Historical Posts
I Will Pray
“Father, in the morning unto Thee I pray; let Thy loving kindness keep me through this day. At the busy noontide, pressed with work and care, then I’ll wait with Jesus till He hear my prayer. When the evening shadows chase away the light, Father, then I’ll pray Thee bless Thy child tonight. Thus in life’s glad morning, in its bright noon-day, in the shadowy evening, ever will I pray. I will pray, I will pray, eve will I pray; morning, noon, and evening unto Thee I’ll pray.” These words were penned by A. Cummings in 1875, and set to music by John Harrison Tenney. These words express a desire to pray unto God all the time: morning, noon, and evening.
Many years before these words were written, David expressed the same sentiment. He wrote, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me (Psalm 55:17-18).” David knew the importance of prayer, and its blessings.
Prayer should be an important part of our lives even today! Paul wrote, “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).” We should pray every morning, noon, and evening! It is God’s will in Christ Jesus that we pray to Him!
How often do you pray? God is abundant in blessing; are you thankful? Let us, like David and Paul, tell ourselves: “I will pray; I will be thankful!”
The Church in Smyrna
As Christians, we often need encouragement. A kind word, pat on the back, handshake, hug, or some other token of appreciation is needed once in a while. That is one good thing about the Lord’s church meeting not only on the first day of the week, but during the middle of the week as well. We need to “recharge our batteries” to be able to keep working during the rest of the week. Consider the Lord’s words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). It is easy to be encouraged as A-B-C.
Admonition.
The church in Smyrna is praised for doing good things! The Lord knows their works, tribulation, and poverty (even though they are rich). Last week we talked about being poor in the world but being rich toward Christ. Sometimes we need to be encouraged to keep doing what we’re doing, even though it may seem difficult. There were those who opposed those in Smyrna, and were called a synagogue of Satan. The Lord would reprimand them (Revelation 3:9-10), yet encourage those who were faithful.
Be faithful.
Following praise for what they have already done, those in Smyrna were encouraged to keep doing what they were doing! As they were faithful in the past, they must continue to be. Jesus said earlier, “He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).” Do not worry what others may do to you; rather, be concerned about pleasing God.
Crown of life.
Finally a reward is mentioned for being faithful. Those that endure will be saved; those that are faithful until death will receive a crown of life; those that overcome shall not be hurt by the second death! It is always good to be rewarded for good behavior. That should be the last bit of encouragement! We will be rewarded for doing good!
Do you know your ABCs? Accept admonition! Be faithful! Receive the crown of life!
Stir Up Your Gift
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Do you have a “hidden talent?” There are things that people may do that no one knows about. Those things can be good, beneficial, or even just odd. Perhaps they do not use them because they are shy, or understand how it can be beneficial.
Do we have special gifts that are being unused for the kingdom of God? Paul told Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).” Also, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14).” Timothy had a gift, yet should not neglect it. We all have some special gift to use in God’s kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 12), and therefore must not neglect it. Instead, we should stir it up!
As Paul gave Timothy this gift, he laid his hands on him. Comparably, in Acts 6 seven men were chosen to see about the work regarding neglected widows. When the disciples came together, they prayed for them and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:6). Similarly, Paul prayed for Timothy and laid his hands on him, blessing him in the work that he was about to do.
We will be blessed if we do the work of God, and others are praying for us. Do we have the courage to stir up our gift? We must not neglect it, but use it to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. By each of us using our talents that God gave us, the Lord’s church will grow. After all, He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Heaven is Open – audio
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Introduction
A. The Bible describes Heaven as a beautiful place.
B. Have you ever wondered just what you would see if it were opened?
C. Tonight we will take a peek, and see what appears as Heaven is opened for us.
D. It may not be what you expect!
Body
I. Physical things come out of Heaven.
A. The first time we are told that Heaven is opened, God sends rain upon the earth (Genesis 7:10-12; 8:1-3).
1) The lives of Noah and seven others are saved because he found grace in the eyes of God.
2) Everyone else perished because their thoughts were only evil continually.
B. Asaph tells of the time that God opened the doors of Heaven, and sent manna and quail to feed the children of Israel after they left the land of Egypt (Psalm 78:23-30; Exodus 16; Numbers 11).
II. Spiritual things come out of Heaven.
A. The prophet Malachi records the words of the LORD regarding His blessings pouring out of the windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10-12).
III. Visions can be seen when Heaven is opened.
A. The prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God as the heavens were opened (Ezekiel 1:1). He went on to share to those of Israel what would happen if they would not repent.
B. John had visions of things that would shortly come to pass as the door opened in Heaven (Revelation 4:1; 19:11).
C. Peter saw Heaven opened, and an object like a great sheet descending to him full of unclean animals (Acts 10:11ff.).
D. Jesus told Nathanael he would see Heaven open, and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:49-51).
IV. God can be seen as Heaven is open. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one (1 John 5:7; John 1:1,14).
A. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him and His Father spoke good of Him (Matthew 3:16-17).
B. As Stephen preached the gospel, he was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God as the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-60).
Conclusion
A. If Heaven were to open right now, what would you see?
B. Would you want to be there forever with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and others?
C. There is only one way to get there, and that is through Christ (John 14:6).
D. Heaven is open for you; won’t you come in?
Our Citizenship is in Heaven
February 2014 is a busy month. The Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. People from all over the world assemble together to compete for a gold medal in their respective sports. Also, the United States is celebrating Presidents’ Day. Those citizens, born in different states in the same country, have been elected to lead the country in the direction they think best. The world is very diverse. Yet, at the same time can be united!
We may be citizens of different states of America, or we may be citizens of different countries across the globe. However, we can all be citizens of Heaven! Paul said, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21).”
A birth certificate is used to prove where one was born physically. To be citizens of Heaven, we need to prove we have been born spiritually. Jesus taught one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3-7). When one is born again of baptism, he has his name written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12; 21:27).
Your temporary, physical, citizenship does not matter eternally, but your eternal, spiritual, citizenship does.
Is your citizenship in Heaven?
There’s a Book Out There…
If you want to know about history, there’s a book out there that will give you information. If you want information on where to travel, there’s a book out there that will tell you. If you just want to relax and unwind before falling asleep at bedtime, there’s a book out there just for you.
If you want to know about the past, present, and future of mankind, “there’s a book out there…” These words were often uttered by Ken Ham, defender of creation to Bill Nye, defender of evolution in the debate on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. His point should be well noted. Only the Word of God can tell us everything we need to know!
- Man’s creation
- The beginning of sin
- God’s plan of eternal salvation
- Judgment
- Eternal life or eternal destruction
These subjects are all included within the pages. It should be a book we all study.
Sadly, many people do not know God’s words. We must know and do them in order to have eternal life. James says, “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17).” Also, faith without works is dead (James 2:17); faith is needed in order to come to God (Hebrews 11:6). Where does faith come from? Paul tells us: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).”
If we want to know what to do to be saved, there is a book out there! If we want to know how to live a Christian life, there is a book out there! If we want to know who God is and how much He loves us, there’s a book out there! We need to know the truth of all things, and there is a book out there for that (John 17:17)! That one book is the Word of God, the Bible.
The Crown of Life
When one hears the “crown of life,” immediately he may begin to think of the words in Revelation. The church at Smyrna was told, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).” The idea is clear: work hard all the days of your life in the Lord’s kingdom, and you will receive an eternal reward.
This “crown of life” is not only found in Revelation! James also says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).” Here, James stresses the idea of enduring temptation. All of us are tempted, even as Jesus Himself was (Matthew 4:1-11). Because He overcame temptation, so can we. As Jesus knew what was written, so should we study God’s Word to be approved of Him (2 Timothy 2:15). We show we love Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15). Thus, knowing God’s Word and doing it will help us receive the crown of life!
This “crown of life” will last an eternity. Paul said, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24).”
If we want to receive this crown, we must work at it. Temperance is not only a quality of an athlete, but it is a fruit of the Spirit for a Christian (Galatians 5:22-23). Once that reward is obtained, it will last forever!
The Integrity of the Poor and the Perversity of the Rich
People may be classified into two categories: rich and poor. We may be tempted to view the rich as snobbish, haughty, and proud. The poor we might see as as humble, caring, and loving. Those who are rich might think their riches excuse their behaviors, whereas those who are poor usually take responsibility for their actions. Consider how the wise man says this is viewed before the LORD (Proverbs 11:1-6).
The poor walks in his integrity. I have often heard integrity defined as, “what one does when no one else is around.” Notice how the wise man talks about righteousness and integrity. Elsewhere in Proverbs, the poor is described as having integrity (Proverbs 19:1; 28:6). Sometimes being without things helps one appreciates the things one has. Paul taught the Philippians that he knew what it was like to be without, and he knew what it was like to have too much. In whatever state we are in, we should be content (Philippians 4:11-12).
The rich is perverse in his ways. To be perverse is to be “bent, crooked, or twisted.” It describes someone living in moral error. Here in our text the wise man uses terms like “pride, unfaithful, perverse, and wicked.” Some people think having riches would be the best thing in this world; however, this world and all its riches do not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). Remember that an appearance of a life of physical luxury does not always reveal a hidden life of perversity.
The wise man says, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and not a fool (Proverbs 19:1).” Also, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich (Proverbs 28:6).”
Either rich or poor, we must be content! Remember, “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust (Proverbs 11:6).” God will care for those who are faithful to Him, and righteous before Him.
Obedience Through Suffering
Sometimes it is very hard to do something that somebody else wants you to do.
Parents want their children to make their beds, clean their rooms, take out the trash, or set the table. Teachers want their students to do their homework, study for tests, do book reports, or work long hours to finish a project. Bosses want their employees to be on time every day, complete all tasks, and treat everyone in the office kindly. These things may be very hard to do. Children do not want to obey their parents; students do not want to do study; employees like to goof off at work.
Even God’s own Son learned obedience through suffering.
“Though He were a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).” Paul even told the Philippians He “…became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).” Imagine the suffering that Christ went through! Not only as He grew, but also before and during his crucifixion. Did Jesus want to die? No! He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but You will (Matthew 26:39).”
What if we all had an attitude like Christ?
Regardless of what we want to do, we need to do God’s will! This may cause us to suffer, but in the end it will have all been worth it. By learning to obey others, we can learn to obey God. All we have to do is read His Word and do what it says (James 1:22).
Sometimes it may be hard, but God will reward us for our efforts.
John 4:25-42 The Samaritan Woman’s Mission – audio
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Text: John 4:25-30, 39-42
Introduction
We have a mission in this world: come to know Christ, and help others come to know Him!
There was one woman who did this very well. She is the Samaritan recorded in the gospel of John (John 4:25-30, 39-42).
Body
I. Jesus revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman.
A. It was foretold that a Prophet would arise out of Israel (Deuteronomy 18:15), and she had earlier perceived that Jesus was a prophet (John 4:19).
B. Daniel prophesied of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27), and the Samaritan woman knew that He was coming (John 4:25). Even Andrew pointed out to Peter that he had found the Messiah (John 1:41). These all quickly learned that Jesus, in fact, was the Messiah and Christ.
II. She went and told others about Him.
A. Jesus commanded a man who was healed from demons to go and tell others what the Lord had done for him (Mark 5:19-20).
B. Jesus commanded John’s disciples to go and tell him what they had seen and heard (Luke 7:22-23).
C. The Samaritan woman went on her own and told others (John 4:28-30).
III. People came to learn about Jesus.
A. They were brought to Christ by the Samaritan woman (John 4:39-40).
B. Many believed because of Christ’s own words (John 4:41).
1. Christ’s words are with authority (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32).
2. The words Christ speaks are spirit and life (John 6:63,68).
3. His words are with us today (John 17:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25).
C. Many believed for themselves, and not to appease the Samaritan woman (John 4:42).
1. We must have our own faith (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6).
2. We must all give account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5-6).
Conclusion
The Samaritan woman is a good example of leading others to Christ.
It is our duty to share the good news of Christ with others.
It is God’s duty to help the church grow (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19).
No Cause for Stumbling
Do you know of anyone that is clumsy?
Perhaps at one time or another we have bumped into something. Even though the coffee table has been there as long as we can remember, we still bump into it occasionally.
Do we stumble spiritually?
Peter told Christians, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
Physically, we are careful where we step.
We keep a close eye out or something that may impede our path, and carefully remove any obstruction.
Spiritually, we must do the same thing.
If we are diligent concerning our salvation, we will study God’s word and remove anything and everything that hinders our path to heaven.
By taking the necessary precautions and actions, we can never stumble! Instead, we have that abundant entrance into the kingdom of Christ.
Prophet Without Honor – audio
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Many times people get discouraged when no one listens or responds to the gospel.
They think they are the ones who could do a better job. I can remember preaching my first sermon; I expected someone to walk down the aisle to the front during the invitation song. You can imagine my disappointment when no one did.
Even Jesus had a difficult time when in Nazareth.
When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He grew up), he marveled at the people’s unbelief! In fact, He could not do much except lay hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:1-6).
Imagine even the Son of God teaching, and many were offended at Him!
They knew who Jesus was because He grew up there. They knew His family, work, and education. Therefore, they had their doubts about Him. Jesus finally moved on to other mission fields.
Saul of Tarsus had problems at Jerusalem.
Ananias had just baptized him, and immediately he went to Jerusalem to join the disciples. However, they knew of his efforts to destroy the church and were wary. Barnabas went with him and declared what all the Lord had done for him (Acts 9:26-31). When all were comforted, the churches began to grow.
Sometimes the gospel is preached but not heard or obeyed.
However, it remains our responsibility and duty to preach it (1Timothy 4:2-5)! Sometimes we may be more effective outside our own territory, as were Jesus and Paul!
Let us not become discouraged, but seek a way to be effective in the Lord’s kingdom!
1 Corinthians 06:09-11 From Sinner to Saved – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Introduction
Last week we looked at how God views homosexuality. This is just one of many things that God does not approve of.
What if we are doing things that God does not approve of?
- Does He care?
- What must be done about it?
Consider what the Corinthians did, and the change they made (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Body
I. We must recognize that we are ALL sinners.
A. Every single one of us listening to this sermon was a sinner (Romans 3:23).
B. If we claim not to sin, then we are lying (1 John 1:8,10).
C. Because of our sin, we have been separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
II. We must recognize that God loves us.
A. Even though sin separates us from God, nothing separates us from the love of God (Romans 8:33-39).
B. God demonstrates His love for us by giving us His Son (John 3:16-17; 15:13-14; Luke 9:56).
C. Yes, while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-11).
D. Christ died for ALL of us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15), and His blood can cleanse ALL our sins, if we let Him (1 John 1:7).
E. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:11).
III. We must recognize God did His part; we must do ours!
A. We must have faith in Christ and what He did for us (Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6).
B. Our faith must work (James 2:17).
C. We must repent of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:8-12; Luke 13:3,5; 2 Peter 3:9).
D. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
E. We must be baptized in the blood of Christ to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
F. We must be raised to go and sin no more (Romans 6:1-7; 1 John 2:1-2) as the woman caught in adultery was told (John 8:10-12).
Conclusion
All of us are sinners, but God loves each and every one of us.
Do you love Him too? If so, you will become a Christian as He commands you (John 14:15).
Have your sins washed away, so you can receive everlasting life in Christ!
Job 19:23-27 I Know that My Redeemer Lives – audio
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Text: Job 19:23-27
Introduction
God allowed Satan to do anything to Job with the exception of taking his life. Everything Job had was taken away.
Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite tried to comfort him, but to no avail.
During their discourse, Job affirmed his belief that God would give everything back to him (Job 19:23-27).
Body
I. Job had a Redeemer, as do we.
A. Job had faith in God that even though what he had was taken away, God could give it back (Job 19:25; 1:21).
B. Asaph and Isaiah proclaimed that God is the Redeemer of Israel (Psalm 78:35; Isaiah 54:5).
C. The LORD is our Redeemer and Savior (Isaiah 49:26; 60:16).
D. God sent His Son to redeem…
1) …those under the law (Galatians 4:4-5).
2) …those who would later believe in Christ (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-15).
II. Our Redeemer lives!
A. Job knew his Redeemer lives forever (Job 19:25).
B. Jesus was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1,14; 1 John 1:1-4). He is still alive today, and always will be (Revelation 1:18)! Because of Him, we may live forever (John 14:19).
C. Besides John, many others witnessed Christ after His death, burial, and resurrection including Thomas (John 20:24-29).
III. We will all see God.
A. Job knew he would see God (Job 19:26-27).
B. David wanted to see the face of God (Psalm 17:15).
C. God is love (1 John 4:8,16), and while describing love Paul said that we would “see…face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).”
1) The pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).
2) We shall see God as He is, so we must purify ourselves (1 John 3:1-3).
3) Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7-8; Matthew 24:30-31).
IV. We must long to see our God!
A. Job’s heart yearned within him (Job 19:27).
B. John expressed, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)!” This was immediately after Christ said, “Surely I am coming quickly (Revelation 22:20).”
Conclusion
Job’s Redeemer lives; our Redeemer lives!
Are we ready for the return of Christ, that we may live forever with Him?
If so, we long for His return; if not, we need to become right with God. We can do so right now!
Do You Need a Reminder?
Have you ever tied a ribbon around your finger, only to forget what that was supposed to remind you of? Note pads, voice recordings, sticky notes, highlighters, and other products are for our use to remember something very important. It is often said, “If I don’t write it down I’ll forget it!”
Peter gives Christians a reminder. He writes, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease (2 Peter 1:15).” We truly need to remember the Lord’s inspired words even today. Peter has long since been deceased, but his inspired words remain in the Word of God.
We need constant reminders from God’s Word. We are faced with challenges every single day. Constant study of God’s Word will help us remember (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11). After all, Peter earlier said, “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you (2 Peter 1:12-13)…”
Use your highlighter in your Bible, make notes, and put sticky notes on the mirror to look at each day if needed. Put a ribbon on your finger so you will remember to turn the pages of God’s Word!
David’s Prayer is our Prayer – audio
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David’s prayer in Psalm 86:14-17 can apply to us today. He was concerned about the proud and violent men, and rightfully so. The wise man said these are some of the things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). These things even happened to Jesus, and imagine how God felt when His only Son died for us.
As David acknowledged, God is “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” That is why God allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He loves us, and made it possible that our sins can be removed. In order to do that, though, we have to obey Him. He is the truth (John 14:6), and we can be saved if we follow Him.
David prayed that mercy and strength would be given him. This prayer was answered! God is rich in mercy, evident by sending us His Son (Ephesians 2:4-5)! Likewise, our strength is found through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
As David concluded his prayer, he requested a sign for good so that those who hated him would see it and be ashamed. Imagine how people feel when they realize who Jesus is and what He has done for their sins by dying on the cross! Are we not ashamed? Remember, godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation (2 Corinthians 2:10)! God indeed helps us and comforts us, just as He has done to David.
Is Homosexuality Acceptable to God? audio
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Introduction
With all the hype surrounding A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” it would be helpful to see exactly what the Bible teaches regarding the issue of homosexuality.
It is widely accepted in society, but is it accepted by God, to whom we must give an account?
Body
I. God’s original plan for mankind.
A. In the beginning, God made two sexes: male and female. He did not make male and male, nor female and female (Genesis 1:27-28). The reason? They were to go forth and multiply! Reproduction can only occur with members of the opposite sex! When God saw that man was alone, He made a helper comparable to him. Did He make another man? No! He made a woman (Genesis 2:18-24).
B. God commanded the children of Israel not to have relations with members of the opposite sex (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). It is an abomination before the LORD!
C. Jesus often taught people the words of His Heavenly Father concerning marriage. He put His seal of approval on the fact that God joins men and women in marriage (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9).
D. The apostle Paul taught the Ephesians the relationship Christ has with His church, as a husband has with his wife. He affirmed the same words of Jesus that a “man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31).” He taught the Romans that we must follow God’s design. If not, He will allow us to continue to live in sin with dire consequences (Romans 1:21-32). This is “shameful!”
