CHRISTMAS 2025

Posted on December 21, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

“Christmas Book by Book – Sermon Four: John 1:1-3, 14 “The Incarnation of GOD in the Person of JESUS CHRIST!”

INTRODUCTION:

1. All through the Old Testament, we are promised over and over again that God, HIMSELF, will come to earth and do many wonderful things!

2. All through the Four Gospels, we are given a description of Jesus Christ and the many wonderful things that HE did:

–      HE saved and discipled hundreds of people!

–      In addition to 20 mass healings recorded in the Four Gospels, Jesus healed 31 specific individuals!

–      The writers of the Four Gospels reveal to us that in addition to the many who were raised from the dead at the time of HIS resurrection, Jesus Christ raised three people from the dead…

(The daughter of the Widow in the Village of Nain!) Luke 7:13-15

(The son of Jarius!)  Mark 5:42; Luke 8:55

(Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary!)  John 11:38-44

–      The writers of the Four Gospels also tell us that Jesus cast demons out of at least 24 different people!

–      Jesus fed 5,000 hungry people on one occasion and 4,000 more a few days later!

–      Jesus Christ allowed HIMSELF to be arrested, beaten, nailed to a Cross, speared through the heart, wrapped in burial cloths, and thrown in a grave in order to pay for our sins!

–      Three days later, Jesus Christ willed HIMSELF back to life and rose from the dead!

–      Forty days later, Jesus Christ ascended back to heaven where HE serves HIS people today as our Great High Priest!

3. In the New Testament Epistles, the Apostles explain to us what the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to the world!

4. In the Book of Revelation, we are shown all of the wonderful things that Jesus Christ is going to do in the future!

5. BUT… the greatest thing JESUS ever did was come to this earth in a human body through which HE accomplished all of these things!

6. “What is Christmas all about?” Christmas is about the incarnation of JESUS, the SON of GOD, taking on human flesh to live, serve, teach, and die!

Romans 8:3 “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh…”

“Likeness” is ὁμοίωμα (ho-moy-o-mah) and it literally means “like” OR “resemblance.” JESUS came in a Body that was like (or resembled, i.e., existed in the form of) our sinful bodies, but HIS Body was without sin!

EXPOSITION: John 1:1-4, 14

 (1:1a) At the beginning of humanity at Creation our relationship both to and with GOD, JESUS already existed!

“In the beginning was the Word…”

(1:1b) As JESUS already existed at the time of Creation, HE was, is, and will always be GOD!

“and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(1:2) John repeats this theological statement a second time for clarity and impact!

“He was in the beginning with God.”               

(1:3) JESUS, HIMSELF, is the Creator of Creation!

“All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”

Cf. Colossians 1:15-17

(15) “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (16) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (17) And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

(1:4a) JESUS, the Creator GOD, is the source of life, both physical and eternal!

“In him was life…”

(1:4b) JESUS, the Creator GOD, is the source of light, both physical and divine!

“and the life was the light of men.”

(1:14a) JESUS, the eternal LOGOS, came to exist in a human body with a human nature – yet without sin!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

Cf. Philippians 2:5-8

(5) “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (6) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness (ὁμοίωμα)  (ho-moy-o-mah) of men.

(8) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

(1:14b) John, along with James and Peter, beheld the glory of n JESUS in their flesh and we behold HIS glory in HIS Word!

“and we have seen his glory…”

Cf. Matthew 17:1-3

(1) “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. (2) And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. (3) And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.”

Cf. 2nd Peter 1:16

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

(1:14c) The glory of JESUS they saw in their flesh and we see in HIS Word is the glory of GOD!

“glory as of the only Son from the Father…”

Cf. John 17:4-5

(4) “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (5) And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”

(1:14d) When JESUS came to this world, HE brought the grace we need and the truth that we desperately need the grace that HE brought!  

“full of grace and truth.”

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Christmas 2025 – Sermon #3

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

“Christmas Book by Book – Sermon THREE: Luke”

INTRODUCTION:

1. In verses 1-17, Matthew gives the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph. That is the “Legal” or “Royal” genealogy of Jesus from David through Solomon and the Kings of Israel.

2. Luke gives the “bloodline” genealogy of Jesus from David’s son Nathan through Mary, his earthly Mother.

3. JESUS is both the “Legal” and “Physical” heir to the Throne of David! JESUS is the ONE WHO is, “Born King of the Jews!”

