God’s Man in troubled times.

Gods Man in troubled times.

Psalm 37:37

INTRODUCTION: Without a doubt we are living in troubled times

· Society is troubled

· Our government is in trouble

· Our Nation is in trouble

· Families are in trouble

· The World is in trouble

· In each period of Human History there has been times of trouble but regardless of the situation, the Lord has always had His man to represent Him, His Word, Will and Way. There will never be a time when God does not have a man of God to represent him.

We are in troubled times.

Anybody and everybody want to be called a man or a woman of God.

· They live any way they want to

· They teach and preach anything they want to.

· They are deceived in believing that-just because they wear a holy costume on

· or fill a room full of people, that they are a man or a woman of God.

· But the Devil can wear a costume, He can appear as an ANGEL of Light even though he is a dark demon

· The devil can preach real good for no good.

· The Devil can Sang real good for no good

· The Devil can prolific prophetic liar

· The Devil Can perform miracles.

· But the Devil can not live HOLY, NOR WORSHIP GOD.

o WHY? BECAUSE HE IS THE WRONG SPIRIT.

o HE IS THE ANTI CHRIST SPIRIT

o He is the Father of Lies

o He is a murderer from the beginning

o He is not a KING he is the PRINCE OF DARKNESS

o HE comes to steal to kill and destroy

He has many son’s and daughters know as the sons of destruction

People have a hard time recognizing the real people of GOD

They look like us, They talk like us, but they are not one of us.

· But my Bible tells me, You shall know them by their fruits.

o All fruit is not good fruit, some fruits are poison

o Some Pastors are poisonous

o Some Churches are deadly.

o Some doctrines are demonic.

§ When You find a good man, stay with that man, support that man.

Marks Identifying features or characteristics.

· A good man will have a personal knowledge of God,

· He will be motivated by God's will and not his own will

· A Good man will be concerned for the welfare of others.

· A good man will involve himself in good causes, without bragging about it.

Consider the following men of God

I. PURITY OF JOSEPH. Gen. 39:7–9.

a. Type of Christ.

b. Totally committed to God.

c. Triumph under difficult circumstances.

II. POWER OF ELIJAH. 1 Kings 18:36–38.

a. Test with the Prophets of Baal.

b. Translation to Glory. 2 Kings 2:11.

c. Transfiguration of Christ. Matt. 17:3.

III. PROPHECY OF EZEKIEL. Eze. 38–39.

a. rise of Russia.

b. restoration of Israel.

c. return of Christ.

IV. PURPOSE OF DANIEL. Dan. 1:8.

a. Not to be defiled.

b. Noble dedication.

V. PRIVILEGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. John 1:29.

a. Presented Christ to the world.

b. Preached judgment to the wicked.

VI. PERSISTENCE OF PAUL. 2 Tim. 4:6–8.

a. Faith unwavering. He Kept the Faith

b. Fight unafraid. He fought the good fight

c. Finisher. He finished his course

VII. PREEMINENT CHRIST. Col. 1:18.

a. Looking to JESUS the author and finisher of our FAITH

There are two categories of Marks in this World

· The Mark of Sin

o Marked for death

· The Mark of Salvation,

o Marked for life

By these marks you will either be accepted or rejected into the Kingdom of God.

The Scripture says by their Fruits you shall know them Matthew 7:20

The Mark of the ungodly are

1. The marks of the Liar.

2. The marks of the Drunkard.

3. The marks of the Thief.

4. The marks of the Adulterers.

5. The hater-murder

6. Lust and perversion

The Mark of the Godly man

I. THEY have a BIRTH MARK

a. Born again Birthmark

b. He has a CONVERSION MARK

i. The things he used to do he don’t do no more

ii. The places he used to go he don’t go no more

iii. The things he used to say he don’t say no more.

iv. He has Power with GOD

v. He has Prayer with GOD

vi. He’s been changed

vii. Saved, sanctified, fire baptized.

II. THE CHURCH MARK

a. They love the Church

b. They understand the purpose and importance of the Church

c. The Church is where we find Spiritual Food. Matt.

d. The Church is where we find new friends.

e. The Church is a place of Joy, and healing

f. The Church is a place of learning about the LORD.

