Halloween Screams and the Mysterious Seven

(Sunday message for House Church and individual use: preached 11/1 – 11/7/2020)

Listen… for the screams of the innocent and for the devilish laughter of those who inflict their pain. Where can you hear, can you experience, can you feel the horror of such things? In your own heart. There within lies the first inklings of fears waiting, urging to be inflicted upon all these now – these the current dwellers of the earth.

As it is written,

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

And,

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34)

And,

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man.” (Matthew 15:19-20a)

Consider these things, consider… yourself, as we begin today’s message with a question.

Was Jesus born on the 31st of October or on the 25th of December?

Biblical evidence, as well as other sources, confirm the date being either October 31st or a few weeks prior. Yes, even as far back as September, the month before. All concede, however, including the best of Christian scholars, that he was not born in December or during any other time in Winter. (Source: Well… really? Any search on Google will instantly provide this universally known information. Meanwhile, here is one with a particularly helpful conclusion: click!)

Have there been Halloween screams occuring down through the history of time? Perhaps even originating from victims, or for reasons, other than you might have known? We say, “Yes.” Possibly. Probably.

Screams of babies, shrieking in agonies of death, days soon after our Lord’s birth: blessed infants, first martyrs of the sacred cause of Christ. Screams, their screams, brought forth from angelic throats as they were horribly, and yet temporarily, destroyed by the troops of that wicked king, Herod the so-called Great. As it had been prophesied and as it has been written and recorded forever,
- “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” (Matthew 2:17-18)

Could any other screams have been worse? Perhaps these…

The screams of Lucifer, Satan, the Devil himself and his likewise monstrous minions; screams of the vilest laughter; of mockery at the mindless yieldings of mortal men. Fools of eternal proportion, so gradually and yet so easily lead to turn the actual day, the real birthday of their only real hope, their only possible salvation from sin into days leading up to that one calendar day which, yearly, exalts not that Savior but instead their sin which doth so easily both beset and damn them… forever. As it is written,
- “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

And yet. And yet, shall a Christian celebrate his own birthday, or that of a friend, and leave no room each year to join with others in an attempted rejoicing, in an attempted remembrance of the birth of his own Lord? No, we shall continue to remember the true Christ at Christmas, on that wonderful day in which, the whole world, each year (sometimes willingly and sometimes with their fingers in their ears) are caused to remember,

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

And to remember that “the angel of the Lord” proclaimed,

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Still… still… we have to ask. With the screams of beautiful innocent babes still breaking our hearts; with the inward depravity of man still parading before us, and in us; and with our ears still full of the horrible hideous shrieking laughter of devils; with us still joined to a race, to a horror which the universe calls mankind, still… still… Still, we have to ask.

Why?

Why would God send his only begotten son to save… us?

It is a mystery. It is. It is, as it is called, and as it is written, “the mystery of godliness.” The mystery that no one could solve and which only God could reveal. Listen then and never forget these words.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

(1 Timothy 3:16)

The Liberty Bible Commentary calls this “one of the greatest, most profound statements of Scripture.” (Faldwell, Jerry, et al. “The First Epistle of Timothy, V. The Charge Concerning Leaders. 3:1-16. C. The Purpose of This Charge. 3:14-16.” Liberty Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1983, p. 2501.)

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says,

“This truth about godliness being a mystery [Gr. mysterion] means that it was hidden but now is revealed. Further, it is a great (mega, “large, important”) “mystery” in that it is overwhelmingly large in scope and sublimely important in significance.” (Walvoord, John F., et al. “1 Timothy: Commentary, IV. Instructions concerning Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:1 4-4:16).” The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, an Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty based on the New International Version, David C. Cook [Publisher], p. 739)

Such a statement, divinely inspired and given to us from heaven, must be understood. Within it we find mysteries more than one. Seven mysteries.

It will take but a moment, if God answers our prayers and grants you understanding. It will take but a moment to briefly share with you now, the Mysterious Seven. The seven mysteries, revealed by God, of true godliness.

Listen. Hear. Receive. Be changed, and never forget these seven mysteries given to you by God.

I. Mystery #1: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.”

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Hebrews 2:3)

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

“For bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

II. Mystery #2: “God was manifest in the flesh.”

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Hebrews 2:3)

III. Mystery #3: “God was justified in the Spirit.”

Listen now to this extended revelation from Heaven, recorded in the Word of God, in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verses 24 to 36 (ESV).

24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:24-36, ESV)

Yes, and so the righteousness of Jesus, the deity of Christ was vindicated (proven) when the Spirit of God raised him, the Son of God, up from the dead.

And yet the Bible also holds out this offered promise to you,

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11, NASB)

IV. Mystery #4: “God was seen of angels.”

He was “seen of angels” at his birth (as we hear every year at Christmas):

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14)

He was “seen of angels” at his temptation in the wilderness:

“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matthew 4:11)

He was “seen of angels” at his passion in the garden of Gethsemane:

“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:43-44)

He was “seen of angels” at his resurrection:

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” (Matthew 28:2)

He was “seen of angels” at his ascension:

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” (Acts 1:9-11a)

He was “seen of angels” at his every victory over (and therefore every defeat of) Satan and his fallen angels:

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)

He was “seen of angels” before his birth, at his birth, during his ministry on earth, and now so very much more forever, they worship… Him:

“And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6)

V. Mystery #5: “God was preached unto the Gentiles.”

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

VI. Mystery #6: “God was believed on in the world.”

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, English Standard Version (ESV)

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

2 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5)

VII. Mystery #7: “God was received up into glory.”

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” (1 Timothy 3:16)

Conclusion

Now then, dear friend, must we conclude this message with compassion towards your immortal being. If our prayers for you have been answered and you have been moved in anyway, at anytime during this message to think upon and to wonder at these mysteries related to your own eternal safety; if you have asked the questions that, in common sense, you should have asked, then we are bound in love and supplied by the Word of God to answer… you.

Listen then. We will get out of the way, now. We will step aside and let God (in the way which he intended) speak to you directly: Creator and Judge speaking to his fallen creation who should be hoping for grace, right now.

Do you ask, Who is he and where is he now?

It is written,

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

It is written,

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

And so, in the Old Testament: What does it say will happen when he stands up?

“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” (Psalm 110:1)

In the New Testament, for further emphasis it is again stated: What happens when he stands up!

“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (Hebrews 1:13)

What then? How will this occur? What will he do then?

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

And now… what about you? What will happen to you?

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)

And finally, we ask – we must ask: What must you do, right now?

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

OUTLINE:

Halloween Screams and the Mysterious Seven

(A Message to the Multitudes)

Mystery #1: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.”

Mystery #2: “God was manifest in the flesh.”

Mystery #3: “God was justified in the Spirit.”

Mystery #4: “God was seen of angels.”

Mystery #5: “God was preached unto the Gentiles.”

Mystery #6: “God was believed on in the world.”

Mystery #7: “God was received up into glory.”

WORSHIP:

Intro: