Historical Posts
Ephesians 04:02-09 What Are You Doing with God’s Grace? – audio
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(Presented at Willowbrook Christian Home on 8/19/2012)
Text: Ephesians 2:4-9
Introduction
Mercy
From God’s Word, we recognize that mercy is the forbearance, compassion, kindness shown by God from inflicting punishment for those who break the law.
In John 8:1-11 the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus taken in the act of adultery, and ask Jesus what would he do in light of the law of Moses. He asked a question that convicted them of their own sins and the woman was left uncondemned. Jesus said go and sin no more.
Through God’s mercy we are saved – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Grace
A companion of mercy is grace.
Grace means that which causes joy, pleasure, delight, charm, sweetness, and loveliness. This has come to signify the kindness of God toward man.
God’s unmerited favor saves mankind by providing a sufficient and perfect sacrifice to remit the sins of man, so that he can be reconciled to his God.
The Oracles of God declare we are saved by God’s grace through faith – Ephesians 2:4-8
It (grace) has appeared unto all men – Titus 2:11
The Benefits of God’s Grace are Accessed Through Faith
Through Faith
If you want to enjoy the benefits of the grace of God, such as eternal life with God, love, joy, and peace, you must access them through faith in God – Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1-2
Dead or Living?
The question you must ask yourself is your faith dead or alive?
A dead faith merely believes, but does not produce obedience to God. James 2:14-17 describes faith without works as dead. But a living faith is characterized by loving obedient actions towards God – James 1:22-25.
Living Faith
You can only benefit from the grace of God when you decide to be faithful and obedient to Him and live for Him – Hebrews 4:1-2
Plan of Salvation
- Hear the Word of God – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 3:15
- Believe in Jesus Christ – Hebrews 11:6
- Repent of past Sins – Luke 13:3
- Confess Jesus is the Son of God – Romans 10:9-10
- Baptized for the forgiveness of your Sins – Acts 2:38
- Daily Live Faithful for Jesus – Revelation 2:10
What Are You Doing with God’s Grace?
Luke 13:23-28 Lord, Are There Few That Be Saved? audio
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Reading: Matthew 7:13-14
Text: Luke 13:23-28
Introduction
- QUOTE: John 3:16-17
When you read the message of God, you should get excited, because God has made a way for all in the bondage of sin to be delivered out darkness into the Light by Jesus – Colossians 1:12-14
Therefore, salvation is being delivered from end result of sin (death).
- Almost Everyone Wants to Be Saved
Interestingly, when you converse with people about salvation, almost everybody wants to be saved or wants to go to heaven, but only a few are willing to strive to comply with God’s requirements to be saved – Luke 6:46; Matthew 15:8-9
Today, the sermon is titled LORD, ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED? (Luke 13:23-28)
Jesus Says to Strive (Agonize) to Enter in at the Strait Gate
- Jesus admonishes striving to enter the strait gate – Luke 13:23
The word strait means to be constrained, restricted, or narrow.
Therefore, the strait gate will be difficult and not easy to pass through because it requires faithfulness (obedience) to God.
As a result, few will enter in – John 14:15
- Deception
It’s a deception of our adversary the devil (1 Peter 5:8), to believe entering into the kingdom of God (the strait gate) takes little forethought or effort – Luke 13:23
In Acts 14:22, we learn it will take continued faithfulness, and going through much tribulations to enter into the kingdom of God.
It’s not good enough just to get at good start.
We must continue to the end – John 8:31-32; Matthew 10:22
Entering the strait gate will require faithfulness until death – Revelation 2:10
- Two Ways
There are two ways you can follow, the narrow way (life) and the broad way (destruction) – Matthew 7:13-14
There will be many people whom will follow the broad way, and a few will be faithful to God and follow the narrow way that leads to eternal life.
