Title: We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
1We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- The local church will never function as it should
until we really get to know each other and love
each other in spite of that knowledge!
2We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- The local church will never function as it should
until we really get to know each other and love
each other in spite of that knowledge! - When we have the love of Christ we will manifest
that patient love that sees both the weakness and
the good in another.
3We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- The local church will never function as it should
until we really get to know each other and love
each other in spite of that knowledge! - When we have the love of Christ we will manifest
that patient love that sees both the weakness and
the good in another. - We need each other to help us overcome sin! (Jas
516)
4We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- (James 516 NKJV) Confess your trespasses to
one another, and pray for one another, that you
may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much.
5We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Without a close relationship it is rare to see
this practiced.
6We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Each of us needs someone spiritual to confide in,
lean upon, and to trust when you are
simply being yourself.
7We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Each of us needs someone spiritual to confide in,
lean upon, and to trust when you are
simply being yourself. - It is these people who we will turn to during
times of stress and anxiety.
8We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Each of us needs someone spiritual to confide in,
lean upon, and to trust when you are
simply being yourself. - It is these people who we will turn to during
times of stress and anxiety. - Do you have those who will lift you up? (Heb
1212-13)
9We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- (Hebrews 1212-13 NKJV) Therefore strengthen
the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
13 and make straight paths for your feet, so
that what is lame may not be dislocated, but
rather be healed.
10We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Are you such a person another can turn to?
11We need to be a shelter for people in this life.
- Are you such a person another can turn to?
- Ultimately we will point to God, the only certain
refuge for our lives.
12Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- What is a refuge? King David knew this need
well! (Psalms 311 NASB)
13Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- What is a refuge? King David knew this need
well! (Psalms 311 NASB) - "In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge Let me
never be ashamed In Thy righteousness deliver
me.
14Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- What is a refuge? King David knew this need
well! (Psalms 311 NASB) - "In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge Let me
never be ashamed In Thy righteousness deliver
me. - Here David needed a high place of shelter, a
place for a fugitive needing somewhere to hide
and gain strength.
15Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Even though alone, David knew the Lord who would
always provide for him.
16Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Even though alone, David knew the Lord who would
always provide for him. - Why do we need a refuge? (Psa 319-13)
17Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- (Psalms 319-13 NKJV) Have mercy on me, O LORD,
for I am in trouble My eye wastes away with
grief, Yes, my soul and my body! 10 For my life
is spent with grief, And my years with sighing
My strength fails because of my iniquity, And my
bones waste away.
18Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- 11 I am a reproach among all my enemies, But
especially among my neighbors, And am repulsive
to my acquaintances Those who see me outside
flee from me. 12 I am forgotten like a dead
man, out of mind I am like a broken vessel. 13
For I hear the slander of many Fear is on every
side While they take counsel together against
me, They scheme to take away my life.
19Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Because trouble will in time come upon all of us.
20Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Because trouble will in time come upon all of us.
- We may look good on the outside, but there are
likely those here today dealing with terrible
stresses and trouble.
21Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Because trouble will in time come upon all of us.
- We may look good on the outside, but there are
likely those here today dealing with terrible
stresses and trouble. - There are times we have adversaries, like David
did. How many have trusted someone only to have
them turn on you and do much harm?
22Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- David experienced the shunning of those who saw
him in need! It is sad fact but true, that
when we are hurt and in need is the time people
are most likely to turn away from us.
23Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- David experienced the shunning of those who saw
him in need! It is sad fact but true, that
when we are hurt and in need is the time people
are most likely to turn away from us. - Have you ever felt like a broken vessel that has
no use? This one needs refuge!
24Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- "Take away my capacity for pain and you rob me of
the possibility for joy. Take away my ability to
fail and I would not know the meaning of success.
Let me be immune to rejection and heartbreak and
I could not know the glory of living.
25Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Consider how God provided for David. (Psa
3119-24)
26Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- (Psalms 3119-24 NKJV) Oh, how great is Your
goodness, Which You have laid up for those who
fear You, Which You have prepared for those who
trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!
20 You shall hide them in the secret place of
Your presence From the plots of man You shall
keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife
of tongues.
27Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- 21 Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His
marvelous kindness in a strong city! 22 For I
said in my haste, I am cut off from before Your
eyes Nevertheless You heard the voice of my
supplications When I cried out to You. 23 Oh,
love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD
preserves the faithful, And fully repays the
proud person.
28Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- 24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen
your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
29Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- God keeps secrets and also keeps us away from the
slanderous tongues.
30Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- In a time of trouble we do not necessarily want
agreement as much as we need an arm around us in
comfort and support. Our God will always tell us
the truth but also provide a rest in repentance
and righteousness!
31Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- In a time of trouble we do not necessarily want
agreement as much as we need an arm around us in
comfort and support. Our God will always tell us
the truth but also provide a rest in repentance
and righteousness! - Even when David doubted God, He was faithful and
delivered him.
32Will a child of God have need of refuge?
