Christ Our Advocate

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

(1 John 2:1).

“If any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS. What is an ADVOCATE? Advocate is a legal term for “one who INTERCEDES for another”. The term “advocate” denotes a LAWYER who represents his client before a court of law. Jesus stands ready to forgive any sin in your life, but confession and repentance mean a change heart. Changing the behavior that originally produced sin. No Christian or church has been ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and HIS church are united at His second coming.
There is a big difference between COMMITTING SIN and REMAINING IN SIN. Even the most faithful believers sometimes commit sins, but they do not cherish a particular sin and choose. A person who REMAINS IN SIN, by contrast, is not sorry for what he is doing. Thus he never confesses and never receives forgiveness. Such person is against God, no matter what religious claims he makes. A believer who commits a sin REPENTS, CONFESSES, and is FORGIVEN.

The fact that the Lord Jesus is our eternal advocate suggests 3 things:

I – THE CONFLICT, COMPLAINT AND CLIENT - Why do we need an ADVOCATE in Jesus Christ?
First of all we still have a sin problem and sometimes FAIL. Because we do fail sometimes and sin, we have an accuser who points out our faults. It is SATAN himself. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10). We are the CLIENT needing an ADVOCATE. The conflict is the struggle we continue to have with our sin nature. The complaints are from Satan our accuser.

II – THE CASE - We have a problem and Christ is our solution for our sinfulness, and our lack of spiritual strength. When the client needed a lawyer, he would request one. The lawyer could accept or reject the assignment. Christ will not reject our need.
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). Note the words “and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” A good lawyer is eloquent and able to catch the ear of the judge. It is the Lord Jesus Christ that intercedes for you and I now. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5).

III – THE CONCLUSION - When Christ intercedes for us, HE PREVAILS. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2). Propitiation – one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon Himself. Jesus the best attorney in the universe pleading your case. He has already suffered your penalty in your place. You can’t be tried again for a case that is no longer on the docket. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24).

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages).

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part III)

“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”

(Psalm 26:7).

IV – HE TESTIFIES FOR GOD – “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”(Psalm 26:7).

The gospel in the first century was carried by a good system. It was called the TELEPERSON SYSTEM, and it truly got results, better than we today with our TELEPHONES, TELEVISION, and so on.
The woman of Samaria carried the gospel after her meeting with Christ – by the TELEPERSON’S SYSTEM.
There are three ways to send a message: TELEGRAPH, TELEPHONE, TELL A WOMAN. You cannot lift other to a higher level than that on which you live yourself.

Illustration: “Cat and Dog Test”
Hudson Taylor said: “If your father and mother, your sister and brother, if the very cat and dog in the house, are not happy for your being Christian, IT IS A QUESTION WHETHER YOU REALLY ARE.” One of the convincing ways to tell other about God is to talk about what He has done in your life. When people see changed lives and watch God’s power at work, they will come from after and wide to worship God.
A high school in Virginia offered a course called, HOME ECONOMICS for boys. It got no attention. So the following year, it was changed to “BACHELOR LIVING.” The effect was overwhelming.
LESSON:
We are of no value if we are Christians in name only. If others can’t see our faith in the way we live, we may not be God’s people at all. It is not enough to follow Jesus in your head or heart alone. You must show your changed life by changed behaviour.

V - HE LOVES THE HOUSE OF GOD – “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” (Psalm 26:8).

The church is not a club of saints, it is a HOSPITAL for sinners. Most people think of the church as a drama, with the minister as the chief actor, God as the prompter (a device that displays words for people to read) and the congregation as the critic. What is actually the case is that the CONGREGATION is the chief actor, the MINISTER is the prompter, and God is the critic.

Illustration: “Worshipping the Speakers”
A visiting minister was substituting for the famed pastor HENRY WARD BEECHER.
A large audience has assembled to hear the popular pastor.
At the appointed hour, the visiting minister entered the pulpit.
Learning that Henry Ward Beecher was not to preach, several began to move toward the doors.
The visiting minister stood and called out, “ALL WHO HAVE COME HERE TODAY TO WORSHIP HENRY WARD BEECHER MAY NOW WITHDRAW FROM THE CHURCH! ALL WHO HAVE COME TO WORSHIP GOD, KEEP YOUR SEATS!” No one left.
Jesus is more than a great leader, more than just a good example, a good influence, or a prophet. He is in fact, the Creator, the Redeemer and the Almighty God. When you understand this profound truth, the only adequate response is WORSHIP. When you have a correct understanding of Christ, YOU WILL WORSHIP HIM. “When does the service begin?” Whispered a visitor to someone sitting beside him at church worship service. “Sir, service begins just after the worship ends”, was the reply. “ENTER TO WORSHIP – DEPART TO SERVE.”

