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Jesus is the Reason for the Season: The Great Advent.
An Advent Sermon Preached by the University Pastor John 3:16 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. Introduction: Over the past few weeks I have noticed that “The world” has truly got it twisted when it comes to celebrating Christmas. For many people believe that Christmas is a time of partying, gambling, and letting your hair down.
  1. Some believe that it is all about the presents and the tree.
  2. Some believe it is about the children or doing good deeds “this one time of year”.
  3. Some believe it is about the alcohol or the getting high moments, or perhaps even getting into debt for the ones you love.
As your Pastor, I stop by to tell you today, that Christmas is not about any of these things. Christmas is not about you getting credit card bills, worldly thrills, temporary frills and even relational chills. Christmas is not about what you see on T.V or at Wall-mart. It is not about the lights, cakes or pies. It is not about getting something new or something old. The reason that the world has Christmas today, and the reason that we celebrate the birth of Christ is found right here in this passage of scripture. Christmas is really all about “The great advent of God”! Emmanuel, God HIMSELF coming down to dwell with us. This wonderful season of love and giving comes from God. It was God’s Love for man that caused Him to intervene on our behalf and break into time to save us from our SIN. The reason for the season today is two fold today.
  1. Christmas is about God revealing Himself to us.
  2. Christmas is about God revealing His plan of salvation for man.
Why did God decide to do this? Well in the very beginning of time (as we know it) Man once dwelled with God in a perfect environment. The bible teaches that the very first man and woman, Adam and Eve sinned against God, and rebelled against him by disobeying his command. And when they did this they fell from their relationship with Him, into what we call SIN. God had promised them that if they ever did this they would surely die. When they sinned against God, they not only died spiritually, but they caused the entire world to be condemned. This condemnation all came into existence because of their one act of rebellion and disobedience against God! And now because of their SIN all of mankind must die, ever since the fall of man, everybody ever born was born wrong, we were all born into sin, born to die, and born enemies of God. Their one act of Sin demanded payment, it was rebellion against a Holy God and his order of righteousness for the world. Sin is the enemy of God, and directly opposes his will for mans life. Sin is therefore costly, because humanity was never designed to live in rebellion against their maker. As a result of sin, life can be horrible:
  1. Because of sin, we got unwanted pain and pressure in the world.
  2. Because of sin, we have trouble and evil in the world.
  3. Because of sin, babies are killed in the womb before they have a chance at life.
  4. Because of sin, children kill their parents and parents kill their children.
  5. Because of sin there is universal calamity, and death all over the world.
  6. Because of sin man has fallen from God’s original plan for his life.
  7. Because of sin Man is cursed with rebellion against his creator.Note:
Now every man, woman, boy and girl, from the crack house to the white house, the poor house to the rich house, Alabama to Zimbabwe are born enemies of God who live in rebellion against him and his plan for their lives. (Sin cost man everything! They chose to rebel against God’s plan, by eating the forbidden fruit, (which God warned them not too) because of their choice, death entered into the world and passed unto all generations. Adam and eve had a choice in the Garden of Eden to obey God and live forever in a perfect relationship with him, or to rebel and do things their own way.
  1. Because of sin, every child is born to die.
  2. Because of sin, someone you know is on drugs or alcohol.
  3. Because of sin, we have prisons, hospitals, police, and burglar alarms.
  4. Because of sin, we fight wars we don’t begin.
  5. Because of sin, we hate people we have never seen.
  6. Because of sin men would rather be women and women would rather be men.
  7. Because of sin, we steal what we want and take what’s not ours.
  8. Because of sin, there are tear-stained pillows and broken hearts in every corner of the world.
  9. Because of sin, poverty and hunger run rampant in our worldNot only has sin destroyed mankind, but the effects of sin has devastated creation.
  10. Because of sin, Flowers bloom to die.
  11. Because of sin, animals kill one another.
  12. Because of sin, the earth quakes, the sea roars, and the winds howl.
  13. Because of sin the sea gets angry and tsunamis occur.
  14. Because of sin, the wind and rain team up and create hurricanes.
Sin is wicked and it has destroyed the original plan of life for you and me. But even in all of this tragedy, God, through His divine love came up with a plan to save all those who desired to be saved from the penalty of sin and death. This plan consisted of sending his only begotten Son" Jesus" down to earth and have him to become sin for us and sacrifice his very life in our place as a offering unto the Father. This is why we celebrate Christmas, This is the true reason for the season; this is what Christmas is all about. It is about God Loving, God giving, God sending, God forgiving and God Saving. Let’s examine this text: 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. The text says that God “So Loved” (agappao) this word for Loved in the Greek is the word that describes the creators Love for the thing he has created. (There are 3 words for love in the Greek language.
  1. Eros (Erotic love)
  2. Phileo (Brotherly love)
  3. Agape (Godly love)
Because of God’s Love for us He was moved to act on our behalf while we were trapped in Sin. This word is written in what we call an Aorist tense; this means that the writer when he used this language used this particular word because it had no regard for the past, present of future time. It was a love that was continual, He never stopped loving us. This text implies that God was so madly in love with us that even before we rebelled against Him He loved us. His Love was and has always been unconditional, even in our present mess-ups God keeps on loving us. When He saw Adam and Eve had rebelled against Him, it was His love that sought them out and restored them back into a relationship with Him. Agape Love literally means to be fond of, well pleased with and dearly in love with. This is a love that sees past the junk in your heart, the mess in your mind, the issues of life and is compelled to act on your behalf. The text says that God So Loved “The World” The world here is the cosmos, it is the universe and beyond. It is the entire Human race. It is the object of God’s love!
