WHEN MAN ASSUMES OF GOD (T. Sean Sullivan)

 
Introduction:

When is it safe to assume? There are ways in which we learn that assumption is not a very good practice in real life. For example: If we go out to eat at a restaurant and, for some reason, my wife is delayed from the table, I refuse to order her beverage, because when I assume she wants a Cola, she wants water and lemon, and vice versa. If I can't safely assume on part of the one person in this world whom I know more closely than any other, for whom could I assume? No matter how much I think I know what she is thinking, I can only know if she tells me-that is an important lesson for me to learn.
Now, let's take that lesson to a much bigger scenario. How many people assume what God wants? Many, many, people look past what He has said to do all sorts of things; assuming that He desires such.

It's not just today, throughout history we have many instances of people "assuming of God." Let's consider some of these instances and learn to not repeat their mistakes in our own time. Let's open the Scriptures together, looking at these points
 
Old Testament Examples:

There are many times in the Old Testament where man assumed of God, the first one to consider is found in Leviticus 10:1. Let me set the scene: Part of Old Covenant worship, at the time of Nadab and Abihu, was the burning of incense on the altar of incense, to God (Exodus 30:1-10). Aaron and his sons would be responsible for burning this incense. They would have to do so morning and evening, according to God's instructions. So there is a lot about what they did, that was right: It was the right people-the sons of Aaron.             

It was the right place-the altar of incense; in the tabernacle. It was the right incense and the right censer to carry it-it is said that they were "their" censers. It was even the right purpose-to offer incense to God. So, what's the problem? The problem was that they assumed God wouldn't care where they took fire from, to light the incense-God had commanded specific fire from the coals of the altar in the tabernacle, to light the censers (Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 16:46). Nadab and Abihu assumed fire is fire; so, "What would it hurt?" To this assumption, God's response was clear (Leviticus 10:2). We are told, "So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and so they died before the Lord." God proclaimed, 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.'" (Leviticus 10:3)

Another example to consider is found in 1 Chronicles 13:10. Setting this scene: David had become king of Israel and he wanted to bring correction to a situation that has been going on for 20 years (1 Samuel 6:2). The Ark of the Covenant had been stolen away by the Philistines and after God sent a great plague upon them, they attempt to return the Ark to Israel (1 Samuel 5). They sent it away, with a large offering of gold to appease God, for having taken the Ark. It did not make it back to Jerusalem, it was in the house of Abinadab, where it had remained for 20 years. David wanted the Ark to be returned, as it should be. David wanted to have the Ark transported, but assumed that there was a better way than God's commanded way-which was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levities (Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15-16). Instead of listening to God's command, David consulted with the people and they assumed that God would be okay with carrying the Ark on a cart. Uzzah was one of the men who was given the responsibility of driving the cart; and during the journey the oxen stumbled and compromised the Ark. It was then that Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark with his hand. It was right there that Uzzah was struck dead by God, for touching the Ark.  According to God's command, there was only one way to move the Ark. David knew the right way, the whole time, but assumed of God (1 Chronicles 14:11-15). David's assuming of God cost Uzzah his life. 

Nadab, Abihu, and Uzzah clearly warn us not to assume of God.
 
New Testament Examples:

We are not going to find the same dramatic results as the Old Testament examples; we are not going to see people instantly consumed with fire or dropping dead from touching something-no, we are going to find an even harsher punishment. Jesus clearly teaches us that men assume God will accept their own take on worship and doctrine.        

Jesus declares that such worship is "vain" (Matthew 15:8-9). Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, defines "vain" as "void of result".   Worship based on man's assumptions, does not worship God. There are many who assume that they can do what they want religiously and God will accept them (Matthew 7:22). There are many who know Jesus is supposed to be their "Lord". There are many who do religious things "in His name". But Jesus declares that they have no relationship with Him-he never knew them. They were told to "depart" from Jesus (Matthew 7:23). The reason for Jesus saying this is found in verse 21, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."              

Those who were told to depart were doing something other than God's will. This sentence of "departure" is described as "everlasting punishment" of "outer darkness" where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30, 46).

