wrong with cosmetics, jewelry or clothing. Paul in this text is telling women NOT TO ALLOW THE EXTERNAL THINGS to be their criteria for beauty. Remember this: “THE TRUE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN COMES FROM WITH-IN.”

On the other hand, let me ask you, “What does your husband see when you meet him at the door in the evening? You might say, “Preacher, what's so important about appearance?

Just how attractive are you to him when you smell like disinfectant?

Just how attractive are you to him if you meet him looking like an unmade bed?

For sure, you need to be pure within, but don't stop when you get to the outside. From this passage, and that of I Timothy 2 and I Corinthians 11, ladies ought to call attention to the beauty of their hair and face, not to their body. You ought to dress to please your husband. Coming to the Lord’s house you ought to dress as if you are coming into the presence of the King of Kings. You ought to dress your daughters in the same way. There ought to be a difference in the way a Christian dresses as opposed to the rest of the world. Your appearance is a significant principle that helps build a marriage.

The Third Principle has to do with ATTITUDE. We move from the externals in verse 3 to the internals of verse 4 in the phrase "the hidden man of the heart" What characteristic in her attitude does God consider important? He mentions it here. It is the quality of a "meek and quiet spirit." He adds that this quality is of "great price," that could be translated by the word "precious," meaning a quality that is imperishable; it cannot be erased or destroyed. Peter uses this same Greek word for the words "great price" in:

I Peter 1:7 referring to our imperishable faith, "That the trial of your faith, being much more PRECIOUS than the gold that perisheth…"

I Peter 1:19 referring to the imperishable blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, "But with the PRECIOUS blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

Wives, your attitude is that important; it is precious, it is of great price, it cannot be erased, or passed over or destroyed.

When Peter uses the term "meek spirit" he has in mind a grateful spirit. The rights-orientated woman feels that she is OWED certain things, and her expectations can never be satisfied. She chains her husband, children, and others to expectations they cannot possibly fulfill. Yet the woman who has yielded all her expectations to God, has a "meek or grateful spirit."

When Peter uses the term "quiet spirit" he has in mind a woman of tranquility. The wise woman lifts the spirit of her home by speaking words of praise to God, words of sincere appreciation, gratitude, and admiration to others. Critical, belittling words wound the spirit and destroy the atmosphere of the home.

Peter seems to be echoing the words of Solomon from Proverbs 14:1, "Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Before leaving this principle, I want to add that it only takes a little while to doll up the externals (some husbands think it takes forever, but that is a woman for you, the externals sometimes require effort). However, cultivating "the hidden person of the heart" is a life-long process.

The Fourth Principle found in verses 5-6 has to do with ATTENTION. “For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (6) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” You will notice two words here, Sarah submitted and obeyed. Now before you get your feathers ruffles by what this says, it will help to realize the Greek verb for “obeyed” means "she paid attention to him." It represents the idea of attending to the needs of another.

Ladies, please listen closely.

If you are the energetic type, your tendency will be to dash all over the globe, responding to the needs of people everywhere. Everything will clamor for your time. And unless you're careful, they'll get it; if not all of it, most of it. Even church stuff will occupy every hour you'll give.

Over the years, I have met women who are far more concerned about responding to the needs of others outside the home than to that one individual most important to them within the home.

Picture Sarah leaving this note pinned to their tent one evening as Abraham shuffled home from work, bone-tired and dangerously hungry:

Abe: Mutton pot pie in the stone oven. Gone to Torah study with the ladies at Bethel (for you that would be Bible study at church); took the small chariot. Be home late. Don't worry. Be sure to give Isaac herbs for cough at sundown, and by the way, bathe him too, love, Sarah

PS: Don't forget to close all the flaps when you go to bed. Sandstorm is coming and you know how you hate to sweep out the tent.

Hold it, pastor! "If I start being as submissive and obedient as you suggest, my husband will take all kinds of advantage of me. He'll walk all over me. Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile!" Stop and look at verse 6 again, “Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” There is your promise: God will honor your LOVING and SUPPORTIVE response.

Now, before I leave the ladies principles and get to the husband’s in verse 7 on “Father’s Day,” let me say two things in concludion.

Number 1: In light of verses 5-6, I challenge you who know what is RIGHT to do what is RIGHT. Please STOP and THINK just maybe you need to BACK OFF by giving LESS attention to so many activities outside your home and MORE undivided attention to your husband and your home. For sure, some people won't understand. But on the other hand, you will reap some amazing and rewarding dividends.

Number 2: Notice again verse 1. You see the word "won?" It's a military term. Ladies, if you have an unsaved husband or a spiritually unsympathetic husband, don't sit back and sulk and suffer. Dedicate yourself to Christ, and give your husband over to the Lord. Let Jesus take him captive for the glory of God and ultimately for you.

Nevertheless, be careful of the weapons you use. Make sure they are the weapons of obedience, submission, meekness and quietness. In other words, overcome selfishness with RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Remember our opening statements?

"Marriage is not so much finding the right person, as it is being the right person." As a WIFE are you genuinely ready to come to terms with your role? "Do you love your husband enough to live for Him?"

On what principle do you need to focus? How much do you need to change? Don't continue to say, "If he would only…" No, your focus must be, “Lord change me, so that the Lord may change him.” Allow me to leave you with these two thoughts:

First: From verses 8-9, cultivate a humble spirit. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Second:Be yourselves found by knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord.

*****************************************************************************

If God has spoken to your heart, after reading the sermon “Wives, to your Husbands, say it with Words,” right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.

Do you have the assurance that one day you will go to heaven? If you have no assurance that you know Jesus Christ, then I trust you will decide to accept Him as your personal Savior. The Bible tells us in

Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This prayer is here for those who need to ask Jesus to be their personal Savior: “I do want to go to Heaven. I know I am a sinner, and I do believe Jesus Christ died for me. I realize I cannot buy this great salvation, nor can I earn it. Knowing Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave to pay my sin debt and to purchase my salvation, I do now trust Him as my Savior, and from this moment on I am completely depending on Him for my salvation.”

If you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior let me know? Please send an e-mail to, pdmikBBM@aol.com and I will send you some literature that will help you in your Christian life.

The “Weekly SERMON” was sent as a ministry of Bible Baptist Ministry, 48 Alexie Rd., Hanover Township, PA 18706. Privacy policy: your e-mail address will not be sold, or shared with any third party.

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In His Amazing Grace,

David Miklas" src="http://theweeklysermon.com/images/Pastor_David_Miklas.gif" />
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When Sunday Came

Pastor David Miklas — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:18:09 +0000

Volume No. 2012 Issue No. 11 Date: April 1, 2012

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216 pdmikBBM@aol.com pastormiklas@aol.com

In the Gospel of Matthew 28:1-7 we read, “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. (2) And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. (3) His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: (4) And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. (5) And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (6) He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (7) And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”

As dark as the day seemed to be and as discouraged as the disciples were, Sunday made all the
difference. Even though He had told them in advance in Luke 24:7; they did not connect the dots (as we say) when the crisis came.

Crucifixion is such an ugly, traumatic event. The shock and the sadness attending it create deep wounds. Death is made all the more real by the entombment of the body. The garden tomb was sealed with a huge stone. Roman guards were posted to secure the situation.

