07/05/2017 13:11
LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE
Date: 2 May, 2017
Text: Textual Message on references to God's books
Title: God's Library
Introduction:
I remember my First year (freshman) year at University being overwhelmed as I took in the truth about the next 4 years of my life.
One class they gave us as freshman was called, "Freshman orientation." We had one old German, former Nazi, Dr. Salters, whose testimony of salvation was awesome.... who loved the Lord.... but who put the fear of God into our lives.... "Stupid Freshman...."
One of the things they did with that class is give us a tour of the Library (Probably to help our stupidity) - so that in the future we could find RESOURCES THAT WOULD REVEAL TRUTH TO US. WE WOULD BE ENLIGHTENED BY KNOWLEDGE.
In our day of digital media, we are less dependent upon book sharing, but this used to the path to knowledge.
We are going to go on a libary tour today - but the tour isn't on earth. Most of it is in Heaven. We are going to look into God's Heavenly library.
If we could pick up these five books they would each reveal to us different truths. In reality, we can only pick up one of them. That is the book we will begin with this morning....
I. The book of the law. (God's manual for life.)
note: This book reveals to me that I have been shown God's requirements for my life.
Neh 8:18 ...he read in the book of the law of God.
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
exp. This is the only part of God's library that is shared with mankind and the only one on earth and in Heaven.
Psa 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
ill. Seeing mobile libraries around Scotland - sharing books with people in out of the way places. Internet has devalued paper books - it used to be that books were treasures of knowledge. None more precious than the Bible.
ill. Christian - research. org
About fifty Bibles sell every minute
"Bible society's attempt to calculate the number printed between 1816 and 1975 produced the figure of 2,458,000,000. Another survey, for the years up to 1992, put it closer to 6 billion.
ill. Wikipedia - Most translated book - 2,932 (at least one copy), 1,333 (New Testament)
ill. Guinnessworldrecords "Although it is impossible to obtain exact figures, there is little doubt that the Bible is th world's best-selling and most widely distributed book."
question: What is the significance of this Heavenly treasure?
A. God's Book is inspired by Him.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
ill. If I wrote with a Parker Pen - it would be different than if I wrote with a broken pencil - however, both would show my hand and the imprint of the tool used.
exp. The Bible both reveals the hand of God (without error, complete, prophetic, written over 1300 years, by 44 or so men and it all agrees) and the imprint of the human tool which God used.
app. I can unashamedly hold up this book and say today, "I hold here in my hand the very WORD OF GOD."
B. God's book is preserved by Him.
Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
ill. The book of Jeremiah would have been destroyed if it wasn't for God's preservation of His Word.
Jeremiah 36:28
21 So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.
22 Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.
23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
24 Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.
25 Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.
26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
27 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
app. Don't let Satan deceive you into thinking that God's Word has been changed. God is the one in charge of preservation -Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls - testify that God has preserved His Words.
final app. If you could check a book out of God's library - would you? We have a Heavenly book in our hands - the knowledge, wisdom and revelation is there for anyone to take - are you wise enough to be enlightened by God's truth.
note: This book reveals to me that I have been shown God's requirements for my life. Those who claim ignorance at the judgment will be reminded that THEY ARE WILFULLY IGNORANT AND DESPISED GOD'S BOOK.
II. The book of blueprints. (God's book of human architecture.)
exp. This book reveals to me that God designed ME.
Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
exp. David expressed his amazement of the hand of God in every detail of his life. He speaks here of a book which were the blueprints for his life. Before he was ever formed, they were fashioned by the hand of God.
ill. God made Adam of the dust of the ground. Eve was made out of the rib of Adam. You could be jealous of God's original creation - if you did not realize that God as specifically made you.
question: What about birth defects or disabilities?
ill. Remember Paul's burden to have God heal him of some weakness in his flesh. What was God's response?
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
exp. He was responding to a church that was critical because they saw weakness in him.
ill. Remember that blind man whom Jesus healed? John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
ill. Has God used handicaps in anyone else's life to make them a vessel which he could use.