Paul also spoke of those who practice assumptions, not truth. Paul says, the Jews of his day, were "zealous for God" but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:1-3)-not according to the knowledge of God's word (Romans 10:17 "hearing the word of God"). They were practicing their own version of "righteousness", instead of submitting to God's righteousness. Because of this, they were not saved-they were lost! Those who do not submit to God; and those who do not obey His gospel, will face condemnation, when Christ returns (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

The result of assuming that "self-directed religion" will be accepted by God, clearly warns us not to assume of God.
 
Will We Assume of God Today?

If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Will we repeat the mistake of Aaron's son, doing what is convenient, instead of what God has commanded; assuming that it will be okay? Will we look for a "better way" like King David and ignore the commands of God? Uzzah should teach us otherwise. Will we seek our own standard of righteousness, like the Jews discussed in Romans 10? Will we use the name of Jesus, without His approval? 

We have God's will today, we must not assume of God. God has given us one doctrine-the Doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). From which, all believers must unite in one mind and one judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). God has given a plan for souls to be saved (Matthew 28:18-20). Respecting Christ's authority in all that we do; becoming followers of Christ by baptism; and continuing in His commands. We also must consider every example of conversion in the Book of Acts, where literally thousands of people obeyed the gospel and their examples teach us how to do the same. God has provided for our worship and our daily service-by His authority we act; without His authority we must not act (Colossians 3:17). We must read, study, and give ourselves entirely to His instructions (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). We must seek to "rightly divide" His word (2 Timothy 2:15); never twisting it to our whims and wants, which will destroy us (2 Peter 3:16). We are not do "think beyond that which is written" (1 Corinthians 4:6). We must be "doers" of HIs word (James 1:17-25).
God throughout His word warns us not to go beyond, or without, His word-it is not our right or privilege to assume of God. 
 
Conclusion:

When is it safe to assume? Well, as I have learned in this life, it's just not a safe thing to do. As we have learned through the Scriptures-we must never assume of God.

God has revealed His will to those who are willing to submit to its doing. The hope of His promises are only found through obedience to the instructions that He has revealed through the word. 

One area of life wherein many assume is that of being saved. We must not ignore or twist the Scriptures to fit our own wants; and we must not "think beyond" what God has said, in the assumption that we are okay. We know that God's will has been given, it is up to us to just do what it says. The opportunity for you to follow God's will in truth, is yours right now.

WHOM SHALL I FEAR? (David Dann)

As the inspired psalmist, King David writes, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident" (Psa. 27:1-3).
 
As one whose life was hunted by the jealous King Saul, as one who faced numerous enemies as King of Israel, and as one who saw even his closest friends and family members turn against him, David expressed an attitude of complete trust in God rather than an attitude manifesting a fear of man. How was he able to place his trust in God instead of collapsing under the weight of fear and worry? The answer is that David's attitude of trust was rooted in his recognition of who God is.
 
Notice the following key statements made in the first verse of the psalm:
 
The Lord is my light. God provides guidance for those who trust and obey His will, even in dark times and under difficult circumstances. The psalmist spoke to God, saying, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psa. 119:105). Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (Jn. 8:12). In following the word of the Lord, the faithful child of God possesses the direction and guidance that is needed to overcome life's challenges and trials.
 
The Lord is my salvation. God provides help and deliverance for those who trust and obey His will, even when the situation appears bleak. While God possesses the power to grant the petitions of His people and "knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations" (2 Pet. 2:9), He has already provided the greatest deliverance possible by rescuing man from the guilt and condemnation of sin. Of this deliverance the apostle Paul writes, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). In coming to Christ for forgiveness, the faithful child of God is able to lay hold on the hope of eternal life which overshadows the trials and challenges of life.
 
The Lord is the strength of my life. God provides shelter and defense for those who trust and obey His will, even in the most troubling times. As David says in another psalm, "I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psa. 18:1-2). Even in times of physical weakness and limitation, the faithful can say with the imprisoned apostle Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). In depending on the Lord for help and protection, the faithful child of God is able to lean on His infinite strength in order to overcome life's challenges and trials.
 
Conclusion
    
Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and overwhelming difficulties, the faithful need not fear. True courage and confidence are not found in our own abilities, but in the power and might of the God whom we serve. King David closes the twenty-seventh psalm with these words: "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Psa. 27:14). As long as you are on the Lord's side you have nothing to fear.

