Lakeview Church is located in Zion, IL.  Lakeview Church is a community of Gospel believers responding to God in faithful living.  We teach the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God. It is our only ultimate and infallible authority for our faith and practice. There is one God, eternally existent in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the true deity and full humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory. Because of Adam’s sin, all mankind is in rebellion against God. For the salvation of such lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

Lakeview Church Zion IL

For the last two weeks, we have talked about the reality of spiritual warfare. We have looked at Job and how God told Satan to consider him before he boasted about his sway over the world. We looked at the many things that Satan considered as he looked at Job. There were many considerations and calculations that needed to be made as he targeted this upright and blameless man. 
Satan is crafty and subtle, but he is not wise. Wisdom only happens from fearing the Lord. Though he has great intellectual powers they are not informed by the truth or the reality of the omnipotence of God. His ways have been compared to a miner in ancient warfare. Often when an opposing army wanted to make a breach in a fortification, they would have miners dig under a wall. Before the invention of explosives, the miners would dig a hole under the wall and then cause a collapse. With explosives, it became much easier as all they had to do was ensure they were under the wall, set the charge, and then blow it up. However, if the opposing army found out that their enemy was digging, they would send out underminers who would dig a deeper tunnel under the enemy miners. They would then cause a collapse thereby trapping and most likely killing the other miners. Satan may have the objective to steal, kill, and destroy but God has a purpose to answer his. The miners work underground, and you would not notice that there is work happening. But there is and we had better take notice. 
Today, we ask the question: what does God consider concerning his people and Satan’s relationship with them? We will see that God considers the sphere in which Satan’s power is allowed to operate. Second, God is always considering the preservation of his people. Third, God always has an eye on how to transform or sanctify his people. Finally, God has prepared a better reward for his people, in this life and the next.

For the last two weeks, we have talked about the reality of spiritual warfare. We have looked at Job and how God told Satan to consider him before he boasted about his sway over the world.  We looked at the many things that Satan considered as he looked at Job. There were many considerations and calculations that needed to be made as he targeted this upright and blameless man.  
Satan is crafty and subtle, but he is not wise.  Wisdom only happens from fearing the Lord.  Though he has great intellectual powers they are not informed by the truth or the reality of the omnipotence of God.  His ways have been compared to a miner in ancient warfare.  Often when an opposing army wanted to make a breach in a fortification, they would have miners dig under a wall.  Before the invention of explosives, the miners would dig a hole under the wall and then cause a collapse.  With explosives, it became much easier as all they had to do was ensure they were under the wall, set the charge, and then blo

What Does God Consider?  (Job 1:8)

Over the last couple of weeks, we have looked at the main responsibility that Titus had been given by Paul. He was left in Crete to appoint elders in every town. With the growth of Christianity on the island, seemingly Titus would have many people that could be potential candidates. How should he choose? 
The Holy Spirit instructed Paul to give Titus a list of qualifications that a man must meet to be an elder and overseer of the church. He must have ordered his family well and was to be leading his children in the way they should go. The potential elder’s moral character would have to reflect the work of the Holy Spirit as the fruit of his indwelling and sanctifying work set the candidate apart from other men. 
Finally, we saw that an elder must hold firm to God’s word as it had been taught. He was not given to false theology. He was not blown about by every wind of doctrine but had resolved to take every thought captive to Christ. He had to know and trust in the word so that he might be able to give instruction to others in sound doctrine. The Bible would be his teacher’s manual and all that it contained he was to instruct others in. 
However, not everyone would immediately accept and follow the sound doctrine that the elder would teach and so he must also have such a grasp of the word that he could use it to rebuke those who contradict it. He would have to know it well enough to confront those who would twist it. 
In verses 10-16 we are going to learn why these qualifications are so necessary. There is a real threat to those that are in the church. Some are outside trying to get in and there are some already in the church that are seeking to destroy families. This is why the qualifications are of such importance. There are enemies within the walls of the church and they must be dealt with. Just like Paul warned the elders at Ephesus, there are fierce wolves that will come in among the church and they won’t spare the flock. They will devour as many as they can. 
This paragraph easily breaks down into three as Paul answers some questions about who the enemies are. First, who are the enemies? What are they doing and how can they be identified? Second, what must be done with these wolves? What is the proper response? And finally, what is their sentence? What is the ultimate truth about these people? 
The Enemies Within (Titus 1:10-16)

