Historical Posts
1 Peter 02:09-12 A Plea to Pilgrims – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:9-12
Introduction
1. Having said that as Christians we are:
a. a chosen generation
b. a royal priesthood
c. a holy nation
d. God’s own special people
e. Peter makes a heart-felt plea concerning our conduct before those in the world
2. As we consider this plea to pilgrims, remember that Peter is speaking by inspiration; it is actually GOD who is making this plea!
Body
I. THE BASIS OF THE PLEA
A. YOU ARE BELOVED
1. Beloved by whom?
a. By Peter, of course – 1 Peter 2:12
b. By Paul, James, John, & Jude, all of whom used this same term of endearment
c. But most of all, we are beloved of God and Jesus! – Romans 1:7; Colossians 3:12
2. It is out of such human and divine love that this plea is made
B. YOU ARE SOJOURNERS AND PILGRIMS
1. You have not yet reached your heavenly home
2. As we will see later, failure to heed the plea will mean you will never reach it!
3. In view of that real possibility, we find this plea made even in form of begging!
C. YOU ARE ENGAGED IN WARFARE
1. A war in which fleshly lusts wage war against the soul
2. The outcome will determine whether or not we will reach our heavenly home
D. YOU ARE BEING OBSERVED BY OTHERS
1. Some of which who often speak evil of you (even as they did of Christ)
2. But by heeding this plea, it is possible to cause those very ones who speak evil of you to glorify God in the day of visitation
a. This day of visitation is the Day of Judgment
b. We have an opportunity to bring glory to God by the way we heed this plea
II. THE PLEA ITSELF
A. FIRST, THE PLEA BEGS US TO ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS
1. The word abstain means to hold one’s self constantly back
2. From what are we to abstain?
a. Fleshly lusts, some of which are defined by Paul – Galatians 5:19-21
b. Notice that they involve more than just sexual sins (such as fornication)
c. They also include sins of the emotions (hatred, outbursts of wrath, jealousies, envy)
3. Why must we hold ourselves constantly back from these things?
a. According to Peter, they wage war against the soul
b. According to Paul, they can keep us out of the kingdom of God! – Galatians 5:21
c. So if we want to succeed in our spiritual pilgrimage and reach our heavenly destination, we must heed this plea to pilgrims!
4. How can one abstain from fleshly lusts? In his epistles, Paul explains how:
a. Keep your mind on the things of the Spirit, not on the things of the flesh – Romans 8:5-6
b. Grow in Christ, and don’t provide opportunities for the fulfillment of fleshly lusts – Romans 13:13-14
c. Should such opportunities arise, flee them (remember Joseph and Potiphar’s wife?), and pursue after that which is good – 2 Timothy 2:22
B. THE PLEA ALSO BEGS US TO HAVE HONORABLE CONDUCT
1. The word honorable in the Greek is kalos
a. It means that which is good, beautiful, harmonious, and lovely
b. In other words, our conduct is to be something beautiful and refreshing to behold
2. We can have conduct that is honorable
a. If on the one hand, we abstain from fleshly lusts
b. And on the other hand, we do good works
3. We have seen what fleshly lusts are. What good works can we do that are beautiful to behold?
a. We can see to the needs of those who are poor, fatherless, widowed, sick, and otherwise afflicted – James 1:27
b. We can demonstrate love and hospitality to brethren, friends, neighbors, even strangers – Hebrews 13:1-3
c. We can react kindly to those who despise us, speak evil of us, and mistreat us – Luke 6:27-31
4. The effect of such conduct is that it will likely prompt others to glorify God!
a. As Jesus taught us – Matthew 5:16
b. Even those who at the present may speak against us as evildoers! – 1 Peter 2:12
Conclusion
1. By heeding this plea to pilgrims as found in 1 Peter 2:11-12, it is possible to accomplish several things at the same time:
a. We can save ourselves
b. We can glorify God
c. We might even help save those who presently speak evil of us!
2. As the people of God who have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:10), can we do any less?
a. Abstain, then, from those fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul!
b. Conduct yourselves, then, in ways that are honorable and a thing of beauty to behold!
3. In so doing, you will ensure the successful completion of your spiritual pilgrimage!
4. Speaking of the mercy of God, have you received the mercy that comes through the blood of Christ? – Acts 20:28
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 02:04-10 Jesus: Cornerstone or Stumblingstone? – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Introduction
1. When the infant Jesus was being presented to the Lord at the temple, an interesting statement was made concerning Him by Simeon: “Behold, this Child in destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” – Luke 2:34
2. In other words, Jesus was destined to have different effects on different people
a. To some, He would be the cause of their rising
b. For others, He would be their down fall
3. In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the apostle Peter expands upon this same theme
a. To some people, Jesus serves as a “cornerstone”
b. To others, He is a “stumblingstone”.
Body
I. TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, JESUS IS A “CORNERSTONE”
A. HE IS A “LIVING STONE” – 1 Peter 2:4
1. Which was rejected by men
a. As stated by John in John 1:11
b. Instead, they crucified Him
2. And yet, He was chosen by God, considered to be precious
a. As foretold in Psalm 118:22, God has taken that which was rejected by men and made it the “cornerstone”
b. The cornerstone of what?
B. THE “CORNERSTONE” OF A GREAT SPIRITUAL HOUSE OR TEMPLE – 1 Peter 2:5-6
1. Upon which we are being built
2. The same thought or illustration is used by the apostle Paul – 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
3. As this spiritual house built upon Christ, we fulfill certain responsibilities
a. We serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God – 1 Peter 2:5
1) Our bodies – Romans 12:1-2
2) Our praise – Hebrews 13:15
3) Our doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16
4) Even our deaths – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
b. We therefore serve as God’s special people – 1 Peter 2:9-10
1) With a special task of proclaiming the praises of God
2) For by His grace…
a) We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light
b) We who were not a people are now the people of God
c) We have obtained mercy!
C. JESUS IS THE ROCK UPON WHICH WE, AS INDIVIDUALS, BUILD OUR LIVES – Matthew 7:24-27
1. By following His teachings, we are able to establish our lives on solid ground
2. And this enables us to withstand the “storms” of life
II. TO THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE, JESUS IS A “STUMBLINGSTONE”
A. THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE – 1 Peter 2:7-8
1. Either Jesus is the cornerstone
a. Upon which we are being built as stones in His temple
b. Upon which we are building our lives by following His teaching
2. Or He will be the “stumblingstone” over which we will meet our doom!
B. THAT JESUS WOULD BE A STUMBLINGSTONE TO SOME
1. Was foretold by Isaiah, who Peter quotes – Isaiah 8:13-15
2. We saw that Simeon also foresaw the same thing when Jesus was presented in the temple as a newborn – Luke 2:34
3. Even Jesus saw Himself as this stumblingstone – Matthew 21:42-44
C. SADLY, JESUS HAS BECOME A STUMBLINGSTONE TO ISRAEL
1. Romans 9:30-33; 1 Corinthians 1:23
2. Jesus was a stumbling block to many of the Jews because
a. They thought that they could attain righteousness by keeping the Law
b. They could not accept the need for a suffering Messiah to atone for their sins!
D. IN A SIMILAR WAY, JESUS IS A STUMBLINGSTONE FOR MANY PEOPLE TODAY
1. Pride prevents them from accepting Jesus on His terms!
2. They think that they can please God and go to heaven on the basis of their good deeds
3. Therefore, they are unwilling
a. To confess their sinfulness, and their need for Jesus Christ
b. To turn their lives over to Jesus, and to do His Will
E. THE SAD PART IS THIS: TO THOSE WHO STUMBLE BY BEING DISOBEDIENT, DOOM AWAITS!
1. For such doom has been appointed by God – 1 Peter 2:8
2. Such is logically necessary, for without Christ
a. We will die in our own sins – John 8:24
b. Righteous punishment can only follow – Revelation 20:11-15
Conclusion
1. We often sing “Jesus, Rock of Ages,” for truly Jesus is like a rock. But what kind of rock is He to us?
2. If we are willing to believe and obey Jesus, He can be the CORNERSTONE
a. Upon which we can be added as part of His church, the spiritual temple
b. Upon which can build our lives so as to have a full and meaningful life
3. But if we disbelieve and are disobedient, then by necessity Jesus will be our STUMBLINGSTONE
a. Over which we will fall
b. Under which we will be broken and be ground to powder
4. There is no middle ground. What will Jesus be for you? Are you obedient to His Word?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Fight to the Death – audio
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We’re in a fight to the death
It’s easy to become spiritually complacent, to get comfortable where we are, to forget what’s at stake.
Suppose you’re fighting a battle in the middle of a great war, completely surrounded by the advancing enemy. What would you do? Kick off your boots and enjoy a latté while you read the morning newspaper? It’s a ludicrous picture, but it’s something many of us do.
We’re tempted to live our lives as if there’s not this huge cosmic struggle going on. Just do our jobs, manage our to-do lists, pay our bills, and act like there’s no Satan, no “spiritual forces of evil,” as Paul puts it. That’s a deadly approach.
C.S. Lewis said that we make two mistakes when we think about Satan and his demons. Some of us respond with superstition… We might overstate Satan’s power. Superstitious folks see Satan everywhere they look. Others respond with what Lewis calls “substition”, which understates Satan’s role in today’s world.
I think most of the folks I know (including myself) fall into this camp. Blinded by our modern understanding of reason, we’re more likely to believe that everything has a rational, physical explanation. People do bad things because they make bad choices, had a rough upbringing, inherited bad genes, or have a mental illness.
Is it also possible that they fell under the sway of Satan and let him take over their lives? I think so. Peter’s warning still applies: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
I think we need to be more aware of what Satan is doing in the world, and particularly what he’s doing in our lives.