Francis Crosby "At age eight, Crosby wrote her first poem which described her condition.[32] She later remarked: "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."[33] She also once said, "when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior".[34] According to biographer Annie Willis, "had it not been for her affliction she might not have so good an education or have so great an influence, and certainly not so fine a memory"
ill. Ron Hamilton - woke up from surgery without an eye - but with the confidence that the Creator God was still on the throne. He wrote, "God Makes No Mistakes."
"I know God makes no mistakes
He leads in every path I take
Along the way that's leading me to home
Though at times my heart would break
There's a purpose in every change He makes
So that others would see my life and know
That God makes no mistakes"
app. Do you know today that God makes no mistakes? You are not the product of random chance. You are the product of a loving perfect God who designe you for His glory!
transition: This book reveals that GOD designed ME. (We would probably try to edit God's design - but He made us exactly has He intended.)
III. The book of remembrance. (God's book of rewards.)
ill. King Ahazeuarus - book of rememberance - Mordecaiah's deed.
Esther 6
1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
exp. An earthly king didn't forget to honor a man who stood up for him. Does the KING OF KINGS KEEP A BOOK OF THOSE HE DELIGHTS TO HONOR?
Mal 3:16-18 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
note: This book reminds me that God keeps a record of what I do for Him.
Mat 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
app. Do you need an audience to do something for God? Malachi's record of this book was in response to people who said - Mal 3:14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
GOD HAS A RECORD - BETTER BE FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD.
Do you need applause and reward now? Do you need others to stand with you IN ORDER FOR YOU TO STAND? Do you fear the Lord? God knows those who serve him and those who serve Him not. He is having a book of rememberance written.
IV. The book of life. (God's Census Book.)
note: This book assures me that God has a complete record of those who have everlasting life and those who do not have everlasting life.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
question: Have you got your name in this book? THERE IS NO BOOK MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN THIS BOOK.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
ill. I can see men being handed the book of life to look through for themselves and they will search in vain to find their name written there. THEY WERE RELIGIOUS! THEY WERE WORKING HARD AT THEIR SALVATION. THEY NEVER TOOK THE LIFE OF CHRIST, GOD'S GIFT OF SALVATION. THEY HAVE NO HOME IN HEAVEN BUT AN ETERNAL HOME IN HELL.
App. Friend, will you look in vain. If so, there is one other book which concerns you.
V. The books of works. (God's judgment Book.)
exp. Those in the book of life, will have no record in this book. This book is used by God with the book of life to judge the wicked at the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
exp. This book reveals to me that God knows and records every time I break His law.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
exp. Even if you are not saved and don't believe in God.
don't lie, lust, covet, swear, blaspheme, hate, steal, fornicate, murder, smoke, drink, do drugs, YOU WILL PAY FOR IT IN LIFE- AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT FOR ALL OF ETERNITY.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
NOTE: I can't explain this but GOD'S JUDGMENT HAS VERYING DEGREES.
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
app. Our generation has been given much - we have access to God's Word like no other generation (apps). Those who despise His Word WILL RECEIVE JUDGMENT FOR EVERY TRANSGRESSION THEY HAVE EVER COMMITTED AGAINST GOD.
WARNING: GOD HAS A COMPLETE RECORD OF EVERY TRANSGRESSION.
Conclusion:
Here we conclude our brief tour of God's library.
1.) The book of the law. You don't have to return your book OF THE LAW OF GOD - you can keep it as a TREASURE FROM HEAVEN.
2.) The book of blueprints. You can be assured the the Heavenly architect of your life - designed you with a purpose and made no mistake.
3.) The book of rememberance.You don't need to worry if anyone noticed your service for God - God is keeping a complete record of those who fear him and think about Him.
4.) The book of life. You can be assured that God knows whether or not your name is in the book of life. Do you know? Is it there? Those who are not found written in that book, "Are cast into the lake of fire."