Starting Wednesday night, Thursday was one day, Friday made two, and Saturday, three of the full days and three full nights. These were days of silence and sorrow. Nothing was stirring! It was all over, except coping with the realty. Then Sunday came!

Oh, my soul, check it out! Sometime after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday (the Jews counted a day
from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), the Saviour, crucified and buried, walked out of the tomb alive and
well, resurrected from the dead and released from the grave. Wednesday was incomprehensible! Thursday, Friday and Saturday posed questions which seemed to have no answers! But never mind the critics, the cranks, the naysayers; never mind whoever may mock and jeer; never mind whatever seems impossible. Sunday is forthcoming!

When the sun rose Sunday morning, the Son had already risen from the grave. Death had been conquered. Sin had been atoned. Salvation had been secured. The Devil had been defeated, and Hell had been robbed of its victims.

Sunday makes all the difference. Defeat and destruction are no longer our lot. Because "he is
risen…" (Matthew 28:6), you and I have a hope that brings "joy unspeakable and full of glory…" (I Peter 1:8). When the Devil shows up in your life and shows off his glitz and glitter remind him that he is a whipped dog whose bark is bigger than his bite. Preach to yourself the great truth that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4). Stand up, be counted, and rise above the fray! By faith we have everlasting life that is bestowed upon us when we are "begotten … again" (I Pet. 1:3). The other six days may bring all kinds of stress or burdens to you, but because of the triumphant resurrection of Jesus, don't you forget that Sunday is coming! Amen!

May again your heart be enraptured during this Passion week! Take this time leading up to the RESSURRECTION to prayerfully read and meditate on the message entitled “The Impact of the Resurrection.”

In His Amazing Grace,

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Impact of the Resurrection

Pastor David Miklas — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:40:26 +0000

Sunday April 1, 2012	Phone: 570.829.5216
Pastor David Miklas	e-mail pdmikBBM@aol.com
Message: Easter – Resurrection	Text: John 20:1-10

''The Impact of the Resurrection''

Introduction: It is a fact of history that Christ was CRUCIFIED for our sins at Calvary. But an even greater fact of history is Christ ROSE from the grave. When approaching the subject of the RESURRECTION, I always feel as though God is saying, "Take thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground whereon thou standest is holy ground."

A philosopher once proclaimed, "You Christians live on the fragrance of an empty tomb."

Someone rightly said, "Christianity begins where other religions end, with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All other religions of the world can point to a FOUNDER; and a founder's grave, but we can say as we point to an empty tomb, Our Founder was buried there and on the third day He came out of the tomb."

The question being asked in this Easter service is "What impact does the resurrection have upon your life today?" In answering this question we need to read from the text, in John 20:1-16,

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. (2) Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. (3) Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. (4) So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. (5) And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. (6) Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, (7) And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (8) Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. (9) For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (10) Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. (11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. (14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.”

Now from this text let me focus your attention on FOUR truths of the resurrection in answer to the question, "What impact does the resurrection have upon your life today?"

First: The impact of the resurrection is upon “WHEN IT OCCURRED.” Again notice the opening words in verse 1, "The first day of the week…" As you study your Bible, you will discover that the Holy day of the week before the crucifixion was not the first day of the week, Sunday; rather it was the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, Saturday. However, beginning with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is a shift from the SEVENTH day – Saturday, to the FIRST day – Sunday.

In Exodus 20:8-11 God gave to us the fourth commandment where we read, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: (10) But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: (11) For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Here God tells us how we are to act upon this special day called the Sabbath. This was a very sacred and solemn holy day.

In John 20:1 we read, “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre…” Notice the phrase "the first day." As you begin to read the New Testament, first the disciples and then the church, began to make "the first day" more significant than the seventh day Saturday, or the Sabbath day. They began to make "the first day" of the week the sacred day of rest, reflection and worship of God. Even Paul declared in I Corinthians 16:1-2 it is upon the “first day” of the week when we are to bring the collection unto the house of God.

In Matthew 28:1 we read “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.” Would you notice it was, "In the end of the Sabbath" when the women came "to see the sepulchre." I believe there is a deeper meaning to the saying "In the end of the Sabbath." Not only was it the end of this day but it was truly "the END of the Sabbath," as far as the commemoration of a special day was concerned. Thus the Sabbath was abolished by the resurrection of Jesus.

Strictly speaking, THERE IS NO SABBATH, during this age of grace. We worship on the "Lord's Day" the first day of the week. To speak of the Lord's Day as "the Christian Sabbath" is to speak in error. There is a difference.

The Sabbath Day or the seventh day commemorates the completion of God's great work of CREATION. In Genesis 2:2-3 we read, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Notice "On the seventh day God rested." This day provided the rest of satisfaction because of the completion of the great work of creation.

The First Day, Sunday, commemorated the completion of God's great work of REDEMPTION. Therefore every single Sunday should be an Easter Sunday where you remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

You know, it is inconceivable for us who know and love the Word of God, and are endeavoring to live and make each and every moment count for Christ, to believe people would be so preoccupied with the Easter bunny, new clothes, and the newness of spring that the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Easter Sunday morning in the house of God would totally slip by with not so much as even giving it a thought.

Yet, I believe God is just as perplexed over our relating this event, this CAPSTONE of the Christian faith to one DAY in a year, where we meet together to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Someone said, "The resurrection of Christ is the only historical event that was ordained to be celebrated every first day of every week in an entire year. Fifty-two weeks a year when we assemble together we ought to, at some time in that service, flash through our minds the thought of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead."

Ignatius, one of the disciples of the Apostle John in the first century, said, "Christians are a people who have come into possession of a great new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath day but living in the observance of the Lord's Day, the day on which our life has also sprung up again in Him." My friend, every Sunday ought to be a day we commemorate our new life in Christ.

Here in John 20:1 we find the impact of the resurrection "The first day of the week…" introduces us to a brand new age, one in which every Sunday, we remember His glorious resurrection. Sunday ought to be a day of rest in Christ, and of reflection and worship of Christ in the House of God. To the believer every Sunday ought to be an Easter Sunday in commemoration of the Lord’s resurrection.

Second: The impact of the resurrection is upon “WHAT IT INVOLVED,” the Empty Tomb. Would you notice the last phrase of John 20:1, "…And seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre." Interestingly all the gospel accounts make reference to "the stone," and what happened to this stone. And when you put all these passages together it has tremendous significance, which perhaps we have overlooked.

Jesus was not buried down into the earth as we do with the burial of people today, but He was buried in the side of the earth. Now in order to close up the tomb, in those days they would take a huge stone in the shape of a wheel and roll it in a trough right to the entrance of that grave. Once in place it acted as a seal, because it became practically impossible to remove it from that place.

You have the women, including Mary Magdalene, coming to the tomb very early, even before the daylight. The guards are no longer there, and even the stone that would have been impossible for three women to remove has been removed. Now would you briefly trace with me what is said in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John about this stone?

In Matthew 27:59-60 we read, “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (60) And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.” The Greek word for “rolled” is "Kulieo" and it is used by each of the Gospel writers with a slightly different meaning. The word "Kulieo" in this verse simply means to roll.

In Mark 16:1-4 we read, “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. (2) And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. (3) And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? (4) And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.” Please note in verse 4, this was a very great stone. Notice in verse 3 it says the "stone was rolled away." Here the Greek adds a preposition to the word “rolled” "Ana-kulieo." Now the word means to roll up an incline or a slope.

In Luke 24:1-2, we read, “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. (2) And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.” Here the writer uses the word "Apo-Kulieo," which means to roll one object, the stone, away from another object, the grave itself.

In John 20:1, we read, “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.” You will notice the words here read "the stone taken away from the sepulchre."

In Matthew's account it is "Kulieo" which means to roll.

In Mark's account it is "Ana-kulieo," which means to roll up an incline or a slope.

In Luke's account it is "Apo-Kulieo," which means to roll an object a distance away from another object.

In John's gospel, it is "Ereo" which means to pick something up and literally carry it away.

Now if you take what each of these gospel writers said it is basically this, "This great stone was lifted up and transported some distance away up hill." Now since that is true I ask, "Why was that stone rolled that distance from the tomb uphill?" We all know the answer to that question, "It was to let Jesus OUT." My friends, is that the reason why, to let Jesus out? Think about it for a moment, did Jesus need to have that stone rolled away to be let out?

I call your attention to John 20:6-8, “Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, (7) And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (8) Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” It appears Jesus literally just walked OUT OF THOSE GRAVE CLOTHES.

I call your attention to John 20:19, “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” Here, it appears Jesus literally just walked RIGHT ON THROUGH THE WALL.

The newly resurrected body of Jesus was so unique, the barriers of doors and walls did not concern the Lord; He went right through them. May I say to you it did not make any difference whether that stone was there or not; it was totally immaterial.

Perhaps you are saying to yourself if the removal of that stone was not necessary, then why did they lift that stone up a hill a great distance away from the tomb? May I say to you the message we must leave the house of God with is, "It was not to let the Son of God OUT, but rather it was to let the whole-wide-world IN." Peter went in, he saw and he believed. And after Peter, there were others who went in. And I would say to you in this service,

There have been thousands of people for 2000 years who have been streaming into that tomb and finding it empty. For those of us who may not enter into it physically, we can do so spiritually to assure ourselves this is not some fable.

That great stone was rolled away so we may understand there was one who did rise from the dead and is alive, so we may BELIEVE. The angels’ message in Matthew 28:6-7 was "He is not here for He is risen, COME AND SEE the place where the Lord lay. And GO quickly, and TELL His disciples that he is risen from the dead…" And those who have done that find themselves life victors.

This is not some theological, mystical, spiritual fantasy that we drag out of the closet once a year in order to wear nice new Easter outfits and bring ourselves into church to hear about this thing. That is not what Easter is all about. Rather, those who embrace this phenomenon are transformed by the power of God. The resurrected life of Christ enters into them, and they know the power of his resurrection.

Maybe you are in this service and you are sorrowing over the loss of some loved one who has died in Christ. Perhaps there is a void and emptiness down deep inside you. I want you to know there is an event coming that will be as equally powerful as the resurrection of Christ. It will be that day when Jesus comes again and the dead in Christ will rise from the grave. We who are alive will be caught up together to be with the Lord. Yet today the song tells we can have victory in this life.

God sent his Son, they called Him Jesus;

He came to love, heal, and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An EMPTY GRAVE is there to prove my Saviour lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river;

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then as death gives way to VICTORY,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

You see the stone was rolled away in order that today you may see for yourself and believe that "HE LIVES."

The impact of the resurrection gave us a new day in a new era. It took place upon the "First day of the week" and you and I are here this SUNDAY morning as we are every Sunday morning to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.

The impact of the resurrection gave us a view of an empty tomb, because that stone was removed for us to see IN and BELEIVE.

Third: The impact of the resurrection is upon “WHO IT AFFECTED.” Would you notice again John 20:1, “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early…” The first person it touched was a woman, who was a great sinner, a demon possessed sinner. But there was a day when Mary Magdalene met the Saviour and her life was transformed. And here, this is the first woman who came to see the empty tomb.

Folks, we are not here just to enjoy the festivities on this day we call Easter Sunday. We are here to understand that our eternal redemption not only rests upon the finished work of Christ at Calvary, but it also rests upon His resurrection. In Romans 4:25 we read, "Who was delivered for our offenses (crucified at Calvary for our sins), and was raised again for our justification."

The Bible is saying Jesus Christ went to the cross of Calvary to keep you from going to hell and was raised from the grave to get you into heaven. It is as simple as that. The word of God says in Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

If you believe that, you are saved. If you have never believed that, then you have to reach out with a heart of faith and say, "God I believe Jesus died and rose again that I might have forgiveness of sins and have eternal life."

Fourth: The impact of the resurrection rests upon THE PROMISES of GOD. Again would you notice John 20:9, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” Repeatedly the scripture gives this promise, “… that he must rise again from the dead.

Jesus said in John 2:19, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will rise it up."

He also said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…."

Everything depends on the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ.

It is the CORNERSTONE upon which Christianity rests; undermine it, and the whole business collapses.

It is the KEYSTONE of the arch; knock it out, and all of Christianity falls with a crash.

If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead,

How do I know He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

How do I know He that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved?

How do I know the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin?

How do I know He has gone to prepare a place for me, and that He will come again and receive me unto Himself?

How do I know death has lost its sting and the grave has been swallowed up in victory?

How do I know when He shall appear I shall be like Him?

How do I know "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in me?

How do I know the promises of this Book are true?

I don't know. There is no way to know, if Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead. But thank God, He did rise! They SEALED His tomb, but it could not hold Him. He lay there COLD and DEAD in the grave. All earth had given up hope, but Heaven KNEW better. I think GABRIEL must have said to the celestial choir, "Hold your breath a minute now, for you'll need it." And upon that third day, the breath of God swept through the sleeping clay; and like a flash of light, His glorious Son was on His feet again, while Heaven's angelic choir rose, tier upon tier and row upon row and shouted, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ is risen! The Son of God is Alive!" Glory to Jesus, today we can sing:

Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ Arose.

The resurrection completes the GOSPEL which speaks of the DEATH, and the BURIAL, and the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ.

Dr. A.H. Ackley penned what some have considered the NATIONAL ANTHEM of the RESURRECTION SONGS:

I serve a RISEN Saviour, He's in the world today,

I know that He is LIVING, whatever men may say;

I see His hands of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Two thousand years ago God took every sin we have ever committed or ever will commit and placed them on Jesus Christ, as we read in Isaiah 53:6, "… the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." When Jesus cried out from the cross, "It is finished!" it simply meant that the full payment for sin had been made. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is now an assurance that God was fully satisfied with the payment Jesus made for our sins. Let me ask you "Is the living resurrected Christ alive in You?"

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If God has spoken to your heart after reading the sermon “The Impact of the Resurrection” then right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.

Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior let me know. Please send an e-mail to, pdmikBBM@aol.com and I will send you some literature that will help you in your Christian life.

