Christ told us to pray to God, calling Him “Our Father.” When we address God as “Our Father,” what is all included with this phrase? What should we be thinking about, when we use this term? We must be careful not to say these words without realizing the deep meaning associated with them; otherwise, we might become guilty of using “vain repetitions.”

According to God’s Word, the ways of Babylon have affected the entire world. These ways are contrary to God and to His Ways. Today’s world is under the jurisdiction of Satan the devil. God tells us that all nations have drunk of the wine of her fornication. In so doing, the world has become deceived into going the way of Satan and his angels (the demons). God says to those He is calling that we must come out of those ways or else will face with the world the plagues of Babylon. God will eventually destroy the entire system of Babylon and will establish His New Way in all the earth.

As potential members of God’s Spiritual family, those who are now baptized and have the gift of God’s Holy Spirit are brethren. Jesus Christ calls us brethren, and He shows that loving one another as He commands is a proof of this new relationship–a relationship that transcends even our physical families. The Word of God illustrates both good and bad brotherly relationships: Cain and Abel; Joseph and his brothers; the two brothers in the parable of the lost son; Jonathan and David as friends (showing selfless love); Jesus Christ and us; Us (that is, Christians); and, our future brethren who are yet to be converted and brought into the family of God.

In times of personal and national uncertainties, trials and sufferings; in times of set-backs and sickness; in times of calamity and death; we may ask ourselves the question: Who is actually in control of our lives? Who directs our lives? Is there anyone out there who really cares?

Especially in times of doubt, it is important to review the clear teaching of the Bible on this subject. Even though it may not appear this way at times, and even though Satan is the god of and ruler over this world, God is in total control over this world’s affairs — as well as our own personal lives.

This sermon will explain and show how this is so.

God’s Truth is very precious to Him. The world lives totally contrary to His Truth and His Way. We have learned that God’s Mercy goes forth with His Truth and those who live according to Truth have God’s Mercy as a blessing in their lives. When one turns from God’s Truth and His Way and refuses to repent of his error, God’s Mercy is removed as well.

God’s Truth is very precious to Him. The world lives totally contrary to His Truth and His Way. We have learned that God’s Mercy goes forth with His Truth and those who live according to Truth have God’s Mercy as a blessing in their lives. When one turns from God’s Truth and His Way and refuses to repent of his error, God’s Mercy is removed as well.

God’s Truth is precious to Him. When those who have been called of Him turn away from His Truth and begin living and teaching – even by the example of their lives – contrary to His Truth, they profane His Holy Name! We must walk in His Truth. To do this, there must be developed within our hearts and minds a love of His Truth. Without this love for God’s Truth, we will not be able to be pleasing to Him nor continue in His Way!

Basing our belief in the Bible, we must know that what we believe is correct. The return of Jesus Christ serves as a case in point for us to consider. Up to this period some incorrect assumptions have led to unfulfilled expectations. Three areas are explored to answer how we have the beliefs we now hold: by deception and disobedience; by revelation from God; and, by obedience to God. The Bible plainly shows that the return of Jesus Christ is a foremost theme of God’s prophetic revelation. Christians must not become disheartened, because we have been warned that many both have and will stumble over the timing of Christ’s return. Our instruction is to remain faithful to the end.

Can we ever reach perfection in this life? Is there a time when we can say, “Now I am perfect”? Is perfection static, or is it a process?

Does it matter whether or not we strive for perfection? If it is true that we can never become perfect in this human flesh, why should we even try?

Does God command us to be perfect? If He does, does He command us to do something that He knows is impossible for us to achieve?

The Feast of Firstfruits is one of the most important days in the overall Plan of God. God gave His Truth to Israel and established the Old Testament Church on the day of Pentecost while in the process of leading them (in that first year of the Exodus) out of the land of Egypt. And on the first Pentecost after Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection from the dead, after having been accepted by the Father as the First of the Firstfruits, God sent His Spirit as a help to those He would call in this lifetime, upon repentance of their past sins, baptism, and the laying on of hands by His ordained Ministry.

If those called of God are successful in their calling, remaining true to God and His established Way of life, they will be among those referred to as the Firstfruits of the Lord, Jesus Christ being the First of the Firstfruits.

The day of Pentecost pictures these Firstfruits of the Lord. Pentecost can be viewed as their day!