Over the last couple of weeks, we have looked at the main responsibility that Titus had been given by Paul.  He was left in Crete to appoint elders in every town.  With the growth of Christianity on the island, seemingly Titus would have many people that could be potential candidates.  How should he choose?
The Holy Spirit instructed Paul to give Titus a list of qualifications that a man must meet to be an elder and overseer of the church.  He must have ordered his family well and was to be leading his children in the way they should go.  The potential elder’s moral character would have to reflect the work of the Holy Spirit as the fruit of his indwelling and sanctifying work set the candidate apart from other men.  
Finally, we saw that an elder must hold firm to God’s word as it had been taught.  He was not given to false theology.  He was not blown about by every wind of doctrine but had resolved to take every thought captive to Christ.  He had to know and trust in the word so that 

The Enemies Within (Titus 1:10-16)

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 
 
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or t

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Titus was a man on a mission. Paul had left him in Crete to put in order what was left undone. He had to go to all the towns and appoint elders to lead the churches. Who should he pick? What are the qualifications for the job? There is no doubt that Paul told him before he left Crete, but this letter solidified the qualifications and would impress upon its readers the necessity of choosing qualified men for the job. Plus this letter would circulate to different churches and, therefore, so would the list of qualifications. 
Titus was not to create his own list of qualifications. He was not to pick based on personality or personal preference. He was to pick men according to a certain set of Holy Spirit-given qualities. Charles Spurgeon said, “The ministry has been very often degraded into a 'trade'. They are 'selected by man', they are crammed with literature; they are educated up to a certain point; they are turned out ready dressed; and persons call them 'ministers'. I wish them all God-speed, every one of them; for as good Joseph Irons used to say, "God be with many of them, if it be only to make them hold their tongues." Man-made ministers are of no use in this world, and the sooner we get rid of them the better.” 
So, the task of leading the churches was to be given to only a specific set of men who met the list of qualifications laid down by the Spirit of God. 
Last time, we saw that some qualifications dealt with the way the man had ordered his family life. Was an elder candidate above reproach with one wife and obedient children? If so, then he has made it past round one. Round two delves into his personal life. What kind of man is he at his core? As Spurgeon also once said, “The work of ministry is no child’s play!” It requires someone whose character will be able to withstand the onslaught of the world, false teachers, his own flesh, wayward sheep, and the devil himself. With this in mind, let us look at what an elder or overseer must be.

Titus was a man on a mission.  Paul had left him in Crete to put in order what was left undone.  He had to go to all the towns and appoint elders to lead the churches.  Who should he pick?  What are the qualifications for the job? There is no doubt that Paul told him before he left Crete, but this letter solidified the qualifications and would impress upon its readers the necessity of choosing qualified men for the job.  Plus this letter would circulate to different churches and, therefore, so would the list of qualifications. 
Titus was not to create his own list of qualifications.  He was not to pick based on personality or personal preference.  He was to pick men according to a certain set of Holy Spirit-given qualities.  Charles Spurgeon said,  “The ministry has been very often degraded into a 'trade'. They are 'selected by man', they are crammed with literature; they are educated up to a certain point; they are turned out ready dressed; and persons call them 'ministers'. I wish th

A Man Above Reproach (Titus 1:7-8)

In chapter 42, we started this series of events that describe how Joseph reconnected with his family after twenty years of being apart. We get to witness Joseph’s interaction with his brothers as he tests them and eventually reveals who he is to them. We’ll also watch as Joseph invites his whole family into Egypt to escape the famine. The promise that God made to Abraham that his offspring would sojourn in a land that is not there’s for four hundred years was well underway. 
Remember that Jacob had sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy food for the family since the famine had hit not just Egypt but all the land. They appeared before Joseph but did not recognize him. The last they saw of him he was a seventeen-year-old Hebrew young man and now he was over thirty and very Egyptian in dress and speech. Also, they assumed he was “no more.” Joseph acted as if he did not know them and proceeded to accuse them of being spies, which they of course denied. Eventually, Joseph would send his brothers on their way minus Simeon who was incarcerated. However, Joseph would also give their money back. Whatever reason Joseph had for doing this, his brothers’ hearts failed. Upon returning home, the now nine brothers relayed to Jacob all that happened. They begged Joseph to let them take Benjamin so that Simeon might be released, yet Jacob refused. He would not put Benjamin, the last of his favorite wife’s children, in harm’s way. Jacob and his sons saw all the bad that was happening as God coming against them. But as we know, it is through the bad that God will show that he is more for them than they can even comprehend. 
We pick up the story today with the famine still raging in Canaan and the food is running out again. In verses 1-10 we have the negotiations between Jacob and his sons over taking Benjamin to Egypt. Ultimately, it is Judah who steps us and offers himself as a pledge of safety. In 11-14, we see Jacob return to his faith and calls upon the mercy of El Shaddai. In 15-25, the brothers return to Egypt and are reminded that the peace and treasure of God have been with them. In the last paragraph, we have Joseph and his brothers eating and enjoying each other as Joseph begins to reveal who he is.

