Historical Posts
Who Cares? God Does!
Have you ever had the feeling that no one cares about you? Maybe you do not even care about yourself at times. When negative thoughts begin to creep in your mind, you may do something that you’ll regret later. Thus, negative thoughts lead to negative actions. However, in order to perform a positive action, you need positive thoughts! Does anyone care? Yes; God does!
Peter wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).” When you feel that no one cares, remember Peter said that God does! When you are feeling low, God will lift you up. Our job is to humble ourselves before Him, and in due time God will exalt us. Whatever we care (or don’t care) about, we need to give it to God! God really cares about us. After all, He proved He loved us by sending His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16).
Frank E. Graeff wrote these lyrics in 1901, “Does Jesus Care? O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know My Savior cares.” Yes, God does care about each and every one of us. We can cast all our cares upon Him, and He will make it turn out for good (Romans 8:28).
A Faithful House – audio
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The Faithful House is Built Upon the Rock.
There are many types of houses, and many people build them. However, each house must have a foundation.
For the faithful house, the perfect foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the perfect builder is God (Text: Hebrews 3:1-6).
Christ was faithful to God, who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:1-2).
Christ had a purpose, and fulfilled it. God put Him in the right place at the right time for the right purpose; He will do the same with us!
Christ is counted worthy of more glory, as He who built the house has more glory than the house itself (Hebrews 3:3).
Jesus said that a servant is not greater than his master, nor one who is sent greater than one that sent him (John 13:16).
The apostle Paul never gave credit to himself as He served the Lord; rather, all glory goes to God!
As every house is built by someone, God is the builder of all things (Hebrews 3:4).
God created you and me, He built the heavens and the earth and everything in it, and He even built the church upon Christ.
As Moses was faithful in His house as a servant, Christ was faithful as a Son over His own house (Hebrews 3:5-6)!
Christ was appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and we can inherit the things of God through Christ (Galatians 3:26-4:7).
We are of the house of God if we “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6).”
We must have faith to come to God (Hebrews 11:6), and our faith must work (James 2:17). By becoming obedient to the gospel of Christ, we become members of His house, the church!
By living faithful to Him, we can receive an eternal home in Heaven (Revelation 2:10).
Are you a faithful member of the house of God?
If not, you can become one right now.
Luke 13:22-30 – Lord, Are There Few Who Are Saved?
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Text: Luke 13:22-30
Introduction
A. One individual asked Jesus a question that a lot of people want to know: “Lord, are there few who are saved (Luke 13:23)?”
B. Everybody would like to be saved; in fact, many believe they are saved.
1) Some believe that God saves them no matter what
2) Others believe they cannot do anything to be saved.
C. Jesus’ answer is very eye opening. He said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able (Luke 13:24).”
D. Jesus encourages this individual to be saved, but then admits the reality is that not everyone will.
Body
I. Many have the ability to enter into everlasting life.
A. The gospel of Christ is the power unto salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
B. Every creature must hear, believe, and obey the gospel in order to be saved (Mark 16:15-16).
C. From the beginning, God chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called us by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
II. Few will be saved.
A. Many are called, but only few are chosen (Matthew 20:16; 22:14).
B. Some will die in sin, and cannot be where Christ is (John 8:21-24).
C. Jesus taught a parable in which not everyone the bridegroom invited were prepared to meet him (Matthew 25:1-13).
D. Jesus also taught that only those serving Him, the righteous, will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:33-46).
III. We must commit ourselves to God, in order that we might be saved.
A. We make a commitment to do good (1 Peter 4:17-19).
B. We must strive to enter the narrow gate and the difficult way (Matthew 7:13-14).
C. We must do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21-23).
D. We must life a faithful life, and endure to the end to be saved (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).
Conclusion
A. Are there few who are saved?
1) Absolutely! God has called us all to have eternal life
2) But only has chosen those that are obedient to His will.
B. You can be one of the chosen few!
1) Choose to hear the gospel, believe it, and obey it.
2) Live faithfully to God until the very end.
