Historical Posts
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 The Singularity of the Church
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Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:21-23
Introduction
- In our English speaking society, the word church hasn’t been adequately defined or used correctly. Many use the word incorrectly. For example, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the #1 definition for church, is “a building for public and especially Christian worship.” However, if you study the word church/assembly in its’ original Greek (Ekklesia) ek = “out of” and klesis = “a calling.” The church are people that have been called out of this world to be added to Christ’s body for deliverance of their sins – 1 Peter 2:9. [The called – Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2].
- In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, God describes the body of Jesus, the church of Christ as being one on four occasions in these two verses. Therefore, within the body of Christ (Church) there is unity, there is oneness, among the members of the one body – Ephesians 4:1-6. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul pleads with the brethren with the church at Corinth to be of one mind. [Demoninations are not members of the body of Christ] – Matthew 15:13-14].
- The singularity of the church means, it’s the only one, you have no other choices, if you want to be saved from the penalty of sin, you must be baptized in Christ – Acts 4:12.
There is Only One Builder, One Purchaser, One Head of The Church
- In Matthew 16:13-19, we learn Jesus told Peter I will build my church. Jesus is the builder of His church. Jesus laid the foundation of His church – 1 Corinthians 3:11. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” Psalm 127:1. Therefore, you must make sure the builder of the church you belong to is Jesus Christ.
- Jesus built the church, but He also purchased the church with the blood He shed on the cross to take away our sins of the world. In Acts 20:28, Paul urges the Ephesian elders to feed the flock of God which He purchased with His own blood. You must understand Jesus paid the mortgage of His church (Your sins), He paid the redemptive price which was His precious blood that has the power to save you – 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5-6.
- In Ephesians 1:21-23, the Bible teaches God has put Jesus Christ to be head over all things to the church. In Colossians 1:18, Jesus is described as the head of the body, the church. In Ephesians 5:23, God teaches us the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.
There is Only One Way, One Truth and One Church That Will Save You
- In John 14:6, Jesus clearly states that I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can get to the Father except by me. Interestingly many are refusing to be added to the body of Christ, because the way of salvation is a narrow way – Matthew 7:13-14. Don’t follow your own way because it will lead to your destruction – Proverbs 14:12.
- There is only one truth. It is the Word of God – John 17:17. In John 1:17, we learn grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. The truth brings us the message of salvation in Jesus and His church.
- If you want to be delivered from the consequences of sin, you only have one choice, Jesus and His Church. Just like in the days of Noah, the people had one way of salvation, and that was the one ark Noah built that saved his family. Today the ark of salvation is the one church Jesus built. Why not answer God’s call to become on of His saints?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Take Heed Unto Thyself And The Doctrine
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Introduction
- As a Christian, it should be your earnest desire to be able to enter in the everlasting Kingdom of our Father in heaven. In order to do this, it is important to look at yourself in relationship to the Word of God. Because it is possible that some of us might miss heaven.
- Let us focus on a passage of scripture in 1 Timothy 4:16, where Timothy is admonished to take heed to himself and the doctrine that he might save himself and those that hear him.
You Must Take Heed Unto Yourself
- In Romans 12:3, we are taught not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Anytime we place ourselves or exalt ourselves to a place where God has not placed us, we will find ourselves in trouble with God – Proverbs 16:18.
- In Numbers chapter 12, two prominent Israelites, Aaron and Miriam attempted to exalt themselves over Moses as prophet but God punished them [Numbers 16; Numbers 26:9-11 Korah].
- We must take heed to ourselves, because oftentimes self will prevent one from having a right relationship with God. Did not self get in the way of Peter’s relationship with Jesus? – Matthew 16:21-24; Luke 14:26-27.
- We must also take heed to ourselves and make sure we are not spotted by the evil, filthy, and profane influences of this world that Satan presents as harmless. In James 1:27, we are reminded of what pure religion is.
You Must Take Heed Unto The Doctrine
- It is also important to take heed to the doctrine of Christ. What is doctrine? Doctrine is the body of authoritative teachings of God, found in the New Testament (Salvation, Worship, Organization, Personal Responsibilities) – 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- You must understand that the doctrine of Christ is exclusive, meaning that no other doctrines or teachings from other sources are acceptable to God – Galatians 1:6-8. This is why Christians are instructed to mark and avoid those that are causing divisions by teaching false doctrine – Romans 16:17-18.
- In (Jude 3-5), Jude admonishes the church to earnestly contend for the faith.
- Did you know, if you’re transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ, you hath not God and you have no relationship with God? – 2 John 9-10.
- As we take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine of Christ, let us not forget to make sure we continue in the Word of God and to serve Him faithfully to the end – Acts 2:42; Acts 14:22; James 1:25
- Therefore, let us be encouraged to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine and continue in them that we may save ourselves and those that hear us.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Jonah 01:01-17 Are You Running From God?
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Text: Jonah 1:1-17 – Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-14
Introduction
- In life, a number of us may have the tendency to run away from following God’s commandments and precepts. In (Romans 13:1) God instructs us to be subject to the higher powers (Rulers, government, etc.). In (Matthew 5:44), Jesus teaches us to love, bless and pray for our enemies. In (Ephesians 5:22-25), God says husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. In (Matthew 28:19-20), Christians are charged with teaching the gospel of Christ to the world.
- For some reason, we have conceived in our hearts that we can get away with, running away from God and not performing our duty to God without God punishing us for it. In (Genesis 3:1-21), we find Adam and Eve trying to hide themselves (In the trees of the garden) from the presence of the Lord.
Why Do We Flee in Disobedience When God Commands Us?
- In Jonah 1:1-2, God commands Jonah the prophet to cry against, or preach repentance, to the city of Nineveh because of their sin. The question, we must ask ourselves is, what type of reasoning or thought process in Jonah’s mind lead him to flee from the presence of the Lord and disobey God?
