Bikers Church Cape Town

Not everyone Can be Helped Pastor George Lehman None of us are hopeless – Unless we choose not to change. (we just keep going around the same mountain) “Making a wrong decision is understandable. Refusing to search continually for learning is not” - Phil Cosby We must be learning from our failures. This sermon is about dealing with the cause more than the symptoms. If you saw a huge hole in the road and you knew bikers where heading towards it and it could injure those approaching, would you ignore it or go out of your way to put up the danger warning sign? Some people will still drive into hole. In this world, you’ll meet all kinds of people with many different problems, but not everyone can be helped, or wants to be helped. In 25 years of full ministry, my greatest desires to help everyone, to see people fulfilling their God given purpose and growing into God’s awesome plan for their life. But - I have learned the hard way that I cannot help every person who attends our church or those who come to me for assistance. I know God can but hear me out!!! These are the kinds of people that are so entrenched in certain behaviours and habit patterns that one cannot help them to advance to the next level - unless they make the necessary faith shift in their attitude and behaviour. They just wont change! Those who do not take responsibility for themselves. The first step toward self-improvement is to remove all excuses for being uncommitted or not doing your best. “He that is good for making EXCUSES is seldom good for anything else” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV) – No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  (So many Christians live a disqualified life) Those that continually blame and point fingers at other people for their failures will never go to the next level. People can complain about their spouses, their children, their church, their jobs, their past, where they grew up etc., (If you want a reason not to serve God as you should, you will probably find one.) The devil has a thick manual on excuses. I have learned that within every challenge is this incredible seed of a God ordained opportunity for success, which requires faith to overcome problems. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) – 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Those who do not have a heart to seek God. We all know Jeremiah 29:11 but verse 13 says: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) – Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  (If you feel God is not near – guess who moved!!! God is not playing hide and seek with us. We hide when we stop to seek.) The Bible teaches us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”  - Proverbs 9:10. Those who do not respect God enough to seek Him in prayer and study His word, so they can make wise decisions in life - They are violating Scripture and cannot be helped either by me or any other leader or brother/sister. God said to Joshua: I’ll be with you, but you have to do your part. Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV) – “8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Those who do not obey what God requires for you to have success have decided to have a relationship with God on their own terms. Those who insist on having a negative outlook on life. There are some people who refuse to exercise faith in God or think positively, as the Word of God commands us to: (They would rather have their pity party, carry their grudges and hurts.) Philippians 4:8 (Msg) – Summing it all up friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. This is because some have a natural inclination to expect the worst in life, so they are never disappointed by anyone or anything! (They set themselves up for failure) This is a weird way some folks attempt to shield their emotions from the pain of disappointment; it is a very common practice with many people. Jesus often told people that they would receive according to how they believed (for example Proverbs 23:7 teaches that “as a person thinks in their heart, so they will be.” (Stop being self-defeating!) One cannot empower a person who refuses to think God’s thoughts about themselves and about life. Those who refuse to have a vision for their future. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) – Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. There are so many very able, talented, anointed and gifted people, that I have met who live their lives without any strategic plan or vision, to fulfil the very thing God has blessed them with to make a difference in His Kingdom We were not just saved from something; we were saved to something. Those who are successful have a compelling vision that drives them daily and that feeds their souls even more than the desire to satisfy their own needs! Inside of every believer is a God-given kingdom vision for their future. If a person refuses to tap into that as their guiding light—and value that vision as their barometer for success—then my continual pep talks, sermons and motivation will not do the trick either! Those whose primary agenda is individualistic and not kingdom oriented. There are many Christians whose only agenda in life is to advance their own agenda. They don’t want to work with a team or flow in the context of a local church. They want others to pour their life into them, but they are rarely ever willing to pour back into the church and serve in the Kingdom of God. I have learned that those who only want to use the church or God to advance their own agenda (even if it is ministry related) have greatly limited their own lives. Thus, I back away from these people until they change. This is because we are all called to seek first God’s kingdom, in which we need to die to ourselves our own agenda’s, comforts and conveniences, and sacrifice and invest our time for the good of the Body of Christ. Those who lack transparency, humility and integrity. The Bible teaches us to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). It also teaches us to confess our faults to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed (James 5:16). Those that do not admit their faults and confess their sins cannot have the kind of relationship with God that He intended for them to have, Also, you cannot have a relationship with a mentor or a fellow Christian who want to help you with your personal growth. It is important for any leader and any member to live a transparent life with integrity with one another Those who want to progress in their spiritual lives have to learn to practice the spiritual discipline of confession of sin Proverbs 28:13(LB) – A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. I do not believe there is anyone who willingly does not want to change and become better in their walk with God. What did you hear in this message that needs to change in your life? Lamentation 3:40 (Amp) – Let us test and examine our ways and let us return to the Lord.

