Historical Posts
Theudas and Judas
Theudas and Judas came to nothing…
The apostles were commanded to go and preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). As they did so, they often found themselves in prison. In Acts 5, an angel of the Lord allowed them to escape prison. Then, shortly after, they were found teaching again. Next, they appeared before a council to hear of their fate. The council had a decision to make.
Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the law, called for a private conference with the council to offer them guidance. He cautioned them about becoming enemies of God and suggested releasing the apostles. The thrust of his argument was based on Theudas and Judas. He reminded them that Theudas, who had about 400 followers was killed, but nothing came of his followers. Then, Judas of Galilee rose up after him, and when he died his followers also came to nothing (Acts 5:34-37). Since God was not with them, nothing came of them.
The apostles, on the other hand, were different from Theudas and Judas! After Jesus died, they came to something! Their impact was noticed throughout the whole world. The church multiplied. Many heard the gospel preached, believed it, and were baptized for the remission of their sins. Evidence proves that Jesus did die on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-7).
The apostles had God with them. They did see Jesus; and through their eyes, we can too! Based on their eyewitness account, we can learn of Jesus, accept His salvation and then teach others the gospel. Just think, what kind of an impact can you have for Him? Who can you bring to eternal life in heaven?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
That is no Excuse!
So called reasons are really no excuse.
Have you heard any of these lame excuses before?
- “The dog ate it!”
- “My alarm clock failed to go off.”
- “I have a headache.”
Have you ever used any of these “no excuse” lines yourself? They don’t always work; they are not always true. The fact is, some people give excuses to get out of doing something that they should do. Then reality sets in. Parents, teachers, and bosses do not accept these “no excuse” reasons. God will also accept no excuse.
Moses tried to make excuses when God called to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3-4). God accepted no excuse from Moses. Instead, God helped him overcome his excuses. God does not accept our excuses either! Paul said that the world God created shows us that there is a Creator! The world we see proves there is a God we cannot see (Romans 1:19-21). We have no excuse.
That same God loves the world. He sent His only begotten Son to save it from sin (John 3:16). Jesus exposed men of sin, and died to take away all sins! He even said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin (John 15:22).” Man must realize he has sinned, and do something about it! No excuse.
If one follows God’s plan for dealing with sin, he can enjoy an eternal feast. Jesus taught a parable of a man who prepared a great supper, inviting many. Sadly, those invited made excuses: one bought a piece of ground and had to see it, another bought five yoke of oxen and had to test them, and even another married a wife. None of invited were able to attend that great supper (Luke 14:15-24). No excuse was accepted. God has prepared an eternal home for us; if we make excuses, we’ll miss out! Accept His salvation right now.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The Lord Is On Our Side – Audio
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Our Help Comes From Him
Text: Psalm 124:1-8.
David proclaims the Lord saves His people from adversity. Over countless times, He has delivered those who stood for Him. Yes, The Lord is on our side. If He had not been, the people would have perished. For example, in Psalm 124:3, he reminds the reader of those who have been swallowed alive. Numbers 16 tells of how Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rose against Moses and the Lord; consequently, the Lord caused the earth to swallow them up.
In Psalm 124:4-5 David mentions that the waters would have overwhelmed God’s people had they not heeded Him. In Exodus 14, the Lord allowed the children of Israel to escape Pharaoh and all the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea. God allowed the children of Israel to live, but destroyed the Egyptians by causing the waters to fall back upon them.
David says that God allows His people to narrowly escape their enemies as a bird escapes from a birdcatcher with a trap (Psalm 124:6-7; Psalm 91:3; Proverbs 6:5; Hosea 9:8). Yes, even a narrow escape is still an escape. Perhaps it makes us appreciate it more. God is on our side (Psalm 124:1; Romans 8:31)! Our help comes from the name of the Lord (Psalm 124:8), who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). With every temptation to Christians, God is faithful and will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In the end, God will take care of His people. Those who disobey Him will be destroyed forever. The Lord is on our side, will you be on His side?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Avoid Foolish Disputes
Foolish disputes over a dress?
Recently on Facebook, a picture of a dress has sparked foolish disputes. What color is the dress? Even Fox News has gotten involved! Some say the dress is blue, others say it is gold; some say white; others say black. This one picture of a dress with stripes has been shared with thousands of people, and generated as many comments. Various factors come into play. Depending on the lighting, the device used, and other factors, different answers are given according to the perception of the observer. But, what is the point of what color the dress is? Why are people taking part in these foolish disputes? Is it just a matter of being seen to be right?
Paul told Titus, “avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless (Titus 3:9).” Imagine the useless debates of the old law, and the problems that were created in Bible times. Some things do not matter; some things are not explained. However, other things do matter. Jesus pronounced woe to the scribes and Pharisees because they had “paid tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23).” They should have done those things, without leaving the rest undone!
In our lives we may argue and have foolish disputes over things that are worthless. We need to let go on the unimportant. Instead, we need to pay attention to God’s laws that are in effect for us today and work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12). This is what is most important! Have you worked out your salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Obtain the Prize – Audio
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Run the race of life to obtain the prize of eternal life.
This weekend many individuals will be participating in the Bible Bowl. The gospel of John has been studied, and learned by all. Although a prize will be given to each of the top finishers in each age group, everyone wins because they all have a better understanding of God’s word.
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Paul likens the Christian life to a lifelong race. Just as one runner receives the top prize in a marathon, so every Christian should run in a way that they may obtain a prize. In the early days, the winner of the Olympic events would receive an olive tree wreath on his head. This crown would perish. However, here Paul speaks of an “imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25).”
Paul told Timothy that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and have kept the faith.” As a result, he would receive a prize, the “crown of righteousness,” which the Lord would not only give to him, but also to “all who have loved his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).” This “crown of righteousness” is also called the “crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).” As it takes a lot of hard work preparing for the Bible Bowl, it takes a lot of work preparing for Heaven. After becoming a Christian, one must endure temptation, be approved, and continue to live faithfully unto death.
Unfortunately, sometimes competitors may try to win by unethical means. Many forms of cheating have stripped some winners of their awards. As Paul told Timothy, one is “not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Timothy 2:5).” If we want to hold on to our prize and crown, we must compete according to God’s rules. The church in Philadelphia was told, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown (Revelation 3:11).”
Thinking Like God – Audio
No Longer Thinking Like God, Man Has Schemed
There is a great difference between God and man. Our thinking is different. God’s thinking is higher than man’s thinking. God said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).”
Man may not have thinking like God, but, in fact, man does have a choice on how to think. Sadly, man most often makes the wrong choices on what to think about. God made man upright; but man has sought out many schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:27-29).
God created man in His image, and according to His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). At that time, God called everything “good” (Genesis 1:31). Man was allowed eat of any and every tree in the garden of Eden, including the tree of life, with one exception. Man was instructed not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, man was tempted to eat of that tree by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Naturally, they gave into sin (Genesis 3:6-7). Since the entry of sin, man has always schemed (Genesis 6:5). But, from the beginning, it was not so.
How can man get back to thinking like God? Paul told the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8)…” We need to be thinking more like Christ, following His example. God has made us upright; through Christ we can be reconciled to Him!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Fear and Trembling
When a person is very afraid, a natural response is to shake. Hence the reference to fear and trembling.
One may experience fear, and tremble either inwardly, outwardly, or both. One example found in the Bible is that of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She touched Jesus’ coat, knowing that she would be made well. When Jesus felt the power going out of Him, He asked whom it was that touched Him. She came and fell down before Him, in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Because of her faith, she was made well. Another example is the faithfulness of David. He was overcome with “faithfulness and trembling” at the sight of a wicked city, and prayed to God that he would be saved from it (Psalm 55:5).
As Paul shared the gospel with the Corinthians, he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3).” He was concerned not only for the spiritual well-being of them, but also for himself. That is the attitude we should all have! We must realize the importance of being right with God and have fear and trembling when we are not. The Psalmist wrote, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11).” Christians are commanded to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).”
We serve a powerful, just, and loving God. He has told us clearly in His Word what He accepts and what He rejects by sending many individuals to proclaim His Word, who were received with fear and trembling (e.g. Titus in 2 Corinthians 7:13-15). Servants are to be obedient to their masters with fear and trembling, as to Christ (Ephesians 6:5).
Our souls are very precious in the sight of God! It is perfectly natural to experience fear and trembling as we strive to serve God. However, we must not have fear forever. After all, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us (1 Peter 4:18-19).”
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Do you believe everything you hear? Or do you check it out?
At the end of every episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton would say, “…But, you don’t have to take my word for it.” The kids would then give book recommendations on a common topic. Each viewer was encouraged not to believe everything you hear, but to choose a book they trusted and read for yourself.
Do you believe everything you hear in the religious world? Why? We should not just take someone’s word for it; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves! We must not rely just on the words of others; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves and go to the authority. Solomon wrote, “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps (Proverbs 14:15).”
Discovering the real truth will help us take the proper steps. Jeremiah wrote, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).” No, man does not know how to direct his own steps; he must let the LORD direct them (Proverbs 16:9).
Do not believe everything you hear. Whatever we read, hear on the radio, see on TV, or learn in Bible class or in worship, let us seek the truth from God’s Word (John 17:17) for ourselves. Let us be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
Once you hear the truth and check it out, will you believe and act on it?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preeminence
Are We to Seek Preeminence? Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled!
“Diotrephes… loves to have the preeminence among them (3 John 9).” John criticizes him for loving himself first above others, and commands fellow Christians not to follow his bad example. Paul wrote to the Romans with a similar message about preeminence, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).”
Jesus, on the other hand, “is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).” He has the preeminence and is first in all things, especially the church! God has exalted Him.
Diotrephes sought to have preeminence; Jesus already has it! Too many times individuals try to take the place that is already reserved for another. This may happen in the home, the workforce, and even in the church. Nothing good can come from this concept of placing ourselves above others; in fact, many divisions occur as a result. This self-seeking is against what Jesus prayed for and what Paul pleaded for (John 17:21-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10). Jesus said, “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
Regardless of our role in the home, workforce, or church, we need to recognize that Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18)! Let us not seek preeminence and to elevate ourselves, but abide by His authority. Have you come to Him in humility and accepted His authority in salvation?
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Perspectives on Love
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Insight and Perspectives on Love
Some words may mean different things to different people. For example, ask some people what love is. You are likely to get a variety of definitions. Consider what a group of kids age 4 thu 8 have said about love (Listen to the Audio).
These definitions from the children are very entertaining. Yet, they all have great insight and perspectives on love. For true and complete insight on love, we need to turn to the message of love in God’s Word.
Consider these perspectives on love from God’s Word from the as defined by:
- Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (Perspectives on love here focus on being unselfish)
- John in 2 John 6; 1 John 2:5; 3:18; 5:3. (This perspective on love involves our deeds and how we live)
- Jude in Jude 20-23. (This perspective on love recognizes God’s grace and requires compassion for others)
- Jesus in John 14:15, 23. (This perspective on love requires obedience in keeping His commandments)
Understanding How God Loves Helps Us Love
The Bible is all about God’s love for man, and how man should love God in return (1 John 4:19). By understanding how God loved us, we can better understand how to love Him. Once we decide to love Him, there is nothing external that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). But is there anything that can separate us from loving God? Only ourselves, as demonstrated by those in Ephesus. They chose to leave their first love (Revelation 2:1, 4).
Our love for God must be everlasting, even to the point of death. We must demonstrate our love by keeping His commands and always being faithful to Him. Have you learned His commandments and responded to them with obedient action?
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Preaching to the Dead
Have you heard of preaching to the dead?
Huh? How can someone hear a sermon if they’re dead? If you have read this far, you must be thinking this by now. The answer is relatively simple: one who is dead physically cannot hear, but one who is spiritually dead can still hear and learn. The church in Sardis was described as follows: “…I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (Revelation 3:1).” The church in Sardis was encouraged to repent and hear the Spirit’s message to the churches (Revelation 3:3, 6).
There are many people today who are spiritually dead! Peter tells us that: “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1 Peter 4:5-6).”
God is ready to judge us all! If we have obeyed the gospel message and lived faithfully, we will enter into life; if we have not obeyed it, or lived unfaithfully, we will enter into damnation. This is why the gospel must be preached to those that are spiritually dead; they need a chance to live! In order to live, one must put to death the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:9, 13).
We must all believe and obey the gospel of Christ, “for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… (2 Corinthians 5:10)” Have you done so, or are you still spiritually dead?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:5-7
Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded
Two ways we can think: carnally minded or spiritually minded
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” If used properly, the mind can be a wonderful tool; if misused, the mind can cause one to get into a lot of trouble. After all, our actions result from our thoughts. There are two fundamental ways we can think, and they are at odds with each other: carnally minded versus spiritually minded. Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6).” Similarly, Paul stated: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:8).”
Carnally minded thinking is against God
The carnal (earthly, fleshly) mind is enmity against God (Romans 8:7-8). James says, “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).” Thinking on worldly things, being carnally minded, will lead to doing worldly deeds. Again, our thoughts preceed our actions. Paul lists the works of the flesh we need to avoid in Galatians 5:19-21.
Spiritually minded thinking brings life and peace
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). The Spirit of God dwells in the spiritually minded; the body of sin is dead, yet the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:9-10). The spiritually minded have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; John 15:15; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:1-2).
What do you often think about?
Be aware of the carnally minded versus spiritually minded war for your thoughts. Is your mind in the gutter? Is your minds in the clouds? Do you even know where your mind is focussed? What should you be thinking about? The fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).” Choose how you will think and the resulting actions that will follow.
Together in Christ – Audio
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There is one God and one Mediator between God and men
When people grow apart, it takes one special person to bring them back together. Many individuals cannot find “common ground,” and thus distance themselves from one another. One person, who has something in common with both of them, can bring them back together again. Man has become separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:2). Thus, only one person can bring us back together: Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).”
God’s plan for reconcilliation brings us together in Christ
Paul explains to the Corinthians how we come together in Christ: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).”
Through the death of God’s Son, we may be reconciled to God. Because Christ was raised again, we can be saved by His life (Romans 5:10-11). Christ made the perfect sacrifice, doing what we could not to bridge the gap. God came down to us, and we must go up to Him.
Salvation requires God’s grace
Man cannot be saved without, or apart from, the grace of God; this grace is “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).” This redemption gives us the promise of an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:12-15).
Sharing The Word is offering reconcilliation with God
Don’t you want to share with others the good news? Don’t you want to tell them of an eternal inheritance they too can have? God commands us to do just that! Remember, He has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” and “committed to us the word of reconciliation.” By sharing the word, others too can believe and obey it. Thus, we can all be together in Christ, one in Christ; and He will be one in us (John 17:20-23).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Better Suffering
Is it better suffering from doing good or better suffering from doing evil? Is there a difference?
Suffering is a part of normal everyday life. When we make mistakes, we must suffer the consequences. We expect that. When we do something good, we may suffer a trade-off or persecution from others. We should expect that as well. In fact, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).” But is it better suffering for doing good or for doing evil?
Is one form of suffering better than the other? Yes! Why one is suffering makes a difference. Peter wrote, “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17).” God says that it is better suffering for doing good! He has always seen His people suffer. Those who suffered were eventually delivered; those who caused the suffering were punished when God took vengeance.
If we are suffering for doing the will of God, He will repay us for doing good and deliver us. On the other hand, if we are suffering for doing evil, God will repay us for that evil. Go back in your mind. Remember when kids would do well and behave in school, and then suffer bullying from other students? Their parents would commend them when they got home! On the other hand, when kids got in trouble at school, they would suffer getting in trouble with their parents when they got home. Which would you choose?
Keep in your mind that God is in control. He will render to every man according to his deeds when he is no longer on the earth (Romans 2:6). Let this thought help your bear up. It is better suffering for doing good and persevering.
Belief of Demons
Do you have the belief of demons? Not good enough!
James 2:19-20: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” The belief of demons does not lead to saving action.
Demons recognize the fact that there is one God. In fact, they admit that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 8:28-32). Demons confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Holy One of God (Luke 4:33-36).” Yet they want nothing to do with Him. They know their time will come when they will be tormented. The belief of demons is a dead belief.
Like the demons, we must confess Christ as the Son of God so He will confess us before His Father in Heaven (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32). Unlike demons who believe and just tremble, we can have nothing to fear if we take saving action. We need to show our faith by our works. Then we can receive eternal salvation. Instead of having nothing to do with Christ, we must have everything to do with Him!
By having a belief in Jesus as the Son of God, confessing Him before men, and putting Him on in baptism, we then no longer live for ourselves. When we take these actions we begin to allow Christ to live in us. We do so by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). We must have far more than a dead belief, like the belief of demons. We must have a belief that drives us to take the saving actions that God has told us to take in His Word.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Herod and His Demise – Audio
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The Demise of Herod
Pride – The Downfall of Herod
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).” These words by Jesus soon rang true of King Herod (Acts 12) and we can see this in Herod’s demise.
Herod had been harassing some members of the Lord’s church (Acts 12:1-4). He persecuted an apostle [James, the brother of John], and even put another apostle in prison [Peter].
As Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him. Then, Peter was soon freed from prison by the Lord’s angel (Acts 12:5-17). This is an example of that shows “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).” Now, compare the Church with Herod; obviously one is more righteous than the other.
Herod became angry after he could not find Peter. He was even angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. He later wore his royal apparel, and gave an oration to them. The people lifted him up and deemed him a god (Acts 12:18-22).
Give Glory to God
As a result of Herod being so elevated, the angel of the Lord struck him, and he died (Acts 12:23). The Psalmist wrote, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth (Psalm 115:1).”
There are still some today who love the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). This will cause them plenty of grief. Notice that Jesus did not receive honor from men, and condemned seeking honor from one another instead of from God (John 5:41, 44).
As Herod and his opposition faded away, God’s word grew and multiplied (Acts 12:24). Likewise, we must be careful not oppose the word of God. In fact, doing so would be in vain. Instead, we must accept God’s Word and work to spread the good news of the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Pure From Sin
Has your heart been made you pure from sin?
We all have questions that we may ask ourselves from time to time.
- “What did I come in here for?”
- “Where did I put that?”
- “What is on my to do list today?”
Some questions are asked every day for that day; other questions may be asked in retrospect throughout a lifetime.
- “What if I had chosen that job…?”
- “What if I moved there…?”
Perhaps some questions are best left unanswered. However, there is one question that we must ask, and honestly answer, for ourselves. This question has eternal implications and consequences.
Proverbs 20:9: “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?’” Solomon penned these words, and understood the importance of a clean heart before God. David pleaded with God that He would create a clean heart in himself, and would be cleaned from his sins (Psalm 51).
We need to have the same concern for the condition of our heart. We can cleanse our hearts and be pure from sin by drawing near to God (James 4:8). Jesus died on the cross for us, shedding His blood to cleanse us from our sins. By being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16), we can have a heart that is pure of sin. Only then can we say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin.”
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Abundant Entrance – Audio
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Jesus Is Our Abundant Entrance Into Heaven
Just Getting In
For some people, just getting into somewhere can mean a whole lot. Purchasing the very last tickets to a concert, ball game, or any function can cause great elation, even if the seats are at the very top in the far back, in the nosebleed section. On the other hand, imagine what it would be like to have great seats guaranteed for life!
Imagine What He Has Prepared
Jesus has said that there are many mansions in His Father’s house. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and has given us the way to get there (John 14:1-6). Imagine how beautiful Heaven will be (as we often sing). Imagine the place that is prepared for us, how we can enjoy it forever, and the abundant entrance He has prepared.
He Is Our Abundant Entrance
However, one must go through Christ in order to get to Heaven (John 14:6; Hebrews 11:6). He is the abundant entrance, and the only entrance. Therefore, if we want to get in and stay in, we must do as the Lord commands. Peter says, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
We Must Be Diligent And Obedient
We are all called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). By obeying the gospel, we become the elect of God (Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; Titus 1:1). We must be diligent to present ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15) by studying His word and by living a faithful Christian life unto the point of death (Revelation 2:10). If we do these things, we are guaranteed an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Christ! Will you do these things?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
You Have a Light
You have a light that should never go out.
When a light goes out, the bulb needs to be replaced. Light bulbs come in all shapes and sizes. To have a light that is effective, you must get the proper wattage and type in order to be sure that the light will work properly once again. A light that is too bright will hurt the eyes; a light that is too dim may not allow one to see properly.
Solomon wrote, “The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out (Proverbs 13:9).” Spiritually, we all can be a light. Does our light work all the time? Does it shine brightly, or is it dim? The answer may depend on whether our light is righteous or wicked. Those who are righteous have reason to rejoice! Jesus Christ has died, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). They are now reconciled to Him and are shining. Those that are wicked are still living in sin, and thus are still separated from God (Isaiah 59:2) and their light has been extinguished.
What kind of light are we emanating? Do you have a light that is it bright and energetic and effective, leading many souls to Christ? Or, is it dim and weak, not showing the love of God to others? Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”
Have you accepted the salvation offered in Christ to ignite your light? Others can only have a light when we become a light.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The Son of Encouragement
Everyone can all use more encouragement. You can all be an encourager, or a “son of encouragement”, and provide the need.
Joses, who was called Barnabas by the apostles, means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). His actions match his name. He sold a piece of land and gave the money to the apostles, allowing them to meet the needs of the saints (Acts 4:32-37). He did what he could to help as many people as possible. Later, he helped aid those who needed relief from the famine in Judea (Acts 11:27-30).
There was another individual to whom Barnabas provided encouragement: Saul of Tarsus. Saul had been blinded after persecuting Christians, and had just received his sight. He began to preach Christ in Damascus, and then attempted to do the same in Jerusalem. However, many were afraid of him. They did not consider him a disciple. He really needed encouragement. Barnabas declared to them of how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He told Saul, in turn, began to preach Christ. As a result the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria were edified and encouraged (Acts 9:26-31). Not long afterward, Barnabas and Paul teamed up to travel and spread the gospel (Acts 12:25-14:28).
Imagine how many people were encouraged by this one individual. Barnabas had a gift for encouragement and used it to the best of his ability. What about you? Is encouragement your gift? Is it something else? Whatever it is, use it to the best of your ability in the servers of the Lord. You will be surprised how many people can be encouraged. The best encouragement you can provide is having hope in Christ. Can you share the encouragement of knowing you have accepted salvation in Christ on His terms?