- Jonah, had an improper attitude toward God and His will. We know this to be true because when God delivered him from the fish’s belly (Jonah 2) and commanded him to preach to Nineveh, the response to Jonah’s preaching was the people repented with sackcloth so that God changed His mind about what He thought to punish them with (Jonah 3). Now the natural response to this should be joy – Luke 15:10. But Jonah’s response was the opposite, he was displeased and angry – Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:1-3.
- This is why it’s important to learn how to make our will conform to God’s will. This means we must submit ourselves totally to God. Peter, and the disciples of Jesus learned this lesson in Matthew 16:21-24. Our attitude needs to be like Jesus attitude when he prayed in the garden, “… nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39).
God is Merciful Concerning Our Disobedience If We Return to Him
- When Jonah, disobeyed God, God did not write him off, He was patient and merciful to him. And caused events to happen in his life to help him understand it’s best to obey God – Psalm 103:8.
- Even after Jonah preached to Nineveh and after they repented, after God changed His mind about the punishment he thought to do to them. And after Jonah was angry with God for saving them, God extended his patience and mercy to him in trying to get him to understand he should not be angry, using the illustration of the gourd – Jonah 4:4-11.
- When we disobey God, or run away from Him, He has a way of turning us around to see the need for us to do what He has said. Let us be encouraged and stop running from God as Jonah did because, God has provided us His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God raised Him up to life conquering sin in the flesh. Why not come to Him today in obedience?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Mark 15:01-39 Necessity of the Cross
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Text: Mark 15:1-39
Introduction
- The cross of Jesus Christ is essential to every soul. It has even more importance than food, shelter, and love have on you and I. Without the cross of Calvary, we would be lifeless, hopeless and in despair – Ephesians 2:16.
- The cross of Calvary is the most significant event in human history that has changed the outlook and well being of nations and peoples that have embraced the power of God to save man – Romans 1:16-17. The cross of Jesus Christ overshadows all tragedies that mankind has seen because through the cross of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection one can be saved & be reconciled with God – Romans 5:8-10.
The Preaching of the Cross is Necessary to Save the Lost
- Men, women, boys, and girls will never have true love, joy, peace, and unity with their Creator until the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is planted in the minds of the lost – Romans 10:14-15.
- Christians should feel the necessity of teaching the message of God because it is our ministry – 2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:16. Without faithful servants of Jehovah teaching the gospel the world will be lost because only the preaching of the cross will save those that will believe – 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21.
- Examples of those confronted with the cross of Jesus Christ: Acts 2:36-41 (Day of Pentecost); Acts 8:26-39 (Ethiopian Eunuch); Acts 16:19-33 (Philippian Jailer). There will be two responses when one is confronted with the cross of Calvary – Obedience or Rejection
The Cross of Jesus is Necessary for Eternal Happiness
- It is through the cross of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection that Christians can look forward to being resurrected in that Great Day – John 6:40. Without the cross of Jesus Christ we would be forever separated from God. Without the cross there would be no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, no peace, no hope, only condemnation for all, no possibility of eternity in heaven, and we would always be at enmity with God. Therefore let us be thankful for the cross!
- The cross of Calvary is so necessary to us because without it, the preaching of the gospel would be meaningless. We could not enjoy and rejoice in some of the songs we sing such as “The Old Rugged Cross”; “Lead Me To Calvary”; “Lift Him Up” Your faith in God would be without strength & value, and we would live in constant misery – 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
- Jesus Christ the only begotten of the Father has bore the pain, agony, and shame of sin on the cross. Why not make a decision today to follow Jesus, to take up your cross and follow him. Why not come obeying today?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Romans 05:06-11 Sin Separates From God, Jesus Reconciles
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(Sin Separates Man from God, but Through Jesus Man can be Reconciled to God)
Text: Romans 5:6-11
Introduction
- According to 1 John 3:4, God defines sin as the transgression of the law. Anytime you miss God’s mark, or decide to rebel against His commandments, you have sinned, and as a result the relationship between you and God has been cut off or severed – Isaiah 59:1-2. The text even points out God will hide His face from you and not hear you because of sin – John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12.
- Being separated from God because of your sins leaves you in a lost, unsaved, unfruitful, and dead state because being alienated from God means you have been severed from God, the Creator, the source of physical and eternal life – John 15:4-6. In Romans 6:23, God teaches us the end result of sin is death, but through Jesus there is eternal life.
God has Shown His Love Toward Us After We Sinned
- After man had sinned, and was separated from God, God extended His love to us, in that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so that we could escape His wrath reserved for the children of disobedience – Romans 5:8-9. Therefore, we should be encouraged to love God because He first loved us – 1 John 4:9-10.
- In Ephesians 2:4-6 the Holy Scriptures show us the great love God had for us. While we were dead in sins, He made us alive through Jesus Christ. God has a special love for us that we sometimes overlook. This love for us is so great. He was willing to give His only begotten Son to save us – John 3:16-17.
- It is God’s desire that all men would be saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9.
- In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul declares that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. But the question remains: will you believe on Jesus Christ, the Son of God? John 3:36.
Why not Change Your Relationship with God and be Reconciled?
- In regard to the relationship man has with God, the word reconcile denotes an action to change from enmity to friendship. Therefore, something had to happen on both sides to change the separation of God and man because of sin, because man could not do it himself. In Romans 5:6-10, the Bible teaches us the action by God to reconcile is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a sacrifice for man’s sins to give man life – Ephesians 2:13-16.
- Reconciliation or making peace between God and man comes only through Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus did on the cross, the giving of His life and the shedding of His blood. In Colossians 1:20-23, the Spirit of truth teaches all things are reconciled by Jesus – Hebrews 2:17.
- In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). As long as you are in Christ and abiding in His Word, God is not imputing your trespasses to you (2 Corinthians 5:19). And God has given us the ministry of reconciliation to call sinner’s to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). This means the sinner, man, must do something to be reconciled to God. God did His part, have you done your part? Acts 2:38, 41.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“Ice Breaker”
Consider these thoughts about the man (or woman) that hath not God:
- The man that hath not God has no fellowship with the Lord.
- The man that hath not God is walking in darkness because he has turned from the light (Jesus).
- The man that hath not God is transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.
- The man that hath not God has nothing of true value. He is separated from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – 2 John 9.
1 Peter 02:01-02 Christians Must Desire The Word
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(Christians Must Desire the Milk of The Word to Grow)
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-2
Introduction
- Animals, plants, and humans beings, from the time they are planted or born, are expected to grow from infancy to maturity in a specified period. In order for them to grow and mature properly they must receive and digest nutrients from various sources. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus gives the parable of the barren fig tree that produced no fruit. The vineyard owner was expecting fruit on the fig tree for 3 years and found none. As a result, he was going to cut it down, but the servant requested to work on it, and if it didn’t produce fruit afterwards then to cut it down. God is expecting us to grow as Christians. Are you like this barren fig tree? In John 15:1-2, 6, Jesus teaches, if your not bearing fruit, or growing, you will be cut off, from the vine and be burned.
- The Christian, new babe in Christ must desire and receive the sincere milk of the Word of God, along with exercising or applying what they have learn from the Word of God to grow, mature, and bear much fruit – 1 Peter 2:1-2.
God’s Word is the Necessary Food for Spiritual Growth
- In order to grow, you must have an interest and desire to go beyond the infancy stage to a mature Christian. You must cry out for the milk of the Word of God, just as a baby cries out for it’s mother for milk – John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15. It is God’s Word that causes us to increase and grow – 2 Peter 3:18.
- Sometimes new Christians do not receive enough of the sincere milk of the Word, that they might grow. This one reason why some members of the church do not grow and mature as they should and need to be re-introduced to the milk of the Word of God that they might grow – Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
- It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how mature a Christian you think you are. You always need a daily feeding of the Word of God since we can’t live without it – Matthew 4:4. The Word of God is our light in a world filled with darkness – Psalm 119:104-105.
With the Milk of the Word, Growing Christians Must Exercise Godliness
- Along with feeding on the milk of the Word, the new babe in Christ must also exercise godliness – 1 Timothy 4:7-8. New Christian’s must put into practice what they have learned from the Word of God. The new convert must learn to take time in their daily lives to be holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16.
- The challenge for new Christian’s is to not fall back into old worldly and sinful practices – 1 John 2:15-17. And to not allow worldly friendships to drown out the influence that God’s Word and fellow Christians have on them – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
- Therefore, let us feast on the Word of God and grow. The question is are you a growing branch of the vine bearing much fruit? Or are you a dead branch of the vine ready to be bundled & burned?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Matthew 25:31-46 Judgment Is Coming, Will You Be Ready?
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- Jesus Christ came into this world for the express purpose of saving sinners like you and me, so we would not experience the wrath of God on the children of disobedience – 1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:16. Jesus accomplished this when He went to the cross and bore the transgressions the people – John 19:30 (It is finished) [burial and resurrection].
- After God had resurrected Jesus from the grave to life, He appeared to his Apostles and proved to them of His bodily resurrection – Acts 1:1-3. Jesus ascended to heaven. The Bible reveals to us the same manner in which He was taken up, shall so He come in like manner – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3 .
- Jesus is coming back again to judge the world in righteousness, He is coming to separate the just from the unjust for eternity (Heaven / Hell) – Acts 17:30-31. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves, that we may be found in Him without spot or wrinkle, when Jesus comes back again.
Judgment Day is Coming. Will You Be Ready?
Don’t Delay! Now is the Time to Get Ready for Jesus!
- It’s urgent to prepare for Jesus return because, it is not known the time, hour, day, or year when Jesus Christ will return – Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Therefore, you cannot afford to procrastinate, or remain in sin because you don’t know when Jesus is coming back – Matthew 24:44. Look what happened to the unprepared in the days of Noah – Matthew 24:37-39.
- You should prepare yourself for the great Day of Judgment because it’s an appointment everybody has with Jesus to give account of your life to God – Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36-37. This appointment with Jesus you cannot postpone, even if you try – Hebrews 9:27. That’s why it’s best to be prepared to appear before the judgment seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, we learn that judgment must begin at the house of God. Therefore it’s imperative that members of Jesus body take heed to themselves and the doctrine of Christ that we might be saved in that great Day – 1 Timothy 4:16.
What Can You Expect to Happen at the Day of Judgment?
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect Jesus to descend from heaven with a shout and triumph of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first to meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forevermore – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Jesus will change the bodies of those that are dead in Christ to be like His – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57; Philippians 3:20-21.
- On the Day of Judgment you can expect Jesus Christ to separate the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left for eternity – Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46. As Jesus expounds on the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30), you get the “big picture” about this great day of separation – Matthew 13:40-43.
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect the atmosphere around the earth, and the earth itself to be burned up with fire – 2 Peter 3:3-13.
- If you have examined yourself today, and have found yourself unprepared for the Day of Judgment, God is extending His everlasting arms of love to you to come to Him today in obedience. Why not, respond to the Savior’s invitation today and prepare yourself for the Day of Judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“It’s Gonna Rain”
It’s gonna rain, It’s gonna rain, You better get ready and bare this in mind
God showed Noah, the rainbow sign, it won’t be water but fire next time.
Way back in the bible days, God told Noah it’s gonna rain, but when Noah told the people they paid him no mind and when it happen they were left behind,
They tell me when the water begin to pour, they knocked on the windows, they
knocked on the doors. They did know exactly what to do now you don’t want this to happen to you
Noah told the people, I’m sorry my friends God’s got the keys and you can’t get in if
something don’t happen to the hearts of man the same thing is gonna happen again.