- Thank you, Father, for these tears that have
carried me to the depth of your love. How could I
have known your fullness without the emptiness,
your acceptance without the rejection, your
forgiveness without my failure, our togetherness
without that dreadful loneliness. You have
brought me to Gethsemane, and oh, the joy of
finding you already there! Amen.
33God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- God made provision for cities of refuge for those
who killed another unintentionally.
34God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- God made provision for cities of refuge for those
who killed another unintentionally. - This was the action of a merciful God. (Josh
201-2)
35God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Joshua 201-2 NKJV) The LORD also spoke to
Joshua, saying, 2 Speak to the children of
Israel, saying Appoint for yourselves cities of
refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,
36God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- There were three cities in the east and three
cities in the west. (Num 356-7, 9-14)
37God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Numbers 356-7 NKJV) Now among the cities
which you will give to the Levites you shall
appoint six cities of refuge, to which a
manslayer may flee. And to these you shall add
forty-two cities. 7 So all the cities you will
give to the Levites shall be forty-eight these
you shall give with their common-land.
38God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Numbers 359-14 NKJV) Then the LORD spoke to
Moses, saying, 10 Speak to the children of
Israel, and say to them When you cross the
Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you
shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for
you, that the manslayer who kills any person
accidentally may flee there.
39God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- 12 They shall be cities of refuge for you from
the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until
he stands before the congregation in judgment.
13 And of the cities which you give, you shall
have six cities of refuge. 14 You shall
appoint three cities on this side of the Jordan,
and three cities you shall appoint in the land of
Canaan, which will be cities of refuge.
40God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- These cities were for people in real trouble!
(Josh 203)
41God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Joshua 203 NKJV) that the slayer who kills a
person accidentally or unintentionally may flee
there and they shall be your refuge from the
avenger of blood.
42God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- Could you imagine having an "avenger of blood"
coming after you?
43God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- These cities were not obscure, hard to get to. No
they were well marked.
44God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- These cities were not obscure, hard to get to. No
they were well marked. - There was a righteous procedure for entering
these cities. (Josh 204)
45God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Joshua 204 NKJV) And when he flees to one of
those cities, and stands at the entrance of the
gate of the city, and declares his case in the
hearing of the elders of that city, they shall
take him into the city as one of them, and give
him a place, that he may dwell among them.
46God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- They declared their case to the elders of that
city. Refuge was only to be provided for certain
people!
47God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- Could you imagine the relief of finally having
mature men listen to your story?
48God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- Could you imagine the relief of finally having
mature men listen to your story? - How many have been falsely accused only to face
emotional people who will not listen? We must
display this basic sense of fairness! (Acts 2516)
49God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Acts 2516 NKJV) To them I answered, It is
not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man
to destruction before the accused meets the
accusers face to face, and has opportunity to
answer for himself concerning the charge against
him.
50God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- This one now has the protection from the avenger.
(Josh 205-6)
51God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- (Joshua 205-6 NKJV) Then if the avenger of
blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the
slayer into his hand, because he struck his
neighbor unintentionally, but did not hate him
beforehand.
52God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- 6 And he shall dwell in that city until he
stands before the congregation for judgment, and
until the death of the one who is high priest in
those days. Then the slayer may return and come
to his own city and his own house, to the city
from which he fled.
53God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- The protection only applies to those within this
walled city.
54God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- The protection only applies to those within this
walled city. - The entire "congregation" would be involved in
this process.
55God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- The protection only applies to those within this
walled city. - The entire "congregation" would be involved in
this process. - Now his cause is clearly known. God's mercy has
provided justice and protection.
56God expected His people to provide a refuge in
the Old Testament
- It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows
and adversities, for they often make a man lay to
heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner
and may not put his trust in any worldly thing.
It is good that we sometimes endure
contradictions and are hardly and unfairly judged
when we do and mean what is good. For these
things help us to be humble and shield us from
vainglory.
57How we can provide refuge today
- We need spiritual men who can act wisely. (Gal
61-2)
58How we can provide refuge today
- (Galatians 61-2 NKJV) Brethren, if a man is
overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill
the law of Christ.
59How we can provide refuge today
- There are many who need gentleness yet firmness.
60How we can provide refuge today
- There are many who need gentleness yet firmness.
- There are others who need sharp rebuke! True love
and wisdom can discern. (Tit 112-14)
61How we can provide refuge today
- (Titus 112-14 NKJV) One of them, a prophet of
their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil
beasts, lazy gluttons. 13 This testimony is
true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they
may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed
to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn
from the truth.
62How we can provide refuge today
- When I make people comfortable in their
irresponsibility, I'm heading away from the
cross.
63How we can provide refuge today
- The lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that
enters the house a guest, and then becomes a
host, and then a master.
64How we can provide refuge today
- We must be willing. (Jas 215-16)
65How we can provide refuge today
- (James 215-16 NKJV) If a brother or sister is
naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one
of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed
and filled, but you do not give them the things
which are needed for the body, what does it
profit?