To be honest with yourself By Pastor George Lehman The whole key is to be honest with yourself, find the weak spots, work on it, get it done. Reasons why being honest with ourselves is so important in our walk with God The Bible teaches us to look at our hearts and thoughts, helping us to understand who we truly are. You need to be the best you. When we are honest, we can grow and become better versions of ourselves. It’s not always easy to face the truth, but it is essential for our journey of faith. 2 Peter 1:5-7 – For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:9-10(Amp) – 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [spiritually] shortsighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. Self-honesty is a very important thing. It unlocks for us so many things that are crucial to living a life of freedom and joy, with no need to prove ourselves. Truth be told, if we're all honest with ourselves we'd be living in a better world right now. Psalm 139:23 - “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” To help you see the importance of being honest with ourselves, here are three things to note: “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40 1) Without honesty, we won't be able to repent of all sin (SIN: is defined as transgressing (oortreding) God law means crossing the line of Gods standards or failing to live up to Gods standards of holiness – Missing the Mark. 1 John 1:8 tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Unless we stop lying to ourselves and admit our real sinful motives, we won't be able to let them go and change. Trying to escape the fact we have sinned, we lie and deceive ourselves and others. We make a show and try to paint a picture that we're good, innocent, and blameless, even when we know we're not. What we don't realize is the person we're deceiving primarily is ourselves. Galatians 6: 7-8 - “7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” Unless we admit our sins, we won't be able to let it go. We won't be able to truly repent. 2) We have to be honest in order for God to change us 1 John 1:9 tells us that unless we admit our sins, we can never be forgiven and changed: - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Think about that. How can we ask God to forgive us for something we won't even admit doing? How can God cleanse us from the deep-seated dirt in our hearts if we keep saying we don't have it? Ridiculous, right? If we truly want to be clean, we will need to reveal all the dirt in us. Proverbs 28:13 - “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” And there's no reason to fear revealing ourselves to God, because His "perfect love casts out fear" 1 John 4:18 - ”We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.” He knows who we are and what we have done, but instead of hating and abhorring us, He wants us cleansed and made holy, totally freed from sin. That's His commitment. Isn't our God awesome? 3) It's necessary for us to be free Lastly, self-honesty, when coupled with God's truth, will allow us to be free. The Lord Jesus said in John 8:31-32 -"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We must realize that our self-honesty is implied there: "If you abide in My word..." Do we really abide in God's word that says, “we should repent?” Do we obey God's word that says, "You shall not lie," even to ourselves? Do we believe God's word, which says, “He knows the inner longings of our hearts?” Precious family of God, we can't fool God. He sees through us. Before we do anything, He has already seen us doing it. “O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You.”— Psalm 69:5 What's the point of trying to convince Him that we're okay and clean? We are simply lying to ourselves and to Him when we do that. Jeremiah 17:10 – “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” For the week ahead let us make a quality, life changing decision, to be honest before the Lord. Let's just openly lay down our hearts before Him. James 4:17 - “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Not just being honest but doing something about it. Psalm 32:5 - “And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” When we admit our guilt, God freely forgives. God is good, and there's nothing to fear when it comes to being honest with Him.