EXPOSITION: Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-38

1:26 – 38 The conception and birth of JESUS the SON of GOD was an extraordinary event and we should not be surprised that GOD used extraordinary means to bring it about!

(26) “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. (28) And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (29) But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (30) And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”          (34) And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

(35) And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be borne will be called holy—the Son of God. (36) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. (37) For nothing will be impossible with God.” (38) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

1:39-45 The first person to Recognize WHO JESUS is was a fetus in the womb of his Mother!

(39) “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, (40) and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (41) And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, (42) and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (43) And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (44) For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. (45) And blessed is she who believed that there would beg a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

1:45-56 Mary of Nazareth was a teen girl who knew the Scripture! **She is paraphrasing 1st Samuel 2:1-10

(46) “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (50) And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (51) He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; (52) he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; (53) he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (54) He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (56) And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.”

2:1-5 GOD was, is, and will forever be, sovereign over all things!

(1) “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. (3) And all went to be registered, each to his own town. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

2:6-7 GOD keeps HIS promises and accomplishes HIS plan… JESUS, the SON of GOD became a man!

(6) “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (7) And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

2:8-14 GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON JESUS into the world as a Savior and HE wants the world to know it!

(8) “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

(10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”         (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

2:15-20 Meeting JESUS was, and is, and will always be a life-changing event!

(15) “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (17) And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. (18) And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. (19) But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

2:21-24 One does not need to have a lot in order to do a lot in GOD’s Kingdom Work!

Cf. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2nd Corinthians 8:9

(21) “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

(22) And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (23) (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) (24) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” ** Cf. Leviticus 5:7 ff.

2:25-38 At the First Coming of JESUS, there were faithful believers who lived to see the fulfillment of GOD’s promises and according to the promises of GOD, there will be faithful believers who will live to see HIS Second Coming as well!

(25) Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (26) And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, (28) he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, (29) “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; (30) for my eyes have seen your salvation (31) that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, (32) a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

(33) And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. (34) And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (35) (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

(36) And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,            (37) and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. (38) And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

2:39-40 Not only did JESUS perfectly keep the Law of GOD, but HIS earthly parents kept the Law on HIS behalf until HE was able to keep it for HIMSELF!

(39) “And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. (40) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”

Amen!

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“Christmas Book by Book – The Gospel of Matthew”

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

“Christmas, Book by Book – Sermon TWO: Matthew!”

INTRODUCTION:

1. Matthew was a Tax Collector whom JESUS called to follow HIM as recorded in 9:9 “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.”

2. In his Gospel, Matthew gives the genealogy of JESUS through his adopted father Joseph. This is HIS “Royal” right to the Throne of David.

3. After giving the genealogy of JESUS, (1:1 – 17) Matthew shares six specific events that occurred at the time of the conception, birth, and early life of JESUS:

– Gabriel’s first appearance and message to Joseph! (1:18-25)

– The arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem and Herod’s reaction! (2:1-6)

– Herod’s deception and the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem! (2:7-12)

– Gabriel’s second appearance and warning to Joseph! (13-15)

– Herod’s murder of the children in Bethlehem! (2:16-18)

– Joseph, Mary, and JESUS return to Israel and settle in Nazareth! (2:19-23)

EXPOSITION:

1:18 – 25 JESUS of Nazareth is GOD incarnate!

(18) “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (19) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (20) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,

saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (21) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  (22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: (23) “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (24) When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, (25) but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

2:1 – 6 Not everyone is excited about JESUS being KING!

(1) “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (4) and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (5) They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:        (6) “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

2:7 – 12 The biblical way to worship JESUS is to come to HIM and bring HIM gifts!

(7) Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.      (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”           

(9) After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

(11) And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (12) And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

2:13 – 15 Sometimes, when confronted with extreme danger, the will of GOD is to just run away!

(13) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (14) And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt (15) and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Theological Note: GOD delivered David by enabling him to kill a lion and a bear and Goliath, but HE also saved David by leading him to run and hide from Saul and Absalom!

2:16 – 18  Human beings are capable of unimaginable evil!

(16) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. (17) Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: (18) “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

2:19 – 23 Sometimes, when even we are doing what we know is the right thing, GOD still leads us to change our plans!

(19) But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

(20) saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” (21) And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. (22) But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. (23) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.”

Amen!