Ezekiel 33:01-05 Heed God’s Warnings
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Text: Ezekiel 33:1-5
Introduction
- Oftentimes, when traveling to Bible study or worship, I’ve noticed a number of traffic signals that are designed to give notice and warn drivers of impending road hazards, so drivers can properly maneuver their vehicles, to avoid possible harm to themselves and their vehicles (Deer Xing, 35 MPH Speed Limit, Curvy Road).
- In, the Holy Scriptures, God has placed warnings, we must take heed to, if we expect to avoid the dangers and hazards, the devil places on the pilgrimage from this earth to Heaven – Ezekiel 33:1-5.
Heed God’s Warnings About Satan and His Devices
- You and I must take heed to God’s warning about our enemy Satan because he is actively trying to make sure our souls are separated from God – 1 Peter 5:8-9. This is why we must strive and work hard at resisting him – James 4:7-8.
- Preacher, what will happen, if I ignore God’s warning? In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus teaches if you decide not to do what God says, you will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand and storm & floods came and destroyed it.
- One of Satan’s devices, he uses to destroy us, is deception, which is an attempt to mislead one into error – Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 11:3. God exhorts us not to allow our hearts to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin in departing from Him – Hebrews 3:12-13. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we are given notice, the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- You must also heed God’s warning about false prophets & teachers, which is another device of Satan to lead astray & destroy – 2 Peter 2:1. A false prophet or teacher is one who proclaims a deceptive message, a lie, and claims it is from God. In 1 John 4:1, God warns us not to believe everybody, but to test them to see if they are of God. God warn us not to take heed to the commandments of men – Matthew 15:8-9.
Heed God’s Warnings About Yourself
- Sometimes, we become so, preoccupied with others and the world, we forget to check our own lives to make sure we’re in the faith, and not become reprobates – 2 Corinthians 13:5. We need to make our calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:10-11. We need to be watchful of ourselves that we might be able to stand before Jesus at the judgment – Luke 21:34-36.
- God also wants us to be aware, we must discipline ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul teaches he had to discipline his body to remain faithful to the Lord. In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus tells us to take heed to yourselves, and when your brother trespass against you to rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. God further instructs us not to avenge ourselves – Romans 12:19-21.
- God wants to make sure you take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that you continue in them that you will both save yourself and those that hear you – 1 Timothy 4:16.
- In conclusion, if you have heard God’s trumpet of warning about Satan’s devices and our own weaknesses, have you responded and made preparations to avoid the dangers and hazards of the wrath that will come on the children of disobedience? If not, why not?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
1 Peter 01:13-16 Christians Must Be Pure And Holy
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Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Introduction
- The word pure means something that’s unmixed, free from pollutants, or foreign substances which contaminate it. If you have something that’s unpure and you want to make it 100% pure, there must be a process to remove the impurities to make it pure. You and I are like a diamond in the rough that needs refining because all have contaminated ourselves with sin – Romans 3:23. If you’re lost and defiled by sin or have fallen from God’s grace, you need to be purified by obeying the truth of the Word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23.
- When you obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are sanctified & holy. You have been separated or set apart from the world and evil and consecrated to God for His purpose. In John 17:17, Jesus teaches us we’re sanctified through the truth of the Word of God.
Saints Must be Pure, Without Spot or Wrinkle, Shining as Lights in the World
- To free yourselves from the pollutants of sin and to be pure, without spot or wrinkle, Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected for the forgiveness of your sins – John 3:16; John 3:36. This started the refining process, but you must be willing to complete the process by taking heed to God’s Word to be cleansed, and made pure – Psalm 119:9-11.
- The challenge for Christians is to live a pure life, while we are being surrounded by individuals that love evil – 3 John 11. This is why we need to increase teaching and practicing Christian morality. In James 1:27, we are admonished to visit those that do not have fathers and widows, and make sure we are unspotted from the world. In Philippians 2:12-15, we are reminded to work out your own salvation that we might be pure, shining as lights.
- Did you know that if you want to see God, you must have a pure heart? In Matthew 5:8, Jesus teaches the pure in heart shall see God. This is why we need to think and mediate on holy things that we might be about doing the holy things of God – Philippians 4:8.
God has Called You to be Holy Because He is Holy
- In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter exhorts the dispersed Christians to be holy. However, many people may perceive in their heart that it’s impossible to be holy.
- Holiness is not dependant upon being morally perfect. Being holy or sanctified is based on your obedience to God to be saved and to be set apart or separated from the world, to be consecrated or dedicated to God for His purpose – 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
- Being holy means being separated from evil. A Christian cannot be holy or sanctified if they’re trying to blend in with being politically correct or in that gray area. A line has to be drawn. You must stand with God for the truth – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the Bible describes Christian’s as the temple of God which is holy. Did you know, Christian’s are to give their lives as a sacrifice to God which is to be holy – Romans 12:1.
- Taking time to be holy will make your life better (Husbands, Wives, employee’s and employer’s) – Colossians 3:18-25. In conclusion, God is holy ( 1 Peter 1:16); God’s son Jesus is holy (Mark 1:24); God’s Spirit is holy (John 14:26); When Jesus comes back, will you be found holy in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
James 03:01-18 Is Your Tongue Under Control?
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Text: James 3:1-18
Introduction
- The tongue can be used to destroy the mind. But when used wisely it can encourage, uplift, and motivate a soul to obey the gospel of Christ.
- The Word teaches in many things we offend by words, therefore, it’s important to learn how to bridle, tame, or control the tongue – James 3:2-5. The speech that comes from ours mouths will either justify you or condemn you – Matthew 12:36-37; Matthew 15:16-20.
- Some lose control of their tongue by using deception & dishonesty to their advantage, but God clearly forbids us to lie or bear false witness – Proverbs 6:16-19; Proverbs 19:5, 9; Revelation 21:8.