Called to HOLINESS #4 By Pastor George Lehman Revelation 3:2-3(Amp) – 2Rouse yourselves and keep awake and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying; for I have not found a thing that you have done [any work of yours] meeting the requirements of My God or perfect in His sight. 3So call to mind the lessons you received and heard; continually lay them to heart and obey them, and repent. In case you will not rouse yourselves and keep awake and watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know or suspect at what hour I will come.   Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. - Psalm 34:5 (King David) RADIANT LIKE THIS: Years ago, when 20th Century Fox advertised in the New York papers to fill a vacancy in its sales force, one applicant replied: “I am at present selling furniture at the address below.  You may judge my ability as a salesman if you will stop in to see me at anytime, pretending that you are interested in buying furniture.  When you come in, you can identify me by my red hair.  And I will have no way of identifying you.  Such salesmanship as I exhibit during your visit, therefore, will be no more than my usual workday approach and not a special effort to impress a prospective employer.” From among more than 1500 applicants, this guy got the job. ARE YOU READY?  We have been called to a life of Holiness everyday because you never know who is watching you. And know this God is watching all the time!! Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) - “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love   2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) - “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,   And still after 3 sermons on “Called to holiness”, God continues to challenge our relationship with Him. It’s so clear that these scriptures tell us what God has saved and called us too!!  - they are not optional.  “Holiness” is not for an elite few. It is possible for you to walk purely before the Lord. Luke 12:32 – Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your FATHER’S good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. For each generation a “little flock” receives the Kingdom – and are set apart. They go on to fulfill the purpose by God for their generation. Question to us: What about you, child of God – how would you sum up your lifestyle for adding value to this generation – letting His Kingdom come? Everyone who is purifying themselves, even as He is pure, is part of that “little flock”. 1 John 3:3 (Amp) – And everyone who has this hope (resting) on him, cleanses (purifies) himself, just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). No bible believing Christian doubts the importance of Holiness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) – Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that Contaminates* body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. *Contaminate = pollute, infect [Afrikaans = besoedel, besmet) Like sewage in clear drinking water.   1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - 23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. God’s desire is for us to be wholly Holy.    The Bible commands us to be Holy (not suggests). Leviticus 19:2 (Amp) – “Say to all the assembly of the Israelites; [Bikers church]  you shall be Holy for I the Lord your God am Holy”   1 John 4:17 – As He is, so are we in this world   1 Peter 2:9(CEV) – But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation; God has brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things He has done. Story of the young boy who had to stay in class and finish his math test.  So, he just filled in any answers – obviously it was all wrong.  He had to do it at home.  When his dad asked him why he got it all wrong – he said, “nobody is perfect”. Like the bumper stickers even say “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” – OR “we’re just human” (we all make mistakes, we all fail). Taking it, a bit further super spiritual people quote 1 John 1:8 – If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. This sums up so many times why people reject their “Calling to Holiness.” They make excuses to fail and sin. Is Holiness really that important, maybe it’s only for a select few. Matthew 24:4 (Amp) – Be careful that no one misleads you (deceiving you and leading you into error). Five times in the next 22 verses in Mt 24: Jesus repeated His warning. Can I just say this: It’s not the absence of sin that produces Holiness. Many non-Christians live clean, upright lives – which you can’t fault.  Holiness comes from the presence of God in our lives.                                            “Christ in us is our Holiness”. The truth is – as close as our relationship is with Him, to that same degree we reflect His Holiness. Jesus said:  Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works. This light is non-other than the out-raying glory and purity of God.  People see God in us. If good works glorify God, then bad works bring Him dishonor. When we’re not walking in “Holiness”, sin rules our lives and our credibility to witness is LOST. The world is sick and tired of hearing one thing and seeing another. How do I know when to witness: 1 Peter 3:15(Amp) - “Called to Holiness” – But in your hearts set Christ apart as Holy (and acknowledge Him as Lord) (when I get this part right then part B follows) Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you. Sadly, so many Christians publicly sin in the workplace where most of us spend 8-18 hours a day.  They lose their temper, do bad work, they’re often late or heard complaining about the boss or their job.  They have bad attitudes, yet they still witness. Titus 1:16A (Amp) – They profess to know God (to recognize, perceived and be acquainted with Him) but they deny and disown and renounce Him, by what they do. This to sums up this series “Called to Holiness” – the real evidence [bewys] of Holiness is increasing in “Christ likeness” in which the image of God is increasingly visible in a believer’s life. Here’s the challenge - what are you going to do about living your “Calling to Holiness? CLOSE: 1 Peter 1:15 (Amp) – But as the One who called you is Holy, you yourselves must also be Holy in all your conduct and manner of living. Luke 1:74-75(Amp) – 74To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our foes, might serve Him fearlessly 75in holiness (divine consecration) and righteousness [in accordance with the everlasting principles of right] within His presence all the days of our lives. Your lifestyle MUST clearly be HOLY!