FIELD REPORT: LORD'S DAY PREACHING JULY 28, 2019

Dear Brother Joe Wessell, A Deacon and the Elders Mike Latimer, Terry Melton, Greg Benson, Kurt Benson, Curtis A. Carter and the members at Village Creek Church of Christ.

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you 
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

I am always reminded of the lyric of the song 

"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying 

snatch them from pity and grave

weep o'er erring one, lift up the fallen,

tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save"

Thank you brethren for joining with us in fellowship to do the spirit of the song, thank you for the love and care for the gospel of Christ Jesus.

Last Lord's Day, July 28, 2019 around 9:00 AM in spite of a heavy rain I had able to go to Block 1 church of  Christ, Kyumad, Maasim to preach "Children, Obey Your Parents Eph. 6:1-3", a sermon outline I translated to Cebuano dialect originally written in English by Bro. Ron Halbrook. 

Then I travel back to Libas around 2:00 PM to preach "The Value of a Soul", a sermon outline also I translated to Cebuano dialect originally written by Bro. Joe Price.

Brethren it is a sin for us not to mentioned our full income just like when one is working in the government failure to declare the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worths is contrary to law.

There is no other local church that supports me and dad except the Village Creek church of Christ. If I receive an amount from the other local church/individuals then I will definitely put in the Financial Statement Report. If also I have salary from other work then I will declare it. 

I just came from Public Attorneys Office, Maasim to follow up my application as clerk. Considering I am waiting for the Civil Service Exam I will temporary find other work such as in Office of the Congressman Ruel Pacquiao. 

Ananias and Sapphira died due of dishonesty though they owned the property that was sold. 

Brethren please pray for the Gospel Meeting scheduled by dad in Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province. It is at least 60 kilometers away from General Santos City.

Thank you so much for keeping in touch with us through your prayers, letters and financial support.

God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.comhttp://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

Preaching in Block 1 church of Christ

Bro. Fredderick Isla in Block 1 church of Christ

Libas church of Christ (Worshiping inside the house because of heavy rain)

Traveling Using XRM 125 Motorcycle

COLLEGE GRADUATION

Brad Mark, Greetings in the name of Christ. We have been very busy 

for the past week because we are conducting 7 days combined VBS 

and gospel meeting.  We continue tomorrow, God willing. Meanwhile,

 I am thankful that you are using your talents to reach another milestone

 in your life for the service of God. Congratulations and

 may God give you many years to serve Him. 

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

-----------

I thank God and the people who made possible that I have graduated this day
 of the degree Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in Mindanao State University - 
General Santos City. Graduation is not the end of being an MSUan
 but it strengthens the blood of courage and perseverance.
 As what the lyrics of Himno ng Pamantasan 
"saan man naroroon ay bigyan ng karangalan",
 it is then my duty to keep the name of MSU great and with dignity.
 (Men Mark Tumandan)

Taken during the pictorial for our Graduation this coming June 10, 2019. I am thankful to God to finish my college degree. Education background will be a foundation to serve more not to humiliate the others.
Mike Tumandan


Men Mark [Mike] Tumandan. You have a noble goal for your life. I pray you may change the world in some way. Congratulations on your perseverance and dedication in this achievement! I met you as a boy several years ago and now you are a man. Never forget Him who has allowed you to accomplish your degree of learning and never forget your eternal goal, as well as your current one. I am proud of you, my son in the Faith! - Mother Nancy Culver Thomas

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

JUNE 16, 2019 PREACHING

Dear Brother Joe Wessell, A Deacon and the Elders Mike Latimer, Terry Melton, Greg Benson, Kurt Benson and the members at Village Creek Church of Christ.

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper

and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for your deep love to the Filipinos and to the whole world in preaching the pure gospel of Christ. 

I preached last June 16, 2019 in Libas church of Christ about "If It Is Too Good To Be True, It's Not True" Eph. 5:6. The President of this Republic has made a tough move to close the Kabus Padatoon Community Ministry International and in his statement he said ""If It Is Too Good To Be True, It's Not True".

Faith alone, Gospel of Prosperity, and many more are too good to be true.

Last June 23, 2019, I preached about "To Seek and Save", a sermon outline of Brother Ron Halbrook.

Please remember me in my deep need of financial assistance considering I need to fix the trouble of my motorcycle. I am deeply in need of 200$.