Jesus, tells us to strive to enter the strait gate because many will seek to enter in and not be able – Luke 13:23
Jesus Says That Many Will Seek to Enter in and Not Be Able
- Many Will Seek
Many will seek to enter in and not be able because they have entered the wide gate of disobedience to God – Matthew 7:21-23
Multitudes in this group will take the path of least resistance, they will do things there way and not God’s way and will find themselves lost – Luke 13:25-29
- A High Price
The cost of becoming a Christian (or entering the strait gate) is too high a price for many people to pay for salvation – Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 16:24-26
For masses of people, obeying the gospel of Christ is not easy task for them. Why? Because it requires one to forsake all things and to love God more than man – Luke 14:26-33
- Biblical History
And finally can anyone ignore the Biblical history on the question Lord, are there few that be saved?
– In Genesis 6:5-8, God sees the wickedness of man but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
– In 1 Peter 3:20, we find a few souls were saved from the great flood.
– Shall we not also consider Israel whom God saved from Egyptian bondage but afterward destroyed them because of unbelief – Jude 5.
– Only two men entered Canaan land that left Egypt Joshua & Caleb – Numbers 26:63-65
Therefore, let us strive to enter in the strait gate, since few will be saved! When Jesus comes back again, do you want to be on the outside looking in? – Luke 13:28
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
1 Peter 05:08 Satan’s Work in the World – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 5:8
Introduction
- The Bible describes Satan as the enemy, adversary, murderer, tempter, and the wicked one (1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31-32). Because Satan & those angels that followed him rebelled against God, they were cast out of their heavenly habitation (Luke 10:18; Jude 6).
- The devil and his angels have no hope of redemption. The blood that was shed in Jesus death, that washes away our sins when we believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16), cannot save Satan and his angels. The devil and his angels have a place reserved for them (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4).
- Since Satan, and his host of angels that followed him, will never enjoy the beauties and splendor of heaven again, Satan is determined to destroy man, and make sure heaven is not his eternal home.
Satan Uses Deceit to Destroy Souls
- If Satan and his angels are able to convenience you to believe and live a lie, instead of obeying the living truth of God’s Word, he has you captured and placed you in the bondage of sin which will lead to eternal damnation, if you don’t turn from error to the truth (Genesis 3:1-7).
- Satan has an arsenal of weapons to deceive you with such as:
– Covetousness (Matthew 19:16-22)
– Lust of the flesh (2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba)
– An unforgiving heart (Matthew 6:14-15) - Therefore, you must take heed to the deceiving power of Satan so that you won’t fall into sin and death (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
- Satan uses the lack of Biblical knowledge (Hosea 4:6) to deceive, lie, and ultimately damn souls with rebellious angels. A number of people today believe aborting an unborn child’s life is acceptable behavior, others contend that their nothing wrong with fornication, or sodomy, but Satan has greatly deceived many – (2 Timothy 3:13).
Satan Accuses Christ Causing People to Turn From Truth
- A proper name for Satan is the devil which denotes, “an accuser, a slander.”
- In Matthew 4:4-10, the devil tempts Jesus to sin by challenging Jesus Divinity. After each temptation Jesus directs the devil to the written Word of God.
- There will be people that are led by the spirit of Satan who will falsely accuse the character and faith of Christians, because it’s the work of Satan to turn people from the truth (Galatians 1:6-8; Acts 13:6-10).
- For example many believe the lie that the devil has espoused in the religious world that water baptism is not necessary for your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- God loved us and sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. God raised Him from the dead, giving victory to those that obey Him over Satan, sin, and death. Why not come and be free today (John 8:36).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Hebrews 05:08-09 Obeying The Truth Brings Salvation – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:8-9
Introduction
- The source of man’s eternal salvation is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9). Since God showered His love upon us, by giving us a perfect substitute sacrifice, for ours sins (John 3:16).
- God has provided the means by which man can be saved – grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).
- But man must be willing to obey Jesus for their eternal salvation (Matthew 7:21).
- Man must continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain eternal salvation (John 8:31-32).
- Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation by departing from the faith (Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-2).
- There is a false doctrine rooted in Calvinism, called “Perseverance Of The Saints”, that erroneously asserts the impossibility of apostasy (falling away); the unconditional security of the believer in Jesus Christ. Also called once saved always saved. Therefore, let us make sure we are abiding in the doctrine of Christ that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son (2 John 9-11).
Eternal Salvation is Made Available to All by God’s Grace
- It is through God’s love and mercy that He has prepared a way through Jesus that all sinners might avoid the wages of sin (death) and be saved (John 1:17). This favor bestowed upon us without merit on our part is God’s wonderful grace (1 John 3:1).
- In Titus 2:11-14, the Bible emphatically teaches the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everybody. However, this does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that humanity has the opportunity to access the benefits of God’s grace through His divine plan of redemption [by faith] (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Before one can access the blessings of God’s grace, one must be first taught of God through His Word (John 6:45). God’s grace is not dispensed apart from instruction (teaching) and obedience of His Word (taught religion). Once this is done, it produces faith (Romans 10:17).
Eternal Salvation is Conditional, Based on Faithfulness
- • To obtain and retain eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God, and faith in God will require you to obey the works of obedience which God has commanded (James 2:17-24). If you do not do these things you will not be saved which is condition of your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- We are admonished repeatedly to overcome all things that we might obtain the crown of life that the Lord will give us (1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21-22).
- In 2 Peter 1:5-11 it is clear Christians must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (we access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make your calling and election sure.
- If an individual disciple of Christ stops being faithful to God, they have departed from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). They need to repent of the sins that caused them to depart from the faith to be reconciled back to God (1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:1. Simon was baptized and then erred from the truth and was admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:18-24).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Leviticus 06:01-07 Restoring First Century Christianity – audio
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Text: Leviticus 6:1-7
Introduction
- The word restore, or restoration, means to bring back to or to put back into a former or original state; a return of something to a former, or original condition like a building, stature, or painting.
- In our scripture reading (Leviticus 6:1-7), we learn the Law of Moses provided a plan of restitution to those whom were victims of robbery (Leviticus 6:4-5).
- Today, we want to focus our attention to bringing back Christianity, the church, to the original state it was in the first century when it was established to achieve the unity that Jesus prayed to His Father about (John 17:20-23).
- To restore Christianity, we must follow God’s plan (Colossians 3:17). A return to the total authority of the Bible as God’s Word is necessary to restore Christianity. A return back to the Bible (the original) in all things we must do, so we can speak the same thing & be of the same mind and same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Restoration Implies Man Has Left God’s Pattern
- It is unfortunately that man has left God’s pattern for him through the deceitfulness of sin. If you depart from the pattern God has laid down for us, you will
(1) be separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2)
(2) Suffer the consequences of sin (Romans 6:23). Did not Nadab and Abihu suffer the consequences from leaving God’s pattern in regard to their service a priest (Leviticus 10:1-2)? - In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, the Spirit teaches us that some will depart from the faith because they have submitted themselves to seducing spirits and doctrines of the devil. As a result of departing from the faith and God’s message, you have no fellowship or relationship with God (2 John 9-11).
- In Romans 10:1-3, Paul expresses his desire for his brethren to be saved but they could not because their religious zeal was not according to the Word of God and they were not willing to submit to the righteousness of God. The scribes and Pharisees are like the denominations of today because they vainly honor & worship God by teaching doctrines of men [a departure from God and His Word] (Matthew 15:8-9).
God Wants His Church Restored
- God wants members of the brotherhood of the Lord’s church to return to the original pattern for the church, and God’s wants members of denominations to leave their doctrines of men & false religious bodies, and be added to the original, the one true church and be saved (Acts 2:47).
- God wants His church to be restored to its’ plan of salvation (Acts 2:38), mission (Matthew 28:18-20), organization (Titus 1:5), and worship (John 4:24). But we have to be willing to bring back the church in all things to the original pattern which is contained in the Word of God (Acts 17:10).
- Are you ready to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent? Are you prepared to call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways? Why not, restore Christianity today (1 Peter 4:11)?
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
1 Peter 02:09-10 Out of Darkness into Light
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Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Introduction
- There is sin everywhere and the world is lying in wickedness (1 John 5:19). The world outside of Christ, is dead in trespasses and sins. They’re walking aimlessly in darkness toward destruction. This is why you need to step out of darkness and death and into the light of Jesus. Because He (Jesus) has made us alive through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-5).
- Jesus came to earth to heal the brokenhearted, to send the message of deliverance to the captives that they might be free, and to recover the sight of the blind that they would see and obey the truth of God (Acts 26:16-18). Jesus came to deliver us out of darkness in his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9-10).
Why Step Out of Darkness?
- You must step of darkness because it will cause you to stumble and go in the wrong direction (John 11:9-10).
- Men and women do not have the ability to direct their own way successfully (Jeremiah 10:23). The Word will guide you (Psalm 119:105).
- In darkness Satan blinds you and keeps you from seeing and obeying the truth that saves you (2Corinthians 4:3-4).
- It is necessary to step out of darkness because remaining in darkness will lead you to hating your brother instead of walking in the light of love (1 John 2:9-11).
- Therefore, let us cast of the works of darkness (Romans 13:11-14).
- It is imperative; we each step out of darkness and into light of Jesus because if we do not believe in Jesus, we will be eternally separated from God (John 8:24). In John 3:36, the Spirit of truth confirms, there is no everlasting life with God, without belief in Jesus. That means spending eternity wailing and gnashing your teeth in outer darkness, if you continue to walk in darkness (Mathew 13:40-42).
Should We Walk into the Light of Jesus Christ?
- You should walk into the light of Jesus to get out of darkness, because Jesus came into the world to be the light of the world (John 8:12).
- Since Jesus is the light, those who are unbelieving are walking in darkness and are condemned.
- (Do know why people hate Christians?) They hate the light because Jesus exposes who they are (John 3:18-21). In John 1:5 the Bible declares “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
- You must step out of darkness and into the light of Jesus because by the power of God you can overcome sin and darkness through Jesus. In Colossians 1:12-14, the Sword of the Spirit declares that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. We must abide in Jesus so darkness will not abide in us (John 12:46).
- Therefore, let those of us that were in darkness make sure we continue to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-11). To those who are lost, walking in darkness, why not make the decision to walk in the pathway of light.
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
2 Peter 01:10-11 Weighed in the Balance and Found Wanting?
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Text: 2 Peter 1:10-11
Introduction
- A balance is a weighing device with a beam poised with its center on a neutral pivot. An item to be weighed is placed at one end of the beam, and a weight supposed to be equal to it is placed at the other end. If the item is equal, the beam will remain level or perfectly horizontal. If the item is found wanting, it will be discovered.
- Figuratively this means that a man is weighed or compared with what is required of him (God’s standard the Word of God) and if he stands the test the beam will be level, if not the balance will be uneven which indicates condemnation by God.
- In Daniel 5, Belshazzar King of Babylon (the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar) had a great feast (party) for 1000 of his lords. He commanded to bring the golden & silver vessels Nebuchadnezzar had take from the temple in Jerusalem, and they drank wine and praise all their false gods of various materials. He saw something that blew his mind a fingers of a man’s hand writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5-9; Daniel 5:25-31).
Are You Zealous for the Lord or Lukewarm?
- Are you a positive asset in the Lords church? Are you actively functioning/working as a member of the body of Jesus? I Corinthians 12:12-20 Have you made the decision as a Christian to abide in the true vine and bear much fruit? (John 15:5-6).
- Did you know that the Lord our God needs His servants to work in the vineyard of the Lord, to accomplish His work of spreading the good news of the gospel, to the world that the dead might be made alive through Jesus (Matthew 9:37-38)? A part of our faith to God is to maintain good works (Hebrews 10:24; Matthew 5:16).
- If you are not a zealous worker for the Lord, you are a liability for the cause of Christ and will be in jeopardy of being cast into the fire. In Revelation 3:14-21, the church of the Laodiceans was warned about being lukewarm and being spewed out of God mouth. You and I do not want to be weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Are you a Faithful Servant or a “Flaky Forsaker”?
- The faithful servant is rewarded with blessing from his lord, but the unfaithful and disobedient worker is punished. Let us consider the benefits and consequences of being a faithful servant verses a “flaky forsaker” (parable of talents Matthew 25:20-30).
- A faithful servant will not allow things to go undone (Ecclesiastes 9:10). A faithful laborer of God will do and teach that which is in accordance with God’s will and help their family and the church to grow (Genesis 18:19).
- The wisdom of the Word of God teaches us to have a just weight (Proverbs 11:1). Make sure you’re weights are just and balanced when God weighs us in His balances on the Day of Judgment (2 Peter 1:10-11).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Submit to God to be Free from Sin – Romans 6:16-18
Text: Romans 6:16-18
Introduction
- The world that we live in teaches us to empower self (becoming your own god), to gain happiness and success instead of submitting yourself to God, to be blessed and prosper (Psalm 1:1-3).
- When you make the decision to submit to self or the world, you’re making a decision to be enslaved to unrighteousness and death. This is why you need to yield yourself to God to be made free from the bondage of sin (John 8:31-32).
You Become Servants to Whomever You Submit
- In Romans 6:16, the Bible teaches us whoever you choose to submit to becomes your master whom your will serve. This is why it is important to know of a surety who you decide to submit to (God or Satan).
- Satan packages sin with so much glitter and gold to make it look like a great deal to be his servant. But Satan never shows you the fine print that says obeying & serving him will lead to eternal death (1 Peter 5:8).
Become a Servant of Righteousness by Submitting to God
- In Romans 6:17-18, the Spirit of truth conveys that the Christians at Rome were at one time servants of sin, but made the decision to obey the doctrine of Christ, to become free from sin and servants of righteousness.
- In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we find the Christians at Corinth were at one time unrighteous, but they decided to submit to God.
- If you are tired of being in the bondage of sin, if you are feed up with the painful consequences of walking in darkness, why not deny yourself and obey the doctrine of Christ to save your life and become servants of righteousness (Matthew 16:24-26).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFUL
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Presented at the Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
Blessings of Sowing and Reaping – John 4:31-38
Text: John 4:31-38
Introduction
- Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father, to finish his work, to provide a perfect sacrifice for man’s sins that the lost might be saved through faith in Him [Jesus] (John 19:30).
- After Jesus was resurrected, He gave his disciples a charge to teach every creature and teach every nation, teaching them everything he taught the them (Mark 16:15-16). This great work is passed unto us as Christians to evangelize the world.
- Sometimes we complain about the work of evangelism; because frequently there is not instant gratification. But my Christian friends, let us be encouraged to sow the seed and reap the harvest. Because, how can there be a harvest, if the farmer doesn’t sow the seed? (Proverbs 11:30).
Sowers and Reapers Rejoice Together at the Fruit of the Harvest
- The laborers of the vineyard of the Lord should not complain about their respective roles (sower/reaper), but rejoice God has blessed their efforts and have caused the seeds planted to grow into maturity ready to be harvested. We are laborers together with God to save lost souls – (I Corinthians 3:9).
- In Galatians 6:7-8, we are reminded to not sow of the flesh but to sow the things of the Spirit that we might reap everlasting life.
- In John 4:36, Jesus teaches us that both sower and reaper are to rejoice together. Therefore, let us labor in sowing and reaping that we might have rejoicing with God when souls are saved (Luke 15:10).
- Why not decide to be a sower or reaper in the Vineyard of the Lord and enjoy in the blessings of eternal life. God made it possible by the offering up of His Son Jesus to die as the perfect sacrifice for sin. God raised Him up to life defeating sin and death. You can have victory in Jesus Christ. Why not come?