John 11:20-27 – I Am the Resurrection and the Life – audio
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Text: John 11:20-27
Introduction
A. Jesus has the power to raise us all from the dead.
B. Here in John 11, Lazarus was sick and later died.
1) Jesus was not there at that exact time.
2) He explained that the Son of God would be glorified through it (John 11:4).
3) That those present would believe (John 11:15).
C. He had a very important discussion with Martha.
1) Like her, we must believe His words.
Body
I. Jesus is the resurrection.
A. Jesus claimed to be the resurrection (John 11:25), and proved it by raising Lazarus (John 11:42-44).
B. Jesus later arose from the grave.
1) Those that came to the tomb learned “He is risen (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:6,9; Luke 24:6; John 20:9)!”
2) The apostles affirmed His resurrection.
i. Paul declared the gospel of which he also received (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
ii. Paul reminded Timothy that Jesus was raised from the dead according to the gospel (2 timothy 2:8).
iii. Paul declared that Christ is risen from the dead, and all shall be made alive in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
iv. Peter preached the resurrection of Christ, beginning on Pentecost (Acts 2:24,32; 3:15,26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40). It is through the resurrection of Christ that we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
3) God raised up Christ (see iii above), and thus Christ gives life to whom He wills (John 5:21). As He raise up Jesus, so will we be raised (1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14).
C. Jesus said there would be a resurrection of life to those who have done good, and a resurrection of condemnation to those who have done evil (John 5:28-29).
II. Jesus is the life.
A. In Christ, we live (Acts 17:28).
B. In Christ was life (John 1:4).
C. Eternal life is in Christ (1 John 5:11-12).
D. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
III. We must believe in Christ.
A. Jesus said that though we may die, if we believe in Him, we shall live (John 11:25-26).
B. We all must die (Hebrews 9:27).
C. At the last day, Jesus will raise up those who believe in Him unto everlasting life (John 6:39-40,44).
D. Paul taught the Ephesians of God’s exceedingly great power towards the believers of Christ’s resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20).
E. Our faith and hope are in God, who raised Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:21).
F. Christ was raised from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:24-25).
G. We must believe Christ in order to be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
H. The Spirit of God must dwell in us, in order to receive eternal life (Romans 8:9-11,13; Ephesians 3:16-17). The body is the temple of God, where His Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
Conclusion
A. God raised Christ from the dead, and will raise us up if we believe in Him.
B. Eternal life is in Christ, and if we want to live forever we must be in Christ.
C. We do so by being baptized into Christ, and rise to walk a new life as Christ was raised from the dead (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-5, 8-9).
I Hear a Voice
Perhaps you have heard of people claiming that they hear voices in their heads. They do not necessarily see anyone, but somebody somewhere tells them to do (or not to do) something. There was a time when Jesus called upon God to glorify His name. In response, a voice came from heaven and said, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again (John 12:28).”
The people that were with Jesus heard it, but saw no one. Some thought it had thundered; others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” To clarify the situation, Jesus replied: “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake (John 12:29-30).” God did not speak for Jesus’ benefit; He spoke for the benefit of the people, that they would believe He is the Son of God!
We hear the voice of God today, and it can benefit us! Paul told Timothy that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16)…” The voice of God should be in our minds and hearts, guiding us in the right way. By hearing and doing it, we can live forever with Him. Read your Bible and find out what the voice of God telling you.
2 Timothy 04:17-18 – The Lord is on my Side – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. The words “I will never leave you nor forsake you” often ring throughout the Bible.
1) God took care of the Israelites in the Old Testament
2) He took care of Jesus’ disciples in the New Testament
3) He takes care of us today.
B. He is someone you can depend on, for He is always there, day or night.
Body
I. Paul encourages Timothy that he is never alone (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
A. As he encouraged Timothy to come to him quickly (2 Timothy 4:9), he also reminded him that someone else is with him.
B. Yes, even though Paul was not with him at this time, God was!
II. The Lord stood with Paul.
A. Paul had Him always there, and always on his side.
B. On another occasion, the Lord stood by Paul, telling him that he would bear witness again of Him in Rome (Acts 23:11).
C. The Lord strengthened Paul.
1) Paul needed strength to continue to preach the gospel of Christ.