Thank you so much and God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.comhttp://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

ONE BOX FOR BIBLE STUDY MATERIALS

Dear Brother Ron Halbrook,

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you 
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

I preached last Sunday in Libas church of Christ about a lesson "Christ Is The Answer", an outline of Brother Joe Price. Christ is the answer to the problems we have in family and work.

By God's loving providence through the help of Brother Ron Halbrook and the US brethren one box full of Bible Study Materials, Clothes, Food and Medicines have arrived this yesterday July 7, 2019.

The Communion Cups and the Communion Set are greatly needed by the other local churches so I am going to give to them.

Brother Ron Halbrook I am deeply in need of 300$ to mobilize for the work of the Lord. My motorcycle is need to be fix. 300$ is enough to fix for my motorcycle, conduct Gospel Meeting(s), Book Bind Cebuano Translation of Sermon Outlines.

Thank you so much and God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.comhttp://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

thanks to God RE: 500$ DROUGHT BENEVOLENCE - APRIL 4, 2019

·          

·         ronhalbrook@gmail.com

To:'men mark tumandan'

Cc:Jolly Julom

4 Apr at 12:33 AM

Dear brother Mark,

Greetings in the holy name of Christ.

Thank you for confirming that you received the funds by God’s mercy and the help of brad Jolly for benevolence.  Thank you for relaying the funds to the congregations where the saints are suffering from the drought.  I regret the fund is not enough for all the needs and all the churches.  We pray God to send rain and end the drought. Meanwhile, we pray His saints will trust in Him and know He cares for them.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to:

http://www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

http://www.biblework.com

http://www.truthmagazine.com

http://www.CEIbooks.com

From: men mark tumandan
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 4:59 AM
To: Ron Halbrook ; Time Warner Cable
Subject: 500$ DROUGHT BENEVOLENCE

Dear Brother Ron Halbrook,

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for your love and the love of the saints in America to extend their generosity to the need of the Filipino saints considering there is Drought.

The 500$ in the amount of 25,000.00 Philippine currency was personally given to me by Brother Jolly Julom last March 28, 2019.

Through the fund, 8 sacks of rice were purchased in the amount of Php 16, 960.00 plus 15 kilos to Looc church of Christ and then the fare and other expenses.

1 sack of rice has net weight of 50 kilos.

Pepe Ranch church of Christ

Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Gorio Pelon

Received: 3 sacks of rice

Libas church of Christ

Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Men Mark A. Tumandan

Received: 2 and 20 kilos of rice

Looc church of Christ

Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Men Mark Tumandan

Received: 15 kilos of rice

Zone 1 church of Christ

Amsipit, Maasim, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Fredderick Isla

Received: 2 sacks and 31 kilos of rice

I regret that due of the magnitude of the drought, the number of members in these local churches, there is a shortage of fund. The local churches of our Lord in Malapatan and Glan have not been given of benevolence.

Local churches have not given of benevolence includes:

Molo church of Christ

Malapatan, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Wilfred Madeo

(In Molo, there are two local churches, the second one is where Bro. Narciso Maladian is preaching. I have no personal knowledge if they have received benevolence considering it is Bro. Castillion who has personal knowledge in that congregation for he work with Bro. Narciso.)

Mudan church of Christ

Malapatan, Sarangani Province

Preacher: Alfredo Oray

Lapu church of Christ

Polomolok, South Cotabato

Preacher: Coen Manteng

Brother Ron Halbrook, please pardon me that only now I have the time to send a report. By the grace of God He provided 10 sacks of rice through the Office of the Congressman Ruel D. Pacquiao and I was in-charge of distributing 5 kilos per family in Sitio Libas and Sitio Abtam, part of Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province. A total of 96 families were being help. The distribution was made yesterday in the plaza of Sitio Libas.

Brother Ron Halbrook, thank you so much for your love. I am asking of your prayer to help for the local churches who have not received of benevolence. There is a need of at least 1000$.

Thank you so much and God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.com
http://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

o     

o     

o     

o     

---

·         men mark tumandan 

To:ronhalbrook@gmail.com

4 Apr at 2:22 PM

Dear Brother Ron Halbrook,

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for your love and the love of the US saints for us here. My sincere prayer is that may God again provide for the local churches who have not received benevolence to mitigate them in their situation. 

Thank you so much and God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.com
http://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers