Historical Posts
Remember Lot’s Wife
People leave lasting impressions. If someone asked you, “Do you remember…?” When a name was inserted, immediately you remember!
“Oh yes! He/she once told me…”
“He/she was the one that…”
Depending on who the person was, they did or said something good or bad, and you’ll probably never forget that for the rest of your life.
Do you remember…Lot’s wife? She was the one that…looked back toward Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and turned into a pillar of salt.
Many years later, Jesus taught the disciples of when the kingdom of God would come. He Himself would suffer many things and be rejected by His own people. They would eat and drink, marry, and be given in marriage, all unaware of what was happening.
Jesus reminded them, “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:28-32).”
The kingdom of God is here! Let us remember Lot’s wife and not turn back; instead, let us press on toward heaven by being a part of the kingdom of God!
A Little R and R
Everybody loves a little ‘R and R.’ We all work very hard, and from time to time need rest and relaxation. A little ‘R and R’ is needed for our physical health.
A little ‘R and R’ is needed for our spiritual health, too. Paul explained to the Romans that we were “reconciled to God through the death of His Son…and not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Romans 5:10-11).”
We need to be reconciled because our sins have separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2). As Christians, we have reason to rejoice! After all, through the death of Christ we can be reconciled to God.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!” Why? We are reconciled to God!
Samuel Growing as Christ
Here is a Bible trivia question: Can you name the four ways in which Jesus grew?
(If you need help, turn to Luke 2:52)
You’ll find that Jesus grew in four ways:
- In wisdom
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
Now, try this question: in what three ways did Samuel grow? Here’s a hint: he grew three out of four ways in which Jesus grew. They are (1 Samuel 2:26):
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
As I look at the similarities between Samuel and Christ, I ask myself if others can see similarities between Christ and me. Am I growing as Christ (and Samuel) did? Even though we are not told that Samuel grew in wisdom, yet God’s word often came directly to him and he obeyed it.
Today, we must desire the pure milk of God’s word that we can grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). After all, Christ is our example. As Samuel was like Christ, so should we (1 Peter 2:21).
Are you growing like Christ? Don’t settle for three ways, but strive for all four!
April Showers Bring May Flowers
As the month of April is now underway, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” is common. If it continues to rain as much as it already has this month, the flowers should be very beautiful! Nature is just of one of God’s ways of showing us His goodness.
Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Hosea 10:12: “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness upon you.”
Let us seek the LORD, for His goodness is everywhere! Yes, there are ‘showers of blessing’ all around. Let us use what God has given to us for His glory, and many things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God!
Salvation Is Here
Have you ever been so excited about an upcoming event that you couldn’t sleep? Whether it’s a birthday party, graduation, wedding, vacation, holiday, or some other special occasion, there is a sense of excitement and mystery about it.
There was a time in which salvation was near. The LORD said, “My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed (Isaiah 56:1).” Imagine awaiting the day in which the LORD would give salvation to His people! Likewise, the apostle Paul said, “…for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).”
Friends, there is good news! Salvation is here! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. God has sent His Son Jesus, in whom salvation is found (Acts 4:12). Let us hear Him, believe Him, obey Him, live for Him, and share Him with others so salvation can be theirs too!
The God Particle
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).” God clearly tells us how the world was created, yet some people still do not believe God did. The Bible calls them ‘fools’ according to Psalm 14:1 and 53:1. Even the wisdom of men is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 1:19-21; 3:19). God reminds us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:6-9), yet wants us to seek Him.
Isn’t it amazing to learn that scientists have just discovered the so called ‘God particle?’ It is even admitted by scientists that even though this does not explain the origin of the universe, it can help predict the end of the world (which, according to them, may be billions of years away!).
Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:20-22)…”
As to the end of the world, no one knows the day nor hour when the Son of Man will come (Matthew 24:35ff.), so we must always be ready!
I know there is a God! I know He wants me to learn, obey, and serve Him! If I do so, I know I can live forever with Him (1 John 5:13)!
Send the Light
There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave…
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save.
We have heard the Macedonian call today…
And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay.
Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound…
And a Christ-like spirit ev’rywhere be found.
Let us not grow weary in the work of love…
Let us gather jewels for a crown above.
The above verses may sound like a telephone call. You can hear the Macedonians dialing your number, and when you answer they say, “Send the light, the blessed gospel light!” Of course, telephones did not yet exist when this idea arose, but the message was perfectly clear!
In the night, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. He concluded that the Lord had called him to go there and preach the gospel. As a result of heeding that call, Lydia, her household, and a jailer, all from Philippi (first city in Macedonia) were baptized.
What if you got a similar call?
Would you answer it?
Christ has already called (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
Let us answer the call!
