Author: Thomas R Hammond Jr

TITLE: OUR CALL TO GOD’S HOLINESS
TEXT: Lev_11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy…
Lev_11:45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
1Th_4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1Pe_1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
INTRO: “Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God’s judgment, hating what He hates, loving what He loves, and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word. ” ~ J.C. Ryle
Rom_6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
There is one thing that we must understand. We have all heard that famous phrase used by people who justify their lifestyles by saying, God is Love, and thus indicating that the nature of God is love. This is wrong thinking. The Nature of God is absolute Holiness! He is Holy! That is His Nature! All the other things we say of God, such as being love, and merciful, are His attributes! So now that we understand that Holiness is His Nature, lets find out the definition of Holy and Holiness!
Holy is that which has been dedicated and/or consecrated to God. Holiness is the state of being holy. That which has been sanctified. Pure and having integrity! Before we go any further we must understand what holiness means to the Christian. Thankfully scripture puts it plainly…
2Co_6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
1Pe_2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Holiness is separation and dedication to God! If we cannot understand this simple definition then we do not understand God.
When we are saved we are called to be separate from them of the world! Eph_4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Yes, I understand that we must live in this world, but the bible says that we are to not be of this world! We are to partake of the worlds lust and desires! We are to adhere to what God’s desires are and nothing else! God has called every believer to be Holy as He is Holy! It is not an impossible feat! It is not something that is beyond our reach! We are to strive to be Holy as our Father is Holy!! It must be a habit to choose holiness over unholiness if we are to progress from the old man to the new man.
We are told to be Holy, according to the definition given and according to God’s word, in
I. Thought
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We must bring under subjection every thought that is not of God! If it doesn’t edify your spirit to be more like God then it isn’t worth thinking! Be cautious! We are to show holiness in our thoughts by thinking on the things of God!
II. Word
Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Let the words we say be the words that glorify God! Let our words be those of the ones that come from the mouth of God! The bible says that we will be judge by the words of our mouths. We are to show holiness by our words by speaking the things that glorify God!
III. Conduct
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
His essential character is holiness. As His children we are to live lives that reflect that character.
The extent of this holiness is to be seen in all our conduct! Every part of our life is given over to the will of God, not the lustful passions of our ignorant past.
What so many people neglect to understand is the way they present themselves to others, declares what is in their hearts! Our conduct should scream out to who we serve! Our conduct should prove that we are striving for something that is greater than any monetary gain! Our conduct ought to say that I am a Christian and I am striving to be like Him who saved me!
CLOSING: There is so much more that could be said about what God expects from us concerning holiness! And if you want to talk about it I am more than willing to get with you and discuss it. I understand that there have been some people that have wrongly represented what holiness is, but it doesn’t negate the fact that we are called to be holy as He is Holy! In fact the bible says, “Without holiness no man can see God! Heb_12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
We must desire the holiness of God within our hearts and strive to be Holy as He is Holy!

TITLE: Deceived until their End
TEXT: 2Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
INTRO: This is not an original title. I was reading the writing of another preacher who told of His trip to Israel. He said that he had went to see the sites of biblical significance. However, it was a non-biblical related site that stirred his heart. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum on top of the Mount of Remembrance in the Holy Land. It wasn’t its size or the art work their to describe the significance of what had happened, but it was a model of a concentration camp and above that model was inscribed a quote that read, “The camp’s law is that those going to their death should be deceived until their end.” Written by a non Jewish prisoner named Tadeusz Borowski. He recounted what would happen as they would bring in prisoners. They would be divided by those who were strong enough to immediately begin forced labor and those who would be brought to the gas chambers. Most of these being the sick, weak, women and children. To control them mass number of people they were told that they were headed to the showers to be de-liced, never realizing what was happening until the gas coming from the so called shower-heads began to take affect. The preacher goes on to say, “This tactic did not originate with hitler and his henchmen. It came right out of the playbook of the very one who inspires all such destruction. Satan. It is Satan’s law. It is satan who keeps all of humanity blinded from seeing that the road he has encouraged them to travel is headed for destruction and eternal torment. His goal is to keep them deceived until their end. Until it is to late. Until the day of salvation has passed!”
I. Satan’s Plan!
Satan’s plan since he was thrown out of heaven has been to destroy humanity. The bible says that He cometh not but to steal, kill, and destroy! His desire is to make sure every person goes to hell with Him! He preys upon the weak and unexpecting to devour them as a roaring lion does! He hates you! We in church often say that he doesn’t need to hinder the lost , because they are already lost, but our text says that He blinds their eyes so they cannot see the truth! He is evil, wicked, and destructive! His plan is that we all go to hell with him!
He paints a pretty picture of the pleasure sin can bring. He promises the world and riches and power, just like he did with Christ! He lies and tells you everything is ok and this or that isn’t bad. But beware sinner and Christian, His devices are deadly! Beware lest you are deceived until your end!

II. Christ’s Desire!
The bible tells us that he came to give us life and have it more abundantly! It is not is desire that any person perishes in their sins. He has come to open the blinded eyes that the devil has blinded. He has come to reveal the truth of the enemies plan! He preached repentance (Turning) from sin! He preached hope to the hopeless! He preached truth to those who had been lied to! He showed people the error of their ways, but also told them of the love and mercy of the Father! He came to die in our place to redeem (buy back) us from the chains of sin and to give us the freedom that comes from salvation!
III. Your Choice!
However, it all comes down to you! It all comes down to your choice! God is a gentleman and He will never force you to be saved from sin and hell! The devil is not a gentleman and will do everything within his power to cause you die in your sin! You can either enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, which will bring death. Or you can turn from sin and turn towards the love, grace, mercy, and eternal life of God!

