THE PROMISES
Introduction:
1. Heb 6:9-20
2. Why preach on the subject of promises??
     Sometimes we lose sight of that which we shall receive some
        day. So far in the future--out of fleshly reach.
3. Promise is that which is one's pledge to another to do or not
     to do something specified. A declaration which gives to the
     person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim
     the performance or forbearance or a specified act.
         Ground for hope, expectation, or assurance.
4. Promises versus threats---Bible is full of both--Rom._11:22.

BODY:
  I. Some_Things_God_has_not_promised:
     l. To save one out of the church.  Eph 5:23; Acts 20:28.
     2. Another day to live.  Jas 4:14
          Thus we must live prepared to meet him.
     3. Another chance after death. Heb 9:27
          Rich man and Lazarus.
     4. A life free of Hardships, sacrifices, etc.
          2 Tim 3:12--"All that would live godly in Christ Jesus
                       shall suffer persecution.
     5. To accept excuses--not a single one.
          Adam made the first excuse.
          People want to do what they want instead of what God
          wants.
          Luke_14:16 Great Supper--three excuses,
              field, oxen, wife.

 II. UNIVERSAL_AND_UNCONDITIONAL_PROMISES:
     1. No more flood--Rainbow in the sky, Gen 9:13.
     2. Seed time and harvest time, Gen 6:22; Mt 5:45
     3. Death--Heb 9:27.
     4. World will be destroyed--2 Pet 3:10;  2 Thess 1:7-9.
     5. Resurrection--John 5:28-29.

III. LIMITED_OR_CONDITIONAL_PROMISES:
     1. Most promises in N. T. are conditional.
     2. Material promises:
         Food, drink, clothing--Mt 6:33
         Houses, Land, etc.--Must meet our part to receive these
             promises.  Something we must DO to obtain these.
     3. Spiritual promises:
        (1) The promise to Abraham. Gen 12:3; Acts 2:39; Gal
            3:16-19.
        (2) All spiritual promises are in Christ. 2 Cor 1:20
               Eph 1:3.
        (3) What are some of these promises?????
            l. Forgiveness of sins--Acts 2:38; Eph 1:7.
                Man must meet the conditions
                What are the conditions of salvation???
                   Mk 16:15-16.
            2. Eternal life. 1 John 2:25; Rom 2:6-7; 8:1.
            3. To hear our prayers. 1 Pet 3:12.
     4. The Lord is not slack in His promises--2 Pet 3:9.
     5. Great and precious promises--2 Pet 1:4.
     6. We can inherit these promises through faith and patience
            Heb 6:12; 10:36.

CONCLUSION:
     1. Will you meet the conditions of forgiveness that God may
        fulfill His promises to You???  You must if you expect
        to receive the promises of spiritual nature.
     2. He will do His Part---Will you not do yours????
     3. Have you made a promise to God in times past to do His
        will, but have failed in it?? Then, renew your promises
        to Him.  Be the kind of person that He wishes you to be.
 
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