5.) The book of works. If you aren't saved, be assured that there is a complete record of every trangression against God and that you will be judged accordingly. The ONLY WAY TO HAVE YOUR RECORD CLEANSED is to have your record put upon the cross. Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Date: 2 May, 2017
Text: Textual Message on references to God's books
Title: God's Library
Introduction:
I remember my First year (freshman) year at University being overwhelmed as I took in the truth about the next 4 years of my life.
One class they gave us as freshman was called, "Freshman orientation." We had one old German, former Nazi, Dr. Salters, whose testimony of salvation was awesome.... who loved the Lord.... but who put the fear of God into our lives.... "Stupid Freshman...."
One of the things they did with that class is give us a tour of the Library (Probably to help our stupidity) - so that in the future we could find RESOURCES THAT WOULD REVEAL TRUTH TO US. WE WOULD BE ENLIGHTENED BY KNOWLEDGE.
In our day of digital media, we are less dependent upon book sharing, but this used to the path to knowledge.
We are going to go on a libary tour today - but the tour isn't on earth. Most of it is in Heaven. We are going to look into God's Heavenly library.
If we could pick up these five books they would each reveal to us different truths. In reality, we can only pick up one of them. That is the book we will begin with this morning....
I. The book of the law. (God's manual for life.)
note: This book reveals to me that I have been shown God's requirements for my life.
Neh 8:18 ...he read in the book of the law of God.
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
exp. This is the only part of God's library that is shared with mankind and the only one on earth and in Heaven.
Psa 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
ill. Seeing mobile libraries around Scotland - sharing books with people in out of the way places. Internet has devalued paper books - it used to be that books were treasures of knowledge. None more precious than the Bible.
ill. Christian - research. org
About fifty Bibles sell every minute
"Bible society's attempt to calculate the number printed between 1816 and 1975 produced the figure of 2,458,000,000. Another survey, for the years up to 1992, put it closer to 6 billion.
ill. Wikipedia - Most translated book - 2,932 (at least one copy), 1,333 (New Testament)
ill. Guinnessworldrecords "Although it is impossible to obtain exact figures, there is little doubt that the Bible is th world's best-selling and most widely distributed book."
question: What is the significance of this Heavenly treasure?
A. God's Book is inspired by Him.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
ill. If I wrote with a Parker Pen - it would be different than if I wrote with a broken pencil - however, both would show my hand and the imprint of the tool used.
exp. The Bible both reveals the hand of God (without error, complete, prophetic, written over 1300 years, by 44 or so men and it all agrees) and the imprint of the human tool which God used.
app. I can unashamedly hold up this book and say today, "I hold here in my hand the very WORD OF GOD."
B. God's book is preserved by Him.
Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
ill. The book of Jeremiah would have been destroyed if it wasn't for God's preservation of His Word.
Jeremiah 36:28
21 So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.
22 Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.
23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
24 Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.
25 Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.
26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
27 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
app. Don't let Satan deceive you into thinking that God's Word has been changed. God is the one in charge of preservation -Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls - testify that God has preserved His Words.
final app. If you could check a book out of God's library - would you? We have a Heavenly book in our hands - the knowledge, wisdom and revelation is there for anyone to take - are you wise enough to be enlightened by God's truth.
note: This book reveals to me that I have been shown God's requirements for my life. Those who claim ignorance at the judgment will be reminded that THEY ARE WILFULLY IGNORANT AND DESPISED GOD'S BOOK.
II. The book of blueprints. (God's book of human architecture.)
exp. This book reveals to me that God designed ME.
Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
exp. David expressed his amazement of the hand of God in every detail of his life. He speaks here of a book which were the blueprints for his life. Before he was ever formed, they were fashioned by the hand of God.
ill. God made Adam of the dust of the ground. Eve was made out of the rib of Adam. You could be jealous of God's original creation - if you did not realize that God as specifically made you.
question: What about birth defects or disabilities?
ill. Remember Paul's burden to have God heal him of some weakness in his flesh. What was God's response?
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
exp. He was responding to a church that was critical because they saw weakness in him.
ill. Remember that blind man whom Jesus healed? John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
ill. Has God used handicaps in anyone else's life to make them a vessel which he could use.
