The Faith of Jesus

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

October 29, 2016

Key Texts: Revelation 14:6-12; Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 53; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Luke 22:42; 1 Corinthians 4:10

SOP Reference: Education, pg. 57

Introduction: Dr. Eric Walsh, a Seventh-day Adventist lay minister had been hired in May 2014 by as a District Health Director with the Georgia Department of Public Health. A week later, a government official asked him to submit copies of his sermons for review. He complied and two days later he was fired.

His attorneys said the government was curious about sermons Dr. Walsh delivered on health, marriage, sexuality, world religions, science and creationism. He also preached on what the Bible says regarding homosexuality.

He has since filed a federal lawsuit charging state officials with engaging in religious discrimination.

“He was fired for something he said in a sermon,” attorney Jeremy Dys told me. “If the government is allowed to fire someone over what he said in his sermons, they can come after any of us for our beliefs on anything.” (Fox News 10.26.2016)

I. A Message for the World (2 Timothy 1:8-12 & Revelation 14:6-12)

  A. No Place for Shame (2 Timothy 1:8-12)

    1. God has called and saved us. (v. 9)

      a. This elicits a certain response

      b. When led by Christ, we are thrust into action

    2. Laboring for Christ often leads to suffering (v. 12)

      a. No shame in the suffering

      b. The blessing, promise, and hope of Christ overshadows affliction

  B. Present Truth & Why (Revelation 14:6-12)

    1. We are surrounded by a great controversy (Christ for us/Satan against us)

    2. There are 1 of 2 options

      a. True Worship (v. 6-7 & 12)

      b. False Worship (v. 8-11)

      c. Each person must choose

II. Standing for the Right (Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Corinthians 4:10)

  A. A Mind like Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11)

    1. Identity is to be wrapped up in Him (v. 7)

    2. His faithfulness was the drawing factor = we should follow suit (v. 9-10)

  B. Foolish Truth (1 Corinthians 4:10)

    1. The mind separated from Christ can’t discern spiritual things

      a. Hence the mockery, slander, and affliction from naysayers

      b. Christ called this “our cross” to bear (Luke 9:23)

    2. It is a privilege to be counted a fool for Christ’s sake à Lead into SOP Reference

SOP: The greatest want of the world is the want of men,—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.

Closing: The heavens seem to be falling down around us.  This world is in turmoil.  And the scary thing is…we are far too complacent, desensitized, accustomed, and acclimated to the nature of the fallen world that we fail to see the sinfulness of sin nor sense an urgency to right ourselves with God.  A time is coming…I believe in the not-too-distant future, when we each will be put to the test…will you falter and fail and accept the mark of the beast?  Or will you be ready to receive the seal of God as those who have stood firm with the faith of Jesus?