2) Many things happened during his life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29).
3) He could do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13).
D. Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He was not alone;
E. The Lord stands with His people
1) David was delivered from the paw of the lion (1 Samuel 17:37)
2) Daniel was saved in the lions’ den as an angel of God shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22).
3) . The Lord would deliver him from every evil work. The Psalmist wrote, “the LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).”
F. The Lord preserved him for His heavenly kingdom. He already has it prepared (John 14:1-6), and all Paul has to do is go the right way!
Conclusion
A. The Lord is clearly on Paul’s side
B. He wants to be on your side!
C. Are you on His side? You can decide to follow Him right here, right now.
1 John 04:07-11 – Let All You Do be Done with Love – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:7-11 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. Every single one of us has something to do every day of our lives.
1) Wake up
2) Go to school or work
3) Do things about the home
4) Do things about town
B. We need to keep Paul’s words in mind: “Let all that you do be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14).”
Body
I. John gives us the “why” of our love (1 John 4:7-11).
A. He reminds us that love comes from God!
B. As God loves us, so we should return His love and love each other.
C. Peter, on the other hand, gives us the “how.” He brings together what God did for us, and what we need to do for Him and each other (James 4:7-11).
D. James commands Christians to have “fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins (James 4:8).”
1) He then begins to explain how Christians are to treat each other (James 4:9-11).
2) Love is seen as an action, and not merely a feeling (1 John 3:18).
3) In this text we are to pattern our love after God’s love.
II. God did all with love.
A. God created man in His image and blessed him (Genesis 1:26-28).
B. God corrects man when he sins (Proverbs 3:11-12).
C. God provided a way that man could remove his sins (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; Proverbs 10:12).
D. Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:1-2,14), loved us by laying down His life for us (John 15:9-17; 1 John 3:16).
III. We must do all with love.
A. Paul said, “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).”
B. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
C. Love covers a multitude of sins, and Christians can share that love by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; James 5:19-20).
D. We must love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-46).
E. While speaking, we must speak with love (Ephesians 4:29; James 3:6,8-10).
F. We must keep the commands of Christ to show we love Him (John 14:15).
G. Families are to love each other.
1) Husbands and wives must love each other (Ephesians 5:22-33).
2) Parents are to love their children, and children to love their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Conclusion
A. Everything God did, He did out of love for us.
B. Everything we do, we must do out of love for Him.
C. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
D. We love one another as He loved us (John 15:12).
E. We say we love our families, friends, and neighbors.
1) Do our actions show it?
2) Do our attitudes express that love?
Observations of a Centurion – audio
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As Jesus was dying on the cross, a centurion made a couple of important observations about Him.
First, he confessed that “Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). Also, Luke records, “Certainly this was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47)!”
We too must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; otherwise we will die in our sins (John 8:24). John also exhorts us by reminding us that “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).”
As Jesus was the Son of God, so can we become sons of God. Paul told the Galatians that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
As Christ was righteous, so can we become righteous. As Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), we can be made righteous through that obedience (Romans 5:19).
God’s righteous children.
Doesn’t that sound promising? There are befits if we live righteous lives as God’s dear children. John wrote, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). Jesus Himself promised that the righteous will enter into eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
Are you a child of God?
Are you living righteously? If so, you may enter into eternal life. If you have not become a child of God, why not do so now? If you are not living the righteous life as you should, why not start?
Romans 15:04 – Follow the Pattern – audio
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Text: Romans 15:4
Introduction
A. Patterns are very useful. By following them, one can achieve a desired result.
1) If you want to make a quilt with a certain style and color, you follow the pattern exactly to get yours to look exactly like the one you want.
2) Puzzles are fun to work, and the picture on the box shows what the end result ought to be. When all of the pieces are put together in the proper place, the ideal photo is revealed.
B. From the very beginning, God has a pattern for man to follow.
1) By following His directions, one can achieve the intended result.
2) By not following it, an undesirable consequence ensues.
I. Old Testament examples.
A. Paul taught the Romans “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Noah followed God’s pattern to build an ark, and saved himself, 7 other humans, and animals (Genesis 6:14-22).
C. The children of Israel assisted Moses in building the tabernacle, according to the pattern that God gave him (Exodus 25:9,40). As a result, God had a place to dwell.
D. Aaron made the lampstand according to the pattern God gave him (Numbers 8:4).
E. David gave Solomon the instructions on how to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:9ff.), since he could not build it himself.
F. Nadab and Abihu did not follow God’s pattern, offering strange fire before Him. As a result, they died before Him (Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:4; 26:61).
G. Through Ezekiel, the LORD gave Israel a chance to go back to the pattern of the temple (Ezekiel 43:10-12).
II. New Testament examples.
A. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life, and we must follow His example (1 Peter 2:21-24).
B. Paul said Jesus wanted him to be a pattern for others (1 Timothy 1:16).
C. The church at Philippi were encouraged by Paul to follow his example as they have a pattern (Philippians 3:17).
D. Timothy was told to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”
E. Young men are exhorted to be a pattern of good works in all things (Titus 2:6-7).
Conclusion
A. We need to follow God’s pattern to be a good example to the world and lead lost souls to Christ.
B. God gave us His Word as a blueprint.
1) Christ to follow after
2) The gospel to save us
3) He built His church that we can be a part of.
C. The directions are easy to follow.
D. Let us follow that pattern, and be the examples for others!
James 02:14-20 – Jesus Finds Great Faith
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Text: James 2:14-20
Introduction
A. Do you have the kind of faith that Jesus would be impressed with?
B. How would He know your level of faith?
1) James tells us that even demons believe…and tremble!
2) Demons do not act upon their faith as we should.
C. Our faith, however, must work.
Body
I. Faith is essential.
A. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
B. Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).
C. Faith pleases God, when we come to Him (Hebrews 11:6).
II. Jesus commended some for their great faith.
A. A centurion asked Jesus to just speak the word, and his servant would be healed; Jesus said He has not found such great faith in Israel (Matthew 8:5-10; Luke 7:2-9).
B. Faith of the blind led Jesus to heal them.
1) Blind men came to Jesus, and He healed them according to their faith (Matthew 9:27-30).
2) A blind beggar named Bartimaeus sat near Jericho and cried out to Jesus, and his faith made him well (Luke 18:35-43).
C. Jesus saw the faith of those that brought a paralytic to Him (Matthew 9:1-2; Mark 2:1-5; Luke 5:17-20).
D. Jesus described the faith of the Canaanite woman as great (Matthew 15:22-28).
E. A woman with an issue of blood was made well because of her faith (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48).
F. A renown sinner was saved because of her faith (Luke 7:37-50).
G. Jesus told the thankful leper that his faith made him well (Luke 17:12-19).
III. Jesus wants us to have as great a faith.
A. Jesus told the disciples if they have faith as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for them (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:5-6).
B. Paul taught the Romans that through Christ he received the apostleship for obedience to the faith (Romans 1:5-6).
C. Paul commanded Timothy to pursue faith with those that call on the Lord with a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).
D. Paul sent to know the faith of the Thessalonians, and was encouraged by Timothy’s good report of it (1 Thessalonians 3:5-10).
Conclusion
A. Would Jesus say of you, “Great is your faith”?
B. Are you coming to Him, doing His will?
C. Are your works evidence of your faith?
D. Is there a good report of your faith?
The Lord’s Security – Psalm 121 – audio
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Text: Psalm 121
Today has been a very dreary day. No doubt several of us have wanted to stay in the bed and sleep. I admit that I tried, but due to circumstances beyond my control I had to get up. I would not get anything accomplished had I slept the whole time. On the other hand, God never sleeps. He always has a watchful eye on us.
Psalm 121:3-4 tell us that God will “not slumber…neither slumber nor sleep.” This gives me confidence, knowing that when I am asleep that God is awake, watching over me. Psalm 121:5 tells us that He is our “keeper!” He protects us from things that we may not even be aware of.
The Psalmist goes on to describe Him as “your shade at your right hand.” Similarly, Isaiah describes Him as “a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4).”
David wrote another Psalm in which he says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).”