Francis Crosby "At age eight, Crosby wrote her first poem which described her condition.[32] She later remarked: "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."[33] She also once said, "when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior".[34] According to biographer Annie Willis, "had it not been for her affliction she might not have so good an education or have so great an influence, and certainly not so fine a memory"
ill. Ron Hamilton - woke up from surgery without an eye - but with the confidence that the Creator God was still on the throne. He wrote, "God Makes No Mistakes."
"I know God makes no mistakes
He leads in every path I take
Along the way that's leading me to home
Though at times my heart would break
There's a purpose in every change He makes
So that others would see my life and know
That God makes no mistakes"
app. Do you know today that God makes no mistakes? You are not the product of random chance. You are the product of a loving perfect God who designe you for His glory!
transition: This book reveals that GOD designed ME. (We would probably try to edit God's design - but He made us exactly has He intended.)
III. The book of remembrance. (God's book of rewards.)
ill. King Ahazeuarus - book of rememberance - Mordecaiah's deed.
Esther 6
1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
exp. An earthly king didn't forget to honor a man who stood up for him. Does the KING OF KINGS KEEP A BOOK OF THOSE HE DELIGHTS TO HONOR?
Mal 3:16-18 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
note: This book reminds me that God keeps a record of what I do for Him.
Mat 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
app. Do you need an audience to do something for God? Malachi's record of this book was in response to people who said - Mal 3:14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
GOD HAS A RECORD - BETTER BE FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD.
Do you need applause and reward now? Do you need others to stand with you IN ORDER FOR YOU TO STAND? Do you fear the Lord? God knows those who serve him and those who serve Him not. He is having a book of rememberance written.
IV. The book of life. (God's Census Book.)
note: This book assures me that God has a complete record of those who have everlasting life and those who do not have everlasting life.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
question: Have you got your name in this book? THERE IS NO BOOK MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN THIS BOOK.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
ill. I can see men being handed the book of life to look through for themselves and they will search in vain to find their name written there. THEY WERE RELIGIOUS! THEY WERE WORKING HARD AT THEIR SALVATION. THEY NEVER TOOK THE LIFE OF CHRIST, GOD'S GIFT OF SALVATION. THEY HAVE NO HOME IN HEAVEN BUT AN ETERNAL HOME IN HELL.
App. Friend, will you look in vain. If so, there is one other book which concerns you.
V. The books of works. (God's judgment Book.)
exp. Those in the book of life, will have no record in this book. This book is used by God with the book of life to judge the wicked at the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
exp. This book reveals to me that God knows and records every time I break His law.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
exp. Even if you are not saved and don't believe in God.
don't lie, lust, covet, swear, blaspheme, hate, steal, fornicate, murder, smoke, drink, do drugs, YOU WILL PAY FOR IT IN LIFE- AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT FOR ALL OF ETERNITY.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
NOTE: I can't explain this but GOD'S JUDGMENT HAS VERYING DEGREES.
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
app. Our generation has been given much - we have access to God's Word like no other generation (apps). Those who despise His Word WILL RECEIVE JUDGMENT FOR EVERY TRANSGRESSION THEY HAVE EVER COMMITTED AGAINST GOD.
WARNING: GOD HAS A COMPLETE RECORD OF EVERY TRANSGRESSION.
Conclusion:
Here we conclude our brief tour of God's library.
1.) The book of the law. You don't have to return your book OF THE LAW OF GOD - you can keep it as a TREASURE FROM HEAVEN.
2.) The book of blueprints. You can be assured the the Heavenly architect of your life - designed you with a purpose and made no mistake.
3.) The book of rememberance.You don't need to worry if anyone noticed your service for God - God is keeping a complete record of those who fear him and think about Him.
4.) The book of life. You can be assured that God knows whether or not your name is in the book of life. Do you know? Is it there? Those who are not found written in that book, "Are cast into the lake of fire."
5.) The book of works. If you aren't saved, be assured that there is a complete record of every trangression against God and that you will be judged accordingly. The ONLY WAY TO HAVE YOUR RECORD CLEANSED is to have your record put upon the cross. Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