In chapter 42, we started this series of events that describe how Joseph reconnected with his family after twenty years of being apart.  We get to witness Joseph’s interaction with his brothers as he tests them and eventually reveals who he is to them.  We’ll also watch as Joseph invites his whole family into Egypt to escape the famine.  The promise that God made to Abraham that his offspring would sojourn in a land that is not there’s for four hundred years was well underway.  
Remember that Jacob had sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy food for the family since the famine had hit not just Egypt but all the land.  They appeared before Joseph but did not recognize him.  The last they saw of him he was a seventeen-year-old Hebrew young man and now he was over thirty and very Egyptian in dress and speech.  Also, they assumed he was “no more.”  Joseph acted as if he did not know them and proceeded to accuse them of being spies, which they of course denied.  Eventually, Joseph would send 

All This Has Come Against Me Genesis 42:1-38

When Joseph was 17, he had two dreams. In one his brother's sheaves bowed down to his. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. These two dreams were interpreted as foretelling the future. One day, Joseph’s family would come a bow down before him. 
Of course, this drove his brothers to jealousy and hatred. How could the second to the last born son of the family be in the position of authority over all of them, including Jacob? Who could this be? 
Jacob wondered about these things but Joseph’s brothers decided that it would not come to pass. They created their plans to make sure that the dreams would not come true. They plotted cold-blooded murder, but Reuben steered them away from that and suggested they just leave him for dead in a pit. Judah, seeing the traders going by, convinced the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery. How could a Hebrew slave in a foreign country be someone that the brothers would have to bow to? 
Through a series of events, Joseph found himself in jail listening to the dreams of two officials. God gave him the meaning of the dreams and Joseph was able to correctly interpret what they meant. God had shown the officials what was going to happen in three days. The cupbearer would be restored to his position and the baker would be dead. Three days later, it happened just as Joseph said. Joseph had asked the cupbearer to remember him when he was restored to his position in the presence of the Pharaoh. Unfortunately, for Joseph, the cupbearer forgot all about him. And with that, Joseph’s hopes of leaving the prison began to fade away. The dreams he had before became a distant memory. After all, how could a Hebrew slave in prison be the one to whom his family bows? 
But this is exactly where Joseph needs to be. God has placed him in the right place at the right time, which is what God often does for his people. When all hope is lost, as the years tick by, and there is nothing humanly possible to be done, God intervenes. His plan begins to unfold before our eyes. People’s lives are changed. All human boasting is destroyed and one can only boast in the Lord. God is the hero of this story, of our stories. 
In 1-8, we have the telling of Pharaoh’s dreams followed by Joseph being called to act as an interpreter. And finally, in 17-37, Joseph explains what the dreams mean and Joseph explains what must be done in response to the dreams.

When Joseph was 17, he had two dreams.  In one his brother's sheaves bowed down to his.  In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him.  These two dreams were interpreted as foretelling the future.  One day, Joseph’s family would come a bow down before him.
Of course, this drove his brothers to jealousy and hatred.  How could the second to the last born son of the family be in the position of authority over all of them, including Jacob?  Who could this be?
Jacob wondered about these things but Joseph’s brothers decided that it would not come to pass.  They created their plans to make sure that the dreams would not come true.  They plotted cold-blooded murder, but Reuben steered them away from that and suggested they just leave him for dead in a pit.  Judah, seeing the traders going by, convinced the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery.  How could a Hebrew slave in a foreign country be someone that the brothers would have to bow to?
Through a series of events, Joseph