The author of this Psalm then reminds us of God’s power as He created the sun and moon (Psalm 121:6).
If God keeps the sun and moon in their respective places, will He not also keep us secure? The sun watches over us by day and the moon by night, but God watches over us all the time.
Finally, the Psalmist says that He “shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).” What a comfort, to know our soul is in God’s safe hands.
Are you comforted and secure knowing that God has your soul? Or, does He not have your soul? You can give it to Him right now by obeying the gospel. He is watching over you, and pleading you to come to Him.
Colossians 02:06-10 – Complete in Christ – audio
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Text: Colossians 2:6-10
Introduction
A. Do you ever have an empty feeling? Does it seem as if something is missing in your life?
B. Well, that may be because you do not have Jesus Christ.
C. Paul expresses our dependency upon Him, and that we are “complete in Him (Colossians 2:10)…”
D. We are complete in Him because we can accomplish anything through Him:
1) He fulfills or fills all
2) He has fully come
3) He has completed His task
4) He satisfies our every need
5) He abounds in us
Body
I. We need Christ physically.
A. Paul acknowledges that “in Him we live and move and have our being…For we are also His offspring (Acts 17:28).”
B. It is God that made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3; 139:13-14).
C. Christ was in the beginning with God, creating us (John 1:1-3,14; Genesis 1:26-27; Ephesians 4:24).
D. God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
E. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
II. We need Christ spiritually.
A. Christ completed His Father’s will (Hebrews 10:8-10):
1) Taking away the first covenant
2) Establishing the second
3) It is through that will we are sanctified!
B. Our belief in God and Christ will fill us with joy, peace, hope, goodness, and knowledge (Romans 15:13-14).
C. The love of Christ fills us with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19; 4:10).
D. Christ fills us with the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11).
E. As individuals are filled with Christ, so is the church (Ephesians 1:17-23; Colossians 1:9-18).
III. Christ needs us!
A. We received the Lord’s ministry, and must fulfill it (Colossians 4:17).
B. Christ has created good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 3:1-2).
Conclusion
A. Just as we are incomplete without Christ, He is incomplete without us!
B. As the church, we are His body.
C. He has called us to work for Him.
D. Are you a member of His church?
1) He did a lot for us
2) Won’t you be willing to do something for Him?
2 Corinthians 13:07-10 – Stand for Truth – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Introduction
A. There is a lot of confusion in the world today.
1) Many people disagree on matters of religion.
2) Amid the confusion and disagreements, there is destruction.
B. Christians should not strive to destroy one another, but rather edify one another. Consider the text of 2 Corinthians 13:7-10. During that text, Paul says “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth (verse 8).”
C. God’s truth will always prevail, even when man tries to contradict it.
Body
I. What is truth?
A. Much confusion arises simply because people do not know what truth is.
1) As Jesus was put on trial, Pilate asked him, “What is truth (John 18:38)?”
2) This is a question we all need to ask.
3) Jesus is the one to give the answer.
B. Jesus said we can know the truth, and it will make us free (John 8:32).
1) The truth will make us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 6:14,18,22; 8:2).
C. There are three sources of truth.
1) Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6).
2) God is true (John 17:3).
3) God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
II. Christians must stand for the truth.
A. Christians must use the Bible as a guide, the source of truth inspired of God (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13).
B. Christians put on Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
C. Christians wear the whole armor of God, including being girded about with truth (Ephesians 6:14).
D. Christians are a part of the Lord’s church, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
1) The church’s mission should be to preach the truth!
E. Christians share the truth, because it will allow many souls to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:9-14).
F. It is God’s desire that all men will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
III. Paul is a good example of a Christian standing for truth.
A. After Paul became a Christian, the truth abode in him (2 Corinthians 11:10; Romans 9:1 et. al.).
B. Paul spoke words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25).
C. Paul did not even yield to false brethren, in order that the truth of the gospel would continue (Galatians 2:4-5).
IV. Sinners do not let the truth work for them, and may try to hinder it from helping others.
A. Some people simply refuse to listen to the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
B. Some resist the truth, and do not want to come to the knowledge of it (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
C. Paul observed Jews who were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel (Galatians 2:13-14).
D. Paul called the Galatians foolish because they were hindered from obeying the truth (Galatians 3:1; 5:7).
E. James warns Christians not to boast or lie against the truth (James 3:14).
Conclusion
A. We pray that today the truth has been proclaimed.
1) It is a foolish thing to try to hinder it.