  • It does not mean just one race of people
  • It does not mean just one class of people
  • It does not mean those who don’t smoke, drink or chew
  • It does not mean those who have a certain income and who live in a certain part of town.
This word includes the homosexual, liar, drug addict, thief, prostitute, politician, policeman, judge, teacher, lawyer, doctor, electrician, plumber, journeyman, laborer, nurse and even the unemployed. It covers those from the white house to the drug house. This is a picture of the scope of God’s Love. Not only does God’s love search for man, but He keeps on loving man in spite of his condition throughout the course of time. He loved the suicide bomber in Iraq, while he was committing suicide! He loved the drive by shooter in L.A, while he was hanging out of the window pulling the trigger! He loved the child molester in Birmingham, the thief in New York, before they were born, while they were sinning and after the sin had occurred. “ONLY GOD CAN LOVE LIKE THIS”! Why because they are apart of his creation living in His “cosmos” made in his image. Agape Love has no boundaries.
  • Some of you were worst than this!
  • Some of you remember where you were doing some of the stuff you did.
  • Some of you know it was the Love of God that kept you from going crazy.
  • Loosing your babies, loosing your minds, loosing your health, loosing your possessions, and loosing all hope in life.
The text says that God So Loved the World, that “He Gave”. The word gave in this text is the greek word didomi. It is the word that says what the Love of God did for man. Because of God’s Love he was compelled to give. Because of God’s Love he saw a need that only He could fulfill for man, and was moved to meet that need. This word Didomi, means to give something to someone with no strings attached, it is giving that has a divine motive, because it is developed in the heart of a loving giver! It is also written in what we called the aorist tense. This means that the writer when he used this language used this particular word because it had no regard for the past, present of future time. It was a one time gift that was continual; the giving heart of God has never stopped. He gave before time began, when time began and after time began, and He continues to give now.
  • God according to this verse is generous!
  • God according this verse is motivated to give!
  • God according this verse can’t help himself in giving!
And I notice that He gives in spite of us, or because of us, or with us in mind. It his in His character to give
  • Has God ever given you something?
  • Has given you another chance?
  • Has given you life over death?
  • Has he given you eyes to see when you were once blind?
  • Has he given you health and strength?
  • Has he given you peace when you had none?
  • Has he given you hope?
  • Has he given you light in your darkness?
  • Has he made a way of escape for you, from the storms of life?
  • Has God ever gave you anything, if so you ought to say AMEN!
The text says that God So Loved the World, that “He Gave” His only begotten Son, that “Whosoever Believes” in Him . Here we find the word Mono-Genes (It is the one of a kind) There is no other Emmanuel, there is no other Jesus-Christ. There is no other savior for mankind. Jesus was God’s only answer for the world. He is 100% man and 100% God. God did not have a second option on his mind, He did not have another Plan. Jesus is God’s only Son, Sacrifice and Savior all rolled into one. The word Believes in this text is the word pisteuo and it is another powerful word;
  1. It means to be persuaded to place your trust and confidence in Christ.
  2. In other words a person must place all their trust in Jesus if they say that they believe in Him.
  3. They have no trust in the stock market, no trust in the virgin Mary, St. peter, St. Paul, Muhammad, Buddha, Civil rights, Black Power, White Power, Grand Mother or Grand Father, or any other source, steps, or programs for their salvation.
It must be trust alone in Christ for salvation. In the Greek language it is written in the present tense, which means it is happening right now! Even though the act occurred along time ago, if one acts by believing right now something wonderful will take place. I Like this because it explains what God did for the world. (His Labor) He sent his Son 2000 years ago, but today he yet uses faith to draw all of the world to himself. So even though you and I were not there When HE came, if we Believe in HIM, we can still receive the wonderful reward that everyone else receives, because the reward is by faith. 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. The word Perish in this text means to be sent to an eternal misery in Hell. If you are declared to perish you are being sentenced to be “put to death”. Jesus is saying here that God’s love for the world was so powerful that he gave up his only sacrifice to save those that trust in Him and if they trust in Him they are not sent to an eternal death in Hell. The word eternal life is the opposite for the eternal death. If a person trusts Christ for salvation they receive the eternal life. If a person rejects Christ and will not trust in Him, They will receive eternal death in Hell, because, they have rejected their ticket out of Hell! Jesus is the only way out of the eternal punishment! Jesus alone can save you from your sin and sentence in Hell. My Story: Brothers and Sisters I was on my way to hell, I was born in Sin and separated from a Holy God. Drugs had my mind, Gangs had my heart, and Sin had my flesh! But when I heard the gospel inside of a jail cell, I knew it was God’s good news for my weary soul! And today I am not confused about what the reason for the season is! Christmas is for me to worship God for what he did to save me from Hell! Christmas is for me to celebrate the God of Heaven and earth paying the ultimate price of salvation that I might be saved. Christmas started in a manger but it ended on a cross! You see there is no salvation without a sacrifice. Our sin had to be punished! God is too holy to look on Sin, and the wages of sin is death. So out on the old rugged Cross Jesus was crucified for you and me. The stretched him high, dropped him low, pierced his head, and his hands. He was stripped and beat, buried in a borrowed grave, But early Sunday morning, he rose with all power of heaven and earth in his hands. He started in a manger, but he didn’t stay there! Jesus ain’t a baby no more! When he comes back for His church, he is coming as the conquering King!    

Keep your hands off of Gods Stuff
A sermon preached by the University Pastor  I Chron. 13:1-14   Then David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2 And David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brethren everywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites who are in their cities and their common-lands, that they may gather together to us;3 and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.”4 Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor in Egypt to as far as the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim.6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, to Kirjath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells between the cherubim, where His name is proclaimed.7 So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.8 Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets.9 And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.10 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.11 And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzza; therefore that place is called Perez Uzza to this day.12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?”13 So David would not move the ark with him into the City of David, but took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had. [1] Introduction: Every now and then in our bible reading, we come across those passages where the Anger of the Lord surprises the reader. I think that sometimes as believers we can take for granted His presence and forget just who it is that is accompanying us on our journey. Even when doing what pleases Him and doing what we know He would require, we can sometimes become casual to a fault about how we deal with the things of God.
  1. Today we see Israel in the center of Gods will, doing the right thing, but doing it the wrong way.
  2. In order to get the country’s attention, God Kills a man, so that men would learn not to get over familiar with His presence, his commands, or his words and iniatives.
“Keeping your hands off of Gods stuff” will help you with your carnality and your overwhelming desire to think you can do whatever you want with God stuff. This text reminds me to be careful how I handle the things of God and to be sure and follow his every-instruction on this journey with the saints of the living God.
  • Israel’s Position
2 And David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brethren everywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites who are in their cities and their common-lands, that they may gather together to us;3 and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.” Note: The textual background suggests that it’s a new day for Israel. Saul is dead, and David is the new king. The enemies that once surrounded them have all been dealt with. The southern and the northern kingdoms have come back together and now there is peace among God’s people. Application:
  • It’s a good thing when there are no division among the saints
  • It’s a good thing when the people of God are on one accord
  • It’s a good thing when His people love each other and are willing to work together to see YAWEH elevated in the earth.
In verses 2-3 we see a clarion call of King David summoning the best and brightest of Israel from all over the kingdom. He calls them in consultation for advice regarding “The spiritual formation” of Israel.
  1. The kingdom had gotten away from God under King Saul
  2. When he lost the war to the Philistines they captured the ark of the covenant from its place of worship (I Sam 4:17-18)
  3. The Philistines understood that the Ark had power, and when they tried to capture it Gods wrath broke out amongst them, (I Sam. 6:4-6) so they banished it to the outskirts of their country.
  4. However, when David conquered them, the Ark was rescued and brought to the outskirts of Jerusalem where it was taken care of in the home of one of the Levites.
  5. So when we come to this text Israel is interested in worshipping YAWEH again, and the question is asked “Shall we go down and bring up the Ark at this time.
I like this passage of scripture because it reveals that David confides in his leadership and it reveals that Gods people trust in the vision of their king. It also notes that they asked the question about the Ark because it was dangerous to have around! The philistines had great wrath to fall upon them because they tried to keep it amongst them. The rumor of this calamity was a well known fact in the region of Palestine. David wanted them to count the cost of bringing back the Ark into their possession. The ark was made in the days of Moses. It was constructed of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and with two golden cherubim standing at each end.
  • Its solid gold cover is called “God’s throne,” the ‘mercy seat’, where forgiveness or ‘atonement’ is granted for sins.
  • Inside the ark are the stone tablets on which are engraved the Ten Commandments.
  • Inside of the ark was a bowl a manna that signified how God would provide for his People.
  • Inside the ark was the Rod of Aaron that grew buds miraculously, signifying that Aaron was the chosen one for the priest hood.
The ark of the covenant was a physical symbol that revealed God’s presence among his people. The Ark in Israelite history was to use to travel ahead of them into battle, as a guard when they crossed the River Jordan, and it was important to the worship of YAWEH. It was ultimately a reminder of the Holiness of God! When David thinks that it is a good thing to go and get its presence, all of Israel agrees that it is time for the God to be in the center of their community. 6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, to Kirjath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells between the cherubim, where His name is proclaimed. Here is an important factor to consider: After David picks the date and times all of Israel processes together to get the ARK.
  • This is a national movement!
  • The media is there, the army is there, the national orchestra is there, everybody who is somebody in the kings palace is in this procession!
They go to the place in southern Judah as one body to worship God. The ARK came to Kirjath Jearim by divine order!
  1. The Ark in King Saul’s day, was left with the enemy….while in Ashdod of the Philistines The Ark of the covenant Killed Dagon, the god of the philistines. (1 Sam 5:1-10)
  2. He punished the Philistines with tumors.
They got afraid of the Ark and sent it to Gath. While in Gath the Lord struck that city with Tumors. The Philistines then again decided to send the Ark back to Judah where it came from. The philistines afraid of God put the ark on a new cart, attached two nursing cows that had never been yoked, separated them from their calf’s, tied the ark to them and released it from their country! The bible says that they “Lowed-cried” as they went… “They turned not to the right or the left” “The cows took the ark straight to Beth-Shemesh!” [These cows became sacrificial cows who would never return to their offspring, they were the servants of the Lord that would ultimately give all for the pleasure of YAWEH. When the Israelites saw it coming, they rejoiced that it had come back to them. The men of Beth-Shemesh took the Ark and made a sacrifice to it, but in the process of their rejoicing they looked inside of it, and God killed 50,070 men for this trespass against Him. They were never supposed to handle the ARK in this manner. Only the priest could Handle the ARK. It was Beth-Shemesh that called to the Levites in Kirjath Jearim to come and get the Ark, because they too were afraid of the presence of God. So when David and all of Israel come to Kirjath Jearim they come to the house of Abinadab “THE LEVITE”. The Ark has been kept in his home for nearly 20 years where it has been looked after. As the Ark rested in Abinadab’s House it was residing in the outskirts of Israel.
  • Abinadab was not a priest but a Levite by clan.
  • The community trusted him, and followed his leadership.
  • As a Levite this would have been a big responsibility to look after the Ark.
  • Levites only work with the things of the Temple, they would have never been approved to handle the Ark.
So when David comes to get the ARK, this would have given Abinadab and Boys National recognition!
  1. The King was coming to His House!
  2. The people of to Kirjath Jearim would have to take notice of Him and His boys because they were taking care of the ark of God.
  3. They would also have been chosen to help the king to carry the ARK back to Jerusalem
  4. These men would have been national heroes, men with stature, prominence, pomp, and position in the Israel
  5. They would have also gained great notoriety because of their family name.
7 So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8 Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets.9 And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.10 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. There are several amazing facts in this passage!
  1. The King is involved with leading the procession to bring back the Ark.
  2. The people are following his lead in this kingdom iniative!
  3. The most horrifying thing of all is that all of these things are done out of order! They are worshipping God in an overfamiliar way.
  4. They have been without his presence so long (20 years) they have forgotten what they could do and what they could not do!
Observation:
  1. They are right for bringing the Ark up from Judah back to Jerusalem
  2. They are wrong for how they brought it up and who brought it up.
  3. The King was right to participate in the worship experience, he was wrong for trying to lead it, This was the job of the priest!
  4. The Ark was to only be handled by the Priest!
  5. The Ark was to be only transported by Pole (There were 4 golden rings attached to it) It was never supposed to be on a cart. God intended for his chosen men to handle it while never becoming overfamiliar with it.
  6. When they put it on a cart they it brought it down to the pagan gods of the region…Dagon the half –fish half man was carried on a cart…
  7. Abinidab and His boys never transferred the Ark from its pagan cart, and left YAWEH on the status and level of a false God! [they were in experienced, and should have never been left in charge]
  8. The seventh thing that is wrong the king was leading the procession! The Priest were the spiritual leaders of the community, they were supposed to be leading the procession. However because they didn’t lead and they followed they took the Ark into a place where it should have never gone into. [Chidon’s threshing floor,]
  9. This transport should have never went thuis deep into the country. “Threashing floor” was a place where the wheat was sifted after being gathered by the farmer. It was a symbolic location where God would teach them a valuable lesson!
  10. Because they took where it should not have gone, and they carried it like it should have never been carried, and they were playing the role of the priest when they were not called by God or appointed by God to do so, trouble came upon them.
Uzzah whose name means strength or one who is strong. And Ahio,[ay-yo] whose name means brother, was leading from the front and “He who is strong Was driving the cart (from the rear) Observation: A.D Wilson said….It’s my opinion that as the orchestras played and the King danced UZZAH the strong one “might have begun to show off a little bit, as he was driving the ark from the rear.
  • Perhaps he got distracted and hit the ox more than one time with the goad.
  • The bible says that as they were crossing the threshing floor, [that AHIO] took them across thee threshing floor the oxen kicked against the Goad, and nearly stumbled.
  • When this happened, because Uzzah was in the back of the procession he reached out his hand and tried to catch the ARK from Falling! When He did, The Anger of the Lord was Kindled, and God killed Him on the spot.
Why? Because Uzzah became self-sufficient!
  • He thought he could handle the things of God in his own strength!
  • He thought he was man enough to handle God!
  • He thought he could keep the wrath of God from coming to Israel!
  • He thought he that much power that he could re-do what lil brother Ahio had done!
  • He had led Israel wrong
  • He had led the ARK wrong
  • HE had led the family wrong
  • He was the wrong leader for the right time
  • He was all carnal and he was overfamiliar
  • Perhaps for 20 years he had watched this ark in his home, and thought that gave him permission to do what he wanted to do
Perhaps because he saw it every day he thought he knew it better than anyone. Uzzah…He thought he was with the man, and as long as he was the man, he could do what he wanted. Uzzah’s flesh was in control! Because he didn’t follow the covenant of God he was killed as an example to everyone else trying to do things Gods way. Note:
  • Uzzah wasn’t the priest, he had no business touching the ARK
  • He was not a priest he had no business doing what he done! The Law of Moses prohibited this type of leadership. BUT WHEN THE PEOPLE FORGET THE LAW THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORANCE MUST TAKE PLACE
  • He was not to follow the king with the Ark, the Ark was Holy and this act or breach against it was holy.
12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?”13 So David would not move the ark with him into the City of David, but took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had. [2] Note: A good scholar said: “13:12 David was afraid of God and despaired of restoring the ark to the City of David. He needed to learn that there was a proper way to carry out God’s will. When David and the people went to get the ark, the excitement of the moment and the sense that they were doing God’s will gave the event a festive atmosphere. This very excitement gave them a sense of familiarity with the things of God that became unhealthy, and they neglected to give the ark the respect God demanded. David, in his fear, came back to sobriety about this issue. Application:
  • The whole incident reminds us that even our enthusiasm for God can cause us to forget the holiness of God and the need to fear him.
  • Doing what we believe to be God’s will in a way that violates God’s Word is wrong and displeases God.[3]”
  • Lets be careful in the house of the Lord
  • Lets be mindful of whose house it is
  • Lets be mindful not to put worship on a new cart
  • Lets be careful not to handle the word any kind of way
  • Lets be care about what we think and say in here
  • This is a holy place,
  • This is a holy time
  • This is set aside to bring him worship and praise
  • Lets make our lives vessels fit to carry the Holy things of God
  • Lets not get before the Word, Lets not get before the will of God, lets not get before the work of God
Conclusion
  1. This very excitement gave them a sense of familiarity with the things of God that became unhealthy, and they neglected to give the ark the respect God demanded.
  2. David, in his fear, came back to sobriety about this issue. The whole incident reminds us that even our enthusiasm for God can cause us to forget the holiness of God and the need to fear him.
  3. Doing what we believe to be God’s will in a way that violates God’s Word is wrong and displeases God.
13:13–14 The ark was lodged in the home of Obed-Edom, the Gittite (man of Gath), for three months. Blessing came to Obed-Edom’s house as a result. While a question may be raised about the propriety of lodging the ark with such a man, it is to be noted that in 15:18, 21 there is mention of an Obed-Edom, who was a Levite and a gatekeeper.[4] Note: 13 So David would not move the ark with him into the City of David, but took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had. [5] As we close we see a miracle in the text! There was a man in the CITY OF DAVID whose name was Obed-Edom! [SERVANT OF EDOM]
  1. God chose to dwell in a place where the servant had a heart for the things of God
  2. God chose a place to dwell where the servant of the house was in awe of the things of God
  3. God chose to dwell in a house where he would be worshipped
  4. As a result of the Ark being OBED’s house, His family was blessed for three months!
Where the Lord is honored, where the Lord is praised, Where the Lord is feared, where the lord is obeyed, Where the Lord is not taken lightly or put on a new cart, He will blessed those that inhabit that place! A proper attitude toward the things of God brings blessing while a cavalier spirit brings divine displeasure.[6]   [1] The New King James Version. 1982 (1 Ch 13:1–14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. [2] The New King James Version. 1982 (1 Ch 13:1–14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. [3] Thompson, J. A. (1994). Vol. 9: 1, 2 Chronicles. The New American Commentary (129). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers. [4] Thompson, J. A. (1994). Vol. 9: 1, 2 Chronicles. The New American Commentary (129). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers. [5] The New King James Version. 1982 (1 Ch 13:1–14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. [6] Merrill, E. H. (1985). 1 Chronicles. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), . Vol. 1: The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (605). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

How To Discover God’s Perfect Will for You
An Article taken from Crosswalk.com. Romans 12:2… "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There was a time early in my ministry when I really struggled with God's will for my life. I was interning at a small church in Illinois, and I was in the middle of a tenuous job search where nothing seemed to be moving forward. So one day, I went into the church where I was interning, and the pastor sat me down and said, “Pete, I’m really excited to let you know that we’d like to offer you a full-time job here as the associate pastor. I’ll do the preaching and leading. You’ll do everything else.” I immediately thought, “This is where God wants me. I’m in!” Even driving home that afternoon, I was thinking, “Thank You, Lord, for speaking so clearly!” I got home and told my wife, “Libby, we got a great opportunity – and I think this is what the Lord is telling us to do.” And she responded, “Well, do you think He would probably say the same thing to me?” So I said, “Of course!” But after a short conversation, she came right out and told me, “Pete, I’m not getting it. You’re gifted to preach and lead. And in this role, you’ll be doing neither. Do you really think God would put you in a position like that?” Libby had a really good point. So we decided to put our heads together and pray that God would make His will clear to us both. It became clear that this wasn’t the role for me. And, with nothing else on the horizon, I said no. I’m sure that’s happened to you at some point as well. You feel a strong conviction about something, and you’re almost positive the Lord is leading you in a certain direction. But then someone points something out – and soon you’re just as positive that God is saying something completely different! Well, whenever I find myself in a season like that, I’m comforted by the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 12:2… "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse tells us two things: First, it’s possible to discern God’s will. And second, God knows what’s best for you. That means God’s will isn’t ours to create. It’s ours to discover. But how in the world do you do that? Great question – and to start answering it, we have to go back one verse to Romans 12:1… "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." My dad always told me, "Pete, God's will isn't a tightrope – it's a playing field. And there are many decisions that can be made on that playing field." Friend, Romans 12:1 tells us that God’s mercy is how we get on the playing field of His will. We receive Christ through faith. And by His grace we’re forgiven of our sins and indwelt by His Holy Spirit, and then we step into the arena where we can begin to discover His will for our lives. Not long after I turned down the job at that small church in Illinois, a guy named Bob from a church in Texas, called Bent Tree, happened to walk into my home church in Wisconsin, where my dad was the pastor. He told my parents that Bent Tree was searching for a pastor. And he asked, “Do you know anyone who would be good for the position?” After a good conversation about the qualifications of the person they were looking for, my mom gave him four names – mine being one of them. The next day, Libby was at home when Bob called our house. I came home a couple of hours later and found her crying. “What’s wrong?” I asked her. She replied, “Pete, I think we’re moving to Texas.” Eventually, God laid that decision on my heart as well, and we moved to Texas – where we’ve been doing ministry ever since. But we likely never would have ended up where we are today if I’d taken that associate pastor job. Maybe today you have a decision you're grappling with, and you're trying to figure out what God wants you to do. But if you'll fully offer yourself to Him as a "living sacrifice" – laying your plans, your motives, and your desires at His feet – He'll show you His will. And that, my friend, is the only way to discover God's perfect will for you.  

An Overview for Overcomers
  1 Peter 1:1-2 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the lands of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by his blood. May you have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace. Historical Setting
  1. First Peter is addressed to Christians living in "Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1:1) - places in the northern and western parts of Asia Minor (modern Turkey).
  2. The readers appear to have been Gentiles (1:14,18; 2:10; 4:3), although they probably had not been evangelized by Peter himself (1:12). The letter was obviously written to believers undergoing trials and persecutions, to give them courage in the face of their adversities (5:10).
  3. Since it makes no mention of its audience, 2 Peter was probably intended for a general readership. Its primary purpose was to combat false teachers. These false teachers also must have been critical of the delay in Christ's return. To this challenge the author devoted the entire third chapter.
  Theological Contribution.
  1. First Peter was written by one who sensed the triumphant outcome of God's purpose for the world (1:4). The triumph of the future depends in no way on what we have done but on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because God has raised Jesus from the dead, God is deserving of praise; for "His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope" (1:3).
  2. The unshakableness of our hope in Jesus Christ, which awaits us in heaven, resounds like a clap of thunder throughout this epistle. Because Christ has been raised from the dead, His suffering and death have meaning.
  3. The believer can gain courage in present adversity by looking to the example of Christ in His suffering. We have a sure hope for the future because of Christ's resurrection. This truly is a "living hope," for it is one we can live by, even in the midst of "various trials" (1:6).
  4. If 1 Peter is an epistle of hope, the accent falls not on wishful thinking, but on present help. No biblical writer shows the connection between faith and conduct in a clearer manner than does Peter. "Conduct," in fact, is a key word in this epistle (1:15,17-18; 2:12; 3:1-2,16). For Peter, practice is not simply the most important thing; it is the only thing.
  Peter's stress on behavior, however, is not an appeal to some vague sense of "moral goodness" in people. The conduct Peter describes is the result of a life reclaimed by the perfect power of Jesus Christ.
  • Christ has redeemed believers (1:18-19);
  • Christ upholds and guides them (1:8; 2:25); and Christ will reward them (5:4).
  • Christ is both the model and goal of the redeemed life. Consequently, believers may move forward on the pilgrim way, confident that the end will rise up to meet them with joy and salvation (2:11; 4:13-14).[1]
  • Peters Greeting
  I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the lands of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia. Note:
  1. We see here that Peter has a heart for the church and a heart to communicate God’s truth to them.
  2. As a disciple he knows the importance of making disciples.
  3. In his love for the church he wants to see her encouraged in difficult times.
Application:
  • We too as disciples need to be focused on making disciples
  • As followers of Jesus Christ our focus must be on worshipping God, and making disciples
  • We too should have a love for one another and a passion for reaching others with the good news of Jesus Christ
  1. Peters Good News
2 God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by his blood. May you have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace. Here we discover that what Peter wants to convey to the church is the good news that Christ has given to him.
  1. He reminds us that God has chosen us, above those that has rejected him.[Long ago] We were selected by God and called by God to be in His family.[This is good news]
  2. He reminds us that God has made us Holy. This Holiness is not by our works but by our regeneration. Holiness is the work of God in our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit. [This is not talking about behavior, but rather about the work of God to transform you from being separated from God and now being brought back into a right relationship with God.]
  3. He reminds us here that is was through obedience to God that we were cleansed by His blood.[His blood washes us from unrighteousness] His sacrificial death, was the OFFERING that produced the blood that was shed to redeem us from sin. Peter is reminding the Gentile church of how they got saved and what God did to free us from bondage.
[1] Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Need for church conduct
1 Tim 3:14-16 When we come to this portion of Paul’s letter, we hear very important truths about behavior and theology. God has a standard for his children and it is made known to us in this letter. Here Timothy is encouraged to model and remember what these standards are. We see three distinct traits of a leader in this lesson, and these traits can be embraced and modeled as we think about making disciples and serving in God’s Church. Paul’s Desire 14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, Note: Here we see that Paul was not sure if he was going to make it back to Ephesus. He desired to see Timothy again, but was uncertain if he was going to be released from Rome. Because of the urgency of his case and life situation, it was important that what he was about to say, be said “in this portion of the letter”. Application:
  • We can learn how important it is to value fellowship in this verse.
  • We can learn how to value Christian community in difficult times.
  • We can learn how to cherish the days of togetherness, for the times will come when we will not always be in the presence of one another.
Paul’s Declaration 15 so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth. Note: Here we discover that Paul’s desire leads to his declaration of what godly behaviors and attitudes must look like, in the house of the Lord. This is important because Paul is setting in order the standards for worship and the church, and here he closes with the conduct of everyone. He has already addressed the Pastor’s and Deacons, but now he speaks to the entire congregation. Here’s what we learn: Paul say’s to timothy I am writing this letter to you so that you and everyone else will know how to behave in the Temple.
