Historical Posts
Ready to Give an Answer
Why? Why? Why? Are You Ready to Give an Answer?
Lots of questions
Today campers are arriving at Fort Hill camp. Soon the entire campground will be full of kids. Those kins will be full of energy and… questions. There will be lots and lots of questions! As parents, we all hear “Why?” many times throughout the course of the day. After the seventh or eighth time, perhaps the asker may finally be satisfied with the answer. There are a lot of routine questions that can be expected to be heard this week:
- Is it our turn yet?
- What are we doing next?
- Can you take me to the bathroom?
However, there is one particular question we will be addressing this week that is not routine. Perhaps this is one question you will encounter too:
- Does God exist?
Give an answer from God’s Word
Just as counselors must be prepared to answer campers’ questions, Christians need to be prepared to answer the world’s questions. Peter wrote, “…always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15)…”
While we are answering campers’ questions this week, perhaps you will be answering questions of others. We need to be abel to give a reason for the hope that is in us as we address spiritual questions:
- Why are you a Christian?
- Why do you attend worship on Sunday?
- Why do you live the way you do?
Are you ready to give an answer from God’s Word? If not, can we study together and become better prepared?
That Should Have Been Me
Introduction
A. Sometimes we find ourselves on the outside looking in, thinking, “That should have been me!”
1) If only we had done something differently, we could have won
2) if we were the next in line, we could have been the lucky numbered customer
3) if it was a little farther over, it could have been worse.
B. It should have been me.
Body
I. The woman caught in adultery should have been stoned (John 8:3-12).
A. According to the old law, she should have been stoned (John 8:5; Leviticus 20:10-11).
B. Jesus did not stone her; rather, He forgave her (John 8:11).
II. The demon should have been cast out (Matthew 17:14-21).
A. The disciples should have been able to cast out the demon (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Matthew 17:16,19-20).
B. Jesus cast out the demon (Matthew 17:18).
III. Barabbas should have been crucified (Mark 15:6-15).
A. Barabbas was a robber (John 18:40; Acts 3:14).
B. Jesus was crucified instead (Mark 15:15).
IV. We should have been crucified!
A. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
1) Our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:20-23).
2) The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
B. Jesus did not sin (1 Peter 2:22-24).
1) He was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28).
2) “He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).”
3) He who knew no sin became the sin sacrifice for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Conclusion
A. It should have been us who died on the cross because of our sins.
B. However, our blood would not cover our own sins. Only the precious blood of Christ could take away our sins!
C. It should have been each of us, but aren’t you glad it wasn’t?
I Will Be a Friend to Jesus
Introduction
A. There are all kinds of friends: old, new, close, distant, and even best friends.
B. Perhaps some friends seem better than others. What makes a good friend?
C. To whom shall we be a friend?
Body
I. We must be a true friend.
A. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
B. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).”
C. “Every man is a friend to one who gives gifts (Proverbs 19:6).”
D. The king will be a friend to one who “loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips (Proverbs 22:11).”
E. A friend gives hearty counsel, does not forsake another, and sharpens his countenance (Proverbs 27:9-10,17).
F. A friend is trustworthy (Micah 7:5-7; Jeremiah 9:4-6).
II. We must follow the example of true friends.
A. Abraham was called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23; Genesis 15:6).
B. Pilate was accused of not being a friend to Caesar by wanting to let Jesus go (John 19:12).
C. Was Judas truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-50; Psalm 41:9; 55:12-13)?
D. Was Peter truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:31-35,69-75)?
E. Paul became a friend to all that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
F. Perhaps the best example of a true Friend is Jesus (Matthew 11:19; 9:9-13).
III. We must choose our friends wisely.
A. We are a friend to Jesus if we keep His commandments (John 15:9-17).
B. To be a friend to Jesus, we cannot be a friend of the world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 1:4; 6:14; Luke 16:13).