2) It is a blessing to allow it to work in your life.
B. What is hindering you from obeying the truth?
1) As Paul said, “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”
2) Won’t you obey the truth right now?
A Brief Word on Fasting – audio
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Fasting is Abstaining from Food.
Have you ever gone a while without eating? I can remember fasting, going just one full day without eating a bite. This was several years ago, but that was the one and only time I attempted to fast. That was just to see if I could do it, and I did.
Why do people want to go without eating? Some want to lose weight, and others are usually mourning about something. However, some people may decide to fast for religious significance.
Why Did They Fast?
The LORD asked Zechariah the same question. Those who were fasted, why did they fast? Did they do that to benefit themselves, or to seek God (Zechariah 7:1-6)? What would we say? Do we do things because we want to do something, or because we want to draw closer to God?
Fasting is Exercising Christian Liberty.
Fasting is a good example of exercising Christian liberty. The apostle Paul explained to the Romans that we should not do things for ourselves, but unto God (Romans 14:1-8). It doesn’t matter if we fast or not; what matters is that we truly belong to the LORD.
Christian Should Fast in Secret.
Even Jesus has a word of caution. We should not appear to men to be fasting; rather we should do it in secret. The people in the day of Zechariah had the same problem; they wanted to be seen doing it (to appear religious), and he wondered whether it was necessary to continue doing it. Jesus says do not fast to be seen by men, but fasting in secret will give a hidden reward (Matthew 6:16-18).
Mark 12:28-34 – You are Not Far from the Kingdom of God – audio
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Text: Mark 12:28-34 (Reading by Clark Perkins)
Introduction
A. A scribe was very impressed with the answers that Jesus had given to the Pharisees and Sadducees concerning the paying of taxes and the issue of resurrection.
B. As a result, he wanted to ask Jesus a question.
C. This was a very important question, and the answer would encourage him to be a part of the kingdom of God.
Body
I. What is the first commandment of all?
A. There are many commandments that come from God.
1) Perhaps the ones that are most familiar are those given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-22).
2) In addition to these, the book of Leviticus is filled with specific instructions that God had given to the Levites for the priestly duties.
3) Knowing the challenge of learning all commands, the scribe wanted to know which was most important.
B. Jesus says that first one must know God, and love Him.
1) He reminds the scribe of what God told Moses to tell the Israelites (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) about the ONE and ONLY GOD!
2) Later, the Israelites learned what God required of them: to fear Him, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all their heart and soul, and keep His commandments and statutes (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
3) Even Solomon said the conclusion of the whole matter is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
4) We show God we love Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).
5) We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
C. Jesus even went further to answer the scribe.
1) As He Himself taught to go two miles with one that asked to go one (Matthew 5:41), Jesus gave a second commandment in addition to the first commandment.
2) The second commandment, like the first, was to love his neighbor as himself.
3) Again this commandment was given to the Israelites (Leviticus 19:18), as no doubt both were very familiar.
4) Even the apostle Paul commands Christians to keep many old laws, but all are summed up in this one: loving your neighbor (Romans 13:8-10).
5) On another occasion, Jesus was asked what to do to inherit eternal life. After reminding this person of the same two commandments, He was asked who his neighbor was. Jesus then went on to teach about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25ff.).
II. There is only ONE God!
A. Again, the scribe insisted Jesus answered well and true. He then confessed that there is ONE God, and no other!
B. This is often confirmed in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:39; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6).
III. Sacrifice is not the most important thing to God.
A. Again, the scribe points out that God requires so much more than just an offering or sacrifice.
1) Hosea prophesied, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6).”
2) Samuel, too, said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22).”
IV. The scribe was not far from the kingdom of God.
A. Jesus knew the scribe had answered wisely.
1) As a result, Jesus knew he was not very far from the kingdom of God.
2) However, we are never told whether this person did enter the kingdom of God.
3) God does, however, teach us what to do to be a part of His kingdom.
B. The reality is that not everyone will be in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:23-29).
C. Jesus taught the Pharisees that the kingdom of God is within them (Luke 17:20-21).
E. Jesus taught Nicodemus he must be born again, of water and the Spirit, to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3ff.).
E. The apostle Paul taught that the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).”
F. Paul praised the Thessalonian church for their faithfulness, and therefore they were worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5).
Conclusion
A. The scribe was very close to the kingdom of God, but one can only guess as to whether he entered or not.
B. What about you? Are you in the kingdom of God?
C. You know how to enter, so will you do what God requires of you?
Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-11
The apostle Paul charges the young man Timothy to instruct Christians in rejecting profane and old wives’ fables, and rather to exercise themselves unto godliness.
There are many false religions in the world today, but only one can stand true. We must not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).” We get such exercise toward godliness through and studying and doing God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22).
Just as bodily exercise helps a little, spiritual exercise leading to godliness helps a whole lot! Paul later told Timothy “godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).” We may gain a little temporarily from physical exercise, but imagine what there is to gain eternally by living the life that God has called us to live!
In order to receive an eternal reward, we must work hard. Sometimes a person needs motivation to work hard. God gives us such motivation! Paul says here, “we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).” God is our Savior, who has sent His Son Jesus to die for us. Because Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we have the hope of eternal life through Him. This should motivate us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus.
This is good news for you, me, and everyone else in this world. Paul finally charges Timothy to “command and teach (1 Timothy 4:11)” these things. Let us share this good news with others with our words, but also our godly lives.
Choose Your Friends Wisely
A person’s friends can reveal a lot about him. By associating with good people, a person becomes better; by associating with bad people, a person might get into trouble. It is always a struggle to see who has more influence: a person, or his friends.
The wise man wrote, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20).” He tells us that it is easier for others to influence us, rather than us to influence them. By associating ourselves with God’s people, we can be influenced for good and set better examples for the world. On the other hand, if we closely associate ourselves with those who do not live the kinds of lives that Christ would approve of, we can easily become corrupt.
The apostle Paul acknowledged, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).’” Earlier, he told the Corinthians and Galatians, “…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9)?” Just as others can influence us for evil, we should try to influence others for good!
Let us pick good friends, and be a good friend to others. Perhaps by doing something good, we can lead lost souls to Christ. Is He your friend? After all, we are friends of Christ if we do whatever He commands us (John 15:14).
Requirement for Service and Stewardship
Have you noticed that if you are really good at something, you are in high demand? An athlete who is strong, agile, and skilled is wanted by everybody’s team. An artist who can make beautiful pictures or sculptures may create something exquisite to be displayed in a popular tourist spot. A mechanic or handyman is always being asked to fix something.
Members of the Lord’s church are in high demand! Gospel preachers may be asked to conduct gospel meetings, lectureships, weddings, funerals, or other special events. Others may be asked to fix a car, improve the grounds of a house, provide transportation to a hospital or doctor’s office, sit with a patient, or do something else that person is good at doing. Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48).”
We are often called upon by other members of the Lord’s church, but remember that we are especially called by God to work in His kingdom! We all have something we can do, and by doing it for others we do it unto Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40). It is our purpose to serve God, and we can all do so in some way. There is one thing that God does require of us: “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).”
God has provided good gifts and abilities (James 1:17). Let us use them in faithful service to one another, and in service unto God, showing good stewardship of these blessings. Let us be faithful in our Bible study, prayer, Christian living, preaching and teaching the gospel, and service to Him and one another. When we are asked to do something for someone, this should encourage us to remain faithful.
What have good gifts and abilities you been given? What can you give as a result?
Proverbs 17:04 – Lying – audio
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Text: Proverbs 17:4
Introduction
A. Lying is huge problem today.
1) Some say things that are not true
2) Others say one thing and do another.
B. Lying has been known to hurt many relationships.
C. The wise man wrote, “An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue (Proverbs 17:4).”
D. Liars love to hear untruths and pass them along to others.
E. A lie is false, untrue, erroneous, deceitful, or wicked. Thus, a liar is one who speaks or does any of these things.
Body
I. Who does not lie?
A. It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18; Numbers 23:19).
B. Christ does not lie (1 Peter 2:21-23).
C. Christians should no longer lie (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9).
D. John describes Heaven as a place where there will be no lies (Revelation 21:27).
II. What should be the proper attitude to lies?
A. God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16-17).
B. The Psalmist hates and abhors lying (Psalm 119:163).
C. The righteous man should hate lying (Proverbs 13:5).
III. Who does lie?
A. Jesus said the devil is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44).
B. Who do we make a liar?
1) We make God a liar if we say we have not sinned (1 John 1:10).
2) We make Christ a liar if we do not believe the testimony God gave of Him (1 John 2:22; 5:10).
3) Since we have sinned (Romans 3:23) and God did give His son (John 3:16 et. al.), we would be lying to deny it!
C. “…Let God be true but every man a liar (Romans 3:4)…”
D. One lies if he exchanges the truth of God (Romans 1:25).
E. One lies if he claims fellowship with Christ but walks in darkness (1 John 1:6-7).
F. We lie if we claim to know Christ but do not keep His commandments (1 John 2:4-6).
G. We lie if we claim to love God but hate our brother (1 John 4:20-21).
H. Satan entered the heart of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit and God (Acts 5:1-4).
IV. What would be the end result of lies?
A. As Satan does lying wonders, those who believe such lies will perish (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
B. ALL liars will have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
Conclusion
A. If we have lied in the past or are lying now, we must repent.
B. We should not heed those who lie, and correct lies with truths from God’s Word.
C. If we are not lying now, let us not be tempted to start!
John 09:01-07 – Jesus and the Blind Man – audio
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Text: John 9:1-7 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
A. Jesus encounters a blind man who, we are later told, was blind from birth (John 9:19-20).
B. The disciples asked Jesus about his blindness, and Jesus answers them by words and example.
C. By doing this, Jesus teaches not only the disciples, but also the blind man, Pharisees, and Jews.
Body
I. The disciples assumed sin caused the man’s blindness (John 9:1-3).
A. The disciples asked who sinned (John 9:1).
B. The Jews accused this man born in sins, and cast him out of the synagogue (John 9:34).
C. The Pharisees and Jews accused Jesus of being a sinner, but the formerly blind man refused to admit this (John 9:16,24-25).
D. The natives of Malta thought Paul was a sinner and was going to die when a viper fastened on his hand (Acts 28:3-6).
E. Jesus answered that sin was not to blame for the man’s blindness, but for another reason (John 9:3).
1) This does not mean that the man did not sin.
2) We all sin (Romans 3:23).
II. Jesus used the man’s blindness to do the work of God (John 9:4-7).
A. Jesus used these good works to prove that He came from God, His Father (John 5:17-23,36; 10:25,37-38).
B. By believing in Christ, we shall see the glory of God (John 11:4,40). Remember recently we studied about seeing the salvation of the LORD!
III. Christ is the light of the world for as long as He was in the world (John 9:5).
A. John identified Jesus as the Light of the world (John 1:1-9).
B. Jesus explained to Nicodemus why light is rejected (John 3:19).
C. We must believe the true Light (John 12:44-50).
D. By following Christ, we can have the light of life (John 8:12).
IV. We must walk in the light, doing the works of God.
A. Jesus says to follow the light, believe the light, and become sons of light (John 12:35-36).
B. We walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).
C. Seeing the light will not cause us to stumble (John 11:8-10).
D. Whatever we do, like Christ, we do to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Conclusion
A. After the formerly blind man was cast out of the synagogue, Jesus found Him.
B. This man wanted to believe in the Son of God, and Jesus claimed that identity.
C. He confessed his faith, and worshiped Him.
D. Some of the Pharisees questioned if they, too, were blind (John 9:35-41).
E. Based on Jesus’ answer, are we blind also (John 15:22-24)?
1) Let us see Christ, the true Light.
2) Let us believe He is the Son of God, and do His work!