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Presented by Harry D. Anderson, Jr. at the Gahanna Jefferson Church of Christ On June 29, 2011.
Blinded by Satan – John 8:12
Text: John 8:12
Introduction
- Satan, the god of this world, our enemy the devil, has been successful in blinding or covering the eyes of many, the lost, from the truth that they might be saved.
For example:
– Has not Satan blinded women whom have chosen to abort (murder) their unborn child? (1 John 3:15).
– Has not Satan blinded atheist whom do not believe in God? (Psalm 14:1).
– Has not Satan blinded those who practice sexual immorality? (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
– Has not Satan blinded those who believe being good is good enough to make it to heaven (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). - This is why we need to be reminded that Jesus is the light of the world, and to follow Him, so we don’t walk in darkness (John 8:12).
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT SATAN USES TO BLIND US?
- One of the things that Satan uses to blind us is human reasoning.
We should realize our human knowledge is limited, but God is omniscient (All Knowing), so doesn’t it make sense to put your trust in God who knows all. In (Proverbs 16:2), we learn the ways of man are clean in his own eyes, but God judges (Proverbs 14:12). - Satan also uses our preconceived ideas to blind our eyes from the truth.
Many Jews rejected Jesus because he did not fit their preconceived ideas of the Messiah as a conquering King. A suffering servant, whom would die for the sins of the world, did not fit their preconceived ideas about the Messiah, even though these things are confirmed by the prophets (Luke 24:13-25) Way to Emmaus (Read Luke 24:13-27). - Satan also uses people’s blind faith in false preacher’s the cover their eyes from the truth.
These individuals have failed to search the scriptures for themselves to identity the words or speech of their preacher’s as truth or error (Acts 17:11). - Therefore, make sure you get to the source of the truth, the Word of God.
Do not get blinded by human reasoning, preconceived ideas, or false teachers because Satan and his followers will be rooted up and fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:13-14).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM FAITHFUL LIVING
Presented by Harry D. Anderson, Jr. June 15, 2011 at the Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ, Blacklick, Ohio
God Is – Genesis 1:1
Introduction
GOD IS OUR CREATOR.
He made the world (kosmos) in an orderly arrangement which includes the moons, planets, stars, earth, and mankind (Genesis 1:1).
Body
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT
- The term omnipotent describes God as being ALL POWERFUL. God created the heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1).
- It was through God’s power that the Red Sea was divided and the Israelites walked on dry ground into the midst of the sea, and the Egyptians also followed on dry ground in the midst of the sea, but by God’s power the walls of water came down and drown all the Egyptians (Exodus 14:15-31). By God’s power, Jesus was resurrected from the grave (Acts 3:14-15).
GOD IS OMNISCIENT
- The term omniscient denotes God as having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. In other words, God is ALL KNOWING. This is a characteristic that men and women do not posses. And since God knows everything, and we are limited in our knowledge, we should humble ourselves before Him (Hebrews 4:13). God knows when Jesus is going to come back again. We do not know when Jesus is going to return – (Matthew 24:36).
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT
- The term omnipresent is the fact of God being present in all places at all times. In Psalm 139:7-8, David affirms God is everywhere. In Proverbs 15:3, the Bible teaches us the eyes of the Lord are in every place.
GOD IS LOVE
- The message of the Bible is the love that God has for us so that we can be reconciled back to Him through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9-10).
Conclusion
- God is our shelter or protection, when the storm’s of life arises. God is our source of strength in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). God is the giver of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
- According to Isaiah 12:2, God is our salvation. Therefore, you and I should be encouraged to Trust the LORD JEHOVAH. Let us also call to remembrance; our God is a consuming fire according to (Hebrews 12:29).
- This is why we all need to respond to the loving call of God. Now is the acceptable time. Why not come to Him tonight as we stand and sing?