II. God punishes those who do not follow His plan.
A. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their exceeding wickedness, including sexual immorality (Genesis 13:13; 18:20,23,25). Men tried to commit immortality with the men that stayed in Lot’s house; these same men told Lot to leave before God destroyed those cities (Genesis 19). Later, Peter and Jude remind us of these examples so we will not suffer the same destruction (2 Peter 2:6-7; Jude 7).
B. Another similar instance occurred in the land of Gibeah. Men came to the house where a certain Levite was staying, and wanted to know him carnally. He would not give in, but instead gave them his concubine. Her death came as a result (Judges 19).
C. Paul reminds us that those that practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Conclusion
God clearly disapproves of homosexuality, but makes it possible to not continue practicing it! Just as the Corinthians, we can be washed by the blood of Jesus Christ after repenting (1 Corinthians 6:11).
It is good to know God’s law, but one must use it lawfully. Paul taught Timothy that God gives His law to sinners to know right from wrong, and the gospel to save them (1 Timothy 1:8-11). Notice that sodomites again are mentioned as sinners in this context.
2 Corinthians 05:14-17 All Things Become New – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 05:14-17
Introduction
The apostle Paul summarizes what the Christian life is all about. He begins telling the Corinthians that as Christ died for everyone, we should all live for Him and not ourselves. To be a Christian, we must:
1) Be in Christ
2) Allow the former things to pass away
3) Let all things become new
(2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
Body
I. We must be in Christ.
A. There is only one way to get into Christ: baptism.
(Galatians 3:26-27)
B. One must be in Christ in order to receive all spiritual blessings.
(Ephesians 1:3)
C. Being in Christ means that one must wear the name of Christ.
(Acts 11:26)
II. The former things have passed away.
A. We must die to sin in order to live a new life in Christ.
(Romans 6:1-11)
B. The Corinthians were living in sin, but did not have to any longer.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
C. Paul died to the law, being crucified to Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20)
D. Paul was crucified to the world, and the world to him.
(Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:20-22)
III. All things have become new.
A. We no longer think like the world; rather, we are transformed by renewing our minds.
(Romans 12:2)
B. The old man is put off with his deeds, and we put on the new man.
(Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15)
C. We no longer follow after fleshly things; now we walk after the Spirit.
(Romans 7:4-6; 8:1-11)
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, so should the Christian! The old man is gone, and now we must wear the name of Christ.
Let us put on the new man every day, and lead many souls to Christ!
Peter’s Doubt – audio
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Text: Matthew 14:25-31
Peter is often criticized for his lack of faith.
Earlier, he did struggle to believe in the Lord. He saw Jesus walking on the water and asked to come to Him. Jesus told him to come, and he began to walk on water. However, he became afraid of the wind and began to sink. Jesus then caught him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt (Matthew 14:25-31)?” Doubt can easily creep into our minds and cause us to second guess ourselves.
As our faith grows, doubts should fade and fade away.
Peter needs credit because later his doubt did fade away. After Jesus’ ascension, Peter had a vision of unclean animals let down from heaven. Naturally, they were unclean and Peter knew he was not supposed to eat them. A voice from heaven said, “What God has cleansed you must not call common (Acts 10:15).” As he wondered what this vision meant, the Spirit told him to go with men to the house of Cornelius “without doubting.” We are told Peter got up and went with them, which led to Cornelius’ salvation (Acts 10:17-23).
Just as Peter learned not to doubt God, so should we.
Living the Christian life is not always easy. We often struggle with trials and temptations that test our faith. When we need God’s help through these times, we should not doubt at all that He can help us.
James encourages Christians to “ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:6).”
We can rise in the hope that God will help us, or sink in despair, struggling for our spiritual lives.
Will you have faith in God?
The Word of God is not Bound
The ball and chain pictured above is how many people view God’s Word.
Like the ball and chain, it remains near, but is not useful. They leave it on the table or on the church pew. However, this was never God’s intention!
Paul told Timothy, “…I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:9-10).” Even though Paul was often in chains, the Word of God has never been and is not chained!
As with Paul, it is our duty to spread the Word of God wherever we go.
Carry it with you! Keep it in the forefront of your mind. After all, it should be “very near you, in your mouth and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:14)…”
Your words and actions are not chained!
Let others see the gospel of Christ in your life, and always teach the plan of salvation through the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).