Historical Posts
Take it or Leave it
Jesus has made you an offer. Will you take it or leave it?
“Take it or leave it.” That is a saying one may hear when negotiating. An offer is made on a deal, and it can be either accepted or rejected. Both parties want the best end of the deal; is there an offer that will work for both? If Jesus were to say to you, “Take it or leave it,” what would you do?
Jesus’ disciples had to make that choice. When Jesus called Levi [Matthew] to follow Him, he “left all, rose up, and followed Him (Luke 5:28).” Likewise, Peter said to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You (Mark 10:28).” Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20), and James and John immediately left their boat and their father to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22).
Imagine what would have happened if the disciples decided to take what they had. They would have gained physically, but would have lost spiritually. Jesus asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26)?”
What might you have? If Jesus were to make a deal with you, would you take it or leave it? Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lost it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (Mark 8:34-37)?”
“Take it or leave it.” What will you do with the salvation offered by Jesus? The choice is yours.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Effectively Sharing Your Faith – audio
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Have you ever felt like you were not being as effective as you could at something? Teachers may wonder if their students really grasp the lesson; employees may wonder how their company is doing; athletes may wonder how to be a game changer. Have you ever wondered how effective you can be in the kingdom of God?
Paul told Philemon: “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may be effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother (Philemon 4-7).”
Philemon can be effective sharing his faith! Paul says this can be done by acknowledging all good things in Christ Jesus. After all, God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Perhaps the greatest gift is His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore, all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), and we need to share Him with others!
When we come together as the Lord’s church, we are to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).” By encouraging one another, living faithfully, and doing good works, the sharing of our faith may be most effective!
What are you doing to help the Lord’s kingdom grow? Can others acknowledge what you are doing for the cause of Christ? Let us work together, that we may be effective for Christ!
Matthew 07:07-12 – Seek and Ye Shall Find – audio
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Text: Matthew 7:7-12
Introduction
We have all lost something at one point in our lives. Maybe we misplaced our billfold, keys, cell phones, or even our minds!
Most of the time, the lost item does not turn up on its own; rather, you have to look for it.
You may even search for an item identical to the one that was lost, or want something for the first time.
Body
I. There is a wrong way to seek.
A. Some pieces just do not fit in a puzzle!
B. We think we may want a certain degree, job, or significant other. Sometimes we later realize that is not the right thing or person for us, and “something better comes along.”
C. Some seek their own, and not the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).
D. The wicked do not seek God (Psalm 10:4).
E. The Jews sought a sign; the Greeks sought wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).
II. There is a right way to seek.
A. Seek the LORD while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
B. He came to seek us (Luke 19:10).
C. Seek the things above, and not the things on earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
D. Seek a home in Heaven (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14).
E. Jesus taught of a lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15).
III. Those that seek the right way will find greater things.
A. God blesses those who seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).
B. The LORD will not forsake those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
C. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
D. Those who seek for glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life (Romans 2:6-10).
Conclusion
Let us seek God, and the spiritual things!
If we seek diligently, we will find what we are looking for and so much more!
Matthew 06:25-34 – Watch and Pray – audio
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Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Introduction
Jesus taught Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately upon the Mount of Olives. They were concerned about when the end was going to come.
Instead of giving them an exact day, time, and year, Jesus instead explained that they needed to be ready at all times! By staying ready for His return, they would not worry about what tomorrow might bring (Matthew 6:25-34).
Body
I. No one knows the day and hour when Christ is coming again.
A. Jesus did promise He will come again (John 14:3).
B. He will return as He went into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), coming in the clouds (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-16).
C. He could come at evening, midnight, crowing of the rooster, or in the morning (Mark 13:35).
D. That day will be as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10).
E. Everything will seem as normal when the Son of Man comes (Matthew 24:36-44).
F. The ten virgins did not know the hour when the bridegroom would come (Matthew 25:1-13).
II. Watch!
A. We must not sleep, but rather watch and remain alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6)!
B. Watch, remaining firm in the faith (1Corinthians 16:13).
C. Be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)!
D. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain (Revelation 3:1-3).
E. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments (Revelation 16:15).
III. Pray!
A. Watch and pray always that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
B. Pray always, being watchful to this end with perseverance and supplication (Ephesians 6:18).
C. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
Conclusion
Jesus has warned us that He is coming again.
Since we do not know when, we must always be ready for His return.
Let us:
- Be ready by always being on the alert, living faithfully.
- Continue to pray to Him for His guidance and encouragement.
- Be thankful that when He does come again, we will be ready to meet Him and live eternally with Him.
Place of Refuge
Do you have a place of refuge? Look to the Lord.
Have you ever wanted a place to call your very own? A place where you could get away from it all? Sometimes a place is needed where one can go and unwind, not being interrupted. This place often gives one a sense of security and is a refuge. How does one get such a place? Usually, it has to be discovered or built. Sometimes it is passed on to one person from another. A Christian has the best place of refuge.
Solomon wrote, “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26).” What a blessing it is to become children of God! We can have a place of refuge. Who else could give us a sense of security? Who other than the one who created the heavens and the earth could we put our trust in?
As Christians, we know and have been told that there will come a time when we must suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). During those times we may feel like we need to retreat to a place of refuge. A familiar song asks, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Jesus knows what we are going through. Many people persecuted Him, and yet He was willing to suffer to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He wants us to come to Him, and we can be confident in knowing that He will take care of us. Will you take His offer of a place of refuge? Will you be baptized into Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
God Does Forever – audio
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Have you ever done something and felt very proud of yourself? You wanted that special moment to last forever, but instead it only lasted a little while. Things in our house don’t last very long at all. Whatever we build (train tracks, tower of blocks, Lego creations, etc.) seems to last for just a short time, and then is destroyed. Can you imagine someone building something that would never be destroyed?
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.” What is this referencing? The book of Genesis explains that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But, later we learn that they will pass away (Matthew 24:35). However, Jesus said that His words will never pass away. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If we do what the eternal words of God command us to do, we will be in a place forever with Him! We must not add to God’s word, nor take anything from it (Revelation 22:18-19). If we stay within God’s boundaries, we will be forever in Heaven with Him; on the other hand, if we do not we will be in Hell and without Him forever.
As the wise man said, we must fear before God. As he concluded the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).’” The Bible describes God’s love and power. We must believe Him, respect Him and obey Him. After all, we must all eventually give account of ourselves to our God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5).
Ephesians 05:08-14 – Walking in the Light – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:8-14 (reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Light and darkness are complete opposites.
1) It is impossible to have both at the same time.
2) In fact, just a little light will cancel out a great bit of darkness.
B. Spiritually speaking, sin is often equated with darkness and righteousness with light.
Body
I. We were once walking in darkness.
A. There is no one that does not sin (1 Kings 8:46).
B. All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
C. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
D. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5,6).
E. The world was in darkness, and did not receive the Light (John 1:5-13; 3:19-21).
II. We have been called out of darkness.
A. God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
B. The Lord called Paul to the Gentiles, turning them from darkness to light (Acts 26:15-18).
C. We are called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
D. By obeying it, we:
1) die to sin [darkness]
2) are buried with Christ in baptism
3) are raised to walk in newness of life [light] (Romans 6:1-7)
III. We must now walk in the light.
A. By becoming sons of God, we are sons of light and day; we are no longer of night nor darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
B. We must walk in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1:7).
C. Jesus commands us to let our lights shine before men (Matthew 5:16).
D. Light has no fellowship with darkness (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Conclusion
A. Are you in the dark?
B. Come to Christ, the true Light!
Beautiful Feet
Feet that work for God are beautiful feet.
Let me give a big “Thank You!” to everyone who came out yesterday and participated in work day at the church building. There were many things that needed to be done, both inside and outside. They may not have been big things, or very visible, but they were important things to accomplish. It is good to know many people are interested in being workers for the Lord. Evidence of hard workers is indicated by sweaty faces, red hands, and even smelly, but beautiful feet.