Called to HOLINESS #2 We must seek a level of holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Discuss what is Holiness: Holiness is not: Being perfect, never sinning, never being tempted to sin its: To be different Set apart To fulfill His purpose To live our lives in a way that reflects God’s glory John 1:14(Amp) – And the word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honour, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favour, loving-kindness) and truth.   Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love    Glory of God is prioritizing His honor, beauty, and magnificence above all else in your life. It involves aligning your actions, words, and thoughts with His will and purpose, ultimately reflecting His character and demonstrating His love and power to the world. It means choosing to glorify Goid in all you do, rather than seeking personal glory or recognition. This might involve saying no to opportunities that would bring you praise but not glorify God.   John 5:44 - How is it possible for you to believe [how can you learn to believe], you who [are content to seek and] receive praise and honor and glory from one another, and yet do not seek the praise and honor and glory which come from Him Who alone is God? This is a Crossroad scripture - Start good, end bad   Galatians 3:2-3 - “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?   For so many Christians: They display a spirituality to impress man – compromising your values and principles to fit in with the ungodly. Seeking honor and recognition from others – wanting validation from man. Living to appear righteous As long as you are being patted, recognized, praised and fussed about and the honor and glory is flowing then… you are a happy Christian. Can one honestly say you are walking near to God when your motivation is the praise of man?   Here’s a clear sign: We know we are relating correctly to God when our hunger for His glory makes us forsake the praise of man. Greek for Glory is “Doxa”:  Glory is: to please – to be of a good reputation – to give honor – full of grace – love – kindness and truth Hebrew for Glory is “Kavod”.  To show much splendor [prag, praal]. “A life of Holiness” is seeking to please God and seek His Glory.    John 5:44 – how is it possible for you to believe, when you thrive on being recognized and praised by one another. Jesus said it – Luke 16:15 -“He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Who are you really trying to impress? When we truly desire a life of holiness – seeking God, no one will have to tell us to be humble, to convince us of our old natures – Colossians 3:2-7 - 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.   Holiness comes from seeking His Glory - here’s the promise:   If you take time to meet with God, you will meet Him Jeremiah 29:13 (Amp) - “Then you will seek me, enquire for, and require me (as a vital necessity) and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Psalm 27:8(Amp) – you have said, seek my face (enquire for and require my presence as your vital need) my heart says to you your face (your presence) Lord will I seek. As you touch Him, something will come alive in you.  Your life will become significant. You’ll become effective in all you do and say. People will be drawn to Jesus because of you. We are talking about “Called to Holiness”. The sad thing is many Christians have NO higher goal, NO greater aspiration than to live a normal in-effective, fairly boring Christian life. 1 Corinthians 3:3 – Paul rebuked the church in Corinth because they walked “LIKE mere man”. (A holy life is a set apart life) He asks – where is the holiness – difference?. Listen – God has so much more for us than just becoming better people. Romans 8:11 – He wants to flood our lives with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. If we are going to be Holy, we must break away from desiring just an average life. We must seek a level of Holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Jonathan Edwards – 18th century revivalist: ”Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” The means to holiness is grace.  Holiness is a product of grace. You may be thinking, I’ll never achieve this teaching in my condition.  Then you have only heard half the message. Grace is in the heart of all Gods’ truth.  Truth without grace is only half-true. John 1:17 - Grace and truth are in JESUS. For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. What God’s truth demands, His grace will provide. Romans 6:22 – But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in Holiness and its end is eternal life. “Holiness is a lifestyle” Seeking to walk close to the Glory of God.  Holiness is doing all within one’s power to become more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18(Amp) – And all of us, as with unveiled face [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from on degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Called to HOLINESS #1 This is not a clever chosen topic, it’s a God calling for every Christian. By Pastor George Lehman ”A man is what he appears in God’s eyes, and not the slightest bit more.” We can outwardly put on an OSCAR award performance. But God knows. For us to see Jesus active and alive in our lives and our ministry “Holiness must be our lifestyle.”   Romans 11:36 (Amp) – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.