It Is Not In Me Genesis 41:1-37

Psalm 2 tells us that the nations, the kings of the earth, and the rulers all gathered together and in a rage the plot against the Lord and his anointed. They want to get rid of their authority over them. But all of their anger and plotting is done in vain. It’s pointless. It’s comical. For them to think that they can go up against the God of the universe is the height of foolishness. God, who sits in heaven, looks upon them and laughs with a laugh of contempt, with disdain, with hatred toward the evil they are planning. All the Anointed has to do is ask the Lord and he will be able to smash the nations like a rod iron hitting a clay pot. 
At the time of its writing, this psalm described what the nations thought they could do against the king of Israel. We also know that this psalm, according to Hebrews 1, is about Jesus who is the anointed and Son of God. But how the people plotted and how God laughed at their plans was not something new when the psalmist wrote those words down. We have seen this happen many times in the book of Genesis. Man knows what God has chosen and what is right and they plot and scheme to try and go against God. Every time, even if their plans succeed, ultimately they fail. 
In Genesis 37, we find the patriarchs, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, plotting to destroy one of their own. God had spoken. God had chosen Joseph. And his brothers rage and will plot in vain. In verses 18—24 we read of the brother’s evil plan and how they rage against Joseph. Then in verses 25-28, Moses explains to us how Joseph is sold into slavery. And finally, we read of the cover-up and Jacob’s reaction to the supposed loss of his beloved Joseph. 
The last time we left Joseph, he had received the coat of many colors which was a symbol of his favorite status. His brothers saw it and grew jealous. God gave Joseph two prophetic dreams, both with the same meaning, which was that he was to rule over his family. This stirred the brothers into a murderous rage. They took the flocks and left eventually making their way to Dothan. Jacob, curious about the welfare of his sons, sent Joseph to find out and to bring back a report. This is where we pick up the story today.

Psalm 2 tells us that the nations, the kings of the earth, and the rulers all gathered together and in a rage the plot against the Lord and his anointed.  They want to get rid of their authority over them.  But all of their anger and plotting is done in vain.  It’s pointless.  It’s comical.  For them to think that they can go up against the God of the universe is the height of foolishness.  God, who sits in heaven, looks upon them and laughs with a laugh of contempt, with disdain, with hatred toward the evil they are planning.  All the Anointed has to do is ask the Lord and he will be able to smash the nations like a rod iron hitting a clay pot.  
At the time of its writing, this psalm described what the nations thought they could do against the king of Israel.  We also know that this psalm, according to Hebrews 1, is about Jesus who is the anointed and Son of God.  But how the people plotted and how God laughed at their plans was not something new when the psalmist wrote those words d

You Meant It For Evil Genesis 37:8-36

Beginning in chapter 32, we open a new chapter in the life of Jacob. The first seven decades were summarized in a few stories about his lying, deception, and preying on weaknesses. Then came the second chapter that began with the vision at Bethel of the ladder going up to heaven. For the next twenty years, Jacob was in the school of hard knocks as he struggled under the thumb of his uncle Laban. In this chapter of Jacob’s story, we see some great highs but some equally deep lows for his family. Such is the life of a follower of God. 
 
We have seen throughout Jacob’s life God’s presence and work in this man. And that continues in chapter 32. In the first two verses of the story, we read of an angelic visitation as Jacob begins to make his way back to his homeland. Before Jacob enters Canaan he sends a delegation to Esau which we find in verses 3 through 8. Esau’s reply is not what Jacob wanted. This drives Jacob to pray in verses 9 through 12 as he asks for help. Finally, Jacob sends a gift in an attempt to appease Esau. At the end of our story, we find Jacob the same as how he started out this whole journey 20 years prior: alone.

Beginning in chapter 32, we open a new chapter in the life of Jacob.  The first seven decades were summarized in a few stories about his lying, deception, and preying on weaknesses.  Then came the second chapter that began with the vision at Bethel of the ladder going up to heaven.  For the next twenty years, Jacob was in the school of hard knocks as he struggled under the thumb of his uncle Laban.  In this chapter of Jacob’s story, we see some great highs but some equally deep lows for his family.  Such is the life of a follower of God.  