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MY TWO HEARTBREAKING HORRIBLE WEEKS IN REVIEW – 11/17 to 11/30/2025

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

MY TWO HEARTBREAKING HORRIBLE WEEKS IN REVIEW: 11/17 TO 11/30/2025

Monday November 17th started off happily as it was my Daughter Becky’s Birthday, so I took her a dozen Duncan Donuts and her birthday gift. Then I came back home to begin my routine Monday through Wednesday Church duties.

I was making plans to take her and her family out for dinner when just two hours later she sent me a note that she was at the ER with her husband Tim who was experiencing stroke-like symptoms. As you likely already know, Tim was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was taken to Springfield Memorial Hospital where he had surgery on Tuesday November 25th.

Austin came home on emergency leave and will be able to stay until next Friday, 12/5.

Tim is still at the hospital recovering and doing post-surgery physical therapy. He will meet with his medical team Monday or Tuesday morning (12-1 or 12/2) to discuss the treatments he will require in the future.

A late November storm brought 10.2” of snow to Decatur making travel to and from Springfield more difficult. Due to the snow, extremely cold temperatures and high winds, we cancelled our worship services on Sunday.

Please keep Tim and Becky and Austin and his wife Jadan and Aric and all of Tim’s family in your prayers.

I am so very thankful beyond words for your interest in my life and ministry and adventures and for your faithful prayers for Tim and all our family.

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“4 BIG Questions about Heaven!”

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

#1 – What is Heaven?

Hebrew – “sha-ma-yin” * The dwelling place of GOD.

Greek – “ouranos” * Basically, it means “beyond.” It is where we get the English word “horizon.”

It is used of three distinct places that were created by GOD!

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

#2 – Where is Heaven?

Note: as stated above, there are three specific places created by GOD that are called “heaven.”

The First Heaven (The Physical Atmosphere of the Earth)

Genesis 1:6-8

(6) “And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” (7) And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. (8) And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.”

The Second Heaven (The Physical Universe)

Genesis 15:4-6

(4) “Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.”

(5) And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” (6) Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Psalm 8:3-4

(3) “When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— (4) what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?”

Psalm 19:1-6

(1) “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (2) Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (3) There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. (4) Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, (5) which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. (6) Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.”

Isaiah 55:10-11

(10) ““For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

(11) so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

The Third Heaven (The Eternal and Immaterial Dwelling of GOD)

2nd Corinthians 12:1-4

(1) “I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. (2) I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.

(3) And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— (4) was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.”

#3 – Who is going to be in Heaven?

GOD is and will always be in Heaven!

Matthew 6:9 “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

The holy Angels will always be in Heaven!

Luke 2:13-15

(13) “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: (14)“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”           (15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Every human who has ever lived and repented of their sins and came to believe in Jesus as their Savior and LORD will be in Heaven!

Mark 1:14-15

(14) “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, (15) and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Acts 16:31 “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Every human ever conceived and who died before they were mentally capable of understanding their sinfulness and the gospel will be in Heaven!

Theological Note: Infants and those who are mentally incapable of understanding WHO GOD is and what HE commands have not sinned as Adam did!

Such people are declared by JESUS as believing!

Mark 9:42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”

Note: “little ones” is “mikros” or “tiny” It is where we get the English word, “micron.” A micrometer is one-millionth of a meter.

Matthew 19:14 “but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Theological Note: Which humans have not sinned “in the way Adam did?”

Romans 5:12-14

(12) “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. (13) For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law.

(14) Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come.”

Adam sinned knowing WHO GOD is and what HE commanded.

Who will be in Heaven? A great multitude of people from every tribe and people group on earth will be in Heaven!

Revelation 7:9-10

(9) “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (10) and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

#4 – How can a person go to Heaven?

We must turn away from our sins!

Luke 13:5 “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

We must believe in JESUS!

John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

John 14:1-6

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  (2) In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (4) And you know the way to where I am going.” (5) Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Amen!

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Heaven – Sermon ONE 11-9-25

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

“HEAVEN – OUR HAPPY HOME!” Sermon ONE, Part ONE:

“WE HAVE A BODY, BUT WE ARE MORE THAN OUR BODY!”

1. As humans, created in the image of GOD, we have an earthly physical body! Our earthly physical body is an “earth suit” that we need to exist in this present physical world. So, we exist temporarily in an earthly physical body.

Illustration: Dr. Story Musgrave. STS61, December 2nd to 13th, 1993.

