ROM-118-150712 - length: 53:23 - taught on Jul, 12 2015
Class Outline:
Welcome To
BARAH MINISTRIES
a Christian Church
Rory Clark
Pastor-Teacher
Good Morning!
Welcome to Barah Ministries…a worldwide Christian Church based in Mesa, AZ…my name is Pastor Rory Clark.
Welcome to our monthly celebration of the Lord’s Supper…the time when we remember our God, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice on our behalf that gave us a “so great” salvation…a time for us to express our gratitude for all that He has done for us…for all that He is doing for us…for all He has already put in place for our future...Galatians, Chapter 3, Verse 13 says…
The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Mosaic Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (a Cross)”—
Imagine that you committed murder…you were arrested…you were found guilty…and you were ready for sentencing…knowing without question that the death penalty was to be the judge’s only recourse in your case…and right after you are sentenced to die, a man steps forward and says, “I will die in your place.” That’s what the Lord Jesus Christ did for you. If He had not agreed to become your substitute…to stand in the place where you would have been standing…to shed His blood…to die for you…you would have no hope…you would spend eternity in the Lake of Fire…because God’s response to sin is wrath.
Yet the Lord redeemed you from the curse of this death penalty…“redeem” means to “buy out from slavery” … the Lord purchased you out of slavery to sin and out of slavery to the Mosaic Law…He did not want you to be imprisoned…He wanted you to be free. Galatians, Chapter 5, Verse 1…
It was for freedom that the Lord Jesus Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm in the freedom and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Freedom is the essence of life, and it is paid for with blood…the Lord Jesus Christ paid for your freedom with His blood…First Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 18 and 19 say…
…knowing (this) … that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life that you inherited from your human forefathers…
…but you were redeemed (by means of a ransom payment) with precious blood, the blood of a lamb unblemished and spotless (thus uniquely qualified), the (priceless and precious) blood of Christ.
As believers in Christ, we are not to take lightly that which was paid for at so high a cost…and it is a pleasure for us to honor the Son of the Living God daily, especially during our Lord’s Supper celebration, for making the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
MUSIC AND REFLECTION
Be Occupied with the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ
Enjoy the Singing of His Praises
WHEN THE STARS BURN DOWN
Phillips, Craig and Dean
The opening song is WHEN THE STARS BURN DOWN sung by Phillips, Craig and Dean.
OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray...
We’re grateful Heavenly Father for the privilege of studying the absolute truth...the Word of God…
Thank you for the right of self determination…freedom…and thank you for making us know through Your Word that the only free choice is complete agreement with You in all matters…
Encourage us on our journey down the narrow road…and help us to know that complete dependence on You is the safe choice and the only choice… help us get to know our deliverer…God the Holy Spirit…who is the one leading us into all the truth…
We ask this through the power of God the Holy Spirit...in Christ’s name... Amen.
THE LORD’S SUPPER CELEBRATION
Freedom is Not Prison
Freedom is the essence of life, and it is paid for with blood…the Lord Jesus Christ paid for our freedom with His blood…and there are men and women standing on a wall today saying, “Nothing’s going to hurt you today…not on my watch.” They are protecting our freedom and standing at the ready to shed their blood on our behalf.
Forty two million men and women have served in the US Military since the country’s inception in July of 1776…nearly two million of them have paid the ultimate price for freedom…they gave their lives as a substitute for us. So as we celebrate this month’s Lord’s Supper, we honor those who protect our freedom…those who are prepared to reflect the same sacrifice that our Lord Jesus Christ made for us at the Cross. First Peter, Chapter 2, Verse 24…
…the Lord Jesus Christ Himself bore our sins in His own body on the Cross, so that we might die to the sovereignty of sin and so that we might live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
On July 4th every year, the people of the United States of America celebrate freedom. It’s important to me as a Pastor, and to this congregation, to honor those who protect us. And since we weren’t here last week to celebrate, we’ll do it today. Not all who protect our freedom die. Some are severely injured protecting us…and are so debilitated by their injuries that they live with them for the rest of their lives. We honor them today as well.
Those who serve in the military are brave. Those of us who live in the United States live in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” Yet freedom is being protected throughout the world, and we salute today all those who stand for might…who stand for right…who embrace freedom and who reject slavery, no matter the country of origin. We celebrate our allies as well.
Let’s listen to excerpts from one of the most beautiful documents ever penned, by a set of brave men who were willing to die for freedom…The Declaration of Independence.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
In congress, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these rights are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish this government, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience has shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world…
After the candid facts are presented…the evidence…the declaration continues.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress (that they right the wrong) in the most humble terms. Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States…
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
…that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved…
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
…and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, to conclude peace, to contract alliances, to establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Powerful words from powerful men who are brave enough to stand up for a
Principle called freedom. Happy Birthday to these United States of America! Now let’s take the offering…
THE OFFERING
Deacon Denny Goodall
We appreciate your gifts. Because the Lord provides you with a way to be generous, you get a chance to give of your treasure so that others can benefit. There is no greater expression of the unconditional love of God than giving. We appreciate the sacrifice you make to keep the doors of Barah Ministries open, making available a place where people can hear the Word of God taught accurately, and free of charge. Let’s welcome up Deacon Denny Goodall to take the offering.
THE OFFERING
Deacon Denny Goodall
Barah Ministries Financial Policy
We are sanctioned by God to charge for anything we provide you with to worship God. We choose not to exercise that right. No price appears on any material from Barah Ministries so that anyone who wants to learn about God can do so free of charge.
Barah Ministries Financial Policy
Even though the materials are free of charge, they are not free of cost. We appreciate your much needed financial support so we can continue to share the Word of God with the hearers God provides. Please be generous in your support of God’s work through this ministry.
OFFERING VERSE
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
OFFERING
FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE
Dave McClure, Instrumental
THE LORD’S SUPPER CELEBRATION
Freedom is Not Prison
We are walking prisons. We were born into the prison called “in Adam.” Those of us who are saved were freed from the prison of “in Adam” and were placed “in Christ” by God the Holy Spirit. Yet we love going back to prison, forfeiting our freedom. In her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, author Maya Angelou chronicles the struggle we all face to be free in light of the fact that we live in Satan’s kingdom. Here is an excerpt from her work…
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own…
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
After a short music break, we’ll enjoy the Lord’s Supper elements and hear a few important things about freedom.
MUSIC BREAK
HE IS EXALTED
Twila Paris
THE LORD’S SUPPER CELEBRATION
Enjoying the Elements
Following God’s request, we keep on celebrating CHRIST and His Cross on a regular basis…we eat to remember who He is…His PERSON…we drink to remember His WORK, the voluntary sacrifice He made at the Cross on our behalf as our substitute…and we are grateful for what God has done for us. First Corinthians, Chapter 11, Verses 23 and 24 say…
For I, Paul received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus Christ on the night in which He was betrayed took bread…
…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is, and keeps on being My body, which is broken for you; keep on doing this celebration for the purpose of remembering Me.”
When we eat the bread during the Lord’s Supper Celebration, we remember THE PERSON of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we drink the cup, we remember THE WORK of the Lord Jesus Christ. First Corinthians, Chapter 11, Verses 25 and 26 say…
In the same way the Lord Jesus Christ took the cup after supper, representing His death on the Cross, saying, “This cup is a new testament forged with My blood; keep on doing this celebration, as often as you drink it, for the purpose of remembering Me.”
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
As you enjoy the bread and the cup, enjoy the memory of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well. Now and always, as the Lord’s Supper song reminds us to keep on giving thanks.
LORD’S SUPPER SONG
Give Thanks
THE LORD’S SUPPER CELEBRATION
Freedom is Not Prison
Maya Angelou chronicles the struggle we all face to be free in light of the fact that we live in Satan’s kingdom…
CAGED BIRD
by Maya Angelou
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
Henry David Thoreau said it this way…
“The mass of humanity lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Is this to be your legacy? Galatians, Chapter 5, Verse 1…
It was for freedom that the Lord Jesus Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm in the freedom and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
When will you be ready to live your freedom? What is it you do to kill your freedom? What are the little prisons you create to live comfortably in, all the while killing your song?
Walt Whitman penned…
WALT WHITMAN
Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring…
Of the endless trains of the faithless…
Of cities filled with the foolish…
Of myself forever reproaching myself…
(for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
WALT WHITMAN
Of eyes that vainly crave the light…
Of the objects mean…
Of the struggle ever renewed..
Of the poor results of all…
Of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me…
WALT WHITMAN
Of the empty and useless years of the rest
With the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring…
What good amid these, O me, O life?
WALT WHITMAN
Answer…
That you are here—that life exists and identity…
That the powerful play goes on…
And you may contribute a verse.
What will your verse be? We who love prison go our whole lives without answering the question…O Me…O Life. It’s time to answer the question. What will you do with your freedom? What will your verse be? Let your verse free. That’s what Christ wanted for us…that’s why He went to the Cross. Thank you, Lord.
The Promises of the Lord Jesus Christ
are Guarantees!
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and everyone in your household who also believes.”
Jesus said to doubting Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through believing in Me.
He who believes in the Son has eternal life (the ZOE life); but he who does not obey the (command to believe in the) Son will not see (the Zoe) life, but instead the wrath of God the Father abides on him.”
CLOSING SONG
BORN AGAIN
June Murphy
CLOSING PRAYER
Let us pray...
THANKS
INTERCESSION
PETITION
And we pray that You continue to shape the messages from this pulpit that are an accurate reflection of Your unconditional love, Your glorious Person, Your lucid thinking, Your impeccable work, and Your magnificent essence...we ask this through the power of God the Holy Spirit, in Christ’s name, Amen.
Thanks for coming!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for listening!
www.barahministries.com
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1220 S. Alma School Rd. Suite 201 Mesa, AZ 85210 |
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