We have seen throughout Jacob’s life God’s presence and work in this man.  And that continues in chapter 32.  In the first two verses of the story, we read of an angelic visitation as Jacob begins to make his way back to his homeland.  Before Jacob enters Canaan he sends a delegation to Esau which we find in verses 3 through 8.  Esau’s reply is not what Jacob wanted.  This drives Jacob to pray in verses 9 through 12 as he asks for help.  Finally, Ja

Two Camps Genesis 31:1-23

Last time we looked at Jacob’s preparation and flight from Haran back to Canaan. He had been 20 years as a sojourner in the land from which his grandfather Abraham had come. But Jacob’s homeland was Canaan. That was where he belonged. For twenty years he has lived with his uncle/father-in-law. These were years filled with hard work, pain, suffering, and trials. Though Jacob was a man of many years he had to go to school. Hanah More said, "Affliction is the school in which great virtues are acquired, in which holy characters are formed." Charles Spurgeon said, "I bear my willing testimony to the blessing that affliction and trial have been to me. I owe more to God's furnace and the file, than I can ever describe!" William Ward commented, “We are only scholars. It rests with the Great Teacher to decide which lesson shall come next — a hard one or an easy one." Hebrews 12:10, "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness!" 
These trials are hard but Jacob will learn what the Holy Spirit will reiterate many years later through the writing of Paul. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” We’ll see today, that this what Jacob has come to learn about God, and what we must learn as well.

Last time we looked at Jacob’s preparation and flight from Haran back to Canaan.  He had been 20 years as a sojourner in the land from which his grandfather Abraham had come.  But Jacob’s homeland was Canaan.  That was where he belonged.  For twenty years he has lived with his uncle/father-in-law.  These were years filled with hard work, pain, suffering, and trials.  Though Jacob was a man of many years he had to go to school.  Hanah More said, "Affliction is the school in which great virtues are acquired, in which holy characters are formed."  Charles Spurgeon said, "I bear my willing testimony to the blessing that affliction and trial have been to me. I owe more to God's furnace and the file, than I can ever describe!" William Ward commented, “We are only scholars. It rests with the Great Teacher to decide which lesson shall come next — a hard one or an easy one."  Hebrews 12:10, "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness!" 
These trials are hard but Jacob wi

God On My Side Genesis 31:22-42

We are back in Genesis chapter 26 as we look at the life of Isaac, a man who was blessed of the Lord. Last time we saw Isaac falter like his father Abraham because of his fear of the people. When he went to Gerar he was afraid that they would kill him which led him to lie about Rebekah. When he got caught, then he owned up to his sin and admitted that he lied to save his own skin. So Abimelech warned everyone in his kingdom to not lay a hand on Isaac or Rebekah. But this did not stop them from growing envious of Isaac as God blessed him with good crops, and growing flocks and herds and numerous servants. The envy became so great that Abimelech was forced to tell Isaac that he had to move. So Isaac left the city of Gerar and moved down into the valley. That brings us to where we will pick up the story in verse 18. 
 
If you have been keeping an eye on our culture you probably have seen a growing animosity toward God’s people. The culture that many of you grew up in has changed. I’m only 43, and the world that I grew up in has changed. Our culture was friendly to God’s people. It, in many ways, respected and acknowledged that Christians were blessed of God, but now, not so much. But is this surprising to us? Is this something new? No, as Ecclesiastes says there is nothing new under the sun. What we are experiencing today is what God’s people have always known. If we have been caught off guard it is only because we have been foolish to believe that the world was for us or at least okay with us. If we as the Church don’t understand what is happening in our country it is because we failed to learn the lessons of Scripture. We are afraid, of people, but not of God. We don’t know our Bible’s or worse, the church is full of worldlings, not Christians. 
 
So let’s take a look at this story of Isaac. First, we are reminded from his story that God’s people will struggle in this world as we see Isaac digging wells and having problems with the Philistines. Then we see that God is faithful to his promise as God appears to Isaac and reminds him of his promise. Then we’ll Isaac tries to live peaceably with his neighbors and finally will talk about God’s blessings and some of the family trials that come from following God.

We are back in Genesis chapter 26 as we look at the life of Isaac, a man who was blessed of the Lord.  Last time we saw Isaac falter like his father Abraham because of his fear of the people.  When he went to Gerar he was afraid that they would kill him which led him to lie about Rebekah.  When he got caught, then he owned up to his sin and admitted that he lied to save his own skin.  So Abimelech warned everyone in his kingdom to not lay a hand on Isaac or Rebekah.  But this did not stop them from growing envious of Isaac as God blessed him with good crops, and growing flocks and herds and numerous servants.  The envy became so great that Abimelech was forced to tell Isaac that he had to move.  So Isaac left the city of Gerar and moved down into the valley.  That brings us to where we will pick up the story in verse 18.  

If you have been keeping an eye on our culture you probably have seen a growing animosity toward God’s people.  The culture that many of you grew up in has changed.

Lakeview Church Zion IL Videos

What Does God Consider? (Job 1:8)