- If you’re a Mom or Dad, he’s after your kids. He’ll do anything to win their hearts.
- If you’re married, he’s after your marriage. He’s trying to drive a wedge between you and your spouse.
- If you’re single, he’s trying to undermine your relationships so that they pull you away from God.
Regardless of where you are, he’s after you, and he’ll pull every trick in the book to convince you that your relationship to Jesus really isn’t that important.
Don’t let him intimidate you – he can’t overpower God, of course – but don’t underestimate him either.
We’re in a fight to the death, and eternity hangs in the balance.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Resurrection – audio
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One day we’ll all be resurrected.
There’s a sense in which we’ve already been raised, of course. When we identified with Christ in baptism, God raised us from our spiritual graves. We were dead, and now we’re alive. We were lost, and now we’re found. But the resurrection isn’t finished yet.
Sometimes my body aches and my head hurts (“in this we groan,” 2 Corinthians 5:2). I struggle with sin way more than I should. I look around and see a messed-up world. And it all reminds me that there’s a bigger, better resurrection coming.
We’ve been resurrected, but we can’t wait to be resurrected – completely, finally, and irrevocably.
I think that’s what Paul’s talking about here: “if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11). He’d been saved, of course, but he knew all too well that God was still working on him. He had a clear and future focus – he was excited about what God had done for him, and about what the Lord was still doing in him, but he couldn’t wait for what lay ahead.
Maybe you need that reminder today. You feel like you’re being swallowed up by life’s pressures, demands, and stress. Pause a few minutes and look ahead. The daily grind will still be there, but for now think about that future resurrection from the dead. Jesus promised that he’s coming back to this world to take you where he wants you and where you want to be.
He’s already saved you from all your sins, and he’s given you his Spirit as a down payment. But as with all down payments, the Spirit is just a small taste of what’s coming. He’ll change your body into an incorruptible one . . . a body that doesn’t hurt, moan, groan, or age. He’ll redeem this world from all of its corruption and decay and create a new dwelling place for his people. And he’ll take away every vestige of sin.
We will, by his grace, “attain the resurrection from the dead.”
That’s what gives us a different perspective from the folks around us who don’t know Christ.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:22-02:03 The Practice of Holy Living – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
Introduction
1. I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God – I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod; For I’m part of the family, the family of God. (Song 890)
2. I have spent the last several weeks help us to realize that as believers we are to pursue holiness.
a. We realize that because we belong to God therefore, we should act like it
b. But we also realize the incredible cost of our redemption and this drives us to pursue holiness
c. But this morning Peter is going to give us a test that reveals the genuineness of your pursuit of holiness.
d. We have all had struggles with fellow believers, but what is our response to those struggles that is what reveals our heart.
e. Weigh yourself by this standard of genuine love for fellow believers, all based upon the eternal bond of Believers, this then hopefully will lead us to action as we seek to take up the call as believers.
3. For the genuineness of your pursuit of holiness is revealed in your relationship with other believers.
Body
I. Do you have genuine love for your fellow believers (1 Peter 1:22)
A. Obedience leads to purity (1 Peter 1:22a)
1. Peter is transitioning from the call to holiness to the practice of holiness, what we are about to study is what the pursuit of holiness will look like in the life of a believer.
2. When you have accepted the free gift of being purchased out of the slave market of sin paid for by Christ, you are responsible and led by the Spirit to pursue holiness.
3. Your obedience to the truth of the Gospel and your obedience to the pursuit of holiness will lead to purified souls.
4. One who has purified himself by living according to God’s Word has discovered the joy of obedience.
B. Purity produces love (1 Peter 1:22b)
1. This purity is revealed by a changed life and Peter explains that this changed life is revealed in a changed relationship with God and likewise with God’s family
2. The word that Peter uses for love is the philo love that is the brotherly love, it is pure love, it is not a mask that you wear when you come to church
a. This is a genuine love for your fellow believer; it’s pure and not tainted
b. The implication that Peter is giving is that there were some in the body of Christ that just pretended to love each other.
c. The love that should be on display here this morning should walk out those doors with you when you leave, it should remain with you in the privacy of your car and in the sanctity of your home.
d. This love comes not from your selfish motives, or your selfish desires but as a spring of love that bursts forth because of your obedience to the truth, that means that this love is a reflection of your pursuit of holiness.
C. Are you loving your fellow believer? (1 Peter 1:22c)
1. Peter now repeats the call to love, but this time uses not philo but agape
2. And in adding to the intensity of the command he includes that we should agape love each other fervently.
a. This agape love is the love Christ demonstrated on the cross in its purest sense.
b. This is the word used in John 3:16 when we are told that God loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son.
3. This love should come from the heart, because we realize the preciousness of the other person, we understand that regardless of their past and regardless of their actions today, Christ gave His life for them.
4. In a discussion about the number of churches in town and the conflict in which some were born, a comment was made by a person who shall remain nameless, they said, “whenever more than about thirty people go to church together we can’t stand one another and split.” It’s a sad statement, but not that far from the truth, this is not philo love and it for sure isn’t agape love.
5. Peter is taking us from the principle of pursuing holiness to it’s practice. It is one thing to say that we are servants of the Lord, willing and able to pursue holiness, and quite another to practice genuine love for other who belong to the same family as we do. But Peter continues by building on Who we have in common. And the eternal bond of believers.
II. Have you experienced the eternal bond of believers (1 Peter 1:23-25)
A. Your lasting new birth (1 Peter 1:23)
1. If you have come to know Christ as Savior you can rest assured of the truth that you were born again, this time not die, but to live eternally.
2. Your Salvation and the Word of God are inexpressibly linked together.
3. This imperishable Word was the content of Peter’s preaching. His hearers must be affected by its life-changing power, indeed it is through it that we heard about and have received the gift of Redemption from the market place of sin.
B. The brevity of the flesh (1 Peter 1:24)
1. In contrast with the imperishable seed that now makes up our identity because of what the Triune God has accomplished for our salvation, Peter quotes from Isaiah 40
2. Flesh and the things of the flesh are fleeting,
a. even more fleeting than flesh are the glories that come from a life lived in the flesh.
b. Beloved, it is much easier to love each other both in the brotherly sense of philo and sacrificially in agape when we realize that those things that cause us to hold back our love are not eternal, they are fleeting and in fact are mostly gone.
c. But, your fellow believer is eternal you will stand side by side in heaven giving glory to God and giving him praise for his enduring Word.
3. An exasperated preacher once said this about a person who left his congregation angry, “I guess they will probably ask Christ to reserve a mansion on the other side of heaven from mine.” Have you ever felt that way? Of course we have all been there, but realize this we are all spending eternity together, let’s start now by loving that which eternal and casting aside those fleeting things of the flesh.
C. The enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:25)
1. We have already had to understand at least in part the truth that the Word of the Lord endures forever.
2. The Word of God has stood when no other book has lasted, it has been the object of great kings wrath and burned by blood thirsty mobs, but yet it remains.
3. What a statement of our faith which Peter says is the result of the word being preached to you.
D. Peter staying true to the style that he has so far in his book, gives us the challenge, then gives us the reason to live up to the challenge and now he is about to make it personal.
III. Have you taken up the call as believers? (1 Peter 2:1-3)
A. Practice genuine love (1 Peter 2:1)
1. Peter now opens our hearts and reveals that we must plead for forgiveness if we are harboring any of these five sins which will drive a wedge between believers and be used of Satan to incite a family feud.
2. Each these five sins reveal a lack of pure love for each other, and instead reveal a love for a life that we should have left behind when we came to know Christ.
a. Malice – which is wicked ill-will
b. Deceit – which is deliberate dishonesty. You realize that you deliberately lie to spare yourself that this is a form of hate for your fellow believer
c. Hypocrisy – pretending to love
d. Envy – resentful discontent
e. Slander – which is backbiting lies.
B. Long for the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2)
1. Instead of these things the life of the believer should long for the Word of God like a new born striving for milk.
2. How many of you strive for the word of God like this? Peter’s instruction is sometimes the last place we go.
a. Notice as well that Peter doesn’t say look to the Word of God to defeat nor to find faults with your fellow believers
b. But instead he says that we should look to the Word of God to provide the nourishment that we ourselves need to grow in respect to salvation
c. This is what is meant when Paul says working out your salvation with fear and trembling – Philippians 2:12
C. Be a part of the family of God (1 Peter 2:3)
1. If you are a believer this morning you have tasted the graciousness of the Lord.
2. Since you were blessed, be a blessing to the family of God, not because you like a person, or because you feel the obligation, but rather you are a child of God act like it.
3. Use the example of Christ’s kindness to you and sacrificially love your brother or sister in Christ, join in the family of God.
Conclusion
1. Peter no doubt has touched each of us here this morning.
a. Your faith, your pursuit of holiness is directly related to your love for each other.
b. As in any family there are the hard times and the fusses but as believers these should never separate us from each other.
c. Don’t try to reserve the mansion on the other side of heaven from each other.
2. You are part of a family, the family of God, act like it, and live like it.
3. If, You are not now is the greatest opportunity you will ever have to be a part of the family of God!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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John 08:31-32 Four Truths – audio
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Text: John 8:31-32
Opening Comments
When the trials are past (3rd verse)
Introduction
A. Jesus said if we abide in His Word we are His disciples
1. We shall know the Truth
2. This Truth will set us free
B. Tonight we will look at four of these truths
Body
I. THERE IS REDEMPTION FOR THE SLAVE – Ephesians 1:7
A. In Him refers to in the Beloved of Ephesians 1:6
B. We have redemption
1. To redeem one by paying the price
2. A releasing effected by payment of ransom
3. Deliverance
C. Note the change from adoption in Ephesians 1:5 to redemption of a slave or a captive
D. Through His blood
1. There is no redemption without His blood – Hebrews 9:22
2. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats can take away sin – Hebrews 10:4
