Historical Posts
Being Prepared in 2014 – audio
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As the new year begins, many people have made new year’s resolutions.
Have you made yours? As children of God, there may be some things we could do better. Consider our text: 1 Peter 3:15-17. Let’s focus on three things that Peter encourages Christians to do.
Be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).
Peter encourages Christians to show why we believe what we believe! Many times we are asked about our faith, but how often can we steer someone to the right place in God’s Word for an answer?
When Jesus was faced with temptation by the devil, he often said, “It is written (Luke 4:4-12).” He knew what His Father wanted Him to do, and so should we!
Paul taught Timothy the importance of studying God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), which we can all do better this year.
Peter teaches us to “desire the pure milk of the word, that we may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).”
Have a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16).
The Hebrew writer wanted to have a good conscience, and asked others to pray for him in that regard (Hebrews 13:18-19). It should be our goal to have a clear conscience before God and live honorably before Him.
Be prepared to suffer for doing good (1 Peter 3:17).
Jesus Christ is the perfect example for suffering for good. Many people persecuted Him, and He even died on the cross for our sins. If we are to follow Him, we need to be prepared to stand up for the truth when others oppose us.
Paul taught the Philippians, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29).” Similarly, Paul told Timothy: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).”
We know that this coming year will bring tests of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us be prepared to give an answer for our faith, stand before God with a good conscience, and even suffer for doing good when necessary. May God bless us all as we serve Him this year!
He Who is Not Against Us – audio
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Copycat.
When I was much younger, people would try to be like me and I would try to be like them.
Sometimes, someone was similar to me without even trying; of course, I was similar to others whether they knew it or not. If someone tried to be like me and I didn’t approve of it, I would think of him as a “copycat.”
Copycats would not necessarily do bad things, but would certainly be annoying to the person they were copying.
Imagine seeing people you did not know doing good deeds like you do.
If someone were to have a similar lifestyle, you may know that they are Christians. Just because they speak and act like you, does that mean they cannot do those things?
Consider Jesus’ disciples.
They told Jesus that they witnessed someone casting out demons in His name, but forbade him because he did not follow them.
Jesus then explained to them that it was okay for someone else to do something in His name. “He who is not against us is on our side (Mark 17:40).”
If we all do something in the name of Christ, we are working on the same side!
There should be no conflict when we do things in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18).
Therefore, we should be encouraged, not discouraged, to know that there are others working for the Lord!
Do as I Say, Not as I Do – audio
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While doing errands last week, one employee said, “no cell phones allowed.” Soon after uttering these very words, she pulled out a cell phone and proceeded to check her own facebook. In other words, she seemed to say, “do as I say not as I do.”
Jesus described the scribes and Pharisees in the same way. “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do (Matthew 23:3).
In contrast, Jesus is always consistent!
Luke told Theophilus the things that Jesus “began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1).”
What Jesus told others to do, He did Himself.
He set an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
Are we following Jesus’ example? Are we consistent?
Are we showing the world the pattern of Christian living?
Let us put into practice every day of the week what we teach on Sunday and Wednesday.
Unapproachable Light – audio
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Introduction
Have you ever been disturbed by being in a dark room, and suddenly the light switch is turned on? Is the light so bright that you squinted your eyes until they adjusted? Have you ever been in a room that is too bright?
Imagine for a moment what an “unapproachable light” would be like.
Body
I. Text: 1 Timothy 6:15-16.
Paul describes Jesus Christ’s appearing to Timothy. He says it will be in His own time first of all, and that that He alone has immortality. Then, Paul describes Jesus of “dwelling in an unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.”
II. Christ’s appearing will be manifest in His own time.
Jesus taught the disciples that no one knows the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man will come again (Matthew 24:36-44). Therefore, we must always be ready!
He illustrates this in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
Our lights must always shine to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
III. Christ dwells in an unapproachable light.
Daniel described the nature of God to Nebuchadnezzar: “He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:22).”
John says of God through Christ that He is light and there is no darkness in Him at all; therefore, we should walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:5-7).
IV. No man can see or has seen the light where Christ dwells.
Jesus explained that no one has seen the Father but who is from God (Himself). Thus, only Jesus has seen that light.
He is more than man; He is the Son of God! Also, it is interesting that Jesus’ face “shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:1-2)” on the Mount of Transfiguration.
John assures us “…we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).”
Paul explains how we can approach that light by God changing us (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).
Conclusion
John paints a beautiful picture of how we will see God and remain with Him forever, and also reminds us to be ready for the second coming of Christ (Revelation 22:1-7).
Making the Right Choice – audio
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Introduction
Have you ever been faced with a decision of two options, one having a reward now and consequence later, and the other one with consequence now and reward later?
For example, go into a restaurant and look at the menu. “If I eat junk food now, I’ll pay for it later; on the other hand, if I eat this salad that I don’t like, it will help me get healthier.”
Body
I. Text: Hebrews 11:24-26.
Moses had a choice to enjoy all the pleasures of Egypt, and could have even grown up to rule over it. Instead, he chose to suffer with the children of Israel.
Why? He “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Moses did make a mistake, though. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own brethren. When he learned the matter was known, he fled from Pharaoh (who sought to kill him) to Midian (Exodus 2:11-15).
II. Moses valued the reproach of Christ.
Moses understood what it meant to suffer. Even though it may be difficult to endure, it is well worth it for the cause of Christ. Later the Hebrew writer says, “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come (Hebrews 13:13-14).”
The apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).”
Paul also said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (1 Corinthians 12:10).”
Peter links the sufferings of Christ to the glories that would follow (1 Peter 1:11), and encourages Christians in this way: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified (1 Peter 4:14).”
III. The reward outweighs the sufferings.
As Moses understood, Paul explained: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).”
Just imagine how sin has its pleasures, yet eternal consequences.
The sufferings of Christ may seem like suffering, yet has eternal rewards.
Conclusion
We are faced with spiritual choices every day.
What will we decide – to enjoy something sinful and pay for it eternally, or stand up for Christ and enjoy eternity?
Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Look up at the Pole – audio
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“I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole!”
I have heard that saying many times, and often wondered what was at the end of that pole. Initially, I think of a basketball goal or street light. It must have not been anything good, for one would still not touch whatever it was. However, sometimes what can be at the end of the pole is good!
The Bronze Serpent Saved Physical Life.
As the children of Israel journeyed to Edom by way of the Red Sea, they became very discouraged. Having nothing to eat or drink except the manna God provided, they began to complain. God does not like complaining (Philippians 2:14), so He sent fiery serpents among them. Many began to die, and those that remained confessed sin to Moses and begged the LORD to take away those serpents.
The LORD instructed Moses to put a fiery serpent on a pole, and if anyone looked at it when bitten would live (Numbers 21:4-9). Later, King Hezekiah had it cut down as people began to burn incense to it (2 Kings 18:4).
Jesus Christ Saves Spiritually.
As some things have a physical meaning, others have a spiritual meaning. As Jesus was teaching Nicodemus His purpose, He reminded him of the serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness. “…Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:12-16)…”
We often sing, ‘My Faith Looks up to Thee,’ and we should remember more than the cross itself. Jesus died on that cross for you and me! “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).”
Guarantee – audio
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A warranty or life-time guarantee means a lot in this day and time. We need people and things that are very dependable. Often, tests are done to determine how reliable a product is for consumers. People often tell us they will do things, and may or may not do them.
- Deuteronomy 18:15-22. God gives us a test for who is really from Him. All we have to do is see if what they say will come to pass. If it does, they are of God; if not, they are not. Also, this text tells us of a Prophet will arise that will speak God’s words to His people.
- Daniel 2:44-45. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that God will set up a kingdom that will stand forever. That “dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” Daniel, a prophet, guarantees that God’s kingdom will be set up and stand forever!
- Luke 1:30-33. The angel of the Lord told Mary that she would have a Son. Of Him, “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” What further proof do we need than God’s angel affirming Jesus was this very prophet?