Make Sure Your Tongue Is Not Destructive
- An uncontrolled tongue is like a fire out of control, it destroys everything in sight. It’s like a flame thrower that burns everything in sight. Is your tongue like this? In James 3:6-8, the Bible teaches the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body. The untamed tongue is full of deadly poison, so let us learn to refrain ourselves from evil words – 1 Peter 3:10-11.
- Is it not unnatural for a fruit tree to produce ripe and rotten fruits at the same time? This is hypocritical behavior, and is not consistent with keeping God’s commandments – James 3:9-13.
- If there is bitterness, envying, in your speech & life don’t deceive yourselves into believing everything is alright, while there is confusion & evil working in your life Recognize God’s pure wisdom & receive peace – James 3:14-18.
Your Controlled Tongue Can Edify and Encourage
- The Bible teaches us to use our speech and communication to express truthfulness and righteousness instead of evil – Matthew 5:37; Colossians 4:6. Our conversations and interactions should convey the love of God, and the truth of His Son Jesus Christ – Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29
- The Bible teaches that it is wise to have a quiet spirit and work with your own hands that you might have a good report of them that are without – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
- When your tongue is under control, your speech and behavior can communicate the good news that Jesus Christ has tasted death for every man through His sacrifice & resurrection – Titus 2:6-8; James 1:26-27
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
John 14:06 There Is Only One Way To Salvation
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Text: John 14:6
Introduction
- In John 14:6, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declares, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In Acts 4:12 and John 3:16, the Bible teaches salvation comes by no other name than Jesus.
- On June 24, 2008, The Columbus Dispatch, published on the front page an article entitled “U.S. Believers Open-Minded Most See Several Paths To Heaven” According to a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life 70% said that many religions-not just their own-can lead to eternal life.
- The world’s Burger King Religion (You Can Have It Your Way) will lead us to destruction. In Proverbs 14:12, the Word of God teaches the way that seems right to us will destroy us – Proverbs 16:2. The problem is we have abandoned the Bible and God’s commandments – Jeremiah 6:16; Acts 17:11.
Enter at the Door Because You Can’t Climb in Some Other Way
- Many will try to enter the sheepfold by a way God has not authorized, and will be prevented – John 10:1-2. You must enter the door of Jesus to be saved, because only He sacrificed His life that you might live – John 10:7-11; John 20:30-31
- There are two ways (2 doors) in which you can attempt to enter. One way goes where you want and will lead you to life, the other only leads to death. Your decision will primarily be based on whether you’re carnally or spiritually minded – Romans 8:5-8. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches many will choose the broad way of destruction, and few will choose the narrow way to life – Luke 13:24 and 1 Peter 3:20
- Religious groups and denominations are the wrong way because they replace the Word of God with their own traditions and doctrines of men. They’re trying to climb up into the kingdom by some other way – Mark 7:5-13; Matthew 7:21-23.
The One Way is the Church Jesus Purchased with His Blood
- In John 14:6, Jesus says “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one church, one body, that God has called us out of darkness into the Light of Christ – 1 Peter 2:9-10. The Bible teaches the church, the body of Christ is one – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18
- This is the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood – Acts 20:28. After Peter, confesses Jesus divinity, Jesus said I will build my church – Matthew 16:13-19. The church is Jesus Christ body where sinners can be added & reconciled to God in one body by the cross – Ephesians 2:13-16
- If you’ve been driving the wrong way, God wants you to turn to His Son Jesus Christ, that has made a way for you – John 8:36
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at the Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 7-12-2008
Luke 19:01-10 Jesus Seeks to Save the Lost
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(Jesus Came to Seek and to Save That Which Was Lost)
Text: Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture Reading: Luke 19:10
Introduction
- This morning I want to focus your attention on evangelism, the activity of Christians announcing the message of good news of the gospel of Christ to save mankind from sin – Isaiah 52:7.
- Before Jesus ascend to heaven, He gave us a great job to perform, we call it the great commission, teaching the world how the power of God can save man from his sins through the sacrifice of Christ – Matthew 28:19-20.
Before Zacchaeus Was Saved, Jesus Interacted With Him – Luke 19:5
- Christians must understand, that association, interaction, and communication with sinner’s is necessary to bring them the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus tells his opponents his purpose for eating with publicans & sinner’s was to call sinners to repentance.
- We sometimes have to overcome the fear of having close proximity or interactions with the undesirables of our society such as drug users, prostitutes, murderers, or sexual predators – 2 Timothy 1:7.
- (Luke 19:7) When the Jews, saw Jesus went to be a guest with a man that was a sinner, they murmured, made compliant. But they didn’t understand that Jesus was not associating with him to be likened to the character of the sinful practice of many publicans of the day, but He was trying to save Zacchaeus and his house – Luke 19:10. Note: [II Corinthians 6:14-18; Epesians 5:11, We must not to be united with unbelievers & theirs sins]
Zacchaeus Is Penitent and Made Restitution for His Sins – Luke 19:8-10
- It’s implied in our scriptural text, while Jesus was a guest in Zacchaeus house that he taught him he must repent of his sins to obtain salvation, which is consistent with the preaching ministry of Jesus – Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15.
- Repentance is being sorrowful of your sins which brings about a change of action in regard to sin – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. In Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus expresses his penitent heart over his sins by giving half his goods to the poor, and restoring anyone he wronged in his profession fourfold – Luke 13:3.
- Therefore, you and I must focus our goals in our lives at finding ways and avenues that will effectively communicate in the spirit of love the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ – Proverbs 11:30.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-23-2008
Nehemiah 02:17-20 Christians Must Never Give Up
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Text: Nehemiah 2:17-20
Introduction
- Christian’s must never give up the struggle, the contention, or the fight to enter into the joy of the eternal kingdom that God has prepared for those that love Him – Revelations 3:21. When disappointment occurs, we must try again. When we are knocked out for the count, we must get back up, when we fall down in the race we must get back up and continue the race to obtain the prize – 1 Corinthians 9:24.
- Unfortunately, some of us have quit the race and forfeited the prize – 1 Timothy 4:1. We must make sure we take heed to the Word of God – Hebrews 2:1-3. It is essential that we believe in Christ, the son of the living God – John 3:36 and Romans 15:4.
When You Obey God There Will Be Opposition
- In our lesson text, Nehemiah began the great work of rebuilding the broken down walls and gates of the temple in Jerusalem. God was with him and provided means for him for this great work. However, Nehemiah had some opposition to the work, one that would have this great work hindered and stopped (Sanballat) – 1 Peter 5:8.
- In Nehemiah 4:7-9, Nehemiah’s opposition, Sanballat & Tobiah began to conspire to fight against Jerusalem and hinder the work. But they prayed to God and set a watch. They didn’t let the fear of the enemy scare them because they feared God – Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 10:28.
- In Nehemiah 6:1-4, the opposition, Sanballat & Tobiah sent out messengers on 4 occasions to meet them in one of the villages in an attempt to divert Nehemiah from the work, but Nehemiah had a great work to do. In Nehemiah 6:5-9, Sanballat sent false letters to try to scare Nehemiah and the Jews from ceasing the work.
Your Faith Must Not Waver When Opposition Comes
- No matter how tall your opposition is, you must resist the devil and not waiver in your service to God – James 4:7. Nehemiah’s opposition was great but he trusted and prayed to God and He protected him – Psalm 18:2. Your faith in God must not waiver. When opposition comes your way, what will you do?
- When opposition and temptation come in our lives, instead of looking to ourselves or others for safety, we should look to God – Psalm 121:1-8.
- When it is time for you and I to meet the Lord, may we all be able to say the words of the Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. If you have not rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ, what are you waiting for? God has provided His mercy, grace, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, Jesus Christ. Why not come to Him in obedience and be raise to life as God raised His Son from the dead. Respond to the gospel today!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at the Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 6-13-2008
Psalm 01:01-06 Are You Living the Blessed Life?
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Text: Psalm 1:1-6
Introduction
- Is your life as joyous and happy as you would like it to be? Does your life find real meaning & purpose to it? If not, it may be because, your not following the Biblical standard for the blessed life. To live the blessed life, you must be willing to love God more than the pleasures, riches, and fame this world can offer – Hebrews 11:24-26. If you think the Christian lifestyle is too boring and restrictive for you, you will miss out on living the blessed life.
- To live the blessed life you must get rid of self, and submit yourselves totally to God – Matthew 16:24-26. Instead of laying up treasures for yourself, your must lay up treasures in heaven – Matthew 6:19-21.
- The Bible is the pattern to live the blessed life. These are blessings that can only come by obeying God. In Psalm 1:1-6, God gives us instructions how to live the blessed life. Let us consider them.
We Must Avoid Certain Things to Have the Blessed Life – Psalm 1:1
- The Word of God teaches you must avoid & abstain yourself from things & people in order to live the blessed life. People that have impure thoughts, those that don’t respect authority, those that dress & behave themselves in a shameful manner must be avoided & any that will give you bad advise – Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:14-15.
- To live the blessed life, the Christian must shun & keep away from the bombardment of the devils destructive messages through magazines, music lyrics, radio, television, and internet. Don’t be deceived these mediums are teaching many the way of destruction – 1 Corinthians 15:33.
- The blessed life requires one to avoid the lifestyles of the worldly & ungodly persons (Abortion, co-habitation, homosexuality, bi-sexual). You cannot have the blessed life, if you engage and love worldly activities because they’re the contrary to Gods – James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17.
The Blessed Life Requires That You Delight in the Law of The Lord – Psalm 1:2
- To enjoy the blessed life, it is required that you love the Word of God. We should take the attitude of Job concerning the words that proceed from God – Job 23:12; Psalm 119:72; Psalm 119:127; Proverbs 23:23
- Studying the Word of God, and meditating on it day & night is necessary to enjoy the blessed life just as eating daily meals are necessary to sustain our physical life – Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:11. It involves applying the principals, precepts, and commandments of God to your life which requires study & application of the Word in your life – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- Are you living the blessed life? If not, why not? God has made the way for you to get back home through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-28-2008
Luke 4:16-21 Jesus Delivers Us from Death to Life
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Text: Luke 4:16-21
Introduction
- Deliver means “to save by rescuing from evil or danger. It means to release, to set free, to rescue & preserve from eminent danger or death.
- Have you have ever found yourself in the “claws” of disparity, where there was danger all around you, perhaps a medical crisis, or accident, and all you could think of was getting help or calling 911 because danger or death was emanate?
- There’s a greater danger, we face, that our world is becoming more blind to, it’s spiritual death, separated from God, the everlasting punishment for our sins, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched in hell according to (Mark 9:43-48). This is why you need to obey Jesus to be saved. Let us learn how Jesus has delivered us from death to life.
Jesus Delivers Us from Sin by Offering Himself as the Perfect Sacrifice
- According to the law in order to have atonement for your soul there must be the shedding of blood of a fleshly sacrifice – Leviticus 17:11. In Hebrews 9:22, the Word of God declares that without the shedding of blood is no remission. The blood of bulls & goats were not able to take away sins – Hebrews 10:4. The only sacrifice that will take away our sins is the offering of Jesus body – Hebrews 10:10-14.
- Jesus was able to be the perfect sacrifice for man’s sins because He was both God and man in flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; (Luke 1:26-35). He overcame the temptations of Satan – Matthew 4:3-4. Jesus was the only sacrifice without blemish or without sin that could take away our sins – Hebrews 4:15. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Bible teaches Jesus knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness through Him.