  1. There is a standard for conduct…(When we gather) Israel in the Old testament was able to see the Shekinah-glory of God in the Tabernacle, and their behavior was reverent in worship, because they believed that God was there.
  2. There is a standard for conduct in the House of God ( The church is God’s dwelling on earth. We gather in a location as his body on earth. Godly conduct ought to be “lifted high” in the body. It Is called the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. (He is alive and watching our behavior, conduct, attitudes, gestures and actions.)
  3. It is the pillar and support…(Pillars in these times were structural supports…they were also places in the town square that were used to post documents or treatise on. People came to the pillar to get information; people trusted and depended on the pillars of their structures. (Paul say’s that the reason our conduct must be in order is because the Church of the Living God, is the “PILLAR OF THE TRUTH!”
Observation:
  • The Church is the place where all truth is proclaimed.
  • The church is the place where people can be ministered too, in a world of lies.
  • The church is where the foundations of the faith are upheld and modeled for the body of Christ.
Application:
  • When we understand how wonderful it is to be the people of God, called to be the church of God, we will finally live like we know God.
  • When we finally understand what it is to be the pillar and ground of the truth, we will begin to stand up and stand out for the kingdom.
  • When we finally understand what it means to be the place that all men can come to and read for inspiration and information then we will be greater witnesses for God
  • There is a great responsibility in being one with Christ, and dwelling in the Church of the LIVING GOD.
Paul’s Dissertation 16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ appeared in the flesh and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and was announced to the nations. He was believed on in the world and was taken up into heaven. Note: Here we see the Apostles dissertation, thesis, and or main ideas of his theology. This is interesting because, he reminds timothy of this at the same time he is reminding him of conduct in the church. This portion of his letter is given to instruct and remember what it is that the church of the Living God believes about their God! Here we learn the following things:
  1. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (He appeared in the flesh, Immanuel-God with us)
  2. He lived a Holy, sinless life, and was shown to be righteous in every way.
  3. He was seen by the Angels, as a baby in the manger, In the garden of gethsemane (through his sufferings), out on the cross, on the resurrection morning, as he went back to be at the right hand of the Father (the Ascension)
  4. He was announced to the Nations (Acts 2- Pentecost) proclaimed throughout the world by the church is acts (the great commission)
  5. He is yet believed on in the world, and all are looking to see him in his second coming.
Application:
  • Every church member ought to have their own dissertation in their heart, when it comes down to foundational truths of the church.
  • No matter where we are, or who were with, these truths are to ne non-negotiable
  • These are the doctrinal things that shape what we believe and why we believe them
  • Paul here gives us the 5 critical elements of our theology (What we believe about God)
Conclusion: We enter into chapter 4 with a greater understanding of church leadership, church worship, and church conduct. The most important thing we can learn from this chapter is our theology about God. Who he is, what he has done, and how it relates to us. This is what we discover in these last three scriptures.  

A Servant That God Could Use
Acts 10: 9-23 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Introduction: It’s clear from our journey through the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit is at work drawing people, saving people and using people to do His work in the earth. This book is all about what God was doing in His own Great Commission Plan. I am happy about this because it reveals to me that the work of evangelism and discipleship is the work of the Spirit of God. Because it’s the work of the Spirit of God He has chosen to use people to reach other people. In our text today, we see an unlikely person being drawn by God, used by God in the plan of God to save his family and his household. Background: Peter has been God’s soldier on Mission for him in Jerusalem. He has been the leader of the church up until this point in the mission of God. Recently he has been sent by God to encourage the Jewish members of the Church who had been dispersed because of persecution. The latest episode in his ministry has brought Him to the coastal Cities of the region, where he raised a very sick man from his death –bed and a dead woman back to life. When we find him today we find him in prayer and meditation before God. He is waiting to hear what the Lord has next for Him to do. 1. A Soldier that God can use ought to look like this 2. Soldiers that God can use ought to have a posture of prayer and a position of waiting on God 3. Soldiers that God can use ought to always be in the position to move out when the next assignment comes their way If you are a soldier that God can use then you will find great consolation in today’s word from the Lord. The Activity of God in Prayer 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. Note: One of the many ways God has chosen to reveal himself to HIS people is dreams/visions. There are 69 accounts in the bible in which the word vision is used. This is an indication of how much God has spoken through this median. We can learn from this that Prayer and visions go hand in hand. 1. The first thing we see in this text is that Peter goes up to the roof of the house of Simon to pray. (To have a little talk with Jesus) 2. I think this is very critical for the life of a soldier that God can use. A good soldier will be in constant communication with his superior officer. 3. I notice that His posture for interaction and intercession is to go up to meet the divine. 4. Prayer is an upward activity! It is a mobile venture, motivated by purpose and participation. Its divine, deliberate, determined, decisive, and directed toward the one who gives assignments to his servants Observation:Look at the activity of God in payer… • When peter went up in prayer God was waiting to reveal himself to him • When peter went up in prayer God was ready to reveal HIS perfect will to him • When peter went up in prayer God was standing by to show peter how HE was going to work HIS plan in the earth • When peter went up in prayer God opened his eyes to see what GOD saw. • When peter went up in prayer, God took him to a new level of understanding. Note: 1. When you and I pray, we ascend up into the presence of God. 2. When you and I pray God can lift our hearts and our minds to search for the deeper things of God. 3. It is in prayer that God can reveal HIS heart to HIS people for the world. 