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In the world today a lot of people dress in a way that makes them feel good (or in other words, the way they feel is how they express themselves in clothing). Or we could say this probably; that it's whatever they think to be appropriate. Whenever we consider our attire, we're not looking at pleasing ourselves but we should be looking at pleasing God. And our worship should be directed in exactly the same way. You know, the Christian is set apart from the rest of the world. We are a chosen people and God has chosen us and He's set us apart from the rest of the world. 
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There are some things that you can control but there are just somethings that we can't control, so why worry about those things? In life we just need to be the best we can be, but biblically we need to remember to do and keep the commandments that we are given. John 21:21-23 talks about what other people might be doing is not a concern for us because we can't control others, only ourselves.
The Lord's Day is a day that we set aside for the church. And it's the day in which the church gathers to worship. We pray that all that we do and say is in accord with God's will when we worship God. I don't believe any of us would say that worship can be conducted or is to be conducted in the way in which we feel. In the religious world today a lot of people worship in a way that makes them feel good (or in other words, the way they feel is how they express themselves in worship). Or we could say this probably; that it's whatever they think to be appropriate in worship is to be acceptable to God. Whenever we consider worship we're not looking at pleasing ourselves but we should be looking at pleasing God. And our worship should be directed in exactly that way. You know, the Christian is set apart from the rest of the world. We are a chosen people and God has chosen us and He's set us apart from the rest of the world.
Many of us have heard the Parable of the Sower. It's found in Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15. Some call it the Parable of the Soils as the illustration emphasizes the difference of the outcome based on the quality of the soil where the seeds land. Jesus tells of a farmer who sows seed indiscriminately. Some seed falls on the path (wayside) with no soil, some on rocky ground with little soil, some on soil which contains thorns, and some on good soil. In the first case, the seed is taken away; in the second and third soils, the seed fails to produce a crop; but when it falls on good soil, it grows and yields. And today we are that soil. Will we yield fruit? Are we good soil? Or are we like the soil that is in the pathway hardened and the seed never is planted but instead it bounces off and then is swept away. Are we like the soil where the seed that lands on the rock and the plant can't have any roots. These individuals can recieve the word of God (the seeds) but without roots, any temptation prevents vegetation from growing. Are we like soil with thorns growing? Are we so invested in the cares, riches, and pleasures of life that anything that the seeds (the word of God) would yield... is choked?
The relationship of God to Man (in other words the relationship of God to all of the people on Earth) is similar to that of the relationship between a parent to their child. A parent will always try to keep their children safe and so does God. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." As many of us grew up we were often told to be home by dark because nothing good happens after dark. But during the winter season, Mom and/or Dad can be their with their flashlights to help you make that journey to the convenience store or to just spend sometime outside not in front of the television. When we as little ones would get scared, we may have forgotten that Mom and/or Dad were there to protect us but as any person who has joined the church... has joined the family of God will tell you... God, the Father watches over us all and His word is a light to my path and a lamp for my feet.
Satan has been depicted in many forms in modern media. Sometimes Satan is a cartoon fiend with red skin, a couple horns on his head and a black pitchfork... maybe a tail too. The Bible claims that Satan walks about the earth as a lion seeking whom he may devour. But this also sounds cartoonish and to some today. It may even sound dismissable. And that is concerning. Temptation is all around us. It may even be in the next recommended video you encounter on social media. Satan is not so much visible as he is around and working diligently. And if that doesn't scare you... the threat of Heaven vs. Hell should. Satan's tactics... the temptations around us seem to get more and more tempting and savy because the sin in the world becomes more and more prevalent, displayed and advertised. And so this lesson's warning is a warning to every person out there... Do You Think That Satan is a Fool?
God created a sinless man in the beginning, but it did not take long before man was deceived and sinned. Satan, the “prince of the power of the air,” has destroyed the lives of many. (Ephesians 2:1-3) “(1) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, (2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (3) among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Satan only has power over men who allow or permit him to have such power. We also know without doubt that God loves all men according to the following passage, (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” However, we should note that even though God loves all men and has extended His grace to man does not mean all will be saved. The saved or those granted everlasting life are those who love and believe in God. The apostle Paul concluded his letter to the Ephesian church with these words. (Ephesians 6:24) “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Loving our Lord was a condition placed upon receiving God’s grace. Paul also says, (Ephesians 2:8-9) “(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Paul tells us how we obtain knowledge and receive the grace of God. (Colossians 1:5-6) “(5) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, (6) which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.” God’s word is truth. (John 17:17) “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Faith in God is dependent upon the word of God." (Romans 10:17) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This is a Sermon Series on the the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount presented by Dale Fender. While learning some about these attitudes that we are to exhibit, there is much that can be learned and applied today as Christians with references to Old Testament literature and what stands in the way of Christians with the worldly views that stand in opposition to these beatitudes.
Time. Something that we all are "plagued" with only having so much of. How are you using your time? And what should we do with our time?
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