2. While we live out our earthly lives in our earthly physical body, we are spiritual beings created in the image of GOD and like GOD will live forever! Since we are created in the image of GOD, we are also three-part beings!

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

3. We are spiritual beings. This is the “us” that lives within our earthly physical body!

– We “have” a spirit, but we are not “spirits” (as are angels.)  As living beings, our spirit is our nature as a living being and the source of our ability to relate to and with GOD.

4. We are a soul, and we are described as “having a soul.”

Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (KJV)

Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (ESV)

Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” (CSB)

Hebrew – “nephesh” (literally, a breathing / living creature)

Definition – a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.

As souls (living beings created in the image of GOD) we share some, but not all, godlike characteristics including a mind, emotions, will, (although our will is limited while GOD’s is not) and eternality.

5. As living beings created in the image of GOD, WHO is a Spirit; we also have a spirit!

Our spirit is that part of us that is often called our “nature” as in “human nature.” Is the part of us through which we relate to GOD. Because we are sinners by nature, before we are regenerated our human spirit is described as, “being dead.”

Ephesians 2:1-3

(1) “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins (2) in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

(3) among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”

Theological Note: When GOD describes unregenerated humans as “dead” HE must be speaking of the spirit (or nature) since if either the body of the soul were dead we could neither “walk” nor “follow” anyone or anything!

In these verses, our deadness is from our “spirit” which being dead to GOD, lives “in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind…”

Amen!

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Summary Overview of Acts!

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

1:1a Luke, the physician who accompanied Paul and was his amanuensis (secretary), is the author of The Book of Acts and The Gospel of Luke!

 “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach…”

1:2 JESUS ascended into Heaven and gave commands to the remaining eleven Apostles!

“until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.”

1:3 JESUS was seen alive by eyewitnesses after HIS death on the cross!

“He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

Cf. 1st Corinthians 15: 3-6

(3) “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

(5) and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (6) Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

1:4-5 Being “baptized with the Holy Spirit” and “being filled with the Holy Spirit” are synonyms!

(4) “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; (5) for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

1:6-7 We do not know (and indeed cannot know) when the LORD will return to set up HIS Kingdom!

(6) “So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (7) He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”

1:8 We exist to carry out the Great Commission!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1:9 – 11 JESUS is coming again!

(9) “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (10) And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, (11) and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Chapter 2 The Holy Spirit indwells every believer and empowers GOD’s people to accomplish HIS will and work!

Chapters 3 – 28 “GOD allows what HE hates to accomplish what HE loves!” © Joni Eareckson Tada

Chapters 6 – 8 (and all of the rest of the New Testament) Deacons are a blessing to GOD’s Kingdom work!

Chapter 9 No one, NO ONE, is beyond GOD’s ability to save!

Chapters 10 – 28 GOD is also the Savior of Gentiles, and we are grafted with the Jews into HIS Body, the Church!

Chapters 12 – 28 In GOD’s Kingdom work, suffering is often the price of serving!

Chapters 13 – 28 The biblical way to win the world is to plant Bible-believing, Bible-preaching, reproducing Churches!

Chapters 21 – 28 Godless people and their godless politicians will always “team up” against GOD, HIS people, and HIS Kingdom work!

23:11 GOD is always working through providence in the lives of HIS people, and HIS will will be done in the world!

“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Amen!

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Acts 28 – “The Perils of Paul!”

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. Even as his journey neared its end, Paul faced great adversity!

2. Unbelievers will respond to GOD’s people based solely on what benefits them!

3. Even after arriving in Rome, most of the people still rejected Paul and his teaching!

EXPOSITION:

28:1 – 6 Nothing can stop a child of GOD doing the work of GOD in the will of GOD until GOD HIMSELF permits it!

(1) “After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. (2) The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

(3) When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. (4) When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” (5) He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. (6) They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

28:7 – 10 The suffering that came into Paul’s life did not come into his life because he had failed GOD or because GOD had failed Paul!

(7) “Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

(8) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. (9) And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. (10) They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.”

28:11 – 16 When GOD declares that something is going to happen, it is going to happen!

(11) “After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. (12) Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.         

(13) And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. (14) There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. (15) And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. (16) And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.”

Cf. Acts 23:11 “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

28:17 – 28 Even when we are doing the work of GOD in the will of GOD and GOD is working mightily through us, many will still refuse to accept us and our testimony!