E. The forgiveness of sins
1. Release, as from bondage, imprisonment
2. Forgiveness, pardon, of sins
3. Letting them go, as if they had not been committed
II. RECONCILIATION FOR THE ENEMY – Romans 5:10.
A. Man is reconciled to God and not God to man
1. Reconciled – to change, exchange, as coins for others of equivalent value
2. To reconcile those who are at variance
3. Return to favor with, be reconciled to one
4. To receive one into favor
B. Man departed from God so man needs to return to God
C. How are we reconciled?
1. By the death of the Christ and then we will be saved by His life – Hebrews 7:25
D. How are we saved by his life?
1. By being added to the church – Acts 2:47
2. By Him providing a way of escape – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. By Him providing mercy and grace to help in time of need -Hebrews 4:15-16
4. Because He is reigning over all things – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
III. REGENERATION FOR THE SINNER – Titus 3:5
A. The only washing relating to Christianity is baptism – John 3:1-12; Acts 22:16
B. The renewing process is accomplished by the knowledge of the Word of God – Romans 12:2
1. The mind is renewed – Romans 12:2
2. The mind is renewed by knowledge – Colossians 3:10
C. The Holy Spirit works through the knowledge He has given to renew the inner man
IV. RESTORATION FOR THE WANDERER – Galatians 6:1
A. A Christian might be overtaken in sin, but not be devoted to it – 1 John 1:8-2:2
B. Overtaken – to take one by forestalling him by surprise, detect
C. Restore – to render fit, sound, complete; to mend, to repair
Conclusion
A. Redemption for the slave
B. Reconciliation for the enemy
C. Regeneration for the sinner
D. Restoration for the wanderer
E. Obey while you have time!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Jeremiah 01:05 The Sanctity of Life – audio
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(Abortion Sermons presented in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
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Text: Jeremiah 1:5
Introduction
A. For forty years we have lived with the silent, and sometimes not so silent, holocaust in our midst as the lives of 55 million innocent and unborn children have been killed, plucked from their journey to enter this world.
1. Who were they? Who would they have become?
2. The unmarried graduate student who gave birth to hi-tech guru and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, may well have aborted this child had her pregnancy occurred in 1973 rather than 1955.
3. This past week former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, recovering victim of a crazed gunman, visited, along with her husband Mark Kelly, Newtown, Connecticut, site of the latest horrible shooting incident.
4. In their public remarks, they expressed concern that our society has become “desensitized to acts of violence.”
a. Appropriate words, I think, that certainly should be considered in the broadest possible sense in our effort to grasp our willingness to tolerate, even nurture, the open and flourishing presence of evil in our society.
b. It takes a deadening of the soul to permit this, a state of being “desensitized.”
c. We know it because when those senses are awakened, our indifference and willingness to tolerate evil is pushed back.
d. When William Wilberforce fought to abolish the slave trade in England, he moved a boatload of the elite into proximity of a slave ship to smell the stench. Their senses were awakened and a major step forward was achieved to end the horror.
e. Reformed slave trader John Newton composed “
5. If there is good news, it is that, slowly, America seems to be coming to its senses regarding destruction of unborn children.
a. A Time Magazine cover story announced “40 years ago abortion-rights activists won an epic victory with Roe v Wade: They’ve been losing ever since.”
b. But in noting that ultrasound has reduced the willingness of Americans to tolerate abortion, author of the story Kate Pickert misses the key point when she writes, “Thanks to prenatal ultrasound, Americans now understand what a fetus look like and that babies born as early as 24 weeks can now survive.”
6. Ultrasound is sensitizing a desensitized American public that has been willing to tolerate this horror over these forty years.
a. Wars are not won overnight. Victory is achieved battle by battle.
b. Wilberforce did not stop slavery, but he stopped the slave trade.
c. Lincoln’s first aspiration was not total abolition of slavery in America, but making it illegal in new entrants to the Union.
7. A battle before us now, as the American soul awakens to the evil of abortion, is to end the waste of US taxpayer funds, which now provide almost half the budget of the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood.
B. The very basic fundamentals of human life begins with Genesis
1. We are a part of God’s eternal plan – Ephesians 2:10
2. Notice what God told Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:5
Body
I. OUR PRESENT DAY HOLOCAUST
A. On September 11, 2001 over 3500 lives were extinguished do the bombing of the world trade towers in New York. In that crowd of people there were potential doctors, scientists, preachers, future leaders whose lives were taken due to evil terrorists.
B. What did not make the headlines on September 12, 2001, the very next day, was the 4000 lives that were extinguished by what is called pro-choice. It happen again on September 13, 14, 15 etc. Each day since 1973 approximately 4000 unborn babies are aborted each day, 28,000 each week, 112,000 each month, 1,460,000 each year.