A. Matthew 16:18-19. Jesus promised to build His church, the kingdom of God.
B. John 18:36. Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.
C. Hebrews 12:28. The kingdom of God cannot be shaken.
D. 1 Thessalonians 2:12. God calls us into the kingdom.
Jesus was the Prophet of God. He established His kingdom, the church, and it still stands today. Do you want to be a part of God’s kingdom? Will you share the gospel with others so they can be part of God’s kingdom too?
Making Melody in Your Heart to God – audio
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Introduction
Tonight is a night that many have looked forward to for a while. It is our “singing emphasis” night! We should all be in a joyous mood.
James tells Christians, “…Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms (James 5:13).” The nature of human beings is to sing when happy; how much more when we sing to the One who makes us eternally happy?
Body
I. We sing to God.
The apostle Paul clearly instructs us to “sing…and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).” Similarly, he tells the Colossians to “sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).”
God has done so much for us. In fact, He created us (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 100:3), and designed us so that our hearts have the opportunity to be pure in His sight.
A. Note that we make melody in our hearts.
Just as Christ offered Himself a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2), so do we. To those that are being saved and those who are perishing, we are the fragrance of Christ to God (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). A melody is a sweet sounding savor, just as God commands us to be for Him. God is pleased when our hearts are dear to Him in praise of song.
B. Note that we sing with grace in our hearts.
We are saved by the grace of God through our faith (Titus 2:11-15; Ephesians 2:8). Our singing to God should express thankfulness for the spiritual gifts in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). The apostle Paul often is thankful for the grace of God that came upon him (1 Corinthians 3:10; 15:10), and extends that grace toward others. For example, he told the Galatians: “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Galatians 6:18).”
II. We edify one another.
Paul directs us to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).” Similarly, he told the Colossians to: “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16)…”
We must remember that God is our audience and that we are singing with fellow Christians! How encouraging it is when we all come together to sing praises to God. The psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs uplift us as we describe the goodness of God.
The words of each song speak of God’s goodness toward man, man’s responsibility to God, and man’s relationship with man. Each message in song is edifying to us all.
Conclusion
I pray this evening that God has been pleased with our worship, and that we all have been edified. Let us all be encouraged to spread the word of Christ and His blessings.
1 John 01:03-07 True Fellowship – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:3-7
Introduction
True fellowship means:
- Sharing all things
- Having communion with
- Being in partnership
- Having a close mutual relationship
- Jointly participating with
- Contributing to, or even giving to others
In John’s first epistle, he explains how we can have true fellowship with God, Christ, himself, and others (1 John 1:3-7).
Body
I. We have fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:3,6).
A. From the beginning, God had something in common with man. He created him in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). Later, Christ (who was God in the flesh, John 1:1-2,14) prayed that we would be one just as He is one with God (John 17:20-26).
B. God has called us into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we have fellowship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). This is just part of being a Christian. Paul truly knew that by being baptized into Christ, we fellowship in His sufferings and death (Philippians 3:10; Romans 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:12).
C. When one becomes a Christian, he receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). There is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and when Christians obey that one gospel, we have fellowship with the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
II. Christians have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3,7).
A. The fact that we are Christians simply implies that we have fellowship! After all, we are all children of God and are trying to live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).
B. Regardless of background, we can have fellowship in Christ (Romans 1:16; Galatians 2:9; 3:27-28).
C. Those in Macedonia and Achaia are good examples of fellowshipping by helping those who are in need (Romans 15:26-27; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:13).
D. We have fellowship in spreading the gospel and sharing our faith (Philippians 1:5; Philemon 6; Ephesians 4:5; Jude 3).
E. We are to continue in fellowship (Acts 2:42,44-47; Hebrews 13:16).
III. Just as there are those we can have fellowship with, there are those we cannot fellowship with.
A. We cannot fellowship with demons, or devils (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Paul was speaking in context of serving things rather than God (idolatry).
B. Christians do not fellowship with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:7; John 1:5; 1 Peter 2:9).
Conclusion
God wants us to be in fellowship with Him, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers. It is a wonderful blessing! On the other hand, we must not fellowship with the world. Who are you in fellowship with?
Destroying the Works of the Devil
The devil has sinned from the beginning.
Jesus spoke to the Jews and Pharisees in the temple. Not understanding God was His Father, they claimed to be children of Abraham. When Jesus contradicted this, they began to say that God was their father.
In response, Jesus said: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).”
John also wrote in his first epistle, “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).”
Obviously, the works of the devil are evil. The works of Jesus Christ are good! In the end, good will triumph over evil.
Jesus did what He had to do, in order that the works of the devil would be destroyed.
- He came to the earth, tempted as we all are but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:21-22).
- He died.
- He was buried.
- He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
His resurrection destroyed the work of death. Thus, the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Thanks to Jesus Christ, our sins are removed!
Thanks to His resurrection, we too can live forever in Heaven with Him! Evil works will be destroyed, and as Christians we must do good works to glorify our Father in Heaven as Christ did (Matthew 5:16).
God’s Eternal Purpose – audio
Today is a day (December 25th) that many people wish would last forever. If kids have been good all year, then they just might get that special something they always wanted.
The Preacher recognizes that some things can last forever! Where we will be eternally depends on what we do here and now. The Preacher says, “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15).”
I. What God has done shall last forever.
A. The mercy of God endures forever (Psalm 136).
B. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, abides forever (John 1:1-2,14; 12:34; Hebrews 13:8).
C. His righteousness and salvation will abide forever (Isaiah 51:6).
D. His kingdom will last forever (Daniel 2:44).
E. The Word of God lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
II. We cannot add to or take away from what God does.
A. His Word is complete (Revelation 22:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
B. All of God’s gifts are good and perfect (James 1:17).
III. God requires an account of what is past.
A. Each of us will give account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12).
B. We will give an account to who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5).
C. We will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and will be rewarded for what we have done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
What we do in this life determines our eternal status: if we are faithful to God, we will forever be with Him in Heaven; if we do not obey the gospel or live faithfully, we will enter into eternal death. God has given us eternal gifts to save our eternal souls; will we accept them?
1 Corinthians 15:14-20 Thankful for the Murder of Christ – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 15:14-20
Introduction
This morning we studied how Stephen accused his listeners of being betrayers and murderers of Jesus Christ. I am very thankful that these things did happen!
Paul taught the Corinthians that Jesus had to die to rise again; if Christ had not risen, we would not have any hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14-20).
Thus, God gave us a gift that cannot be described (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Body
I. God gave us Jesus Christ.
A. God loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
B. The gift of Jesus Christ results in our justification from sin (Romans 5:16-18).
C. God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
II. God gave us grace.
A. Grace is God’s gift for salvation, but must be accompanied by faith (Ephesians 2:8).
B. God gives us faith through study of His Word, another precious gift (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
III. God gives us everything.
A. God gives us every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
B. It was God’s will to bring us forth by the word of truth (James 1:18). His Son and Word are truth (John 14:6; 17:17).
Conclusion
As Joseph’s brothers intended harm for him but God for good (Genesis 50:20), so did the people harm Christ for evil but God meant it for good. I am thankful that Christ died for my sins and that through Him I can find salvation and everlasting life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
“Gratitude…goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”—Henri J. M. Nouwen
“It is delightfully easy to thank God for the grace we ourselves have received, but it requires great grace to thank God always for the grace given to others.”—James Smith
Acts 07:37-53 Stephen’s Sermon Stings – audio
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Text: Acts 7:37-53
Introduction
Last Sunday night’s sermon helped us learn about those with hardened hearts and stiffened necks. Today we want to study about many that suffered from those symptoms, and the damage that was caused.
In fact, it is very relevant for all of us even today.
Body
I. Stephen preached about Moses.
A. Many years earlier, Moses told the children of Israel that God would raise up for them a Prophet like him (Acts 7:37). The Old Testament records when Moses spoke these words (Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19).
Naturally, that Prophet was Jesus Christ! Jesus would later appear with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, and it was made clear that we should no longer hear Moses or the prophets, but rather Christ (Matthew 17:4-5).
B. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and later gave them God’s commandments from Mt. Sinai (Exodus 12-20).
Stephen said their fathers rejected those commandments (Acts 7:38-39). John also testified that Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
C. The people denied Moses and turned back to Egypt in their hearts (Acts 7:40-43). They also began to serve idolatry (Exodus 32, Deuteronomy 9:16).
II. Stephen preached about Christ.
A. Just as their fathers rejected Moses, the people rejected Christ who Moses spoke about (Acts 7:51-53).
1) The LORD taught Samuel that Israel had rejected Him from reigning over them (1 Samuel 8:7).
2) The LORD sent prophets, and as Stephen said, they were all killed (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
3) Stephen’s audience was stung by hearing they were betrayers and murderers (Acts 7:52-53). Maybe some heard something similar by Peter (Acts 2:22-24,36; 3:13-15,18).
B. Moses was the lawgiver until Christ came (Galatians 3:19). When Christ arrived, He is the Mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24).
C. The common factor between the people of Moses’ day and Christ’s day is they both resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).
1) The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14).
2) We should not grieve the Holy Spirit as Stephen knew they were doing (Ephesians 4:30).
3) God gives us the Holy Spirit, and by rejecting Him we reject God (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16).
4) God reveals the hidden things through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:16-21).
Conclusion
Jesus taught that people would not always listen to Him, and they will not always listen to us.
Jesus says that when people hear us, they hear Him; if they reject us, they reject Him (Luke 16:10; John 13:20).
Jesus also knew that as He was persecuted, we will also (John 15:20). Stephen was then persecuted, even to death (Acts 7:54ff.).
Exodus 17:1-7 Hardened Hearts and Stiff Necks – audio
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Text: Exodus 17:1-7
Introduction
While in college, a Bible professor called me “Dr. Dillon.” I may not be a physical doctor by any means, but can easily identify two common diseases: hardened hearts and stiffened necks. These are very common in the Old Testament.
Body
I. Hardened hearts
A. The children of Israel had hardened hearts as they wondered in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4; 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13).
B. The LORD told Ezekiel about Israel’s hardened hearts (Ezekiel 3:7-9).
C. Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were removed from their kingdoms because of hardened hearts (Daniel 5:18-23).
D. The priests questioned the Philistines regarding their hardness of hearts, just as Pharaoh and the Egyptians (1 Samuel 6:6; Exodus 7-14).
1) Pharaoh at times hardened his heart.
2) The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart other times. “God hardens the heart when He withdraws influences of His Spirit from men, and leaves them to pursue their own corrupt inclinations (Webster).”
II. Stiffened necks
A. Israel and Judah had stiffened necks, and the LORD led them captive to Assyria (2 Kings 17:13-17).
B. King Hezekiah encouraged some not to be stiff-necked as their fathers were (2 Chronicles 30:8).
C. King Zedekiah stiffened his neck before the LORD (2 Chronicles 36:11-13).
III. Applications
A. Calamity befalls those who harden their hearts and stiffen their necks before the LORD (Proverbs 28:14; 29:1).
B. Great wrath from the LORD will come upon them (Zechariah 7:11-14; Romans 2:5-6).
C. They will not enter into the LORD’s eternal rest (Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:7-15).
Conclusion
God shows us the Remedy, but we have to apply it.
Do you have a hardened heart?
Soften, or humble, it before God. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up (James 4:7-10).
Do you have a stiff neck?
Loosen it so as to encourage your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37-38; Romans 16:3-4).
Jude 1:20-21 Encouragement from Jude – audio
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Text: Jude 1:20-21
Introduction
As Christians, we all need encouragement.
Paul taught the Thessalonians, “therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as also you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”
As the early Christians did, so today we gather upon the first day of the week to worship God and edify one another.
Let us look at Jude’s encouraging words to Christians (Text: Jude 20-21).
Body
I. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
We have a most holy faith. Earlier in his epistle, Jude explained it was necessary to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered for the saints (Jude 3).” We can build ourselves up by contending earnestly for it! After all, it has been delivered.
How? “Faith has come from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).”
Since there is only one God, He gives us only one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must remain in that faith, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
Christians have a solid foundation in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and must build upon that foundation.
Peter tells us exactly how to build our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
II. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
One responsibility and privilege Christians have is prayer. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), as taught by Christ (Luke 18:1).
Just as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), so we need the Holy Spirit to speak to God. We all have our weaknesses, and sometimes do not know how to pray, or what to pray for. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
III. Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Paul made it very clear that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:35-39). On the other hand, is there anything that may separate us from loving God?
Jesus said if we love Him we must keep His commandments (John 14:15). To keep loving Him is to keep doing what He commands us. He commands us to love each other as He has loved us (John 13:34; 15:12-17).
IV. We have the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life to look forward to.
Paul said to Titus that we look forward to “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”
Even Mary proclaimed: “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).”
We do not need to say, “Lord have mercy on me” as many did to Jesus; rather, He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and we can obtain it to help us any time we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
It is through that mercy that He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Conclusion
If we build ourselves and each other on our most holy faith, continually pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God, we can look forward to eternal life through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
2 Corinthians 03:07-18 Removing the Veil – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Introduction
A veil is typically a piece of cloth cut out to conceal something.
Brides wear veils to conceal themselves before they are married; furniture is sometimes hidden under a veil so it will not attract dust.
Usually something important happens in order for a veil to be removed.
Body
I. Moses wore a veil (Exodus 34:29-35).
God had called Moses to speak with Him on Mount Sinai. After receiving the Ten Commandments, he descended to the people to report all the words of the LORD.
However, being in the presence of the LORD caused his face to shine brightly.
As the people were afraid to speak with Moses face to face, he put on a veil; when he spoke with the LORD, he would remove it.
II. A veil was placed in the temple and tabernacle.
God gave Moses instructions for building the tabernacle. A veil was constructed to hide the ark of the Testimony, separating the holy place from the Most Holy (Exodus 26:31-33). God specifically said when Aaron could come into the Holy Place behind the veil (Leviticus 16:2).
Similarly, the veil of the temple was construed to serve a similar purpose (2 Chronicles 3:14). The high priest went through the veil once a year to be in the presence of God until Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross.
Christians are a “royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5,9)” and Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16; 5:5-10; 9:6-15). At the time Jesus offered Himself on the cross as a sacrifice, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:45-47; Hebrews 10:19-22).
III. The gospel is a veil to sinners (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).
The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians of the veil that Moses had while speaking God’s Word to Israel. Now, he explains that God’s Word has come though Christ, which was better than that of Moses.
In former times, people could neither see nor understand what Christ would later do for them (Isaiah 6:9-10; Acts 28:26). Now that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The veil separating us from everlasting life is removed when one obeys the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 11:23; Isaiah 25:7-9). As Moses was in the glory of the LORD, so we can see the LORD face to face by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:12). The mirror we look into is the perfect law of liberty, the Word of God (James 1:23-25).
If the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those that perish (do not obey the gospel). The god of this age (ruler of this world) blinds them (John 12:31, 40) so the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ may not shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:18).
Conclusion
As the veils of the temple and tabernacle have been removed, Moses removed his veil in the presence of God.
Won’t you remove your veil today and be in the eternal presence of the LORD?
2 Kings 05:08-15 Naaman and his Leprosy – audio
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Text: 2 Kings 5:8-15
Introduction
It is important to review the events found in the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul told the Romans, “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
Let us now review the story of Naaman, and how he received hope from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:8-15).
Body
I. Background.
Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Syria, a mighty man of valor—a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because the LORD had given the Syrians victory through him (2 Kings 5:1).
While on raids, the Syrians took captive a young Israelite girl who would wait on Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:2). Through her, Naaman told his master that he could be healed of his leprosy.
The king of Syria then sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to heal him. Naturally, the king was upset because he knew he could not do that which God alone could do (2 Kings 5:3-7).
II. Elisha wanted everyone to know there is a prophet in Israel.
Naaman needed assurance that he could be healed of his leprosy, and the kings of Israel and Syria needed to know that they did not have the power to heal him, but rather a man of God did (2 Kings 5:8).
A. Having a prophet in Israel assures them that God is in Israel. The LORD told Aaron and Miriam that He reveals Himself to His prophet, who would then speak His word to the people (Numbers 12:6). Moses was excepted because He spoke to him face to face (Numbers 12:7-8).
B. The people would be blessed by heeding the words of the prophet, and thus the words of the LORD. Jehoshaphat said, “…Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20).”
C. As God spoke to the people through His prophets, He speaks to us through His Son and His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16). We too will be blessed when we heed God’s Word!
III. Naaman had a perception of Elisha.
A. He eagerly went to Elisha’s house and waited at the door expecting Elisha to come to him. Instead, he sent a messenger (2 Kings 5:9-11). Similarly, God sent us His messenger, and we must to go Him through faith (Hebrews 11:6).
B. He expected him to call on the name of the LORD his God (2 Kings 5:11), as Elijah called upon God at Mount Carmel in front of the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:24).
C. He expected to be healed with just a wave of the hand (2 Kings 5:11). Today many Jews, scribes, and Pharisees also want to see a sign from Jesus (Matthew 12:38; 1 Corinthians 1:22).
D. He was disappointed to be commanded to dip in the Jordan River when the Abanah and Pharpar were better (2 Kings 5:12).
1) The Abanah River is often called the “stony river, “and is purported to have healing qualities. In the Anti-Lebanon range, it originates 23 miles northwest of Damascus and flows south into Damascus, splitting into 3 rivers. The chief river of Damascus flows right through the middle of the city.
2) The Pharpar River is often called “that which produces fruit,” and is a small, lively river on the east side of Damascus.
E. After his leprosy was removed, his perception changed (verse 15). It was then he realized “…there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel (2 Kings 5:15)…” Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings (Daniel 2:47)…” after Daniel interpreted his dream with His help.
Later, he made a decree that “any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this (Daniel 3:29)” after they were saved from the fiery furnace.
King Darius also wrote: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:26-27).”
Conclusion
Three applications from the story of Naaman.
A. It matters not who we are, we must all be subject to the will of God.
Naaman may have been a commander of an army, a mighty man of valor, and considered great and honorable by some, but he still had to do what Elisha commanded him. Thus, God is no respecter of persons. Peter learned this as he was sent to Cornelius (Acts 10:34). Moses said that God does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). Jehoshaphat taught the judges of Judah there is no iniquity, partiality, or taking of bribes with the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:7). Paul taught this very lesson (Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9), and thus showed the gospel is for all (Romans 1:16).
B. Naaman could not be healed by the king of Syria, nor the king of Israel. He could only be healed by God.
The LORD taught Moses, “…There is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand (Deuteronomy 32:39).” As the king of Israel recognized he is a man and not God, so are we. When Cornelius tried to worship Peter, he replied “Stand up; I myself also am a man (Acts 10:26).”
C. Naaman was cleansed only after completing the task commanded by God of him through Elisha.
He had to dip, or wash in the Jordan River! Interestingly, Jesus also dipped (was baptized) in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). He commands us to be baptized and wash away our sins in order to be saved (Luke 4:27; Acts 22:16; Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).
Philippians 01:14 – Speaking the Word of God Boldly – audio
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Text: Philippians 1:14
Introduction
It seems as if today’s culture is changing, and not for the better.
For example, Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” rightly stood up for the Biblical view on homosexuality (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). As a result, he has been removed from appearing on the program. I pray that no matter what happens to him, he will stand for the truth.
Similarly, the apostle Paul said, “most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).”
Body
I. We have been commissioned to preach the Word!
A. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).”
B. In no way should the word be corrupted (2 Corinthians 2:17); rather it should be sincerely, since it is God’s word!
C. We have no authority from God to add to or take away from His word (Revelation 22:18-19). If we do, we will be repaid.
D. All Scripture is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has said everything we need to know!
E. We must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
II. We must fear God and not men when we preach.
A. If we truly love God, then we will boldly proclaim His word (1 John 4:17-18).
B. Jesus said not to fear him who can only destroy the body; rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12:4-7).
C. The Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)?” Also, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?” Later, the Hebrew writer quotes these words (Hebrews 13:6).
D. Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?”
III. Consider examples of those that preached boldly, fearing God and not men.
A. Peter and John boldly preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man (Acts 4:13).
B. Paul and Silas boldly proclaimed Christ to the Philippian jailer, leading to his salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 16).
C. Barnabas proclaimed Paul’s bold preaching at Damascus (Acts 9:27-29), yet he also boldly proclaimed the word in…
1) …Iconium (Acts 14:3)
2) …Ephesus (Acts 19:8)
3) …Rome by letter (Romans 15:15)
Conclusion
Do we have that boldness to proclaim the Word of God as Paul and others did?
If not, we can receive boldness and confidence through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:11-12), and praying to God for it (Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 6:19-20).
Acts 02:26-35 – The Ethiopian Eunuch – audio
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Text: Acts 2:26-35
Introduction
An Ethiopian eunuch was returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship. On his way he had begun to read from Isaiah.
Whether he was reviewing what he heard in Jerusalem, picked up a scroll there, or for some other reason, we do not know. What we do know is that he had an opportunity to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” and he did.
Body
I. The eunuch was increasing his faith (Acts 8:27-28).
As he was traveling, he was reading from Isaiah. Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah says to “search from the book of the LORD, and read (Isaiah 34:16)…” He was indeed searching something, and by the providence of God would later find it.
One thing he would find by searching the Scriptures is faith. After all, faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Without it, one cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Our faith must grow, and one thing we add to our faith is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-7). The eunuch obviously wanted to know more about what he was reading (as we’ll see shortly). As those were in Berea, so was the eunuch. He “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
II. The eunuch sought to understand the Scriptures (Acts 8:30-34).
It is not enough o only hear the Word of God; one must do it (James 1:22). In order to do what God commands, we must understand what He says!
Jesus commands us to understand (Matthew 15:10), as Matthew encourages his readers to understand his gospel (Matthew 24:15). On one occasion, Jesus opened the understanding of some to help them comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). This would be done to the eunuch through Philip.
It is God’s plan that everyone will understand His will (Romans 15:20-21)! Our understanding is only beneficial when we receive it with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-2), as the eunuch did.
A. Not understanding God’s Word will have its consequences. When Jesus taught the parable of the sower, He explained that those that do not understand the word had it snatched away by the wicked one (Matthew 13:19).
B. Understanding God’s Word will have its benefits.
1) Understanding God’s Word will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:23).
2) We may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
3) This gives us wisdom (Ephesians 5:17).
4) We can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:9-10).
5) Our hearts are encouraged and we have full assurance of God’s promises (Colossians 2:2).
6) It is a blessing to understand all things, and others are praying for us as Paul did for Timothy(2 Timothy 2:7).
7) We can come to know God and Jesus, and be in Him. This gives us eternal life (1 John 5:20; Ephesians 1:3).
III. Philip preached Christ to Him (Acts 8:35).
Jesus commanded us to preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16), as Philip was doing.
Even Paul said he determined not to know anything but “Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).”
IV. The eunuch understood what Isaiah meant (Acts 8:36-39).
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus and His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7-8). He was silent as He appeared before His accusers (Matthew 26:61-63; 27:12-14; John 19:9). He endured the suffering because of our transgressions. The eunuch realized Christ died for him, and readily obeyed the gospel.
Conclusion
Just as the eunuch understood he needed to become a Christian, so do we! Like the eunuch, we need to:
A. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) to get faith.
B. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 16:30-34; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10; John 8:24).
C. Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38).
D. Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
E. Be baptized for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).
Prosperity and Adversity
Life is full of its ups and downs.
In fact, God’s plan was to have a balance of these things. We need to realize that whether we’re prospering or suffering, God is in control. The Preacher wrote, “In the days of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider; surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him (Ecclesiastes 7:14).”
Surely we are joyful in the day of adversity.
When things are going well, we rejoice! However, we need not forget that God gives us all the good things. Without Him, this would not be possible.
When we are in adversity, let us consider the greatness of God.
He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28). We may not understand His ways, but He is showing us He is still in control. Our faith may be tested, but if we remain faithful to Him He will take care of us.