- Jesus delivered us from death to life because He was willing to give His life for the sheep – John 10:10-11. Jesus laid His life down for the sheep (John 10:18), and endured the pains of the cross that we might live – Luke 23:46
God Raised Jesus to Deliver Us from Death to Life
- When God raised Jesus to life from the grave, and when Jesus ascended to heaven to be at the right hand of God, the Bible teaches in Psalm 68:18-19, Jesus led captivity captive. Which means Jesus led away, the enemy which captured us (Sin, death & Satan), Jesus has subdued, and overcome, through His death, burial, and resurrection. This is why we can sing the song Victory in Jesus – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
- In John 5:24, the Bible teaches, Jesus will deliver the faithful in Christ from death to life – John 6:40. This will occur at His second coming, which will be the great Day of Judgment (Resurrection day) when the just will be resurrected to life and the unjust will be resurrected to damnation – John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
- Jesus has delivered us from death to life. The question you must answer for yourself is will you be ready when He comes – Matthew 11:28-30. Why not be delivered from your sins today and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
1 Kings 21:01-16 Thou Shalt Not Steal
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Text: 1 Kings 21:1-16 – Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:15
Introduction
- The word steal comes from a Greek word (Klepto) in which we derive the English word “kleptomania” which denotes a persons obsessive need to steal, or those known to have “sticky fingers”. One is guilty of stealing when they seize the property of another unlawfully, and appropriate it to one’s own use or purpose.
- The Bible teaches you that stealing is a transgression of the law, it is disobeying God and one sin that can lead to your eternal destruction – Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28.
- Many in the world today do not believe or conceptualize stealing as a harmful wrong done against God and mankind, but it is a deadly poison, it will prevent you from inheriting the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Stealing Originates from Coveting and Greed – 1 Kings 21:1-4
- The spirit of stealing begins when your desire to have something that does not belong to you, trigger thoughts, strategies, and ways to obtain something in an unlawful, deceptive, or conniving way – Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:10.
- The Word proclaims when Ahab told his wife Jezebel, Naboth would not sell him his vineyard, Jezebel proceeded to obtain this land for her husband by wicked means – 1 Kings 21:5-14. She set up two false witnesses against Naboth to say he blasphemed God and the king, and he was stoned – 1 Kings 21:11-14.
- After Naboth was stoned to death, Jezebel told Ahab to take the vineyard for a possession. But Elijah the Prophet told Ahab that evil would come to him and his house and his wife Jezebel would be destroyed – 1 Kings 21:17-24.
Instead of Stealing, Trust God to Supply Your Need
- Jehovah God let’s us know He owns the earth and everything in it – Psalm 24:1-2; Psalm 50:10. Therefore you and I need not to worry about things we need in life or feel we need to steal something that belongs to someone else. Because in Philippians 4:19 God says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- When you commit your life to God, you must learn to live in whatsoever state God places you in, whether it be luxurious/modern or poor/primative – Philippians 4:11-13. If you’re in Christ what reason do you have to steal, since you already have all spiritual blessing which are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3.
- If you’re a Christian and are a truly godly person you already have salvation, joy, peace, longsuffering, and love which is great gain because God own everything and has give us all things to live a godly life – 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Sin’s Destructive Nature
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Introduction
- In 1 John 3:4, the Sword of the Spirit describes sin as the transgression of the law. When we know what God says, and decide to do something else, this is sin, transgressing God’s law – James 4:17. The penalty for sin is death – Romans 6:23. The Bible says, all have sinned – Romans 3:23.
- Sin is the destructive tool of the devil and his angels, through lies and deception, designed to keep sinners separated from God by hiding, covering up, and misrepresentation the truth of the Word which makes man free – John 8:31-32. Let us make sure we are not deceived by the destructive nature of sin – Hebrews 3:12-13.
The Destructive Nature of Sin has Changed the Societal View of Morality
- In Mark 4:14-20, Jesus gives an explanation of the parable of the sower. In three of the four scenarios, the Word of God that was sown in man’s heart became unfruitful. Why? Because Satan does his best to make sure the seed doesn’t get into good ground – When one receives the Word of God, and is fruitful.
- In times past, fifty years ago and beyond, certain things and behaviors were not acceptable in society because they were deemed to be sinful in a country founded upon Christian and Biblical principles. But now these same sinful behaviors are acceptable because the deceitfulness of sin has destroyed many’s conscience of what is right and wrong.
(1) Co-Habitation (Fornication) – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
(2) Discipline – Proverbs 22:6, 15
(3) Immodest dress – 1 Timothy 2:9-10 - In 2 Timothy 3:13, the Bible teaches evil men will grow worse and worse. And this will challenge the Christian to live a holy life in a society that is unholy.
Sin is Destructive, but God has Prepared a Remedy
- Man is guilty of sin, and he had nothing of value that could atone for his transgressions, therefore his penalty would be death. Man had a debt he could not pay, but God gave man mercy through Jesus – Ephesians 2:4-5. God loved us and provided a way for our sins to be paid through the shed blood of His Son – John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
- If you are obedient to the commands of the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can have victory over sin and death – 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.
- To detract from Satan’s attacks of the truth, Christians must uphold, defend, and fight for the truth of the Word of God – Jude 3.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Sound Doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – audio
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(abbreviated audio presentation)
Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Introduction
- Apostasy, is a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection from abiding in the doctrine of Jesus Christ that will lead to your own destruction – Jude 1:3-5.
- The Bible teaches some will depart from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.
- Apostasy, is the work of the devil to turn the saved to the unsaved, and preacher’s of the gospel must endure the waves of the devil & continue to preach the Word (without addition or subtraction) – Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
- Don’t be fooled, you can fall away and be lost in your sins, just as some of Paul’s fellow laborers in the gospel did – (Philemon 23-24); 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas).
Return to the Source of Sound Doctrine – The Word
- If you’re in the process of sliding into apostasy, your love for God and His ways have been diminished and you need to ignite the fire for the Lord again – Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:104-105.
- If you have left your first love, Jesus Christ, it is time return. The church at Ephesus had a similar problem and needed to repent – Revelation 2:1-5.