1. One September 11, 2001 Terrorist killed over 3500 people, and the outcry for justice was heard around the world.
2. But, 4000 unborn babies are being taken every day, and I see no weeping, no anger, and no outcry for justice.
3. The penalty for killing an unborn eagle in this country is a fine of up to $5000 and up to five years in prison. But, the killing of an unborn baby is not considered a crime at all, as long as the mother approves.
4. One in four women have had an abortion and one in ten women in a church have an abortion.
5. AMERICAN WAR CASUALTIES
– REVOLUTIONARY WAR 25,324
– CIVIL WAR 498,332
– WORLD WAR II 407,316
– KOREAN WAR 54,246
– VIETNAM WAR 56,655
– GULF WAR 293
– WAR ON THE UNBORN 31,000,000 since abortion was legalize in 1973.
Over 6 times the number of casualties in all the wars combined.
C. Psalm 139:13-16 – For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
1. Within 21 days the baby’s backbone, spinal cord, and nervous system are forming and a small heart is present and beating.
2. At one month arms and legs are present. There is a head with rudimentary eyes, ears, mouth, and brain. The digestive system has begun. The baby is still only one-fourth of an inch long, but he is ten thousand times larger than when he began.
3. At 2 months the baby is fully formed. He reacts to stimuli such as tickling. He will try to grasp a tiny instrument with his tiny hand. He “swims” or moves about in the amniotic fluid. He has fingerprints.
4. By the end of the 3rd month, as one observer notes, “he can kick his legs, turn his feet, curl and fan his toes, makes a fist, move his thumb, bend his wrist, turn his head, squint, frown, open his mouth,” swallow, and breathe.
a. The lack of value for life today is the result of godlessness. Many of our universities and schools have taught our young people that human beings are nothing more than highly organized, animated slime.
b. Our children are taught that they are cosmic accidents, nothing more than time + chance + matter. Our society has rejected the belief that HUMANS HAVE INTRINSIC DIGNITY BECAUSE THEY ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
1. The Psalmist tells us – Psalm 127:3 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.
2. Did you know that you are God’s crowning creation?
3. Did you know that you’re the greatest thing that God every created
4. You Were Created in God’s Image.
5. Do you know why you’re so valuable to God? Because you look just like Him!
6. Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in His own image.
7. Don’t you ever convince yourself that your worthless. Don’t you ever buy into the lie that no one loves you.
8. You:
– are not an accident.
– were not mass-produced.
– are not an assembly-line product.
9. You were:
– deliberately planned.
– specifically gifted.
– lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.
10. Psalm 100:3 – Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
II. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
A. Story – “It Matters to This One”
A young man was walking along the seashore. Far ahead of him, he saw a another man walking towards him. He paused every few steps, stooped down, throwing something into the sea.
The young man hurried forward, his feet awkward in the sand, as he tried to catch up with the man. As he came closer, he saw that it was an old man, and the reason that he would stop every step or two was to pick up a starfish and fling it into the ocean. It was only then that the young man noticed the thousands of starfish that littered the beach for miles, stranded there by the tide.
The young man rather was rather curious. What the old man was doing seemed so pointless, and he couldn’t wait to catch up with him to tell him so. The young man came near the older man.
“Why are you doing this?” he gasped. “You can’t save all of these starfish! It’s useless! What does it matter?”
The old man paused for a moment, looking down at the crusty starfish he’d just picked up. He turned it over slowly, then answered. “It matters to this one,”
III. TWO POSSIBLE OPTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD FOR AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY:
A. Raise and Love the Child.
B. Adoption.
C. Neither one is a good option, but they are the only answers to a bad situation.
D. ABORTION IS MURDER (A sin to correct a sin!!!)
Conclusion
1. The good news is that you can have forgiveness.
2. The good news is you can have help from brothers and sisters in Christ
3. God loves you. Do you love God?
4. Jesus says if you love me keep my commandments – John 14:15
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 111:02 The Works of The Lord are Great – audio
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Text: Psalms 111:2
Introduction
1. Let’s begin by reading Psalms 111:1-10, noting in particular Psalms 111:2
The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
2. In the psalm, the works of the Lord are His works of redemption for Israel – Psalm 111:5-9
Body
I. HIS CREATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1
2. They declare the glory and handiwork of God, His power and deity – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM…?
1. Like David, contemplating their beauty and intelligent design? – Psalm 8:3-4
2. Viewing a starry night, an illustrious sunset, or even a single flower?
II. HIS WORD
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. David praised the value of God’s Word – Psalm 19:7-11
2. Even more so now that we have the living-giving words of Jesus! – John 6:63
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Like the truly blessed man? – Psalm 1:1-3
2. Reading that which provides comfort, hope and guidance? – Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
III. HIS SALVATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. The salvation of mankind made possible by God’s love – John 1:29; 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10
2. Saved by grace – Titus 3:4-7
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of such passages like Romans 6? – Romans 6:3-7
2. Reflecting on the consequence of such truths? – Romans 8:31-39
IV. HIS CHURCH
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. That church built by His Son, purchased with His own blood – Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28
2. Which is the kingdom of God, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit – Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of books like Acts, Ephesians, Colossians?