In His Amazing Grace,

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Empty Cross, Empty Tomb

Pastor David Miklas — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:52:42 +0000

Sunday March 25, 2012	Phone: 570.829.5216
Pastor David Miklas	e-mail pdmikBBM@aol.com
Message: Palm Sunday 2012	Text: John 19:17-25; I Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:14

"The Empty Cross"

Introduction: A church marquee read, “Easter and the resurrection is the rest of the story of Christmas” This time of the year more than any other, the cross takes center stage. In the Gospel of John 19:17-25 we read,

“And he bearing his CROSS went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (18) Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. (19) And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the CROSS. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. (20) This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. (21) Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. (22) Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. (23) Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (24) They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (25) Now there stood by the CROSS of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.”

Visitors who descend into sprawling catacombs in ancient Rome
can detect the earliest symbols of Christianity engraved on the tombs.

One of the most popular emblems is an anchor, signifying the fact that in Christ according to Hebrews 6:19, “we have an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast…” But look carefully at that anchor and you'll see that it's really a cross in disguise.

Nearby you might see another symbol, the Greek letter Chi; but that, too, is a cross – like our letter "X." Chi is the first letter of the name of Christ.

Occasionally among the tombs you'll also spot an engraving of the mast of a ship. Look closely and there's another cross. Even in times of intimidation and persecution, the early Christians found ways of making the cross their symbol.

Now head northwest from Rome to France and fast-forward across the centuries. Join the crowds each year who tour the American Cemetery at Normandy. Walking among the thousands of plain white marble crosses, you'll feel you're treading sacred ground. The silent crosses are perfectly aligned in haunting, endless rows, signifying the brave troops of D-Day who gave their lives to liberate Europe. Among the graves are 33 pairs of brothers who died side by side in World War II.

At one end of the cemetery is a circular white limestone colonnade and military chapel, and inscribed on the altar are the words of Christ: "I Give Unto Them Eternal Life and They Shall Never Perish."

Throughout the centuries, the cross has been the greatest symbol of death and of life the world has ever known. The apostle Paul, referring to the Gospel and to Christianity, called it "the message of the cross."

The cross, he said in I Corinthians 1:17-18, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

He told the Galatians in Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

In Philippians 2:8-9 Paul wrote concerning Christ, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”

To the Colossians in Colossians 1:20 he wrote, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”

In Hebrews 12:2 Paul wrote, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

For two-thousand-years the cross, has been the most ubiquitous symbol in Christendom in memory of the Savior who died on Golgotha's cross in Jerusalem.

As an image, the cross was in use long before the time of Christ. But following His crucifixion, the image of the cross was multiplied among cultures. Wherever the Gospel went – so went the sign of the cross.

The cross appeared on staffs, was embroidered into garments, and was painted and sewn onto Crusader's shields and robes.

During the Middle Ages those who looked after the sick, incorporated the cross much as the Red Cross does today.

Then as today, the cross was not always used in a pure biblical sense – in memory of Christ who died a horrific death on a cross. But as a result of the passage of time, the Christian cross has to be the most universally recognized symbol in the modern world.

We do not want to be guilty, however, of allowing the Christian cross to become a cultural cross devoid of its message of salvation through Christ Jesus. If we are going to be followers of Christ, then we must become people of the CROSS – those who have heard and embraced Christ's words in Luke 14:27, "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

The cross of Jesus is not a sentimental symbol. It is a cruel instrument of death upon which Jesus of Nazareth was brutally killed. It is also the focal point of all human history at which point all of life finally makes sense.

No matter how you look at the cross, it is the crossroads where the best of heaven and the best of earth met in the person of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us.

Sometimes we think of the cross as a symbol of death. But it's also a symbol of life, because of one obvious fact – it is empty! We visualize the empty tomb at Easter, but let's not forget the empty cross.

Because of Christ’s obedience to God, a number of things were found to be empty:

First: There is the Empty Cross. Who removed the body of Jesus from the wooden beams of the cross? Who detached the hands and feet from their bloody nails? That duty belonged to a mysterious man of wealth and power named Joseph of Arimathaea. We've been led to believe that Romans treated the bodies of crucifixion victims as if they were the carcasses of dogs; but Matthew 27:57-60 tells us,

“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: (58) He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. (59) And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (60) And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

We know nothing about Joseph of Arimathaea except what we read in the four Gospel accounts of the death of Christ.

Mark 15:43 tells us that Joseph was a prominent member of the Council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. According to Mark, his approach to Pilate was an act of boldness.

Luke 23:50-52 adds that he was a good and upright man who had disagreed with the Sanhedrin's decision to seek the Lord's death.

John adds this about Joseph and his helper in John 19:38-39, “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (39) And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.”

My mind's eye can scarcely imagine the scene.

The sun was low in the sky.

The temperatures were dropping.

The area around Calvary was buzzing with soldiers and citizens, though perhaps the crowd was thinning now that the victims were dead.

These two powerful, wealthy men took charge of the remains of Jesus, treating the body as tenderly as possible.

Extricating the body from the cross was no easy task. It was grim and repulsive work. Not only did they have to pull the nails from his feet and hands and remove the crown of thorns but they had to clean up his blood soaked body.

Did they have servants who aided? Was there a sympathetic soldier who helped? Were the women, who had stood vigil through the day, nearby?

These scenes are shrouded in the discretion of the Divine.

It's enough for us to know that two influential men, secret disciples, came to the forefront and demanded that the body of our Lord be treated with reverence, even if they had to do it themselves.

It's enough for us to remember that our Lord's body wasn't left on the cross to decay, as was often the practice. It wasn't tossed into the trash heaps in the Valley of Gehenna. It was tenderly removed from the rugged cross, anointed with appropriate spices, wrapped in white linen, and buried before sundown in a nearby tomb.

So today, we celebrate an empty cross, and we worship the One who died there and was buried and rose again for us.

Second: There is the Empty Tomb. Our Lord remained six hours on the cross and three days in the tomb, but He left both of them as empty as He'd found them.

Philosopher Stephen T. Davis, in his book, Risen Indeed, disputes the opinion that the meaning of the resurrection is more important than its actual occurrence.

Some people say, "Well, the main thing isn't whether Jesus actually rose bodily from the tomb, but what it means to us. What really counts is the significance of the resurrection message."

Davis counters by saying, "I am convinced that the resurrection means little unless it really happened. If the resurrection of Jesus turns out to have been a fraud or a pious myth or even somehow an honest mistake, then there is little reason to think about it or see meaning in it."'

The apostle Paul agreed in I Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” And in verse 20 we read, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” An empty tomb means a fulfilled faith. A filled tomb means an empty faith. We have an empty cross and an empty tomb, so that means that death itself is an empty threat.

Third: There is the Empty Threat. The threat is “No hope – death ends it all.” However, in that great resurrection chapter of I Corinthians 15:54 we read, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

The writer of Hebrews said in Hebrews 2:14-15, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus gave us the Easter message in one sentence found in John 14:19, "Because I live, you will live also."

Several years ago, a terrible fire broke out at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The sanctuary was gutted in a massive inferno, and the east wing of the church also perished.

Flames engulfed the building, sending black smoke into the East Tennessee skies. When church members gathered for the first time on a Sunday after the fire, they entered a local school auditorium to see a huge cross standing on the stage near the pulpit. It was the cross that had topped the steeple.