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Presented by Harry D. Anderson, Jr. on May 25, 2011 at the Gahanna Jefferson Church of Christ
Matthew 09:35-38 Are You Laboring? audio
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Text: Matthew 9:35-38
Introduction
- • The word labor means to exert one’s power in mind or body especially in continuous effort to accomplish a determined goal. In Genesis 11:1-8, the people had one language and had determined to build a tower and they exerted their mind & body to accomplish this goal until the Lord changed those plans.
- You and I as Christians need to be continuously employing ourselves at laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. In Matthew 9:35-38, we find Jesus is employed at going about the cities and teaching in their synagogues preaching the gospel and healing the sick and was moved with compassion on the multitudes because they’re as scattered sheep having no shepherd.
- Sometimes we may labor to do the wrong things in which will not profit us. But Jesus admonishes us to labor not for the meat that perishes but for the meat which endures to everlasting life (John 6:27-29).
God Expects Us to be Members of the Body
And Labor in His Vineyard
- God labored for six days as He created the world, and on the seventh day God rested from His work (Genesis 2:1-3). To enjoy the rest that God has prepared for you, you must work as God worked to entered into His rest (Hebrews 4:9-11).
- When you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, God added you to the body of Christ (church). Each member of the body of Christ has a job or function that must be performed if the church is to function properly (Romans 12:4-8).
- Christians must take time from daily schedules to work for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let us be encourage to labor for the Lord now since we will all have to give account the things done in the body before God (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
- In Galatians 6:7-8 the Bible teaches, you will reap what you sow, therefore you must spend time sowing things of the Spirit and not of the flesh, so you can reap everlasting life.
Why Will Some Refuse to Work?
- Many Christians & members of the church will refuse to work in God’s vineyard because they have not been converted (Matthew 13:15; Matthew 18:3).
- Others will refuse to serve God because they love worldly living more than they love God. These will try to appear spiritual in the assembly of the saints, but Jesus lets us know you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 6:24; I John 2:15-17).
- Let us all be encouraged to labor in the vineyard of the Lord that we might rest from our labors (Revelations 14:13).
- If you are laboring in the vineyard of Satan, and have burdens you can no longer bear, why come to Jesus? (Matthew 11:28-30).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Why is the Bible Important? – audio
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Introduction
- The English word Bible comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning books. The Holy Bible is the collection of inspired books (39 old testament, 27 new testament), revealing in God’s Words how sinful man can be reconciled to Him through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – John 3:16-17
- For this reason it is important to know the indispensible value of God’s written law for men and women. It will determine where you and I will spend eternity, since it will judge us in the last day – John 12:48
- Let us examine further why the Bible is important.
Body
- The Holy scriptures are important because they are the inspired Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- God moved holy men as they were moved by the Spirit – 2 Peter 1:20-21
- The Bible was written over a span of about 1,500 years by forty different inspired authors, with no contradictions or conflicts in their writings.
- God’s law is important because it’s perfect. It has the ability to save your soul, if you obey it – Psalm 19:7; James 1:21
- The Word of God is important because it is absolute truth – John 17:17
- It is the standard that determines what is right or wrong.
- Through the Word of God you get an understanding of what is true and false – Psalm 119:104
- The Bible is important because it is the guide that leads you out of darkness to the light – Psalm 119:105
- The Sword of the Spirit is important because, it’s powerful, it gets to the thoughts, and intents of the heart – Hebrews 4:12
- The Bible is important because it reveals facts and answers that mankind has questions about. Did you know the Bible reveals that:
– The earth is round – Isaiah 40:22
– The center of the earth is molten – Job 28:5
– The earth floats in space – Job 26:7
– Water vapor rises from the earth – Jeremiah 10:13
– The wind moves in patterns – Ecclesiastes 1:6
Conclusion
- Is the Bible, the Word of God, the center of all things in your life? Is it the standard you live by and base all your decisions upon? If it’s not, why not?
- Why not obey the Word of Truth today and save yourself from the wrath of God?