III. THE WATER MARK

a. What do we mean by the Water Mark.

b. We must keep the Lord’s Commandments.

c. The Bible says repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus said go Baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

IV. THE KNEE MARK

a. Prayer is the life of a Christian

b. Jesus was a Man of Prayer.

c. A life without prayer is like lungs without air.

V. THE GIVING MARK

a. The Bible said-It is more blessed to give than to receive.

b. God Loves a cheerful giver

VI. THE SERVICE MARK

a. He’s faithful in service

b. He’s friendly in service

i. He serves the LORD with gladness.

c. He’s fruitful in service

i. Chappy Smith

ii. The London from NY via Africa.

The Mark of a good man is that he lives a Life That Counts for God

I. FIRST, THE LIFE OF CONVERSION

a. He lives like he’s saved

Reflecting on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10, we see how a corrupt tax collector, after meeting Jesus, decided to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times the amount. This radical change in his heart demonstrates that a good man is not defined by past mistakes but by his choices moving forward, inspiring us to seek redemption and transformation.

II. SECOND, THE LIFE OF CONVICTIONS

a. He stands for what he believes.

b. He has convictions concerning:

c. The Word of God. 2 Tim. 3:16

d. Salvation by Grace. Eph. 2:8–10

e. Holy Living. 2 Cor. 6:17–7:1

f. The true church. Eph. 5:25–32

g. A Spirit controlled life. Eph. 5:18.

h. Eternal Security. 2 Tim. 1:11, 12; Rom. 8:33–39 cf. John 10:27–30

III. THIRD, THE LIFE OF COURAGE

a. A good man has holy boldness to preach God’s Word. Eph. 6:18–20.

b. A good man is a WITNESS—

i. Have you ever met someone who knew someone you know? And you respond yeah He’s a preacher, and they are shocked!

c. A Goodman is not afraid of the DEVIL.

The story of Daniel in the lions' den illustrates how a good person can stand firm in their beliefs, even under pressure. Despite the threat of death, Daniel remained faithful to God, inspiring us to uphold our convictions no matter the challenges we face. His courage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and goodness in a complex world.

IV. FIFTH, THE LIFE OF CONSECRATION

a. HE LIVES A HOLY LIFE

The Church can do without a lot of things

· Good musicians

· Cushioned seats

· Air conditions

· Good Pa Systems

· There are a lot of things the Church could do without —

· such as fighting, fussing,

· formality, cold, critical, complacency;

· the dead, dull, dragging, doleful, disgraceful, doubtful, dead Theology.

· The Church is not a funeral or a fight; on the other hand, these things are the foundation:

I. CHRIST CENTERED SERVICES — Who WE WORSHIP. (Eph. 5:19–20)

A. Power of the Holy Spirit.

B. Praise in prayer and Song.

C. Preaching Christ in each Service.

II. CONVICTIONS — WHAT WE BELIEVE. (Jude 3)

A. Bible — Divinely inspired forever settled.

B. Blood — Only redemption for sinners.

C. Blessed Hope — Future of the saved.

III. CHARACTER — WHAT WE ARE. (Heb. 2:1–4)

· Living Epistles to glorify the Cross. (2 Cor. 3:2)

· Light to guide sinners to Christ.

· Love to prove you are Converted. (John 17:23)

V. CONTRACT — WHAT WE PROMISE. (1 John 2:3–5)

a. MONEY, TIME, and TALENT

V. COMPASSION — WHAT WE FEEL. (1 John 2:27)

A. Love for the Lord. (1 John 4:7)

B. Longing for the Lost.

In Proverbs 27:17, we read that 'iron sharpens iron.' This metaphor highlights the role of good men in each other's lives, where accountability and encouragement lead to growth and strength. By surrounding ourselves with honorable individuals, we not only improve ourselves but also empower others. This fellowship of goodness is essential for collective and personal strength.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of leadership, take a moment to identify a fellow leader who exemplifies integrity and service. Plan a time to meet with them and express your admiration. This can turn into a mentoring relationship where you can cultivate qualities of goodness in your own life while encouraging them to continue their good work, strengthening your overall leadership team.