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part II)

“For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalm 26:3).

II – HE ADHERES TO THE WORD OF GOD – “For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalm 26:3).

We must adhere to the will of God. Since we live in a Christian country and we probably go to a place of worship sunday after sunday, and hear sermons, the question is what effects have they upon our character? The Word of God must be received into our hearts, and become the mainspring of our conduct. It must produce practical impressions in our inward man that shall appear in our outward man. Biblical examples of persons who adhered to the Word of God are Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Meshach, Shadrach ,Abednego etc..

God is looking for men and women who will walk in God’s truth. Men and women who are willing:
to go against the current of popular opinion, to hold firm convictions in a world where “anything goes,”
to speak the truth when it is not politically and morally correct, to live their lives blamelessly when the world says character doesn't count, and to walk with God when everyone else is running away from Him.
God is looking for another Enoch, another Noah, another Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. Don’t bend! Don’t bow! Stand up! Speak out! One person with God is not alone, but a majority.

The man who walk in God’s truth is consistent in obedience and faith.- Selective obedience is just another form of disobedience. God often asked extraordinary obedience from His children who were facing extraordinary time. It is not enough to get off to a right start. We must endure with God to the end. God’s plan stands forever! God is completely trustworthy. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely CONSISTENT.


III – HE SEPARATES HIMSELF FROM THE ENEMIES OF GOD – “I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.”(Psalm 26:4-5).
Should we stay away from unbelievers? No! There is a big difference between being with them and being one of them. Trying to be one of them harms our witness for God. Alliances would lead to familiarity, and familiarity to compromise. God promises to honor those who do right, not those who make everyone happy. Compromise can be defined as “blending qualities of two different things” or a “concession of principles.” When evil is mixed with good, the good is no longer pure. Don’t allow compromise to TAINT your FAITH. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1). Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down? The influence of true friends should draw you closer to God.

We rely on government legislation to protect the moral decisions we want made, but legislation cannot change people’s hearts. We enjoy the benefits of science and technology. We look to scientific predictions and analysis before we look to the Bible. We have become technological giants, but spiritual and moral dwarfs.- We are sophisticated in scientific progress and primitive in spiritual development.

We act as though education and degrees can guarantee our future and success without considering what God plans for our future. The tower of Babel was a great human achievement. But it was a monument to the people themselves rather than to God.
We often build monuments to ourselves (education, big house, fancy car, important job) to call attention to our achievements. These may not be wrong in themselves, but when we use them to give us identity and self-worth, they take God’s place in our lives. People today are knowledgeable in the ways of the world but ignorant in the ways of God.

We regard medicine as the way to prolong life and preserve its quality – quite apart from faith and moral living. Real life comes from total commitment to God, the one who created life itself. We place our faith in financial “security” making as much money as we can for ourselves, forgetting that while being wise with our money, we must trust God for our needs. We are abundantly rich in material resources but abysmally in spiritual and moral capital.

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY? Money will buy:
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church pew BUT NOT heaven.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:19).

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part I)

“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

(Psalm 26:1-2)

In this Part I sermon, as a whole-hearted Christian, God tests us by examining, proving, trying and testing who we really are.

I – HE DESIRES TO BE TESTED BY GOD –“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”(Psalm 26:1-2).

Note the words: “examine me,”“prove me,” and “try me.”

A. “Examine me.”
Illustration: “Mirror In Casket”
In New Jersey, there was a preacher who announced an unknown funeral. The congregation came, not knowing whose funeral it was. The preacher preached, and sometimes they do, the people began to get wrought up and there was a lot of weeping. The preacher continued: “It is sad that the man in this casket is so sinful and so corrupt that he is going to hell. This is the most wicked person.” The preacher closed his sermon, saying: “And now, it is time to view the corpse.” The preacher moved the flowers aside and had two of his deacons help him open up the casket. One by one, they filed by – and to their utter surprise, there was nobody in the casket. But the entire bottom of it was filled with a BIG MIRROR. Every one who looked in saw himself in that casket.

APPLICATION:
1. Human nature does not want to admit its wrong, but we would save ourselves a lot of trouble if we would let Him examine us. He wants to teach us what we really like.