4. It is in prayer that God can call us into partnership with HIM in the earth. [God is looking for people who will give HIM some time in prayer.] 5. God is looking for people who will shut everything down and seek HIS face in prayer. [This is the activity of God in Prayer] According to vs. 12 He saw four footed beast in the vision: This image was disturbing to Peter, because he was a Jew who was not supposed to eat things that were unclean or things that ate other living things. It was against his culture and their dietary laws. That’s why God has to show him the vision 3 different times. Application: Sometime God has to do this to us as well. Because our traditions have us held so tight, it is hard for us to see and hear what God wants us to do for him. Sometime the things that we hold on so dear too are the things that keep us from doing more for God. In this case God wanted peter to prepare himself for “cross –cultural ministry” but peter’s tradition and culture had him in bondage, so that he couldn’t even think about reaching the gentiles. On last week I told you that “Peter had the keys to the kingdom! He was chosen by God to issue in the inauguration of the great commission, but his culture, tradition and preferences were holding back what God in store for him. Question: 1. Is there something holding you back from reaching those that God has need of? 2. Is there some tradition or cultural thing that is keeping you from obeying the word of the Lord in evangelism? 3. Is God showing you something you need to let go of so that you can join God in the kingdom vision? Note: Peter didn’t recognize why God was asking him to change his ideas, customs and beliefs. While peter was pondering what the vision was all about, God was working through prayer. The men who were going to be used by God were already in motion on their way to see peter. Often times while we are seeking God’s face for specific instructions or directions, God has already gone ahead of us to reveal to us what it is HE has for us to do. • While peter was struggling to understand the vision, God was sending him understanding. • While peter was struggling to comprehend what God was saying, the answer was on the way. • While peter was trying to figure it out, God had already worked it out, so that he would receive understanding of the vision. • As peter struggled to understand the vision, God was getting ready to change the paradigm of the Church through this vision he gave to peter. The Activity of God through Prayer 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Note: • While peter was pondering what the vision was all about, God was working through prayer. • The men who were going to be used by God were already in motion on their way to see peter. • Here we see that God has not only worked on Peter in Prayer, but He has also worked on him through Prayer. After Prayer God reveals what He was trying to show Peter in a personal way. He brings three messengers from Cornelius who have a message from God. They are evidence that what he was seeing in the dream was sent from heaven. The key verse in this passage is verses 19-20: 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Note: • God the Holy Spirit said to Peter…There are three men looking for you! • Go down from here and meet with them. • Go ahead and go with them and don’t doubt anything that they say. • Go with them for I have sent them to you. Go speaks, God orders his steps, God gives him and assignment, God proclaims what it is the Peter must do, God reveals that He has sent these gentiles to come and get Peter. Observation • This is a divine assignment. • This isn’t any dream or vision. • This is from God. • Peter after 3 times must have the plan of God revealed in this way also, or else perhaps he would’ve missed the invitation from God to join him in HIS ministry. God makes sure that Peter understands what’s at stake. God makes sure that Peter hears clearly what He must do. God makes sure that HIS communication with his son is clearly defined and that his orders are embraced! Lastly we see that the messengers come to peter with a message from Cornelius, and they reveal who he is, why he is sending for him, what has happened in his life, and how God is working in this situation. “22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” Observation: Here we see the messengers from Cornelius give peter three things… 1. They inform him of Cornelius devotion to God …”He fears God” 2. They tell him he has good reputation among the Jewish community 3. They tell him that God has spoken to him through an angel… These three important factors are what was critical to their invitation for Peter to come and see Cornelius. Note: • He didn’t send soldiers to arrest Peter, (he could’ve) he sent messengers to beseech him • He didn’t send trouble to detain him (he could’ve) he sent peace keepers to get help from the lords man Matthew Henry commenting on this passage suggests the following ideas: “The message arrived from Cornelius (Acts 10:17–23), and Peter began to understand (10:23–33). The vision was about “food,” yet it really concerned “race” (10:28). “He understood that God’s cleansing of the impure foods (10:15) related to his cleansing of the Gentiles.” “There were six believers who went with Peter to Caesarea (10:23; cf. 11:12). Peter had grasped the meaning of the vision (10:28). The primary point was not that Peter should change his diet, but that God had dissolved the traditional distinction between Jew and Gentile.” This concept would become foundational for the unity of the church, proclamation of the gospel, and mission outreach. ” Conclusion: As we close today we have discovered two things that God does in the life of the soldier that he can use… 1. He reveals his plan to him in prayer 2. He implements his plans for him after prayer This can be seen in the life of every great soldier of God. • In Abraham’s life God spoke in prayer and then moved after prayer… • In Moses Life God spoke in prayer and then moved after prayer… • In David’s life God spoke in prayer and then moved after prayer… • In Paul’s life God spoke in prayer and then moved after prayer… • In Jesus life God spoke in prayer and then moved after prayer… When he was in the garden as a good soldier of God… He was told what to do, and after prayer he followed his instructions to redeem mankind. All the way to the cross he was a soldier in prayer, under prayer, continuous prayer and motivated by prayer… Jesus is an example of what A Soldier that God can use looks like…. While persecuted he was committed! While executed he was committed! While engaged in warfare he was committed! When he descended into the grave he was committed! When he rose from the dead he was committed! And sitting at the right hand of God he is committed! This makes him the ultimate example of what a soldier God could use ought to look like!