(For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).   Romans 12:1 (Amp) – I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your seasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. I don’t believe God is going to do a new thing. (Isaiah 43) I read this prophetic word that went out some time ago ! Explain: God sitting as a judge in a Court room, banging with His gavel saying: “Order in My House” Order comes when we put things back the way they were or where they are supposed to be. Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads* and look; ask where the good old way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Crossroads = is a place of decision-making. We all want new Revelations, new interesting facts and new understanding As God’s church we have chased after New Things. And been disobedient to the Old Things. We have sadly allowed the basic old way to slip by and therefore our foundation has crumbled. We’ve become educated beyond our obedience. (We know more than what we are obedient to.) The New Converts pick up the bad habits of the old people. God wants us to have “Revival.” Revival is to bring back an active life that was once in our hearts and lifestyle. Isaiah 66:1-2 - “This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? 2 My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite*(Berouvolle) hearts, who tremble at my word. Hosea 10:12 - “It’s time to Sow Righteousness, its time to break up your unplowed ground, for its time to seek the Lord. Make a choice to Plow up That hardened heart, that disobedient lifestyle, that half hearted commitment. God is calling His children to a “A life of Holiness”   Holiness is not: A once off experience, a Feeling or an emotion or an optional extra. It’s a direct result of a Jesus filled heart. A life of Holiness without Jesus in your heart is not possible.   1 Peter 1:15-16 (Amp) - 15“But as the One who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.” 16“For it is written You shall be holy for I AM holy.”   Leviticus 11:44 – “I Am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I Am holy….” Holiness: Greek word used Hagiasmos and means: Sanctify – Purity – clean – to be different (dedicated to God’s purpose- Set apart.) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amp) -Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! Jesus prayed this for us in John 17:15-19 - “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.   Can I just say this? The holiness we are seeking goes much deeper than merely cleaning the outside of the cup. (Luke 11:39) we whitewash but God washes white. True holiness does not come from following rules – (so many Christians make up their own set of rules about Holiness what’s right of wrong in their own minds – what God’s word says is not to important.) Holiness comes from following Jesus Christ Being different being like Jesus John 3:30 - “He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.] Galatians 5:25 (Msg) - Since this is the kind of life we have chosen the life of the spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. This must be our Goal – our aim and our Determination. If your goals are less than Christ likeness If you are happy and content with yourself This word on Holiness will pass right over you. Isaiah 66:2 - This is the man to whom I will look and have regarded him who is Humble.   HUMILITY PRECEDES HOLINESS!!!   Allen Bond - “The bigger I grow in God, the smaller I become.” A holy man is a humble man. Why discuss Humility, while on the subject of Holiness? Simply because holiness is the product of grace and God gives grace only to the Humble. Jesus said: Matthew 11:29 - “Learn of me. I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart.”   The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as: Gentle, Meek, and Humble in heart. It’s important we understand, Jesus did not condemn sinners.  He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. No one can remain a hypocrite and find Holiness at the same time. That’s why everyday the first step we take to Sanctification* (to be: Pure, clean, different, set apart and dedicated to His purpose.) Is admitting we are not as Holy as what we would like to appear. This 1st step is called Humility 1 Peter 5:5 (LB) - God gives special blessings to those who are humble but sets Himself against those who are Proud. Pride is the only a disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it. It’s at the crossroad*(Place of decision) that: Holy men and Hypocrites are Bred. Those who choose Holiness see their need: Repent, change and pay the price, make the adjustments and “Run to win” Those who choose to be Hypocrites see their sin, excuse it and remain unchanged. A life of Holiness Begins with our determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts It will call for deep, serious honesty – everyday. So many Christians want to live double lives: Holy when it’s convenient. Unholy when it’s inconvenient. The very sad part of all this is: so many think it’s okay! Think about this: Hebrews 12:14 - Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and Holiness, without which no one will (ever) see the Lord.   “ORDER IN MY HOUSE.” “What kind of house will you build for ME?” asks God A half-hearted attempt is a wholehearted failure! A man is what he appears in God’s eyes, and not the slightest bit more.