2. POEM “I AM A CHRISTIAN”

When I say...”I am a Christian” I’m not shouting “
I’m clean living,”I’m whispering “I was lost” ,Now “I’m found and I’m forgiven”.

When I say... “I’m a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with pride
I’m confessing that I stumble, And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak, And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... “I am a Christian,”I’m not holier that thou,
I’m just a simple sinner, Who received God’s good grace, somehow.

3. “Some Most Important Words”
THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD: “WE”
THE LEAST IMPORTANT WORD: “I”
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT WORDS: “I ADMIT I MADE A MISTAKE”

4. We should realize that it takes more courage to admit a mistake than to resolutely hold to an error.
5. Don’t think you need extraordinary qualifications. Jesus accepts you as you are. You are not spiritually cleansed because we have a religious position. Spiritual cleansing comes only from God.

B. “PROVE ME” - Prove – Put to test, as for its QUALITY. A whole-hearted Christian is always tested by God.

“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”(Isaiah 48:10). I have chosen thee in the “furnace” of affliction.

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. “ ( Zechariah 13:9).
“And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”(Malachi 3:3).

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” ( 1 Peter 4:12).
“But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. “(Job 23:10).

LESSONS:
1. Without the heating and melting there could be no pure silver and pure gold. Green pottery, or freshly created pottery, must yet be fired, otherwise, it is useless. Our faith too must be tried as by fire. It’s the furnace of life that tempers us.
2. It’s the rocks and stones of the road which put toughness into our feet. It’s the action, the pain of muscles reaching to their full capacity. The strain of lungs gasping for air that makes us strong and creates stamina for the race ahead.
3. Suffering can bring a dynamic quality to life. Just as drought drives the roots of a tree deeper to find water, so suffering can drive us beyond.
4. Our suffering may not be a punishment, but a battle scar to demonstrate our loyalty.
5. Financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, the loss of our jobs – how we act in such situations reflects what we believe.
6. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12).
Note the words: “Cedar in Lebanon”
“The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;” (Psalm 104:16).
Durable aromatic wood, attains great age and height. Highly valued for its appearance and its timber.

Poem: “CEDAR CHRISTIANS”
Jesus, help me to be for Thee,
Just like a big, strong Cedar tree;
When all the other trees are bare,
The cedar stands so green and fair.
The wind and storm, the ice and cold
Make it more beauty to unfold,
So I would stand in trial and test,
Just trusting you to do what’s best
Though others fail, Lord, keep Thou me
May I a “cedar Christian be!”

C. “TRY MY REINS AND MY HEART.” Our inner motives and affections too are tested by God.
LESSONS:
1. Try my “reins” (motives) - It is easy to do right for recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought or reward. Worshipping, giving, praying, fasting should not be self centered, but God-centered; not done to make us look good, but to make God look good. Our ambition should be for Christ’s kingdom, not for our own advancement. To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. Not faith in the gift but faith in the Giver. Check yourself to see if your prayers, your giving or services are focusing on your interests or on God’s. Others may be fooled, but God isn’t. Don’t be a Christian on the outside only. Bring your inner life under God’s control, and your outer life will naturally reflect.

2. Try my “heart” (my affections). “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” ( Proverbs 4:23). “Guard your affections.” Our affections – our feelings of love and desires – dictate to a great extent how we live, because we always find time to do what we enjoy.

LESSONS:
l. Watch out for temptation – the more you see of it the better it looks.
2.WHOM IS HE KIDDING?
When a man says he can’t keep awake through a 30 minute sermon, and stays home with his 700 column newspaper or his computer, whom is he kidding?
When a man says Sunday is his only day of rest and gets up 4:30 a.m. to go fishing or spending the day with his friends, whom is he kidding?
When a man says church seats are too hard and uncomfortable, then goes some Saturday and Sunday to sit on a bleacher for hours in a cockpit, whom is he kidding?
When a man says he doesn’t have time for Christ and His church, then spends evenings singing in karaoke bars, watching television, going to clubs, playing cards, and having evenings out, whom is he kidding?........NOT GOD!
3.Court cases sometimes are labelled: “Juan dela Cruz versus people of the Philippines.” But at the last judgement, every case will be labelled: “I versus GOD!”
4.On judgement day, each of us will stand ALONE, accountable for all our deeds. At that time no amount of riches will buy reconciliation with God. Only our LOVE and OBEDIENCE for God will count.
5. Jesus is more concerned about our WALK than our TALK.
6. What we do cannot be separated from what we believe.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)