You may have a turned up nose at the aforementioned thought. However, God would think differently! In His Word, the Bible, He says: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns (Isaiah 52:7)!’”
Yes, a physically, messy or dirty and tired person can be seen to be beautiful when viewed with spiritual eyes. Those who are hard-working for the Lord are precious in His sight. Those who go and preach the gospel of Christ and those who use the various talents that God has given them, whatever those talents may be, are very beautiful in His sight, and should also be beautiful in our sight.
Let us always let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us and be aware that we are living sermons, testifying of and for Him with our lives! Let us have beautiful feet and proclaim His good news of salvation before the world that they may also come unto Him and accept His offer of salvation from sin.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Reap What is Sown – Galatians 06:06-10 – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:6-10
Here the apostle Paul explains that whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. We often hear the saying, “you reap what you sow;” that is very true! As it is now spring and nearing summer, many people are out sowing seeds. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like are popping up everywhere. Whatever seed one plants, that is what one expects to grow.
The parable of the sower is a good example of this (Matthew 13:1-9). The seed that fell on good ground reaped plenty; all other seed did not. As Christians, it is our job to sow the seed! Jesus later explained that the seed represented the Word of God (Matthew 13:19ff.). Different types of soil represented different types of hearts. We must have a receptive heart to the gospel, and share it with others.
Not only do we sow the seed of the Word of God, but we also sow the seed of the Spirit. A chapter earlier, Paul wrote that the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).” If we do these things as God commands us, in the end we will reap everlasting life.
What are you sowing?
If it is for the flesh, it will reap corruption! If it is for the Spirit, it will reap everlasting life!
Look What I Found
The book of Ecclesiastes is full of things Solomon has learned. He wishes to share his wisdom with his readers. His wisdom came from God, and thus includes many things we all need to know. Throughout his book, Solomon tells things he has “found.” One thing he has found existed in the very beginning, and still rings true today.
Ecclesiastes 7:29: “Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” When we look at the big picture, we realize that God is perfect; we are not. In the beginning, man was created perfect… then he sinned.
God created mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27). However, man had the choice to obey God or not, and man gave in to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Genesis 3:6-7), and thus sinned. From that point on, man has devised many schemes! It wasn’t very long until “every intent of the thoughts of man’s heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).” Thus, God was sorry He made man, and caused the great flood to get a fresh start.
When man sinned, he became separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Think about this. Who moved? It was man who moved, and not God! Yet, even though man moved away from God, God made it possible for man to return to Him. Even though Adam sinned and later died, like all of us will, Jesus Christ did not sin and overcame death. Through Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Have you found Christ yet? You will find Him by hearing God’s Word, the Bible.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Hell, Fire and Brimstone
Because the LORD could not find ten righteous people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed them. He did so by raining brimstone and fire on them from out of the heavens (Genesis 19:24). Imagine how wicked the people were, and how severe their punishment was. One might hope that over time, other people would learn from the examples of those who preceded them; realistically, things have not changed all that much.
Jesus said: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man… Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed (Luke 17:26-30).”
People are still living wickedly! Even though times have changed, God has not. He still punishes those who continue to live in sin. However, God still gives man a chance to repent and return to Him. Jesus said, “for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:56).”
If one chooses to follow Christ, he will save his eternal soul! On the other hand, if he does not, he will lose it. John heard these words from heaven: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:3,7-8).”
Let us follow Christ to Heaven, not Satan to Hell. Have you taken steps to follow Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Anointing at Bethany
Text: Mark 14:3-9.
Jesus entered the town of Bethany, and was encountered by a woman who poured costly oil on his head. Some people thought she had done a foolish thing; after all, the costly oil could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor. However, Jesus taught us a few lessons that we need to bear in mind.
1. She did a good work! This shows us that she had faith. James wrote, “…show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18).” God expects us to do good works also! Today His word prepares us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. They would always have the poor, but not always have Jesus, with them. Soon Jesus was going to return to His Father who sent Him (John 7:33). At other times, it is good to give to the poor (Matthew 19:21).
3. She did what she could! James wrote, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to him, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:15-17).” Similarly, the poor widow put in the treasury all she had; Jesus commended her (Mark 12:41-44). Peter and John did not have silver and gold to help the lame man, but gave him the ability to walk again in the name of Christ (Acts 3:1-7).
4. Wherever the gospel is to be preached (in all the world), this woman’s action is a testimonial to her. Luke records the words of Jesus: “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47).” Remember how she did this for His burial (Mark 14:8)? It was important!
Just as this woman’s action is a testimonial to her, our actions are a testimonial to us. What will others say about us? More importantly, what will God say as we appear before Him in the Day of Judgment?
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13).”
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works (Revelation 20:12-13).”
Will the Righteous Rule? audio
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Yesterday many voted on local issues. Candidates ran for office, state and local issues were debated, and the results affected everyone locally, state-wide, and perhaps nationally. It will not be long until another election is held, and people will be chosen to head certain offices. We all need wisdom to put the right person in the right place at the right time. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, received his wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:5-12). He made an observation a long time ago that is still evident today.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Also, we read in Proverbs 28:12: “When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.”
The Book of Esther is a good example. As Esther, a Jew, became queen, Haman wanted to have all the Jews killed. Mordecai found out about this plan, and soon “there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).” Mordecai told Esther, who risked her life to appear before the king and save the lives of her people. As a result, Mordecai was honored and “the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor (Esther 8:15-16).”
In our country today, many have ruled over cities, states, and the entire nation. When a righteous person is elected, the people rejoice! Similarly, if a wicked person is elected, many people groan. We should all do our best to be godly citizens, and choose wisely who shall rule over us. We need to keep God in charge, not man. Israel demanded a king in the days of Samuel, and he was displeased. The LORD told him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them (1 Samuel 8:7).”
Let us not be ashamed of the outcome, but let us rejoice in knowing we did what God would want us to do. Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
A Youth’s Relationship with God
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Introduction
A. It is often said that young people are the church of tomorrow.
B. However, young people can be the church of today if we do our job of teaching them, and they do their job of following God.
C. The Bible has a lot to say to those teaching young people, and to young people willing to learn and grow.
Body
I. Each generation is responsible for teaching the younger generation.
A. The wise man wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).”
B. Paul reminded fathers to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
C. God commanded Israel to teach their children and grandchildren His commandments (Deuteronomy 4:8-10).
D. Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures since he was a babe (2 Timothy 3:14-15; 1:5).
E. Older men teach younger men, and older women teach younger women (Titus 2).
II. Young people must:
A. Remember their creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
B. Rejoice, but remember God will bring them into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).
C. Work and take responsibility (Lamentations 3:27).
D. Submit to their elders (1 Peter 5:5).
E. Flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).
F. Be an example to believers, not despising their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
G. Allow the word of God to abide in them, and overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:12-14).
III. Consider notable examples of young people.
A. Josiah did what was right in the sight of the LORD since he was 8 years old (2 Chronicles 34:1-3).
B. The rich young ruler kept the commandments since his youth, but still lacked something (Matthew 19:16-22).
C. Some admitted sin in their youth:
1) David (Psalm 25:7)
2) Job (Job 13:26)
3) Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:25)
Conclusion
A. Whether we are young or just young at heart, we can learn a lot from the instructions and examples in the Scriptures.
B. Let us set the examples for younger people, teach them, and help them get to heaven.
C. If we are still young, let us always follow the commandments of God.
1 Peter 01:03-09 – Peter’s Comfort and Encouragement
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Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Introduction
A. Over the past week or so, several members of our congregation have experienced the death of a loved one.
B. A passage is often read at the funeral to give us words of comfort and encouragement. Today, we will let the apostle Peter speak inspired words of God to us.
C. Let us reflect on the promises that we have in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Body
I. Christians have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
A. Christ is risen from the dead, and is thus the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
B. If Christ had not risen, our faith would be futile and we would only have a limited hope (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
C. We can comfort one another with the words of hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
II. Christians have an inheritance.
A. By becoming children of God, we become His heirs and are joint heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:29-4:7).
B. Our inheritance is:
1) incorruptible (immortal, imperishable, and lasting).
2) undefiled (pure and unstained).
3) not fading away (permanent).
4) reserved in heaven (Colossians 1:3-6; John 14:1-4).
III. Christians are kept by the power of God.
A. Jesus tells us that we are very secure in the grasp of God’s hand (John 10:27-29).
B. Christ lives by the power of God, and so can we (2 Corinthians 13:4).
C. God’s power is effective through faith for salvation (Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17; James 2:17,20; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 4:16).
D. God’s power is ready to be revealed in the last time (Revelation 12:10-12; 19:1; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:25-28).
IV. Christians rejoice, eagerly awaiting the reward in heaven.
A. Paul told Christians to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).
B. Jesus said to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12).”
C. Paul told the Corinthians that the eternal benefits outweigh the temporary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
D. James says to rejoice in various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience (James 1:2-4).
E. Jesus said that if we are faithful until death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
V. Christians will receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls.
A. Paul said that now abide faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
B. The end of all things is at hand (1 Peter 4:7).
C. We must redeem the time, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).
Conclusion
A. It is great to be a Christian!
B. It is also great to know and love fellow Christians.
C. Let us remain faithful to God so that we may receive the many blessings He has promised us.
D. Brethren, comfort one another with these words.
Bear with Me
Bear with this article as you read it. What kind of impression did you just get? Are you wishing you would already read what the point of the article is? What does a person mean when he says, “Bear with me for a moment…?”
The Bible says, “And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words (Hebrews 13:22).” The author of Hebrews invites his readers to bear with the letter! Sometimes the content is difficult to swallow; other times it seems to take forever to get to the point. However, we must always bear with the word of God, because it will benefit us!
No doubt this author wrote these inspired words out of love. If we truly love the word of God as we should, we will bear with it. One characteristic of love is that it “bears all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).” We must also exhort one another even more, which the author of Hebrews earlier stated (Hebrews 10:25).
As the author of Hebrews commands us to bear with God’s word, we must also bear with each other. Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).” God had to bear a lot with us; we must bear a lot with His word and each other. Let us encourage one another to study God’s word, follow it, and help each other get to Heaven.
Rejoice! Your Name is Written in Heaven!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!” The apostle Paul commands Christians when to rejoice. Whether he was in a good situation, or a bad one, he rejoiced. He rejoiced when some obeyed the gospel, and when others harmed him for preaching it. Likewise, we must rejoice both in good times and bad.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).” Jesus commands His followers how to rejoice. Jesus sent many laborers into the harvest with power, and later pointed out that they should not rejoice over what they could do, but what would be done for them. Likewise, we should not rejoice in what we can do; rather, we should rejoice what the Lord shall do for us!
“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).” If we have followed Christ and kept His commands, we may enter Heaven. This gives us cause to rejoice! We can rejoice always because our names are written in heaven. Can we rejoice and sing, “I know, I know, my name is there; I know, I know, my name is written there”?
Live Fast or Slow – audio
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Are you a planner? Do you look ahead at goals, and strive to find a way to achieve them? Do you lay out a plan and stick to it, perhaps for a very long time? On the other hand, do you just live for today? Are you only concerned with what you can get out of this very moment? Well, both perspectives have some Biblical insight.James 4:13-15: “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.’”
In one sense, we do need to be concerned with the here and now. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow; things can happen in the blink of an eye. Job learned this very well: all of a sudden his health diminished, his family and livestock were taken away, and his friends turned against him. He lamented, “Oh, remember that my life is a breath! My eye will never again see good (Job 7:7).” On the other hand, today can be a good day! The Psalmist wrote, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah knows the importance of patience, and allowing God to work in His way and in His time.
By following God’s plan, we can become the kind of people He would have us to be, and can become stronger to do His will. This takes time! It took time for a King to come and rule over Israel; it took time for Saul of Tarsus to see the light; it took time for members of the Lord’s church to qualify for certain offices (elder, deacon, etc.).
Since our lives are so short as James describes, we need to take care of our souls now! We may not get another opportunity! Once we are in the right relationship with God, we must plan to be His people.
It takes time studying His Word and adjusting our lives to follow Christ’s example. Everything will work out for good, though (Romans 8:28). Remember the words of Jesus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:33-34).”
Become a child of God now; God will take care of you now and later on, for eternity.
2 Corinthians 06:01-02 – Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Introduction
A. There are many things in life that can be beneficial if used properly;
1) On the other hand, they may not help at all
2) Or even can be harmful if misused.
B. There are many food choices available to us;
1) Some are healthy
2) Others are not.
3) Some good foods, if taken too much, can be harmful.
C. Prescriptions are the same way.
1) A doctor gives a patient a certain kind of medicine and a certain dosage.
2) If the wrong medicine is taken, or if the right medicine is taken the wrong way, it will not do as good a job as it was intended.
3) There can be dire consequences.
D. Spiritually, God gave us His grace and we must not use it in vain!
Body
I. Grace is essential for salvation.
A. God is full of grace and truth, and we receive them through Jesus Christ (John 1:14-17).
B. We are justified by the grace of God (Titus 3:4-7).
C. God saves us by His grace in Christ through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
D. The grace of God brings salvation (Titus 2:11).
E. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5-8).
F. God’s promise is of faith that it might be according to grace (Romans 4:16).
II. Grace is not always guaranteed.
A. We can fall from the grace of God (Galatians 5:4).
B. We can fall short of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14-15).
III. Grace must be used properly.
A. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34).
B. We must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).
C. We must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1).
D. By the grace we receive, we must serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).
IV. Grace must not be misused.
A. Some have turned the grace of God into lewdness and denied God and Christ (Jude 4).
B. We must not sin in order that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2).
Conclusion
A. The grace of God can save us, but our faith must accompany it.
B. If we serve God properly, grow in His grace, and strive not to sin, it will not be in vain! He will help us in the day of salvation!
C. That is today!
Luke 06:46-49 – Lord, Lord – audio
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Text: Luke 6:46-49
Introduction
A. Who is Lord of your life?
1) Do you call all the shots?
2) Do your parents always tell you what to do?
3) Is there someone else that rules your life?
B. Only Jesus should be Lord of your life!
Body
I. Jesus Christ is Lord!
A. There is one Lord (Ephesians 4:5).
B. God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
C. Jesus is Lord of:
1) lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
2) Jews and Gentiles (Romans 10:12).
3) dead and living (Romans 14:9).
4) all (Acts 10:36).
D. Saul of Tarsus did not know the Lord (Acts 9:4-6).
E. Everyone will know the Lord (Hebrews 8:11).
F. We can only serve one Lord (Luke 16:13).
G. If Jesus Christ is our Lord, we must do to others as He did for us (John 13:13-17).
II. We must do what the Lord says!
A. As a servant honors his mater, we owe honor and reverence to the Lord (Malachi 1:6).
B. Simply saying, “Lord, Lord” will not give us access into the kingdom of heaven; rather, we must do His will (Matthew 7:21-23).
C. The doers of the Lord’s will, not the hearers, will be blessed (James 1:22-25).
Conclusion
A. We must give the more earnest heed to what the Lord has to say (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. We must confess Jesus is Lord in order to be saved (Romans 10:9ff.).
C. There will be a time in which everyone shall confess Jesus as Lord; for some, it will be too late (Philippians 2:9-11).
D. Christ is Lord of our lives when we put on Christ in baptism and live for Him, and Him alone (Galatians 3:27).