66How we can provide refuge today
- Often this may involve standing up to another who
is acting unrighteously.
67How we can provide refuge today
- Too often it is easier to whisper in the
background but in the end have done nothing.
68How we can provide refuge today
- In 430 B.C. the historian Thucydides wrote, "It
was in those who had recovered from the plague
that the sick and the dying found most
compassion." A preacher who has never needed
comfort is not likely to be as concerned about
giving comfort.
69How we can provide refuge today
- We must act with loving compassion. (1 Jn
316-18)
70How we can provide refuge today
- (1 John 316-18 NKJV) By this we know love,
because He laid down His life for us. And we also
ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoever has this worlds goods, and sees
his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from
him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18
My little children, let us not love in word or in
tongue, but in deed and in truth.
71How we can provide refuge today
- This required time and energy. Most of all it
involves an opening of our hearts.
72How we can provide refuge today
- This required time and energy. Most of all it
involves an opening of our hearts. - In our busy times with all the stress surrounding
us, we may flee from opening our hearts to
additional "burdens.
73How we can provide refuge today
- "I am sorry for the man who can't feel the whip
when it is laid on the other man's back." --
Abraham Lincoln
74How we can provide refuge today
- Let me come in where you are weeping, friend, And
let me take your hand. I, who have known a sorrow
such as yours, Can understand. Let me come in-I
would be very still Beside you in your grief I
would not bid you cease your weeping, friend,
Tears bring relief. Let me come in-I would only
breathe a prayer, And hold your hand, For I have
known a sorrow such as yours, And understand. -
Grace Noll Crowell
75How we can provide refuge today
- It is important that we act in love and not in
bitterness. We need to help the other one put
away their bitterness and not irrigate it. (Heb
1215)
76How we can provide refuge today
- (Hebrews 1215 NKJV) looking carefully lest
anyone fall short of the grace of God lest any
root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,
and by this many become defiled
77How we can provide refuge today
- "Fifty years ago industrialists thought they
could just bury toxic waste and it would go away.
We have since learned it doesn't just go away. It
makes trouble. It leaks into the water table,
contaminates crops, and kills animals. Buried
grief does the same thing. Raw time doesn't heal
a thing.
78How we can provide refuge today
- Buried pain leaks into our emotional system and
wreaks havoc there. It distorts our perceptions
of life, and it taints our relationships. That
contamination happens subconsciously.
79How we can provide refuge today
- Please do not make the mistake of just saying
"If you need me, call me." The truth is that
most people will think "I need you, but I am not
going to call!" We need to be more open to the
needs of others!
80How we can provide refuge today
- We must be more involved with others before they
reach their time of crisis. (1 Cor 1223-27)
81How we can provide refuge today
- (1 Corinthians 1223-27 NKJV) And those members
of the body which we think to be less honorable,
on these we bestow greater honor and our
unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24
but our presentable parts have no need. But God
composed the body, having given greater honor to
that part which lacks it,
82How we can provide refuge today
- 25 that there should be no schism in the body,
but that the members should have the same care
for one another. 26 And if one member suffers,
all the members suffer with it or if one member
is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27
Now you are the body of Christ, and members
individually.
83How we can provide refuge today
- What are you doing to know those in this church
better?
84How we can provide refuge today
- What are you doing to know those in this church
better? - Some are satisfied with family and a few friends
and thus hardly talk to others.
85How we can provide refuge today
- What are you doing to know those in this church
better? - Some are satisfied with family and a few friends
and thus hardly talk to others. - It is difficult to see others do little things
such as coming to social gatherings in open
homes, make calls when sick and many such things.
86How we can provide refuge today
- Do we put a "no-trespassing" sign around our
necks or an "open house" sign?
87How we can provide refuge today
- Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe
with a person having neither to weigh thoughts
nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just
as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing
that a faithful hand will take and sift them,
keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the
breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
88What Will You Do?
- There will come a time where you will be in need
of refuge.
89What Will You Do?
- There will come a time where you will be in need
of refuge. - Let us learn to provide refuge for others now! In
time this will provide refuge for us.
90What Will You Do?
- There will come a time where you will be in need
of refuge. - Let us learn to provide refuge for others now! In
time this will provide refuge for us. - Are you in need of refuge from the world? Are you
pursued by enemies and most of all you
own sin? God has a place of rest for you. (Mt
1129-30)
91What Will You Do?
- (Matthew 1129-30 NKJV) Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is
light.
92What Will You Do?
- It is not true to say that God wants to teach us
something in our trials. In every cloud he
brings, God wants us to unlearn something. God's
purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief
until our relationship to him is exactly that of
a child.
93What Will You Do?
- God uses every cloud which comes in our physical
life, in our moral or spiritual life, or in our
circumstances, to bring us nearer to him, until
we come to the place where our Lord Jesus Christ
lived, and we do not allow our hearts to be
troubled.