Historical Posts
I am Resolved
What have you resolved in your mind?
In 1896, Palmer Hartsough penned the following words: “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife; He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life. I am resolved to follow the Savior, faithful and true each day; heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way. I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin; friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in.”
The new year is rapidly approaching, and many will be making New Year’s resolutions. What have we resolved to do? Do you need to make changes and improvements in how your are living in the coming year? As the song suggests, if we are living in sin we need to resolve to die to sin and live for Christ (Romans 6:2, 6; Galatians 2:20; 6:14).
We must be resolved and steadfast in our minds to follow diligently the example Christ set in His life on earth (1 Peter 2:21-24). We must be resolved to listen to Him (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:11) and obey Him (John 14:15; 2 Timothy 2:15). We must be resolved to enter and remain in the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:20; 7:21; 18:3; John 3:5), even though family, friends, or enemies may try to hinder us (Matthew 10:37-38). Be resolved to take action and accept the salvation offered in Christ.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
The Giving of Grace – audio
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Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are the most giving times of the year. Usually, there is one present intended for one person. However, there is one gift that God gave to the whole world: His Son (John 3:16). Jesus said that “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Note that anyone, regardless of classification, can partake of everlasting life.
Paul was instrumental in giving everyone that opportunity. Text: Ephesians 3:1-7. Everyone includes both Jew and Gentile alike. Paul identified himself as a prisoner of Christ to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). Thus, he had something important to give them: grace.
The grace of God was given to Paul for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2). Earlier, the Lord told Paul that he would bear His name to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). As the Lord delivered Him, so He would the Gentiles. This was a mystery that has finally been revealed (Ephesians 3:3-5; Romans 11:25; 16:25)! The Gentiles, along with the Jews, can be saved (Ephesians 3:6)!
One cannot be saved without the grace of God, and it has come to all men, including Gentiles (Titus 2:11-13). Earlier, Paul explained to the Ephesians that salvation is through grace and faith (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, by being baptized into Christ Jew and Gentile can be saved (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Paul became a minister of the gospel through the grace of God to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:7; Romans 1:5).
Will you receive the grace of God? Obey the gospel and live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) to receive eternal life!
A Matter of Life and Death
What could be more important than a matter of life and death? How about eternal life and eternal death?
Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874-October 31, 1926) was considered to be one of the world’s greatest magicians. He performed many escape acts, and even intended to perform one final escape act, a matter of life and death, namely his own. His widow, Bess, kept a candle burning in the window for 10 years after his death. She claimed that she hoped to communicate with him through a séance, but never could. Finally, on the tenth anniversary of his death, his wife blew out the candle realizing he could not return from the grave.
The Bible states: “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave (Psalm 89:48)?” Houdini could not deliver his life from the power of the grave, and neither can we. The Bible further states, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)…” We cannot return to this earth after death; rather, we will face judgment.
Heaven awaits those who have obeyed the gospel and have lived the faithful Christian life; Hell awaits those who have not. We have one lifetime to make the right choices, and then we will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12-15). What will we choose? What have you chosen so far? Do you need to make an informed change? Remember, this choice is, spiritually, a matter of life and death.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Be Wary of Eating Honey
I like eating honey. I especially enjoy putting it on my biscuits. In fact, I know someone who can get a good deal on purchasing honey. Many people like honey, and it was common in the Bible. John the Baptizer ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). Samson found honey inside of the carcass of a lion, and made a riddle about it.
Honey is good! The wise man wrote, “My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:13-14).” Just as honey is good, it must be taken in the proper amount. Later the wise man warned: “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit (Proverbs 25:16).” Also, “It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory (Proverbs 25:27).”
It is good to enjoy honey in its proper amount, but if one gets too much it can do more harm than good. Similarly, the wise man says knowledge is good to the soul. Proper knowledge of God’s Word can guide a soul to salvation (Colossians 1:9-10). Glorying in self and not in the Lord is vain (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 5:6).
Next time you reach for the honey, remember to eat it in the right amount. Perhaps in so doing you will be reminded to gain knowledge of God’s Word and glory in the Lord!
Men and Women in the Church
The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and includes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Paul explained to the Corinthians that there is one body, yet that body is made up of different members with different functions (1 Corinthians 12). Regardless of gender, there is something each person can do in the body of Christ.
Sadly, there has been confusion as to what men and women can and cannot do. We must remember that the Scriptures, not our feelings, give us the authority for what we can or cannot do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul told Timothy: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence (1 Timothy 2:8-12).” He told the Corinthians, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).”
Paul told Titus: “…The older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works (Titus 2:2-8)…”
Scripture tells us that men led in the worship, women taught women and children, and that everyone, regardless of age, was to set a good Christian example. Women were not permitted to lead in worship because it was the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression (1 Timothy 2:13-15; Genesis 3).
If You Abide, Walk! – Audio
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It may seem like an oxymoron to walk somewhere if you abide. However, that is what the Bible commands us to do! John wrote, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked (1 John 2:6).” God will not tell us to do something that we cannot do. How can we walk and abide simultaneously?
First, we must abide in Christ. One can only abide if one gets into. Thus, one gets into Christ by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Once in Christ, we must remain in Him and be active. Jesus explained that He is the vine and we are the branches. The branches must abide in Him, as He abides in the vinedresser. By abiding in Him, we must bear fruit (John 15:1-8). He then goes on to say that we are to abide in His love (John 15:9ff.).
Once in Christ, we must walk as He walked. Earlier in his letter, John said that we must “walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).” By being where Christ is, we can have fellowship with Him and one another. Christ is no longer here on earth, but is with us in spirit. While He was on the earth, He showed us how we ought to walk (1 Peter 2:21-25).
By learning more about Him and following His example, we can abide in Him. We can only abide in Him if we walk just as He walked! Let us remain in His Word, and do what He says.
Christ’s Sufferings and Our Consolation
We will hve both affliction and consolation during our walk with God.
Christ suffered for us. He endured persecution, and ultimately lay down His life on the cross for our sins. Because He was willing to do so, we can find consolation in Him. Knowing that the perfect sacrifice was made that can remove our sins. Our consolation is that we have the right to be reconciled to God.
Paul told the Corinthians, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:5-7).”
As Christians, we partake in the sufferings of Christ! Paul told Timothy that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). When we endure suffering, Christ shares in that with us. Thus Christ is consoled when we are able to endure it. He rejoices when one remains faithful to Him, and will reward him accordingly.
We will be both afflicted and comforted during our walk with God. Paul says that this is for our consolation and salvation! Knowing what Christ went through for us, and what we must go through for Him, should encourage us to continue to live faithfully. If we remain faithful until death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Go and Tell John – audio
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Text: Luke 7:18-23
At Nain, Jesus had raised the son of a widow from the dead. Word about Him quickly spread throughout the region, and ultimately came to John. John then sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the coming one. John knew the prophets foretold about God’s Messenger that would come (Malachi 3:1-3), and he wanted to know if Jesus indeed was that Messenger.
As the disciples came to Jesus, they directly asked Him if He was the Coming One. Jesus did not answer them by word of mouth; instead, He performed miracles for them to see. He then said, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me (Luke 7:22-23).”
John’s disciples were able to return to him as direct witnesses of Jesus; they were not relaying hearsay. It was up to them to believe Jesus based upon what they had seen with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. It was up to them to go and tell John about it. It was then up to John to accept it and respond accordingly.
The same is true for us today. Those like John’s disciples are telling us what they saw and heard themselves. He writes, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24).” He wrote those things that he had seen and heard so we may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing, we can have life through Christ (John 20:31).
Now, it is up to us. Do we believe in what the Bible has to say? Are we willing to go and tell others what we have learned about Christ? The gospel has the power to save us all (Romans 1:16).
Right to the Tree of Life
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life?
The tree of life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve had the right to eat of it, but lost that right when they sinned (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17-24). The tree is pure, able to provide eternal life to those worthy to partake of it. However, because of sin, one loses the right to partake of the tree (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Because of its pure nature, the tree of life is used symbolically in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is located there (Proverbs 3:18); fruit of righteousness is a tree of life (Proverbs 11:30); fulfilled desire is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12); a wholesome [healing] tongue is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4). The author says that if we possess these pure characteristics, we may be on our way to obtaining the tree of life.
The book of Revelation tells us how we can have a right to the tree. The Lord says, “…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7).” Later John tells us what he sees in the vision: the tree of life is on either side of the river of water of life, bearing twelve fruits; the leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:4). Then John leaves us one reminder: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates of the city (Revelation 22:14).”
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life? Have your sins washed away, keep the commandments of God, and overcome the trials and tribulations of this world through Christ!
Thank You, Dorcas – audio
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Tomorrow is the national day of Thanksgiving. Christians, however, should be thankful all the time, not just one day of the year (1 Thessalonians 5:18). There are many things we are thankful for, and also many people. Dorcas is one person many were thankful for (Text: Acts 9:36-42).
Dorcas was full of “good works and charitable deeds.” She made clothing for people, which was readily displayed. God is pleased when we do good and share (Hebrews 13:16), and Dorcas did not forget to do just that. By giving clothes to those that are without, Jesus says we do it unto Him (Matthew 25:34-40).
Dorcas was dead, but lived again. When she was presented alive, no doubt many people had great joy. Imagine the joy that one would feel when seeing someone again after not seeing them for a long time. Jesus taught of a man that had a son who was “dead and alive again (Luke 15).” We all die spiritually, but through Christ we can be made alive (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Physically, we must die and then can live again forever with God (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Because of Dorcas, many people believed on the Lord. While Jesus walked the earth, many of the Jews saw the things He did and believed in Him (John 11:45). After Jesus ascended into Heaven, many people saw the things the apostles did and believed on the Lord. No doubt those that were witnesses of the good works and charitable deeds of Dorcas believed on the Lord.
I am thankful for the Biblical record of people such as Dorcas, who had a great influence. I am thankful for you who serve the Lord and influence others. I am thankful to God for sending His Son to die for us that we might live again. What about you? Who are you thankful for?
Joy in the City
As the gospel began to be preached, many souls heard and obeyed it. Even the great persecutions could not slow down the spread of the gospel. Many believed Philip as he preached in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8).
At Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to the Gentiles that were there. The unbelieving Jews were envious, but the Gentiles heard it and believed. Thus, the word of the Lord was being spread throughout the region (Acts 13:42-52).
As the gospel came to Thessalonica, many became followers of the Lord when they heard it. From there, the word sounded forth in every place (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8).
In each of the preceding texts, there was much joy in the city! There is obviously a correlation between the gospel spreading and joy being fulfilled. John expressed that correlation: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4).” The word of God is truth (John 17:17), and when it is heard, believed, and obeyed, there is great joy! As the word of God spreads and more souls are added to the Lord, joy increases.
Do you have great joy? Are you spreading the gospel? Have you obeyed the gospel yourself? Remember, “…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).”
Taxation Talk – audio
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As a number of seats were determined yesterday in the House and Senate, a few items on some ballots involved taxes. Some taxes were accepted; others were rejected. Voters want to know how much of a tax they are paying and what the tax goes toward. Some people want to know where every penny spent goes.
Paul had a little to tell the Romans concerning the government and taxes (Romans 13:1-7). The government has a role to use taxes in the proper way, and Christians must render taxes to whom taxes are due.
This was the concern of the Pharisees as they sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to know if it was lawful to pay taxes unto Caesar. Jesus told them to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:15-22).”
Some even questioned Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). Jesus explained to him that although the sons of the king are free from paying taxes, they would pay in order to avoid offending them. Interestingly, money was provided to pay for them that did not belong to them.
Just as it is good to pay taxes, one must be careful about collecting them. Zacchaeus was a tax collector that was seen as a sinner in the public eye, but was brought salvation by Jesus; Matthew was a tax collector that left all in order to follow Jesus, becoming His disciple (Matthew 9).
As Christians, it is our primary to serve God (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29). When paying our taxes, we are supporting the good and combating the evil. It is what Jesus would have us to do. He taught what He learned from His parents as they paid their taxes (Luke 2:1-5).
Forgiving the Forsaking
Perhaps one of the toughest acts of Christianity is that of forgiving. When one has wronged us, we need to be willing to forgive them. Peter asked Jesus how often one should be willing to forgive, even up to seven times. Jesus answered him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).” It may seem harder to forgive when we’ve already forgiven and an offense happens again. It may seem like others are forsaking us, and we do not know if we can be forgiving to them again.
Paul was willing to forgive others. Paul explained to Timothy that Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm, and resisted to the words of God. He said, “at my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them (2 Timothy 4:14-16).” He was willing to forgive those who forsook him as he stood for the truth!
Similarly, Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) was holding the coats of those that stoned him. As Stephen was dying, he cried: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60).” Perhaps Paul learned from Stephen the power of forgiving in difficult times.
Where did Stephen learn this? From Jesus Christ! As Christ was dying on the cross, He cried: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Luke 23:34).” He was willing to be forgiving to the very ones who forsook Him!
We, too, should be willing to be forgiving of others when they forsake us. Others may forsake us, but God never will (Hebrews 13:5). After all, we must forgive others to be forgiven by God Himself (Matthew 6:14-15).
The Prophetic Word is Confirmed
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21.
The apostle Peter gives us an account of his witness of Jesus Christ. He knows that Jesus is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Son of God. When Jesus speaks, God is speaking through Him (John 1:1-2,14). Peter, among other witnesses, recorded things of Jesus that we can know today.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and contains many prophecies and fulfillments of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Prophecies about the coming of Christ, the establishment of His church, and the end of time are all contained in the Bible. Every single prophecy has been, or will be, fulfilled.
Man cannot take these prophecies and make them mean what he wishes. Hence, they are not “of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).” God means for things to happen a certain way, and they do. We are warned of false prophets, who claim things that do not come to pass (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1; Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 28:9). Some even change the meaning to fit their own wishes, and will bring about their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
True prophecy does not come from man; it comes from God. We need to listen to and obey God, and not man (Acts 5:29). The Bible is written by men inspired of God, and should be heeded. Do not rely upon words spoken by others; instead, search the Scriptures for yourself to see whether these things are truly from God and not men (Acts 17:11). Confirm it!
Truth Abides Forever
God’s Truth Abides Forever.
There are too many things that do not last very long. They do not abide.
- John said that the world is passing away, and its lust (1 John 2:17).
- James said our life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
All too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in the things that do not last; instead, we need to pay attention to what will abide, what does last.
The Psalmist wrote, “His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD endures forever (Psalm 117:2).” God’s truth abides forever. It will last, even when other things do not! The Psalmist also wrote, “The LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).”
God’s truth was in the beginning; it is here now; it will always exist.
In the New Testament, Jesus gives us three sources of truth:
- Jesus Himself (John 14:6)
- God, His Father (John 17:3)
- God’s Word (John 17:17)
John earlier told us that Jesus was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-2). In the beginning, God spoke and created light (Genesis 1:1-3). Today, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1). The word of God is with us today through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17); God’s truth abides forever (1 Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8).
God, His Son, and His Word always were; they still are; they always will be. Their truth abides forever. That’s the truth! It has been proven over and over again that the Bible is accurate in every way. Believe it and follow God’s instructions! Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).” The truth abides forever, and if we do what we are commanded to do with it, we shall abide forever with them!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
What a Difference a Year Makes
After the persecution of Stephen (Acts 7), many Christians scattered as far as Antioch. The hand of the Lord was with them, and “a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” As word of this spread to Jerusalem, Barnabas was called to Antioch. When he arrived, Barnabas encouraged them to “continue with the Lord.” He then found Saul in Tarsus, and brought him back to Antioch. Thus, “for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26).”
My family and I can relate to Barnabas and Saul. For a whole year now, we have assembled with the saints here at Gahanna-Jefferson and a great many people have been taught. It is hard to believe that just a year ago my family and I moved up here to work with the Lord’s church. A lot of things have taken place: campaign, gospel meeting, fellowships, Bible Bowl, visitations, and the like. Many improvements have been made to the building and grounds. We finally sold our house. Jessica discovered she has a neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor, and will have surgery soon. Elijah has grown much and is talking more.
There is so much that can happen in a year. Image how many people heard the gospel throughout Antioch thanks to the efforts of Barnabas and Saul. A lot of good things have happened to this congregation over the past year, thanks to each and every member. We are blessed to be a part of this congregation, and pray the Lord can work through us for many years to come. Imagine what can take place within a year from now!
Jesus and the Fig Tree – audio
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On two separate occasions, Jesus told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. There is an important lesson that we can learn from something not producing.
Matthew 21:18-22.
Jesus was hungry, and approached a barren fig tree. Noticing that it would not satisfy His need, he caused it to wither away. This aroused the curiosity of the disciples, and Jesus taught them how they could do anything with faith (James 1:5-8; Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17). This faith must also have love (1 Corinthians 13:2). Finally, Jesus comforted them by saying that they will receive whatever they ask in prayer, believing (Matthew 7:7-11).
Luke 13:6-9.
On this occasion, Jesus taught a parable involving a fig tree. A man planted it, but it did not yield any fruit. He told the keeper of the vineyard that he sought fruit for three years and found none; therefore it should be cut down. However, the keeper of the vineyard replied: “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” Here Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit (also taught in the earlier text). Notice: 1) The keeper of the vineyard was longsuffering toward the fig tree (2 Peter 3:9); 2) he wanted to aid the fig tree (Hebrews 4:16); and 3) there was a fate awaiting the fig tree at the set time (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
Both passages of Scripture call to attention a barren fig tree withering away. Jesus has the power to save it, and the power to destroy it. As Christians, we are like the fig tree. Jesus has the power to save us or destroy us. What will happen to us depends on if we are bearing fruit (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).
Galatians 06:01-05 – Bear One Another’s Burdens – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:1-5 (Reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Individually, we all have burdens to bear.
B. Collectively, we should strive to help with one another’s burdens.
C. By doing so, the law of Christ is fulfilled.
Body
I. We are all tempted, and may be overtaken by a trespass at any time.
A. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. All brethren experience the same suffering, and we must resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).
B. No temptation has overtaken you, except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
1) Temptation leads to sin, and sin to death (James 1:12-15).
2) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; we have all been tempted (Romans 3:23).
3) Jesus was tempted in all points just as we were, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-10).
4) We continue with Jesus in His trials (Luke 22:28).
5) We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
6) As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must examine ourselves as sinners; we examine the sinless Christ as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:28).
II. We must restore others in a spirit of gentleness.
A. God will render to each of us our deeds, and we should want our deeds to include helping others (Romans 2:5-9).
B. Christians are commanded to edify one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:11-13,15-16,29; Hebrews 10:24-25).
C. Jesus said not to boast in relation to others as the Pharisee, but humble ourselves as the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
D. Paul also said not to think of ourselves too highly (Romans 12:3,5-6,8).
E. The strong ones should bear with the scruples of the weak (Romans 15:1-7,14).
F. We should bear with one another in love, with longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2).
III. Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ.
A. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees bind burdens on others, but will not move them (Matthew 23:1-4). He also proclaimed woe on lawyers who did the same thing (Luke 11:46).
B. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the royal law according to Scripture (James 2:8; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-33).
C. Jesus said, “therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
Conclusion
A. Are we bearing one another’s burdens?
B. Are we fulfilling the law of Christ?
C. Let us not think of ourselves as above others.
D. Rather let us humble ourselves and help each other get to Heaven.
Secret Deeds and Open Rewards
There are no secret deeds with God. He sees and will reward openly.
Bigthan and Teresh, eunuchs and doorkeepers to King Ahasuerus, secretly wanted to kill him. This became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, who informed the king in his name. The matter was investigated and confirmed, resulting the deaths of Bigthan and Teresh. Later this was recorded in the book of the chronicles (Esther 2:21-23).
Haman, who was promoted above all the princes to King Ahasuerus, became jealous of Mordecai when he would not bow or pay homage to him. As a result, he got King Ahasuerus to use his signet ring, sealing the death of the Jews, Mordecai’s people.
Mordecai soon learned of this and told Queen Esther. Queen Esther risked her life to appear before King Ahasuerus, and requested a banquet to reveal her wishes. On the eve of the banquet, King Ahasuerus could not sleep; therefore, the book of the chronicles was read to him. He learned that Mordecai had saved his life, and nothing was done to reward him. Haman was brought in, and was asked what to do to honor someone the king wishes to honor. Thus, the king rewarded Mordecai openly for saving his life.
The next day, Queen Esther revealed to King Ahasurerus that Haman was behind the plot to kill the Jews, her people. It was learned that Haman had gallows prepared for them, and he was hung on them (Esther 6-7).
Here are two examples, one good and one bad, of secret deeds. Both were openly rewarded! Jesus said, “…your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6).” We must remember that whatever we do in this life, whether good or bad, will be rewarded by God. There are no secret deeds as far as He is concerned. Let us do good that we may enter into eternal life! Start by accepting His salavation offered in His son.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
A Plea for Pilgrims – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Peter makes a few important observations to Christians:
1. We are sojourners and pilgrims!
As the song goes, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thro’…” Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world (John 15:19; 17:14-16). Paul proclaimed that his citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
2. We must abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul!
John similarly warns Christians about worldly lusts (lust of flesh, lust of eyes, and pride of life). They are not of God; rather they are of the world. Just as sojourners and pilgrims do not stay in one place forever, the world and its lusts will not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). The body and soul are always at war, as Paul could tell you (Romans 7; Philippians 1:21-30).
3. Our conduct must be honorable!
As Paul told the Philippians to let their conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so Peter says it should be honorable among the Gentiles. We should be “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).” Jesus Christ is a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32), and the whole world (John 8:12; 12:46). As Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21), we too are lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
4. Others will speak against us as evildoers!
Many spoke against Christ, His disciples, and the early Christians; they will speak against us too!
5. Others may glorify God by observing our good works!
As we shine our lights (Matthew 5:16), people know we are not of the world but of Christ. As we follow His example, they can follow our example and bring all glory to God (Luke 5:25; 17:15; 18:43).