2. Learning of the origin, spread, nature of and work of the church?
3. Reveling in its simplicity in contrast to the denominationalism of today?
V. HIS PROMISES
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. We can look forward to the resurrection of the dead – John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2. We can look forward to new heavens and new earth – Revelation 21:1-4
3. We can look forward to the new Jerusalem, the city whose builder and maker is God! – Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 21:2
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Pondering on how God will raise the dead? – 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
2. Looking forward to that new heavens and new earth? – 2 Peter 3:13-14
3. Reflecting on the great and precious promises? – 2 Peter 1:4
Conclusion
1. We have considered only a few of the great works of the Lord:
a. His creation
b. His Word
c. His salvation
d. His church
e. His promise
2. If you have not yet done so, study the great works of the Lord
a. Reflect on the beauty and design of God’s creation
b. Read and meditate on God’s revelation (His Word)
3. As you do so, obeying the latter, you will find great pleasure both now and in the hereafter..!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:13-21 Obedient Children – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21
Introduction
1. In our previous study, we saw from 1 Peter 1:13 that we have the responsibility to fortify the focus of our hope and set it upon the grace that we are to receive when Jesus comes again
2. Another responsibility we have as Christians is to conduct ourselves as obedient children – 1 Peter 1:14
3. While the need to be obedient is often misconstrued by some as sounding legalistic, it is stressed in the New Testament nonetheless – Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8
4. In what way are we to be obedient? There is much the Bible has to say on the subject:
a. But in this lesson we shall focus our attention to 1 Peter 1:14-21
b. Where we learn that Proper Conduct as Obedient Children has both negative and positive connotations
Body
I. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO FORMER LUSTS
A. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PETER IS SAYING
1. The word conform means to conform one’s self (I.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern
2. The former lusts refer to the evil desires and behavior in which we once engaged, and in which the world continues to engage
3. In essence, then, Peter is saying:
a. Don’t act like you once did, or like those still in the world.
b. Do not adopt their sinful habits, mannerisms, dress, and speech, which you did before you became Christians.
B. APPLYING WHAT PETER IS SAYING
1. We will not seek to act like those who are not Christians
2. For Christians are not to be conformists, but true non-conformists, or transformists – Romans 12:1-2
a. Conformists simply imitate others, sometimes claiming to do so only outwardly
b. But transformists are those who:
1) Have undergone a true change on the inside
2) And who manifest the difference on the outside
3. To behave properly as obedient children, then, we need to be sure we are not adopting the sinful habits or mannerisms of those in the world
a. Like accepting the popular fashions of our society which appeal to fleshly desires
1) Short dresses, tight designer jeans, and other immodest apparel
2) Christians, rather than conforming, are to adorn themselves in modest apparel – 1 Timothy 2:9-10
b. Like filling our speech with suggestive language or jokes – Ephesians 4:29; 5:3-4
c. Delighting in various forms of entertainment which cater to fleshly desires – Philippians 4:8
4. But too many Christians DO conform to the world and its lusts
a. Therefore it is not surprising to hear many becoming entrapped by the world
b. As is indicated by the rise of marital unfaithfulness and divorce
5. So Christians need to heed what Peter is saying
6. As well as what was said by John – 1 John 2:15-17
II. WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT
A. CONCERNING THE WORD HOLY
1. It is closely related to the words sanctify and sanctification
2. All of which stress the idea of being set apart
3. To be holy, then, means that we are set apart or dedicated to God
B. WE ARE TO BE HOLY FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS
1. The first reason is that given in our text: For I (God) am holy.
a. The God who has called us through His gospel is a holy God
b. He Himself is set apart from sin and wickedness
c. His very nature demands a similar holiness on our part – Hebrews 12:14
2. It is also Jesus’ desire that we be holy (He died for this very purpose!) – Ephesians 5:25-27
C. NOTE ALSO THAT WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT!
1. Holiness is not something we put on when convenient, like on Sundays
2. Instead, our daily life, our entire conduct is to be set apart in service to the Lord – Romans 12:1
3. For this to be true, every aspect of our life must be in harmony with God’s demand for holiness!
a. This means our work, our speech, our dress, our recreation
b. …ALL should be in harmony with the principles of God’s Word
4. Even the most mundane things, when done in keeping with God’s Will, become a part of our holy service to God!
5. Can it be said of our lives, that we are holy in all our conduct?
a. Do we go about our business, our play, with the thought of being set apart to the Will of God, so that it is evident in our business or play?
b. I am sure that all of us can improve in this area of our service as obedient children!
III. WE MUST CONDUCT OURSELVES IN FEAR
A. AS PILGRIMS, FEAR HAS A PROPER PLACE DURING OUR SOJOURN
1. Even as Jesus taught His disciples – Matthew 10:28
2. And as Paul wrote the Philippians – Philippians 2:12
B. PETER GIVES TWO REASONS FOR SUCH FEAR:
1. In view of the judgment by our Father – 1 Peter 1:17
a. He will not be partial – without partiality
b. He will be personal – judges according to each one’s work
c. No one will receive special favors, no one will escape His discerning eye!