Somehow that cross had survived the fire. Not only had it survived, it had never fallen. It became a symbol of victory and hope and power.

It reminds me of the great hymn that says, "In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o'er the wrecks of time."

The church father Tertullian said, "The resurrection of the dead constitutes the confidence of Christians. By believing it, we are what we claim to be."

We have an empty cross and an empty tomb. The devil is left with an empty threat. And that frees us from living empty lives. Again, I challenge you to take a fresh look at Calvary and see the everlasting love of God. Remember, we who visualize the empty tomb at Easter must not forget the empty cross.

Perhaps you are here this Palm Sunday and you have heard the Gospel story over and over again. Yet, over and over again you have rejected the Savior's "So Great SALVATION." Reject the Savior today, and tomorrow it will be too late. Today in Jesus’ name, we beg you to cry unto God, "Be merciful to me a sinner and save me for Jesus sake." For in Romans 10:9 we read, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Now once again survey the wondrous EMPTY cross and hear Jesus cry, "It is Finished" as you reflect on the words of the George Bennard hymn "The Old Rugged Cross"

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross

The emblem of suffering and shame.

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross

Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear.

Then he’ll call me some-day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Til my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

**********************************************************************

If God has spoken to your heart after reading the sermon, "The Empty Cross" then right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.

Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

In His Amazing Grace,

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/……/MMXII/13/

Occupy Until HE Comes

Pastor David Miklas — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:46:24 +0000

Sunday December 25, 2011	Phone: 570.829.5216
Pastor David Miklas	e-mail pdmikBBM@aol.com
Message: Occupy Until HE Comes	Text: Psalm 121:1-8

"Occupy Until HE Comes"

In Psalm 121:1-8 we read, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (2) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (3) He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (4) Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (5) The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. (6) The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. (7) The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. (8) The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

It's hard to believe that another year has become history. What awaits us during this coming year of 2012, in our personal lives, in our families, in our church, in our nation as well as on the international scene, only God knows. However it is good that we take heed to His instructions "To occupy until he comes." Therefore, I do pray that the Lord will be at the center of all you do.

Whether your feet be mired in the mud of some unexpected valley or scaling the precipitous heights of some great mountain, whether you are in the brightness of noonday or in the darkness of midnight, whether in sickness or in health, whether you have much or little, my prayer for you is to stay true, stay on track, stay excited, and stay at the task God has given to you. Honor Him, walk with Him, and serve Him every day.

As usual, for the first week of the NEW year, we set aside the Weekly SERMON to give you a challenge for the coming year. For the next few minutes would you please put aside what you are doing, pull up a chair, and focus on these TWELVE New Year's suggestions:

First: Search the Scriptures daily. Read them systematically and devotionally.

In Acts 17:11 , we read of the people at Thessalonica that they "…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so."

In Psalm 119:105 we read, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." The Word of God provides a guide to our daily walk of life. The Word of God stabilizes our walk though life .

In Psalm 119:11 we read, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." One can not live victoriously in the Christian life without reading the Word of God. You must read it, study it, search it, and memorize it to keep you from sin. If you choose to neglect those activities, then sin will keep you from the Word of God.

Throughout 2012, the challenge is to read your Bible daily and then get down on your knees and search your heart. I remind you of Psalms 119:165, "Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend thee." Jesus said in John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me."

Second: Pray a lot! Pray and expect to get answers from God.

Jeremiah 33:3 is perhaps one of the most challenging verses in the Bible on the subject of prayer, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knoweth not."

Then in Ephesians 3:20 we read, "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…"

Finally in I Thessalonians 5:17 we read, "Pray without ceasing."

There ought to be DAILY prayer on the part of each and every believer. Praying is a full time job. We ought to pray, and in our prayers expect to get answers from God. May I challenge you during 2012 to have a daily prayer life! There is so much to pray for – yourself, your family, your church, lost souls, missionaries and the ministry.

Third: Witness every day and try to win the ones to whom you witness. You can win souls if you work at it.

In Mark 15:16 Jesus commanded us to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Soul winning is every Christian's responsibility, every day, in every situation. It is also the primary responsibility of the church.

For in Acts 2:47 we read, "And the Lord added to the church DAILY such as should be saved."

Then in Acts 5:42 the principle of visitation is established, "And DAILY in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

Oh, we must witness as never before. We must reach out and win souls. There are literally thousands of people who are dying and going to hell without any gospel witness.

Fourth: Make church the hub of your life. Have your family in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night and allow nothing and nobody to discourage you from doing so. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we read, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Fifth: Tithe! Give the Lord His portion of your income! You cannot out give Him. So be obedient in your stewardship. In I Corinthians 16:1-2 we read, "Now concerning the collection for the saints…. (2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

Six: Believe God about everything. Have faith in Him; trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Seven: Keep a good spirit in you. Rejoice! Let the joy of the Lord dominate your countenance. In Philippians 4:4 we read,"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE." Spend a little time each day rejoicing in the Lord. Praise the Lord for the BIG things, and even the little blessings in life, that He so graciously gives to you.

Eight: Serve! Find a place to plug your talent into the Lord's work. Do something in which you invest yourself in the Lord's work.

Nine: Keep short accounts with God. Stay in good relationship with Him. Use I John 1:5-10 as often as necessary, but keep things right. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Ten: Build strong relationships with strong Christians. Run with the right crowd and learn from them. Don't imitate weakness; let strength be your model.

Eleven: Find a mentor. Find someone to whom you can be accountable and who will help you grow in your walk with the Lord. I'm not talking about hero worship, but a mentor of stature whose track record is well established, clean, and obviously faithful.

Twelve: Keep looking expectantly to the sky. Maranatha! Indeed, the Lord is coming. When, we do not know, but it could be sometime soon! With both hands on the plow (at work), keep one eye glancing upward in anticipation of His promised coming. Even though the following passages about the second coming of Jesus are in the revelation for Israel at the end of the tribulation, they can also apply to us.

In Matthew 24:26 we read, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

And then in Matthew 24:44 Jesus says, "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." Live every day, literally live every hour, as if Jesus would come at that moment.

May these suggestions become a full agenda and a fruitful plan for all of us in 2012. Having challenged you with the above, allow me to share with you the vision for the Bible Baptist Ministry and the Weekly SERMON for 2012.

We are humbled by the 1100 Weekly SERMON messages going out by e-mail. This number includes over 830 missionaries receiving them. Since we began this ministry, we have e-mailed nearly 250,000.

We are grateful for those who helped us meet all the financial obligations in 2011. Praise the Lord!

We are grateful for the server system that has significantly reduced the time needed to send the Weekly SERMON.

We are grateful for those who have helped us this past year, our proof readers and 3 Web Sites and server.

I am thankful for you! Your prayers and financial support allowed us to continue to do what God has opened the door for us to do. Without your prayers and support the BBM would not be possible.

Lord willing during 2012, we will focus our Weekly SERMON messages on the rest of the Book of James, our next series along with other topical messages. In addition to the Weekly SERMON messages, we plan to produce two SERMON notebooks.

