Sacred Truth Friday: Brother's Keeper; Faithful
Morning Sermon
Brother's Keeper
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” - Genesis 4:9 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis4:9&version=NKJV
Cain asked the question "Am I my brother's keeper?" Yes. As brothers and sisters in Christ we all need each other (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Let's make it our responsibility to restore the fallen and bear each other's burdens (Galatians 6:1-2). And do good to them (Galatians 6:10).
1. Love one another
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John13:34-35&version=NKJV
2. Encourage each other
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Thessalonians5:11&version=NKJV
3. Forgive one another
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians4:32&version=NKJV
4. Be there for each other
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:8-10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Peter4:8-10&version=NKJV
Yes, we are our brother's keeper.
Afternoon Sermon
Faithful
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus. - Daniel 1:1-21 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel1:1-21&version=NKJV
Daniel and his friends did not defile themselves with the Chaldeans by partaking of the food and wine. They remained loyal to God. Because of their faithfulness to God, Daniel was able to influence Ashpenaz in a positive way. As we remain loyal to God the world will take notice and be influenced in a positive way. Perhaps through our good example, a precious soul can be saved.
Two wonderful sermons from Stephen Wiggins.
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