- An urgent need to study God’s Word, and communicate the truth where unrighteous unveils itself is necessary – 2 Timothy 2:15; Jude 3.
When Some Will Not Endure Sound Doctrine…
- Shall we leave them alone? In Luke 15:3-10, Jesus teaches the value of seeking a lost soul. There’s benefit from turning one in error to the truth – James 5:19-20.
- When you see a brother or sister walking in darkness it is your duty in love to tell/warn them to turn from darkness and walk in the light – Ezekiel 3:17-19 Sometimes we forget that one of the purposes of the Word of God is to rebuke and correct – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- If your on the brink of apostasy, if you have lost your zeal for the things of God, today is the time to return to your first love. The Bible teaches us that now is the acceptable time, now is the day of Salvation – 2 Corinthians 6:2.
- Why not come.
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Suffering – 2 Timothy 3:12 – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:12
Introduction
- How many remember when you were baptized into Christ, when all of your sins were washed away?
- Was it not a time of rejoicing and happiness?
- Just as it was when Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:38-39.
- It was said of him “… and he went on his way rejoicing.” – Acts 8:39
- And truly the time of one’s conversion is great occasion because “… old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- And then one day you come to Bible study excited, until you learn about what is written on the board:
- “SUFFERING”
All Christians Will Experience and Endure Suffering
- The express will of God says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
- Suffering for Christ, is like taking all the necessary classes, doing all the readings, reports, and tests to get your degree.
- When we are partakers in Jesus sufferings, we’re also partaker in His blessings – 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-16
- Our sufferings in the Lord will be an everlasting blessing, if we endure to the end – James 5:10-11
- There is a great reward in heaven for those who will suffer for the name of Christ – Matthew 5:10-12
Conclusion
- Consider what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
- Therefore, let all of us be encouraged and not be afraid to suffer for Jesus that you might have life.
Hear Believe Repent Confess Baptism Live Faithfully to Death
(Invitation – Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ 8-22-2012 by bro. Harry D. Anderson, Jr.)
How Do People Respond to the Gospel? Acts 02:41-42
Text: Acts 2:41-42
Lesson Aims
- For the Christian to gain knowledge of how differently people will respond to the gospel.
- To be prepared with joy, to be set for the defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 3:15
- Gain understanding that the Word of God is a powerful force and when it is proclaimed and you will have various responses to it – Hebrews 4:12
Read These Lesson Texts
ACTS 4:1-4 (PRIESTS, CAPTAIN OF TEMPLE, SADDUCEES & PEOPLE);
ACTS 13:4-12 (SERGIUS PAULUS); ACTS 26:1-29 (PAUL, FESTUS, AGRIPPA,)
(1) Grieved/Believed
(2) False prophet Bar-jesus not happy / deputy believed
(3) Paul obeyed, Festus didn’t believe the message of Paul, King Agippa almost persuade to be a Christian.
How Do People Respond When Hearing the Message of Salvation?
READ PARABLE OF SOWER EXPLANATION, MATTHEW 13:18-23
(SEED RECEIVED BY THE WAY SIDE)
Some hear the Word of God, may not understand it fully, or the devil plants thoughts of doubt and disbelief in one’s mind of What God says through traditions, worldly values, or false doctrine.
Others hear the Word of God and receive it with joy but they are not rooted and grounded enough in the Word of God to grow properly. Ass a result, when it is time to put your faith in God into action they fall away through trials and suffering.
(SEED RECEIVED IN STONY PLACES)
In (Acts 5:1-11), Ananias and Sapphira are examples of Christians who were not rooted and grounded in the truth. Therefore they followed temptation and paid the price.
A number of people hear the Word of God, yet their love for money and the world causes them to be with odds with God – James 4:4.
(SEED RECEIVED AMONG THORNS)
These worldly vises choke the Word of God – Matthew 19:23-26; I Timothy 6:6-10
(SEED RECEIVED IN GOOD GROUND)
There will be some people who receive and obey the Word of God and will endure temptations to the end. As a result, they will obtain the crown of life that God will give them (James 1:12). (SEED RECEIVED IN GOOD GROUND)
How Much Effort?
How hard is it to become a Christian, according to the New Testament pattern?
Compare this to becoming a denominational member!
How Do People Respond…
Do people accept that repentance and baptism are necessary elements of accepting God’s salvation?
Repenting of your sins is not an easy task to embark on but is necessary. If you want to have a right relationship with God and draw closer to being saved, you must be willing to repent – Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
Repentance signifies to change one’s mind or purpose – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
This change of mind occurs when you learn that your behavior or actions are contrary to God’s Word. As a result, you work at aligning your life to God’s standard to the best of your ability. Therefore, your change of thoughts leads to changes of action – Acts 26:9-11
What is the common response to the necessity of repentance in God’s plan of salvation?
Why are people not willing to lose their life to save it? – Mark 8:34-37
Baptism is required
Baptism is necessary for your salvation just as the other works of faith are necessary for salvation such as:
– Confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)
– Hearing the gospel message (Romans 10:17)
– Repenting of past sins (Luke 13:3)
– Having faith in God (Hebrews 11:6)
How do people respond to the Word of God when it clearly says baptism is one of the necessary components for one’s salvation?
See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:28; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21, plus all of the 9 examples of conversion in the book of acts include baptism!
Metanoeo (verb): “to perceive afterwards” (meta, “after,” implying “change,” noeo, “to perceive;”
2 Corinthians 7:10 …Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation
Baptizo (verb): “to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe to overwhelm”
Romans 6:1-4
Notice that all nine of these conversions recorded in Acts included Baptism
1. Pentecost – Acts 2:36-39
2. The Samaritians – Acts 8:5-13
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40
4. Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:1-22; Acts 22:3-16
5. Cornelius – Acts 10:1-48
6. Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
7. Philippian Jailer – Acts 16:22-34
8. The Corinthians – Acts 18:1-8
9. The Ephesians – Acts 19:1-5