The first notebook will be the 14 sermons on the names of God, which will contain handout outlines as well as power point suggestions.

The second notebook will contain the contents from the Weekly Letters along with the church bulletin backs I do every week.

Once these are ready, you will be notified. They will be available on CD as will as in print form.

If possible during 2012 would you consider helping us in this faith ministry? Even though we do not charge for the ministry, there are expenses. Your donation will help us continue to "stand in the gap" in "teaching others also." After you have given your tithes to your church and taken care of your pastor, perhaps you would consider giving a one time yearly gift, or a monthly offering? For the purpose of financial accountability, we have placed this ministry under the Green Street Baptist Chapel of Edwardsville, PA. 18704. Checks made out to Green Street Baptist Chapel, memo to Bible Baptist Ministry and mailed to Bible Baptist Ministry 48 Alexie Road, Hanover Township, PA 18706 will be given to our ministry; or phone me at 570.829.5216 ..

Again this year, from the Bible Baptist Ministry, we thank you for your prayers and financial support as we seek to get the message out around the world. We trust you will have a very BLESSED NEW YEAR in the Lord during 2012 .

In His Amazing Grace,

David Miklas" src="http://theweeklysermon.com/images/Pastor_David_Miklas.gif" />

PS: In order to access the Weekly SERMON, please click the link to Weekly Sermon Library, where you will be able to choose: Plain Text (TXT), Microsoft Word document (DOC), Microsoft Word 2007 document (DOCX), Rich Text (RTF), Web Page (HTML) or PDF (Portable Document Format), any of the format(s) you desire. After you decide on the appropriate format(s) you may then print a copy of the Weekly SERMON, save it to a file on your computer, or download it and save it to a disk for future use. Your use of this material is meant to be flexible.

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/……/MMXI/52/

No Room in the INN

Pastor David Miklas — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:27:27 +0000

Sunday December 11, 2011	Phone: 570.829.5216
Pastor David Miklas	e-mail pdmikBBM@aol.com
Message: Christmas – No Room in the INN	Text: mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Luke 2:1-7

"No Room in the INN"

Luke 2:1-7

As hectic as it's become, we savor the joy of the season. As our world keeps roaring toward an uncertain future, Christmas is a kind of security blanket that connects us to the past. The sounds and sights and smells of the sacred time of the year bring back old memories, and they remind us of a Savior who entered human history through a virgin's womb in a Bethlehem barn.

Many of us haven't visited a barn for quite a while. The aroma is anything but holy, hay makes us sneeze, and insects abound. How strange that the Son of God came to earth in the presence, not of world leaders, but of animals.

He arrived, not in a palace, but in a stable.

He came in simplicity, not extravagance.

He demanded none of the world's comforts or protections.

From His first moment, Jesus came exposed to all the dangers the world could offer.

Peering through the dimness of that cave or stable, Joseph and Mary probably had to admit, that at first glance, their baby seemed like any other newborn child.

He cried in the middle of the night.

He hungered for milk.

He needed fresh "swaddling clothes" every now and then.

Understand, Jesus is like no other, for He was fully human and fully divine simultaneously.

Nothing about His humanity could detract from His godliness.

Nothing about His godliness could detract from His humanity.

Only because this is true can He reconcile the Father in heaven with His children on earth.

He is the Man of both worlds; He is the bridge by which God comes to earth and people come to heaven.

In that regard, the Virgin Birth is the sign of His divinity.

He came to the earth from outside, pure and clean, and was in no way a product of this world.

His mother, Mary, had not known a man, but the Holy Spirit had overshadowed her and the power of the Most High had come upon her; therefore the Holy One born to her would be God himself.

In the same way, the infancy of the Child is the sign of His humanity.

He had ten fingers, ten toes, a nose, and a good set of lungs. He was one of us in every way.

He arrived from heaven with perfection and godliness, yet He was fully human.

It was a deliberate equation. In Matthew 1:21 the angel said to Joseph, “And She (Mary) shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sin.” Jesus is the bridge by which God comes to earth and people come to heaven. Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to SAVE that which is lost.” There is the key reason for Christ’s coming, “to seek and to SAVE that which is lost.”

Now having said all that, please turn your attention to Luke 2 where we have recorded for us the birth of Jesus. Follow along as we read verses 1-7,

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

In this message, let me focus your attention on THREE thoughts:

Number 1: There was no one at home during the first Christmas. Every twelve months people feel the need to “be home for Christmas.” But everyone who participated in the very first Christmas was away from home so that you and I could find our way to our eternal home in heaven and celebrate forever the Christ of Christmas!

When the first group of worshippers and participants gathered in Bethlehem, they had no idea that their gathering would be immortalized and celebrated every year for the next 2,000 years.

First: There were Mary and Joseph. When Caesar Augustus declared that a census should be taken in Palestine, the expectant parents were forced to leave their home in Nazareth of Galilee, north of Israel, and make the slow, difficult journey to Bethlehem, the home of Joseph's ancestors. The arduous fifty mile journey probably took most of a week. The young couple was probably one of the last to arrive in the City of David. The stable where they took shelter was not their home, but it was where the prophet Micah had predicted they'd be on the world-changing night of the first Christmas.

Second: There were the angels. They left their heavenly home to come to the sky above Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. How different earth must have seemed to them! And how they must have wondered about the way the King of heaven and earth was being introduced to His future earthly subjects – being born in a stable, cushioned on straw, swaddled in rough linen, and attended by humble shepherds.

Third: There were the shepherds who were also not-at-home even though they were the closest to home, being from Bethlehem or nearby. For the first Christmas, they rushed into town to find the birthplace of Israel's new king.

Fourth: Speaking of kings, it was some years later when a group of magi (probably astronomers from Persia) made their way to the house where the young family was then staying. The magi were the farthest from their earthly home, perhaps hundreds of miles. But they still came out of a sincere desire to acknowledge the birth of the new king that the Hebrew Scriptures had foretold and the star had pointed out.

Fifth: The last person of note, who was far, far from His home, was Jesus Christ Himself. His absence from His heavenly home and presence in a stable in Bethlehem is history's greatest mystery, and the cause of the first and all subsequent Christmases. He gave up the pleasures of home in order to secure a home for us for all eternity.

Number 2: I don't know about you, but each and every time I read the story of the birth of Christ in Luke 2, and each and every time I see either a play or a performance that gives accent to the part where there was "No Room" in the Inn for the birth of Christ, and as a result He had to be born in a stinking, livery stable, I get very sad.

The story of the life of Christ on earth is summed up in this brief verse of Luke 2:7, "And she (that is the virgin Mary) brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was NO ROOM IN THE INN." What a sad, sad commentary. Here is the Son of God, the savior of the world, yet there was “No Room” for Him.

In Bethlehem they begrudged the Son of God even a place to be born. And then in life there was no permanent room for Him anywhere as He wandered up and down this earth. In Matthew 8:20 we read, "the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."

They begrudged a room for Him even in His mother's and brother's home, for "either did his brethren believe in Him." John 5:5.

Nazareth begrudged Him His fame and asked, in Matthew 13:55-57, "Is not this the carpenter's son? …whence then, hath this man all these things? … and they were offended in him."