Conclusion
A. To be a true friend to Jesus, we must understand what it truly means to be a friend.
B. He showed us how to be a friend, and we must follow His example.
C. We must choose to be His friend, and not to be a friend of the world, by following His commandments.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Two-Edged Sword
Use Well Your Two-Edged Sword
A two-edged sword is very sharp. It can be a really useful tool, or it can cause a great deal of damage. It all depends on one’s knowledge and use of the tool.
Consider the impact an immoral woman can have on an individual. Solomon warns of her soothing words and unstable ways of life. He describes her as “sharp as a two-edged sword,” leading to destruction, and advises one to remove one’s ways far from her (Proverbs 5:3-14).
On the other hand, the saints of God are encouraged to sing praises to God. The Psalmist says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment (Psalm 149:6-9)…”
What two-edged sword should be in our hands? “For 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).” The Bible tells us that vengeance does belong to the LORD (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30).
John tells us of this as he describes “One like the Son of Man,” in which protrudes out of His mouth a sharp two edged-sword (Revelation 1:12-16). God’s Word is a powerful tool. If we gain knowledge of it and use it properly, it can save our eternal souls.
Worship in Song
Introduction
A. This is the fifth Sunday in May, which means shortly we will have a service emphasizing singing. Whether we can sing really well or can’t carry a tune in a bucket, we can all “make a joyful noise unto the LORD (Psalm 100:1).”
B. We must do so because God is our audience, and we need to please Him and encourage one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Body
I. We speak to one another.
A. We can only speak to one another in song if we are together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
B. We must sing with the spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15).
II. We make melody in our hearts to the Lord.
A. In order to make melody (from Greek psallo), one must “twitch” or “twang” on an instrument.
1) Frequently in the Old Testament, musical instruments were used (harp, tambourine, lute, etc.).
2) In the New Testament, the heart is specified as an instrument.
3) No authority exists in the New Testament for singing with an instrument.
B. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30) before going to the Mount of Olives.
C. Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25).
D. Jesus taught us at least two things about worship:
1) We must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
2) Our worship is vain if our heart is far from God (Matthew 15:8-9).
E. If we are cheerful, we are to sing psalms (James 5:13; Psalm 122:1).
III. We sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
A. We could not be saved without the grace of God (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:5).
B. For this, we are very thankful (Psalm 100:1-5).
C. As sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered under the Old Testament (Leviticus 7:11-12), so we offer a sacrifice to God under the New Testament.
1) Our bodies are a living sacrifice acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
2) The fruit of our lips is a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).
a. God created the fruit of our lips (Isaiah 57:19).
b. Isaiah’s lips were touched with live coal from an altar, taking away his iniquity (Isaiah 6:5-7).
c. God’s words should be upon our lips (Isaiah 51:16; 59:21).
d. Hosea reminds us that God takes away our iniquities, so we will “offer the sacrifices [fruit] of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2).”
Conclusion
A. As Christians, we have many reasons to rejoice!
B. When we come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to sing, we encourage one another through song.
C. We give praise unto God, thanking Him for what all He has given to us.
D. We do so in a way that is pleasing unto Him and is edifying to us all.
You Ought to Know
Two Things You Ought to Know
“There is something you ought to know…” Have you ever heard those words before? Perhaps important information needed to be given to you so you could make a better decision. Perhaps you have also heard, “If only I knew then what I know now…” What if it were possible to know something so you can make a good decision? Well, it is! There are many resources available to do research on a lot of things to help make better decisions. There are at least two things we all ought to know, and we have the resources to know them.
First, we ought to know the truth. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).” By knowing and obeying the truth, we can be made free from sin! Jesus even told us Himself what is true: Himself (John 14:6), His Father (John 17:3), and His Word (John 17:17). If Jesus said or did it, it’s true! God, His Father, is the only true God! The Bible, the inspired Word of God, is all true!
Second, we ought to know we can have eternal life. John wrote, “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 5:13).” There should not be any doubt that a Christian has eternal life! Earlier, John stated that eternal life is in God’s Son (1 John 5:11). Thus, if one is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), he has access to all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), including the hope of eternal life.
The truth can be known! We can know we have eternal life! These are things you ought to know…
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Water and Salvation
Introduction
A. By having a better appreciation for the Old Testament, we may have a better understanding of the New Testament. In fact, the things “written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Thus, with a better appreciation of Noah’s relationship to God, we can have a better understanding of our relationship with Him.
Body
I. God saved Noah through water.
A. The wickedness of man was great; the intents of man’s hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
B. God planned to destroy man from the face of the earth (Genesis 6:7).
C. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:8-9).
1) He was a just man.
2) He was “perfect” in his generations.
3) He walked with God.
D. Noah built the ark according to God’s instructions, and gathered the right number and kind of animals (Genesis 6:13-22).
E. The floods came, and those on the earth perished; Noah and his family were saved (Genesis 7:1-24).
II. God saves us through water.
A. All men have sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
B. God destroys those who serve sin, yet saves those willing to serve Him (2 Peter 2:4-5; Romans 6:23).
C. God’s grace has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:9-11).
D. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1-8; Hebrews 11:6-7; Romans 4:13-16; James 2).
E. As eight souls were saved through water, so baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:18-21).
1) Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-27).
2) We must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
3) Baptism allows us to die to ourselves, to be buried with Christ, and to rise again in a newness of life (Romans 6:1-7; Acts 8:36-39).
Conclusion
A. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
B. He had faith in Him, and did what God commanded of Him.
C. God’s grace that brings salvation has appeared to all of us.
D. Are we willing to do what He commands us?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Luke 10:30-35 – Samaritan Sense
Text: Luke 10:30-35
Introduction
In our text, Jesus tells a certain lawyer of a certain Samaritan that did a good deed for a man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho. This lawyer asked who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29), and Jesus showed how to be a neighbor (Luke 10:36-37). Perhaps there was something else Jesus was teaching the lawyer. One can only wonder if the lawyer needed to realize that Samaritans can be good neighbors, and he needed to be a good neighbor to Samaritans…
Body
I. Some Samaritans did not receive Jesus.
A. There was not a good relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
1) The king of Assyria placed many foreigners in Samaria who did not fear the LORD, and often served idols (2 Kings 17:24ff.).
2) As time went on, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9,27; 8:48).
B. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, He commanded them not to enter a city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5).
C. One village of the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, as He was ready to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56).
II. Some Samaritans believed Jesus.
A. A woman of Samaria was wary of Jesus when she came to draw water at Jacob’s well, but later leads many Samaritans to Him (John 4:9ff.).
B. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).
III. One Samaritan was thankful to Jesus.
A. Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-14).
B. Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to say thank you (Luke 17:15-19).
Conclusion
A. We can learn a lot from the Samaritans.
1) They are people, just like all of us.
2) They have the same opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
a) Some believed themselves and led many others to Christ.
b) Some went to Christ and were thankful, as we all should (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
c) Some were good examples of how to love their neighbor.
Heed the Warning
Heed the Warning from God
There are many kinds of warnings that are available to us in this world. A siren sounds when a tornado has been sighted. A horn blows before an accident is about to occur. An announcement is made when there is a certain amount of time left in the game. Sometimes people warn us that if we do a certain thing, we will suffer the consequences. But these are not the most important warnings.
As Paul was on his voyage to Rome, he knew very well that the increased winds and other factors meant that the voyage would end in disaster. In fact, he told those in charge of him, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives (Acts 27:10).” Sure enough, the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and owner of the ship than he was by Paul. As they continued on their journey, a storm arose and they had to lighten the ship, losing their cargo. Thankfully their lives were spared.
Just as they did not heed Paul’s warning from God, many do not heed God’s warning today. Historically, many prophets warned the people to repent or disaster would strike. Some listened, yet others did not, and we can see the consequenses. Today we must heed God’s warning and be obedient to Him, or else we will suffer eternal consequenses. Remember the words of the song, “Careless soul, o heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone; o how sad to face the judgment, unprepared to meet thy God.” Are you ready to face the judgment? Prepare yourself now. Heed the warning.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
God is in Control
Rember That God Is In Control
This past week many of us were affected by the fierce storms that passed through the area. Some of us were even under a tornado warning for a brief period of time. Most of us received hail, high winds and heavy rain for a time. Often during times like this, one may feel the presence of God in the untamed power of nature. But truly, God is in control of nature.
Nahum 1:3b-5: “The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it.”
Yes, God is in control over the weather! In the New Testament, Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), proved this to the disciples when He calmed a great storm (Mark 4:35-41). They were fearful and thought they would perish, but Jesus said to the sea, “peach, be still.” We may be scared when bad weather approaches, but we must remember that God is there. Likewise, when the storms of life try to shake us, God is there.
Truly, God’s control of nature is just an indication of His control over all things. We need to fully entrust our lives to Him.
Psalm 56:3: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” God is in control and we need to trust in Him. Take action now to put yourself in His hands.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The New Covenant is Here – Audio
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The New Covenant is Here Now!
Old Covenant
God had given Israel a covenant written in stone by his own finger, and they broke it almost as soon as it was given. It was broken literally when Moses threw the tables of stone on the ground in anger (Exodus 32:19), as some of the Ten Commandments were being broken by the people while he was still on the mountain (Exodus 20:1-17). As Moses eventually received a new set, or copy, of commandments in the old covenant (Exodus 34), so do God’s people receive a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
New Covenant
As Jeremiah prophesied, God would make a new covenant and that new covenant was to be placed and kept in the minds and hearts of God’s people (Jeremiah 31:33). Everyone should know God, for they will have been taught of Him (Jeremiah 31:34). God even promised to no longer remember our sins (Jeremiah 31:35).
The Hebrew writer shows how the first covenant was not faultless; therefore, a new covenant was needed. Through Christ, we have now received the new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13).
Today, if We Keep the New Covenant, He will be Merciful to Us.
We learn God’s laws of His new covenant by studying His word. We must meditate upon it day and night. Then, by following His commandments and walking in the light as He is in the light, His blood continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Tomorrow – Audio
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Do not Boast about Tomorrow
Tomorrow never truly comes.
“Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow; it’s only a day away!” “Let’s talk about tomorrow.” “Tomorrow is the perfect time to do anything.” These are some of the many sayings regarding the idea of tomorrow. Some people are excited about what will happen tomorrow; others procrastinate till tomorrow. However, tomorrow never comes; therefore we should not boast about it! We are really always living in today.
You do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” We do not know how the future will be, whether good or bad. Sometimes things happen today that affect it. Tomorrow may be better than expected, worse, or even as expected; we just don’t know.
We are not guaranteed another day.
James 4:13-16: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” We are not even guaranteed another day! Our lives are very short; in fact, for some it is shorter than others. Even today I was reading the online newspaper from my hometown and learned of recent road accidents taking the lives of young individuals.
This night your soul could be required of you.
Luke 12:19-21: “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Do we take tomorrow for granted?
Are we ready now in case the Lord should return? Let us not boast in thinking we can wait and become a Christian; rather, let us be ready to be saved right now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Look Up, Not Down
Do People Look Up To Us?
Have you ever felt that someone was always looking down on you? Maybe you felt short, young, or inexperienced. You just wished there was something you could do to change the way others look at you. Well, there is something you can do!
1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down upon him because he is a youth; instead, they should look up to him because of how he lives! Whether we are young or old, short or tall, a babe in Christ or a maturing Christian, we should conduct ourselves in such a way that people look up to us.
Are we setting a Christ-like example with our words, our conduct, our love, our spirit, our faith, and our purity? Does our conduct cause others look down upon us, or do they look up to us? Are we being a good role model?
How is Your Reflection?
Your reflection reveals you and shows where you need to improve.
We often look at our reflection. At times we may see ourselves reflected in water; other times we look in a mirror. Are you fully satisfied with what you see in your reflection, or do you need change? Do you need to fix or improve something in order to be satisfied with what you observe?
Proverbs 27:19: “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Your reflection reveals your heart.
James 1:23-25: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” Keep your reflection in mind.
Hebrews 4:12: “For 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.” God’s Word truly reveals your reflection.
Putting the aforementioned verses together, we must look deep into ourselves. We must be honest with ourselves about what we see. Is the Word of God there? When we look deep into the word of God, do we see a description of ourselves? Does your reflection truly show the Word of God the way you want it to?
Be of Good Cheer!
Christians have good reason to be of good cheer.
Bible class teachers, preachers, song leaders, elders, deacons, and all Christians may need encouragement at times. For some, this ability to encourage and offer good cheer is a special gift that they can use to glorify God and edify one another. There was one person in the New Testament who encouraged others: Jesus Christ. “Be of good cheer” was spoken by Jesus on at least four occasions:
- A paralytic was brought to Him, and Jesus said: “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you (Matthew 9:2).”
- The disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, and Jesus said: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27).”
- Jesus also told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
- Paul was arrested for preaching Him, and was told: “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).”
Whenever we are lagging and need encouragement, just remember:
- Jesus will forgive us of our sins!
- We have nothing to fear, for God is with us!
- Jesus has overcome the world, and through Him we can too!
- God has seen us through a lot, and will continue to be with us every step of the way.
If you are a Christian, you should be of Good Cheer! If you are not, you are encouraged to become one today!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The Growth of Samuel
Samuel grew in stature and favor…
Hannah grieved and was bereft and wept because she had no children. She was barren. She had no children because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:2, 5). In tears she prayed to the LORD and promised that if she would receive a son, she would give him back. He answered her prayer, and Samuel was born.
When he had grown from a baby and been weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. He stayed there with Eli, and ministered there faithfully. There, with Eli, he grew “in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men (1 Samuel 2:26).”
Does this sound familiar? Compare the growth of Samuel with the growth of Jesus. Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).” Samuel grew three ways similar to Jesus.
As Samuel got older, he grew taller. The LORD would speak to him directly on several occasions. He “judged Israel all the days of his life (1 Samuel 7:15).” Later, he would later appoint the first two kings of Israel. Yes, Samuel grew a lot like Christ and had a great influence on many children of Israel.
In like manner, God expects us to grow. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
What about you? Are you growing like Christ and having a good influence on others? Are you able to lead them to the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Christ? You can’t lead where you have not gone. Have you accepted that salvation yourself?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
It Happens in Three Days
What can happen in three days?
There is a popular saying that goes, “it always happens in threes.” Another saying goes, “the third time’s a charm.” Interestingly, there were several events in the Bible that occurred in three days.
In the Old Testament, both the butler and the baker had a dream of what would happen to them in three days. With God’s help, Joseph told them that the chief butler would get his job back, but the chief baker would be hanged. Three days later, it happened as Joseph said (Genesis 40). Also, Jonah was sent to Nineveh to proclaim God’s word. When he disobeyed, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. Yes, he was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40).
In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was blinded three days as he was on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:11). Ananias then preached to him. When Jesus was 12 years old, He went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Upon His return, His parents could not find Him. Three days later He was found with the teachers of the law in the temple (Luke 2:41-49).
The most significant event that ever occurred in human history also took place in three days. That is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus promised to “destroy this temple, and in three days” He would raise it up. He spoke of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). He taught His disciples that He would suffer, be rejected, be killed, and yet rise again the third day (Mark 8:31). He did exactly as He said; He rose third day (Luke 24:6-7)!
He rose in three days to conquer sin and death and bring salvation to man, reconciling man and God. What will you do in the next three days? Will you accept His offer of salvation and change your life?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The Fool and Wise Words – Audio
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Wise Words Regarding A Fool
Today is April 1, 2015. It is also known as “April Fool’s Day.” Perhaps there are those that try to pull a prank on someone, causing them to feel foolish. A man of God should not be foolish, but instead be wise. Let us consider a few wise words regarding the fool (Proverbs 26:1-12).
- In Proverbs 26:1, Solomon explains that snow is not fitting in summer; nor is rain fitting in harvest. Likewise, honor is not fitting to a fool.
- In Proverbs 26:3, Solomon says a whip is needed to guide the horse, and a bridle for the donkey. Likewise, a rod is needed for the fool’s back. David says that the horse or mule has no understanding, and must be harnessed with a bit and bridle (Psalm 32:9). Just as one beats them to guide them, Solomon earlier stated “judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools (Proverbs 19:29).
- In Proverbs 26:4-5, a warning is issued not to answer a fool according to his folly. We should not be like them, but rather set the example for them. Sometimes it is best not to answer anything; other times it is best to give a soft answer, turning away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
- In Proverbs 26:6-7, a warning is given on the thought of trusting a fool. They may not deliver the message accurately, and cause the sender of the message harm from the receiver.
- In Proverbs 26:8, one wouldn’t want to bind a stone in a sling that is used for something else; similarly, one would not want to give honor to a fool when none is due.
- In Proverbs 26:9, a thorn in the hand of a drunkard is very dangerous; likewise, putting a proverb in the mouth of a fool can be costly.
- In Proverbs 26:10, God will give the fool his due.
- In Proverbs 26:11, a fool will repeat his folly (like Pharaoh refusing to let God’s people go in Exodus).
- In Proverbs 26:12, there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 29:20). Jesus illustrates this by the Pharisee’s prayer (Luke 18:10-14) and His words to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:17).
Let us not act foolishly, but instead, help fools to become wise by sharing the love of Christ with them, that they too can become wise in the eyes of The Lord through obedience to the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Who Do We Worship?
Worship God Only
From the beginning, God has made it very clear that He, and He alone, is worthy of our worship. He commanded the children of Israel not to have any other gods before Him, nor make any graven images for themselves (Exodus 20:1-6). Aaron, along with Israel, broke this commandment when a golden calf was created for idol worship (Exodus 32); God was not pleased.
Besides images, people and angels have sometimes been the objects of worship. The devil tempted Jesus to worship him, and he would give Him the kingdoms of the world and their glory. However, Jesus, said, “…For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve (Matthew 4:8-10).’” When Peter was sent to preach to Cornelius, Cornelius fell down at his feet and worshiped him. However, Peter did not accept his worship and replied, “Stand up; I myself am also a man (Acts 10:26).” Similarly, John fell down at the feet of an angel to worship him. Again, the worship was refused and he was told: “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9)!”
There is one who walked the earth, however, who did not refuse worship. The blind man was healed by Jesus, and when he learned that he had been healed by the Son of God, he believed in Him and worshiped Him. Jesus, who was God in the flesh (John 1), did not forbid him to worhip (John 9:35-39).
Requirements From The Lord – Audio
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The Lord’s Requirements:
We know that there are many things in this life that have worldly requirements we have to meet: name, birth certificate, education, previous work experience, and the like. Different people and situations may require different things of us. However, there are three requirements that the LORD has for our lives (Micah 6:8) that we must be diligent to meet in order to be pleasing to Him:
1. The Lord Requires Us To Do Justly.
a. The LORD knew that Abraham would teach his children and household after him to “do righteousness and justice (Genesis 18:19).”
b. Paul behaved himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” before the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
c. We must think on whatever things are just (Philippians 4:8).
d. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
2. The Lord Requires Us To Love Mercy.
a. God has mercy on whom He wills (Romans 9:15,18; Exodus 33:19).
b. His mercies are not consumed; they are “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
c. As He is merciful, so should we be merciful (Luke 6:36).
3. The Lord Requires Us To Walk Humbly With Him.
a. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”
b. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).”
c. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
d. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Are We Meeting The LORD’s Requirements?
If we are diligent to meet His requirements, we will receive the eternal reward that we so desire. We will be with The Lord!