(17) “After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. (18) When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. (19) But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar–though I had no charge to bring against my nation. (20) For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”

(21) And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

(22) But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

(23) When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (24) And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. (25) And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

(26) “‘Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.

(27) For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

(28) Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

28:30 – 31 Regardless of our circumstances, we ought to take every opportunity to do the will of GOD for our life!

(30) “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, (31) proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Amen!

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Acts 27 – Being in the will of GOD does not guarantee Smooth Sailing!

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. In Acts 23:11, GOD told Paul that he was going to Rome!                

2. In Acts 23 through 26, dozens of unbelievers, two Roman Governors, and a godless pagan King tried to keep stop Paul!                    

3. In Acts 27:13 – 41, a horrific storm nearly stopped Paul!                

4. In Acts 28:3, a snake tried to stop Paul!                                              

5. In Acts 28:14, Paul arrived in Rome!

EXPOSITION:

27:1 – 6 Remember! A happy beginning and a happy ending does not guarantee that everything will be happy along the way!

(1) “And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. (2) And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

(3) The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. (4) And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. (5) And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. (6) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.”     

27:7 – 12 It is always wise heed the words of an Apostle!

(7) “We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.

(8) Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. (9) “Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, (10) saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” (11) But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. (12) And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.”

27:13 – 20 GOD really does allow real storms to come into the lives of HIS people, even while we are doing HIS will!

(13) “Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. (14) But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. (15) And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. (16) Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. (17) After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. (18) Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. (19) And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. (20) When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.”

27:21 – 24 Even in the midst of our storms, GOD is with us!

(21) “Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. (22) Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. (23) For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, (24) and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ “

27:25 – 26 When GOD has decreed something, it is going to happen!

(25) So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. (26) But we must run aground on some island.”

27:27 – 32 Those who refuse to believe GOD’s promises put themselves and those around them in real danger!

(27) “When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. (28) So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. (29) And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. (30) And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, (31) Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” (32) Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.”

27:33 – 41 Even as we trust the promises of GOD, we still need to take reasonable and rational steps for our good!

(33) “As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. (34) Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” (35) And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. (36) Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (37) (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) (38) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.        (39) Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. (40) So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.

(41) But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.”           

27:42 – 44 Even unbelievers will help us when they see the blessings of GOD on our lives!

(42) “The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. (43) But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land,

(44) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.”

Amen!

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Posted on October 12, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

Acts 26 “To be Almost Persuaded is to be Totally Lost!”

INTRODUCTION:

This is a continuation of Paul’s hearing before King Agrippa and Governor Portius Festus from Chapter 25.

EXPOSITION:

26:1 – 7 When we defend ourselves and what we believe, we must be both respectful and truthful!

(1) “So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: (2) “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, (3) especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. (4) “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.

(5) They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. (6) And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, (7) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!”

26:8 – 11 Testimony Part 1: My life before I knew JESUS!

(8) “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? (9) “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (10) And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests,

but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.     (11) And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.”

26:12 – 18 Testimony Part 2: How I came to know JESUS!

(12) “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. (13) At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. (14) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ (15) And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

(16) But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, (17)  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles– to whom I am sending you (18)  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

26:19 – 24  Testimony Part 3: The difference that JESUS has made in my life!

(19) “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, (20) but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (21) For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.      

(22) To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: (23) that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Theological Note: This is the Gospel as revealed in the Old Testament… The death and resurrection of the Messiah!

26:24 – 29 When should understand that when we share our testimony, some people will think we are mad and others get mad!

(24) “And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”

(25) But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. (26) For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. (27) King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

Theological Note: In the context of this passage, the thing that Paul says Agrippa believes ishis statement in verses 22-23…

(22) “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

(23) that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

In other words, “Do you believe in a coming Messiah?”

(28) “And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (29) And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am–except for these chains.”

Theological Note: Verse 28 in the Greek is, “Then Agrippa [said] to Paul, within so little do you persuade me a Christian to become?”

26:30 – 32

Even when unbelievers recognize our Christlike lives, many will still reject JESUS!

(30) “Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. (31) And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” (32) And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Historical Notes:

King Agrippa II died in 93 AD and there is no evidence of him ever coming to believe in JESUS.

Governor Festus apparently served from 59 AD to 62 AD. Historians do not record much of anything of his life other than his service as Governor of Judea. There is no evidence that he ever came to believe in JESUS.

Sadly, Just because great and powerful people hear the gospel does not guarantee that they will come to believe in JESUS!

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