The Pharisees begrudged Him His power and declared in Matthew 12:24, "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."

They begrudged His right in His own Father's house and asked in Matthew 21:23, "By what authority doeth thou these things? …" when He cleansed the Temple of worldliness and thieves.

The chief priests begrudged Him the Sabbath of which He was Lord, because He therein healed the sick and made whole the man with the withered hand.

They begrudged even the homage of harlots and publicans and murmured, in Luke 15:2 where we read, "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."

Simon the Pharisee begrudged Him even the tears and kisses upon His feet, dried with the hair of a forgiven streetwalker, the woman who was a sinner. Simon swore therefore that Jesus was not a prophet.

Judas Iscariot begrudged the perfume in the alabaster box of ointment which was broken for Him by the love of Mary.

They begrudged Him even an hour of prayer when He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. They broke into it with their torches, swords and staves, to kiss Him with a traitor's kiss, to bind Him and lead Him away to trial and murder. Even in His death, the senseless malice of a wicked race of men had no room for Jesus.

The rulers begrudged His name, "The king of the Jews," nailed above His cross, and begged Pilate to change it.

They begrudged Him even His clothes in the hour of His shame and stripped Him naked, seamless garment and all.

They begrudged Him even a drink of water when in His dying agony He said, "I thirst." Instead of water, they gave Him vinegar and gall.

They begrudged His poor, tired body even the peace that death brought. After He had given up the ghost, they pierced a spear deep into His side, and there came out water and blood.

They begrudged even the testimony of their sin and His love that His hanging body gave to the world. They hastened to take the body down before sunset. They had no room for Jesus even then.

And when He rose from the dead, they begrudged Him even this proof that He was the son of God. "They gave large sums of money unto the soldiers, Saying ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him way while we slept. And if this come to be, we will persuade him and secure you."

Even today, men

Begrudge Him, His miracles,

Begrudge His Virgin Birth,

Begrudge His bodily resurrection,

Begrudge even the inspiration of his words,

Begrudge Him His deity, and still

Begrudge His hold on the hearts of men!

No room, no room for Jesus. Sad, indeed, isn't it? The world continues to celebrate Christmas without the Christ. However,

When we look at the sweet baby Jesus in the CRADLE of the Bethlehem stable, and

When we go to the CROSS of Calvary and see the Son of God hanging there for our sins, and

When one day we'll see the Son of David wearing the CROWN that will be placed upon Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, He will reign victorious!

Number 3: We should not have to ask the question, “What was the purpose of His coming?” However, let me briefly remind you of three, all important, purposes for His coming.

One: In I John 3:8 we read, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil." This is every bit of good news. What are the works of the Devil? Aren’t they not murder, lying, lust, oppression, and everything else born in Hell? The word SIN is a very frightful word indeed. No man ever played with sin, that sin didn't get the better of him.

Maybe you have played with your sin so long that your case seems hopeless. But, thanks be to God! Sin never took anyone so low; it never bound anyone so tightly, that Christ Jesus couldn't reach down and set them free. That is why He came, to destroy the works of the Devil. And so I come to you with this message,

no matter what your past has been,

no matter what you have done,

no matter where you have gone,

if you will turn to Him, Jesus will set you free, destroy the works of the Devil in you, and give you victory.

Two: In I John 3:5 we read, "Ye know that He (referring to the Lord Jesus) was manifested to take away our sins." Jesus put himself on the cross in order to take away your sins.

Perhaps you say, "My thoughts have been dirty and impure." To which God says "It's all taken away." In Psalm 103:12 we read, "I will remove thine iniquities from them as far as the east is from the west."

Perhaps you say, "I've cursed and blasphemed and profaned." Yet the word rings back, "It's all taken away." For in Isaiah 38:17 we read, "I will cast all thy sins behind my back.".

Perhaps you say, "I have led a double life, I am one thing in Church, but another thing at home." But the glad news leaps out from the pages of God's word, "It's all taken away." "I will cast all thy sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19.

Perhaps you say, "I've been a crook and a liar and a thief." God answers, "It's all taken away." He says, "I will blot out thine iniquities as a thick cloud." Isaiah 44:22

God says, "It's all taken away." Jesus was manifested to take away sins. Therefore, "I will remember thine iniquity against thee no more forever." Jeremiah 31:34.

Three: In John 14:9 Jesus says, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." Jesus was manifested in order to show us who God is.

The only perfect revelation God ever made of Himself, He made in Jesus Christ. If you will look at Him through Jesus Christ, you will know what kind of God He is. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father."

Thinking through the thoughts shared with you, let me ask my friends here today:

Have you ROOM for Jesus?

Have you crowded Him out of your heart?

Have you time to serve Him, time for His Word, time to pray?

Or, will you go to Hell because you have NO ROOM in your heart for the Son of God?

Oh, dear friends, let Him in today so Christ can bring into your soul a sweet peace. You can never have peace without Him. He brings salvation. Christ gives everlasting life.

Most of the world has NO ROOM for Jesus. "The world will take the Christmas of Christ, but not the Christ of Christmas." Those few who receive Him, how happy they are and how blessed! We read in John 1:11-12 these words, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

At this glorious season, let me urge you to claim Jesus Christ today. It's because God himself was invading human history on a search-and-rescue mission for you and me. That's why Jesus had to come. And that's why we have to receive Him into our hearts, as I hope you have. If you haven't, you can do so right now, saying, in the words of the old carol:

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me;

But in Bethlehem home was there found no room

For Thy holy nativity.

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,

There is room in my heart for Thee.

**************************************************************************************

If God has spoken to your heart after reading the sermon “No Room in the INN” then right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.

Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Copy write permission: Because the “Weekly SERMONS” will be reproduced into other formats, PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING: The “Weekly SERMON” in it’s original form, without any changes, may be copied and re-transmitted by electronic mail, and copies may be printed for individual or ministry purposes, provided that such copying, re-transmission, printing, or other use is not for profit or other commercial purpose. Any copying, re-transmission, distribution, printing, or other use of the “Weekly SERMON” must set forth in full the heading that is given before each “Weekly SERMON.” Any other request for use, please contact Bible Baptist Ministries at pdmikBBM@aol.com or by phone at 570.829.5216.

In His Amazing Grace,

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/……/MMXI/50/

Need a hug from The LORD?

Pastor David Miklas — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:28:51 +0000

Volume No. 2011 Issue No. 34 Date: October 2, 2011

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216 pdmikBBM@aol.com pastormiklas@aol.com

In Psalm 139:1-6 we read, “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (2) Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (3) Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. (4) For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. (5) Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. (6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

We are human. Sometimes we get down, discouraged, overwhelmed, or just extra busy. Sometimes we feel backslidden, away from God, unlovable, and useless. There are days when we simply wake up on the wrong side of the bed and nothing seems right with the world. I admit that sometimes I go to the Bible just needing a hug from God. Can you relate? When I feel like I need a hug from the Lord, one of the places to which I run is Psalm 139. This is such a beautiful and personal chapter. I almost don't like to write about it because I feel that it is God's "private" love letter to me. Why? Well, let me explain what I have discovered about the Lord in these verses.

Verse 1, “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Jehovah God, ruler of the universe, has taken the time to know me!” He studied me until He knew every minute detail about me, even more than I know about myself!