LUKE 16:19-31

Luk 16:19  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luk 16:21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luk 16:22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luk 16:24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luk 16:25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luk 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Luk 16:27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
Luk 16:28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luk 16:29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luk 16:30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luk 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

SERMON BY REV. DANIEL TAYLOR

TORMENT– TO CAUSE EXTREME PAIN TO THE BODY OR MIND.

In verse 23 the bible reads, “TORMENTS” There are plural torments when concerning hell. We will look at 7 that come directly from our text.

1. The Heat

THE SOUL WILL LIVE ETERNALLY IN THE EXTREMES OF THE TORMENTS. HELL IS HOT AND PUNISHMENT IS ETERNAL. THE HEAT WAS CONSTANT AND EXTREME!

2. The Thirst

THERE IS NO WATER IN HELL. THE THIRST IS SO SEVERE THAT YOU WOULD SETTLE FOR JUST A SINGLE DROP!

3. The recognition

THIS ISN’T BODILY TORMENT, THIS IS THE TORMENT THAT HAPPENS WITHIN THE MIND. THE ROLES HAVE TURNED. ETERNITY IS A EQUALIZER

4. The Remembrance of the past

YOU WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH THE BLESSINGS GOD DID BESTOW UPON YOU, IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE YOU REALIZE HIS LOVE FOR YOU. YOU WILL REMEMBER YOUR TREATMENT OF OTHERS WHO YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP BUT NEGLECTED TO DO SO. YOU WILL REMEMBER AND REALIZE IT, BUT IT WILL BE TOO LATE!

5. The Hopelessness

NO ONE CAN GET OUT OF HELL AND NO ONE CAN DOWN THERE TO OFFER HOPE…BECAUSE THERE IS NONE!

6. The Dread

THE DREAD THAT THOSE WHO FOLLOW US WILL COME HERE TOO, BECAUSE OF OUR EXAMPLE.

WHY HE DID NOT WANT HIS BROTHERS TO COME TO HELL:

1. HE PROBABLY LOVED HIS BROTHERS
2. HE FELT A MEASURE OF RESPONSIBILITY
3. HAVING TO FACE THEM LATER

THE RICH MAN REALIZED, AS BAD AS HELL IS, IT CAN GET WORSE!

7. The Realization

THE RICH MAN WAS MADE TO REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE AND NEED OF RESPONDING TO WORD OF GOD! UNFORTUNATELY HE REALIZED IT TOO LATE!

Concluding thought from Bro. Tommy:

The reality of hell and the churches preaching on it has become a taboo topic. We need to realize that hell is real and people, even some we know, will find themselves for eternity! It is our responsibilty to warn all we can of the reality of hell and its torments! We need to understand a couple of things…

1. Hell was made for the devil and the fallen angles.
2. It was never God’s intention for humans to go there.
3. However, Sin will never be permitted to into heaven, so those with sin in their lives will spend eternity in hell.
4. God has made a way to escape the torments of hell. He offered His son Jesus Christ as the mediatore and supreme sacrfice for humans! We need to tell the world of this Amazing Grace and gift of Salvation!

GOD BLESS,

Bro Tommy Hammond

There are three types of desperation and how they are brought about.

1. The Choices We Make.

Automatically, when we talk of desperation or being desperate, we think of hopelessness and despair. We often think of that rock bottom experience, where we have no where else to turn, no one else to turn to, and we feel alone and helpless. Yes, there are times when we get to this point and we come to a realization that we need God desperately! We realize that He, alone, can help us and change us! This type of desperation is brought about by our own choices. The Prodigal son comes to mind in Luke 15 starting in verse 11. This son, by his own choosing, found himself in the middle of a pig pen. Not only in it but eating the slop fed to the pigs. He came to himself and got desperate. He goes to the father and the father forgives him and restores him. This shows God’s willingness and readiness to forgive and restore us, despite our choices!

2. The Persecution of Others

Psa_142:6  Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

This cry for help shows a desperation. Take comfort, when you feel surrounded by the enemy of your soul, when you are fighting the destructive words of those around you, when you feel like you have fought all you can; God is still there beside you! Take comfort, for greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1Jn_4:4)!

3. The Great Desire for More

“Desperation isn’t only for when you’ve hit rock bottom, but is also for when you’re on the mountain top.”

I told one of my young people this recently. I had brought several to a youth conference and my reoccurring thought was, “We need to be desperate for God!” This is what I really want to focus on. We so often come into God’s house, get a blessing, and leave feeling great. However, somewhere between the church door and the following day we get complacent and satisfied with what we received, that we don’t strive for anymore.

Desperate has another definition.  “Having a great need or desire for something.” I would like to show you some examples of men who were desperate for God.

Paul:

Php 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

My favorite Scripture is this one right here. Particularly verse 12. “Apprehend” speaks of desperation, but it’s not a desperation of hopelessness, but rather one of great desire!

David:

Psalm 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

“Panteth” speaks of a great longing! A great desperation for a touch from God! For fellowship with the Lord Almighty!

Moses:

Exo_33:18  And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

“Beseech” is to urge great! To beg! To be desperate for God’s glory…for God Himself!

I also told this young person, “If you remain desperate for God, even on the mountain top, then that desperation will keep you in the valley!”

Lord, help us not to grow complacent and satisfied, that we lose our desire for you! Help us God to be desperate for you! Help us to do whatever is necessary to pursue you! Help us to long for you, even on the mountain top!

God bless,

Bro. Thomas Hammond