— Richard Dillon
Nathanael as Christ
Nathanael is perhaps best known for asking, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth (John 1:46)?” When told to come and see, he began to approach Jesus. As he approached, Jesus said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit (John 1:47)!”
Jesus gave Nathanael a wonderful compliment! Sometimes it is difficult to say the right thing or do the right thing at any given moment, but Jesus knew Nathanael was very good at it. After all, there was no deceit in him.
There was no deceit found in the mouth of Christ either (1 Peter 2:21-22; Isaiah 53:9). He is the perfect example, and in this regard Nathanael is just like Him!
What about us? Are we being deceitful? Remember, “Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:2).”
We must always “speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)…”
Does It Say That?
Have you ever the term, “Chimney Corner Scripture?” This means something thought to be in the Bible, though is not.
People often say something like, “it’s in the Bible somewhere…”, when the truth is, it isn’t in the Bible, or the Bible says something different. See if you can find the following in the Bible:
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Hockey
Based on history (pardon the pun), these sports were not known until after the Bible was written. However, one could (incorrectly) attempt to justify them as follows:
- In the big inning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
- Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court (Genesis 41);
- Aaron lit the lamp at twilight, scoring the first goal (Exodus 30:8)
As humorous as these examples may seem, many lost souls try to justify themselves in the same way, using “Chimney Corner Scriptures,” thinking they are saved when they are actually lost. “…As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:16-17)…”
God says what He means, and He means what He says! We don’t need to try to change His meaning, add to, or take away from it (Revelation 22:18-19).
Does God really say that?
The Right Amount of Salt
Sodium chloride, also known as salt, is a very important compound. It is used to season and preserve food. Just the right amount can be useful; too much or too little can cause all kinds of problems. We must use this, like other things God gave us, to serve Him.
Lot’s wife found out the hard way that too much salt can be a bad thing. God said not to look back as Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed. Lot’s wife disobeyed God and did look back, and turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17-26). Just imagine how much salt she turned into!
On the other hand, we have an example where just the right amount of salt is required. God told the priests, “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt (Leviticus 2:13).”
In the New Testament, salt is a vital part of the Christian life! Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13).” Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:6).”
Let us give the world a great flavor by spreading the gospel of Christ (Mark 16:15-16)!
Searching in all the Right Places
It happens all too often: we “know” where something is, only to find out we’re wrong.
- We’re sure our keys are hanging on the key rack, but instead we left them in our pocket.
- That restaurant was on the corner; now, it has relocated to the other part of town.
- The bread was in aisle 3; now, it’s in aisle 1.
In the religious world people look for the right things, but in the wrong places.
Eternal life is something that everyone needs, and should want! Where do we go to find it? Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me (John 5:39).”
The first place to look is the Bible! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His word abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). When we study the Scriptures we learn to find eternal life, where it really is; in Jesus Christ!
John writes, “And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:11-13).”
Now that we see where eternal life is; let’s come and get it!
I’m Dead
Yes, the words, “I’m dead!”, can be spoken by a living person. For example:
- A student may say this upon taking a test not studied for
- A player may say this when the opposing team looks bigger and stronger
In most cases, these words are used in a negative sense.
When a person does wrong or is not heard from, he may be considered “dead”. The prodigal son of Luke 15 went out and lost everything he received. Upon his return, his father said, “my son was dead and is alive again (Luke 15:24, 32)…” His father was very glad when he became alive again.
On the other hand, the words “I’m dead!” may be a good thing!
- Paul says we are to be dead unto sin (Romans 6:2, 11)
- He tells the Galatians that he is dead to the law but alive unto God (Galatians 2:19).
- Peter states, “…we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)…”
Just as the prodigal son was dead and then came alive when he returned home, God wants us to be alive at home with Him in Heaven.
Only by remaining dead to sin are we spiritually alive and able to be at home in Heaven with Him!
How are you dead, spiritually or to sin?
Do You Have Power?
Earlier today, our power went out. What does one do without power? There is:
- No television to watch
- No video game to play
- No music to listen to
- The list goes on and on
It appears that one must just suffer until the power comes back on.
But are you missing more than electricity?
Lewis Jones wrote a familiar hymn, “There is Power in the Blood.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Imagine how powerful the blood of Christ is!
Is is cleansing our sins, and it never runs out! “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Christ’s blood will continue to cleanse us as long as we live for Him!
Paul said, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).”
Isn’t it powerful that our sins can be removed?
The Word of God is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” No other power can tell us our past, history, and future.
Only the power of God’s Word can help us avoid eternal destruction and embrace eternal life.
It even includes instructions! His Word, “lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).”
Do you have true power – God’s power?
What Do We Have in Common?
No two people on this earth are exactly alike. However, friendships are often formed between people who have things in common. We may enjoy similar activities, eat at the same restaurant, or find the same events interesting. As God’s people, there are some things we must have in common – love, faith, and salvation.
In the first century church, “all who believed were together, and had all things in common (Acts 2:44; 4:32).” Thus, they shared all that they had to help each other in a time of need. Do we have that love today?
Consider other things Christians have in common: salvation and faith! Jude 3 states: “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” We are all saved one way – God’s way! Thus, we must contend for the faith that we all have in common.
There is one faith (Ephesians 4:5), and it comes from hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17). Paul even called Titus his “true son in our common faith (Titus 1:4).”
Do we truly have love, faith and salvation in common?
Are You Forgetful?
It has often been said that the older a person gets, the more forgetful he or she is. Do you feel that way?
- Have you ever lost your car keys?
- Have you misplaced your cell phone?
- Can you name all your children or grandchildren?
- What happened yesterday?
If you have trouble answering any or all of these questions, you may feel that you are forgetful and are thus embarrassed.
It may seem like a bad thing to forget, but sometimes forgetting can be a good thing!
All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). If we dwell on the bad things others have done to us, or the things we have done to others, we will make ourselves miserable! However, we serve a loving God who is willing to forgive us our sins and remember them no more (Jeremiah 31:34). Likewise, we must be willing to forgive others, forgetting what has been done (Matthew 6:14-15).
As God, in forgiving, forgets what we have done, we must too!
Becoming a Christian means we put off the old person, put on the new, and walk a new life (Romans 6:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Everything in the past must remain in the past; we cannot go back and change it. Paul said, “…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).”
Let us forget the past, and focus on getting to Heaven!
Revelation 01:18 He Lives – audio
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Revelation 1:18
I. Christ lived!
A. He was born of a virgin as prophesied and witnessed by the wise men, Simeon, Anna, and others – Matthew 1; Luke 2
B. Jesus grew, and amazed many with His wisdom and understanding – Luke 2:52
C. Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness – Matthew 3:15
D. He performed many miracles as multitudes witnessed.
E. He overcame temptation, witnessed by the devil – Matthew 4
F. Jesus taught His disciples, the Jews, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and countless others.
II. Christ died!
A. He was falsely accused and put on trial:
i. They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
ii. He was struck, spat upon and mocked.
iii. He was crucified on a cross.
iv. His side was pierced with a spear.
v. Darkness covered the sky.
vi. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
vii. The earth quaked, the rocks were split, and graves were opened.
B. Witnessing these events, the centurion and guards confessed “truly this was the Son of God.” – Matthew 27:54
C. Joseph of Arimathea:
i. Wrapped the body of Jesus.
ii. Lay His body in the tomb.
iii. Rolled the large stone to guard the entrance.
III. Christ arose!
A. The tomb was empty!
i. The stone was rolled away.
ii. The linen clothes and handkerchief were neatly folded separately.
B. An angel declared,
i. “He is risen”
ii. “why do you seek the living among the dead?”
C. He appeared to:
i. Mary
ii. The apostles
iii. Some on the road to Emmaus
iv. Saul of Tarsus
v. Over 500 at one time!
IV. Christ lives forevermore!
A. Romans 6:3-5, 8-11
B. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 54-57
C. 2 Timothy 1:10
D. Acts 2:22-24
V. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can live forever!
A. Eternal life is in Christ alone – John 11:25-27; 1 John 5:10-13 John 10:10
B. To be in Christ, one must be baptized into Christ – Galatians 3:27
C. All spiritual blessings are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
D. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we must die to sin, be buried with Christ, and be raised to walk a new life – Romans 6:1-5
E. Man must die except Christ should come first, but then what? – Hebrews 9:27
Matthew 23:1-4 Consistency is the Key – audio
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Matthew 23:1-4 (reading by Andy Anderson)
I. Observe!
A. Jesus told the multitudes and the disciples to observe the instructions of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:3
Are they themselves doing what they tell others to do? – Romans 2:21-24
B. Likewise, we must observe God’s instructions!
1) We need faith to come to God – Hebrews 11:6
2) It only comes from hearing God’s word – Romans 10:17
3) Therefore, we observe God’s word by faithfully studying it – Acts 17:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2
C. Once God’s instructions are observed, they must be understood.
1) Jesus often taught in parables so many heard but did not understand His words – Matthew 13:12-13
2) Thus, Jesus often said:
“Hear and understand” – Matthew 15:10; Mark 7:14
“whoever reads, let him understand” – Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14
1. Ezra and all the people were helped to understand the Law of Moses – Nehemiah 8:1-8
2. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand what he was reading – Acts 8:30-39
3. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they would understand the law of Christ – Colossians 1:9-10
D. God gave us examples to learn from.
1) We should observe and do the right examples – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:1
2) We should observe, but not do the wrong examples – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11
II. Do!
A. Observing only is half of the command. The other is action!
1) If we know what to do but do not do it, it is sin – James 4:17
2) Jesus told a parable in which a landowner put idle men to work – Matthew 20:1-7
3) An idle person will suffer, but a worker will reap the reward – Proverbs 19:15-16
B. Doing God’s will allows us to enter the kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 7:21
C. God is pleased when we do good – Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Galatians 6:10
III. Jesus is consistent…are we?
A. The scribes and Pharisees did not practice what they preached, but Jesus did – Hebrews 1:12; 13:8
B. Do we live 7 days a week what we preach on the first day?
C. The scribes and Pharisees are not the same on the outside as they are on the inside…
D. Are we? – Matthew 23:25ff
Is God Seen and Heard in Us?
Parents need to be very careful around children.
Little eyes are watching and little ears are hearing everything—yes everything! How many times has a child repeated something the parent wished had not been said? How many times has a child acted like a parent to the embarrassment of the parent? Most parents agree that this happens more often than it should. On the other hand, when has a child made his or her parents proud by saying something or doing something good? This should happen more often!
How would God feel about His children?
After all, “you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).” As God’s children, are we trying to be like Him? Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, “…suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21).” Yes, God was proud of Him (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). He always did those things that pleased His Father in Heaven. He even told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father (John 14:9).”
When the world sees and hears us, is God seen and heard?
Are we doing a good job of following the example of Christ? Remember the words Paul told the church at Ephesus: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1).” Let us be proud to be God’s children, and let God be proud to be our Heavenly Father!
Abraham’s Faith… And Ours
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
I. Abraham’s faith was tested.
A. It took faith to leave all behind and follow God – Genesis 12:1-7
B. Abraham had faith that he would have a son – Genesis 15:1-7
C. God established His covenant to him and his generations – Genesis 17:1-9
D. Sarah was told she would have a son in Genesis 18:10-15, and it came to pass as God said – Genesis 21:1-7
E. Abraham was later asked to sacrifice the son of promise on Mount Moriah – Genesis 22:1-19
II. Abraham’s faith relates to our faith – Romans 4:16-25
A. God’s promise is of faith that it may be of grace – Romans 4:16
1. We are saved by grace through faith – Ephesians 2:5-8
2. Also, we become of Abraham’s seed through Jesus Christ – Galatians 3:16, 22-29
B. God has power
1. To give life – Romans 4:17; 8:11
2. To cause things to happen that otherwise could not – Isaiah 51:2
C. Abraham was well aware of this – Romans 4:18
D. He did not consider his own body as dead – Romans 4:19; Genesis 17:15-21
E. Sarah, too, trusted God – Hebrews 11:11-12
F. Abraham’s faith was unwavering – Romans 4:20; James 1:5-8
G. God is able to do everything, and Abraham believed that – Romans 4:21; Hebrews 11:17-19; Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 19:26
H. It was accounted to Abraham for righteousness because he believed God – Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:6
I. These things were written for our benefit, as well as that of Abraham – Romans 4:23-24
J. If Abraham believed that God could raise up Isaac, we need to believe that God raised Jesus Christ – Romans 4:25
1. This is what was preached on Pentecost – Acts 2:23-24; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4-5
2. It is still preached today
III. Our faith is proven
A. God kept the promise to Abraham
1. He reminded Isaac – Genesis 26:4-5
2. He reminded Jacob – Genesis 28:14
B. God will keep His promise to us if we remain faithful to Him (Revelation 2:10)!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Matthew 07:13-23 Do We All Get to the Same Place? powerpoint – audio
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
matthew-07-13-23-do-we-all-get-to-the-same-place.PDF
matthew-07-13-23-do-we-all-get-to-the-same-place.PPTX
Text: Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23
I. Introduction
A. The worldview states, “It doesn’t matter what you believe; we’re all trying to get to the same place”
B. The Biblical view shows otherwise.
II. There are ways that are wrong
A. Some ways are foolish – Proverbs 12:15
B. Wrong ways lead unto death – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
C. Thieves and robbers enter other ways than the right way – John 10:1, 8-10
III. Only one way is right
A. Jesus Christ is THE way – John 14:1-6
B. The right way is not always easy – Matthew 7:13-14
C. In order to get in the right way, we must do what Christ says
1. Matthew 7:21-23
2. Luke 13:24-28;
3. Matthew 25:1-13
4. James 1:21-25
IV. Things really do matter! It matters…
A. …Where we “go to church”
1. Matthew 16:18
2. Acts 20:28
3. Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23
4. Colossians 1:18
5. Romans 16:16
B. …How we worship – Matthew 15:8-9
1. God did not accept Cain’s offering – Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4
2. God did not accept Nadab and Abihu’s sacrifice – Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4; 26:61
3. Jesus gives us instructions on worship today – John 4:23-24; 14:6; 17:3, 17