Verse 2, “Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” He watches me all night long. He knows when I fall asleep and when I awake. He knows my best day and my worst day. And (I love this!) He understands every thought I think! Wow! I don't even understand myself over half the time. I have wild, emotional thoughts and sometimes irrational thoughts. He understands each one.

Verse 3, “Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways." I think of God in this verse like a bodyguard who clears the way and makes sure it is safe for me. God always goes before me and knows what is ahead in my life. I am completely safe in His care. Also, He knows all my habits, all my quirky idiosyncrasies. He knows every detail of what makes me unique. He thoroughly understands me, inside and out.

Verse 4, “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” In my mind, I picture Jesus Christ, sitting next to me in my home office lazy-boy, focusing on me to say, "Tell me everything." He knows every word I say. His attention never leaves me. He is "dialed in' to my conversation and feels that what I have to say is interesting and important. He does not want me to stop talking until I have shared my entire heart. That's how I visualize this verse.

Verse 5, “Thou hast beset me behind and before and hast laid thine hand upon me.” I liken this verse to a father walking down a path with his child. He walks next to them, his hand on their shoulder, gently guiding them. The Lord never takes His hand off my shoulder. He is always guiding my path, even when I feel that I might be going astray, His hand is still there.

I think the greatest verses in this chapter are verses 17-18, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” His thoughts toward me are precious, priceless. He thinks about me so much that I cannot even count the number of thoughts He has about me! He loves me!!! As I awake in the morning, He's there to say, "Good morning. I've been watching you sleep all night."

Take a few moments today to let these thoughts sink in! God is not mad at you. He is not disappointed in you. He loves you so personally it is indescribable! Let's hold our heads high today with the knowledge of being loved so greatly by such a wonderful God! He's thinking about you right now — and He is smiling.

In His Amazing Grace,

PS: As we have repeatedly said, we will not charge for sending the Weekly SERMON. However there are expenses associated with doing what we do. If possible during 2011, would you please consider helping us in this faith ministry? Your donation will help us to continue to “stand in the gap” in “teaching others also.” After you have given your tithes to your church and taken care of your pastor, would you consider giving either a yearly gift, or a monthly offering? Remember, for the purposes of financial accountability, we have placed this ministry under the Green Street Baptist Chapel of Edwardsville, PA. Checks made out to Green Street Baptist Chapel, memo to the Bible Baptist ministry and mailed to Bible Baptist Ministry 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706 will be applied to this ministry.

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/../MMXI/40/

Spiritual Anemia

Pastor David Miklas — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:13:57 +0000

Volume No. 2011 Issue No. 28 Date: August 14, 2011

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216 pdmikBBM@aol.com pastormiklas@aol.com

Major portions of the world seem to be imploding. Danger lurks all about us in a world that has turned its face away from God. Without God, the moral compass of society is lost. Without spiritual and moral guidance, catastrophe becomes a daily occurrence. The burdens facing our leaders are greater than they can bear. With the spiritual underpinnings displaced, they cannot fund financially, and they cannot defend militarily the things that are important to us. At the moment, fear is strong. Uncertainty has people glancing right and left, scanning the horizon, looking for solutions and hoping for an answer. The hour may be late, but it is a ripe moment. Trouble may be thrust in our faces with such force that we cannot ignore it, but it also affords opportunity. It is not the time to run and hide! It is not the time to whine and cry! No, this is the day when responsibility must rise to meet opportunity!

If even a few thousand churches would draw a circle twenty miles in every direction around their churches, they would find that inside that circle, there are people – lots of people. We need to get the Gospel and the full counsel of God into the hearts and hands of those people. Here are some thoughts for propelling us forward:

1. The truth is more powerful than the trouble! "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32.

2. The Word of God is a powerful tool! "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4: 12.

3. The power of God is the great equalizer! "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." I John 4:4.

4. The task of God has been entrusted to our care! "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust…" I Timothy 1: 11. "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." I Thessalonians 2:4.

5. Troubled times are not an excuse for our inaction! "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41)And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:40-42

6. Spiritual Anemia Has No Place in the Pulpit! "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." II Timothy 4:2

7. There is no help and there is no hope apart from the Lord Jesus Christ! "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

The next time you are going through TROUBLE or TRIAL or AFFLICTION reflect on Psalm 66: 19-20, "But verily God hath heard me, he hath attended to the voice of my prayer, Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer or His mercy from me." In the hymn, "The Eternal God is Thy Refuge," the author wrote:

Are the waves of trouble overwhelming? Is the sky with tempest overcast?
Flee to God a never failing refuge, He will shield thee till the storm is past.

He will hear and heed thy cry appealing, He will turn no burdened soul away;
Whatsoever thy trouble, He can help thee, Wilt thou trust His mighty arm today?

May God's blessing be upon you this week as you read and meditate on "In the Day of My Trouble," taken from Psalm 77!

In His Amazing Grace,

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/../MMXI/33/

Joyful

Pastor David Miklas — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:44:50 +0000

Volume No. 2011 Issue No. 27 Date: August 7, 2011

Publication of the BIBLE BAPTIST MINISTRY, 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706

Phone: 570.829.5216 pdmikBBM@aol.com pastormiklas@aol.com

Have you ever noticed how often the word “Joyful” occurs in the Word of God? By count it occurs 25 times in the scriptures. Let me call your attention to a few of them.

Psalm 35:9,"And my soul shall be “joyful” in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation."

Psalms 66:1-4, "Make a “joyful” noise unto God, all ye lands: (2) Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. (3) Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. (4) All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."

Psalm 89:15, "Blessed are the people that know the “joyful” sound: they shall walk, 0 LORD, in the light of thy countenance."

Psalm 95:1-3a, "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a “joyful” noise to the rock of our salvation. (2) Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a “joyful” noise unto him with psalms. (3) For the LORD is a great God…"

Psalm 98:4-8, "Make a “joyful” noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (5) Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. (6) With trumpets and sound of comet make a “joyful” noise before the LORD, the King. (7) Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (8) Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be “joyful” together."

Psalm 100:1, "Make a “joyful” noise unto the LORD, all ye lands."

Have you ever noticed how often the word “Joyful” occurs in great hymns of the faith? At Christians time we sing, "0 Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant." Fanny Crosby taught us to, "Praise Him, Praise Him, Ever in Joyful Song." Another old favorite proclaims, "We have Heard the Joyful Sound, Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!"

Perhaps the most “Joyful” hymn of all is by Henry van Dyke. One day in 1907, he was fulfilling a speaking engagement at Williams College in Massachusetts. At breakfast, he handed his host a piece of paper with the words, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." He said, "Here is a hymn for you; your mountains (the Berkshires) were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven's “Hymn to Joy."

The great thing about this hymn is you don't even have to sing it. It's a prayer to be offered. Perhaps it's one you will appreciate and use today or even sometime this week. Here are the words to stanzas 1, 2, 3:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Praising Thee their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!"

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise:

Fields and forest, vale and mountain, Blooming meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain, Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, – All who live in love are thine:

Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.

In His Amazing Grace,

http://BibleBaptistMinistry.org/../MMXI/27/