2. In view of the high cost of redemption – 1 Peter 1:18-21
a. We were not redeemed from our sins with silver or gold
b. But only by the precious blood of Christ!
1) Who was without blemish and without spot
2) Who was foreordained to die for our sins before the world began
3) Who came to this earth for our sakes
4) By whom our faith and hope are in God!
c. Any Christian who does not conduct himself in a manner appreciative of the price paid for his sins, can expect a fate worse than death if he does not repent! – Hebrews 10:26-31
Conclusion
1. From verses 1 Peter 1:14-21, then, we learn that proper conduct as obedient children means that:
a. We are not to conform ourselves to former lusts
b. We are to be holy in all our conduct
c. We are to conduct ourselves in fear
2. Paul said much the same thing in writing to the church at Corinth:
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – 2 Corinthians 7:1
3. This we cannot do on our own, but by the redeeming grace of God:
a. We can be forgiven by the precious blood of Christ
b. We can be strengthened by the power of His Spirit to live the sort of lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father
4. Have you responded to the grace of God in order to receive such wonderful blessings?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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The Godhead, a Closer Look – audio
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Continued from “The Godhead”
I. DIFFERENCES.
A. Authority.
1. All authority belongs to the Father.
a) Wait a second… Didn’t Jesus say that all authority belonged to Him. Matthew 28:18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
(1) Note carefully, that Jesus said that all authority had been GIVEN to Him.
(2) Who did the giving?
(3) The answer is: the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
(4) This passage teaches that the One who put all things under Jesus’ feet (The Father) is not, Himself, under Jesus’ feet (Or authority).
(5) Or, in other words, the one who bestows authority on another is not Himself under that authority.
b) Before His incarnation, Jesus was on an equal footing in terms of authority with the Father.
(1) Philippians 2:5-6. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God
(2) John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(3) Nowhere in the Old Testament do we see any hint of Jesus being in subjection to the Father.
c) However, that all changed when Jesus put on flesh. Philippians 2:7-8. But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
(1) Notice that it was a voluntary submission to the Father.
(2) Jesus willingly gave up equality with the Father to become a man.
d) Hence, the statement by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:3. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(1) Man being the head of woman does not imply that…
(a) The woman is not human.
(b) The woman is inferior to the man.
(2) In the same way, the Father being the Head of Christ does not imply that…
(a) Jesus is not God.
(b) Jesus is inferior to the Father in any way.
e) This relationship is further illustrated by Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand.
(1) Acts 7:55-56. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
(2) Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
(3) Philippians 2:9-11. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
f) In saying that Jesus is subject to the Father, we are not degrading Him in any way.
(1) Indeed, we are really glorifying Him as He deserves to be glorified.
(2) What an amazing thing He did when He took on flesh!
(3) What a sacrifice He made for us.
(4) 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
(5) 2 Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. (With the exception noted above.)
a) All of the physical creation is under His authority. Colossians 1:15-18. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
b) The angels are under Jesus’ authority.
(1) Hebrews 1:6-7. But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.”
(2) Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?
3. The Holy Spirit is under the authority of both the Father and the Son.
a) While the Scriptures do not come right out and say it, several passages in the New Testament imply this fact.
b) If all authority in HEAVEN and earth was given to Jesus, and only the Father is excepted, then the Holy Spirit is under the authority of Jesus.
c) Notice the following passages:
(1) John 14:26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
(2) John 15:26. “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
(3) John 16:13-15. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
B. Roles played in the past.
1. In creation. Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
a) God created the heavens and the earth.
b) But is this God, the Father, God, the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.
c) As a matter of fact, it was all three of Them.
(1) The Father made all things through Jesus. Ephesians 3:9. And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ (Also see Colossians 1:15-18)
(2) The Holy Spirit was there as well. Genesis 1:2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
d) It has been said that, in regard to their roles: The Father wills it; the Son accomplishes it; and the Holy Spirit creates order.
2. In the scheme of redemption. 1 Peter 1:2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
a) The Father wills it. 1 Timothy 2:3-4. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1) It was the Father who sent Jesus. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(2) It was the Father who sent the Holy Spirit. John 14:26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
b) The Son brings it into being. Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
c) The Holy Spirit created order.
(1) 2 Peter 1:19-21. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
(2) 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Content by Ralph Price
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The Godhead – audio
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Continued in “The Godhead – A Closer Look”
Text: Romans 1:18-20
Introduction
1. What does the term “Godhead” mean?
2. Is there one God or two or three?
3. If there are three Persons of the Godhead, what is our relationship to each One?
4. Do we pray to all three or just one or two?
5. Did the Father die for our sins or did Jesus?
6. We all need to have an adequate understanding of the Godhead.
7. It deals with the very nature of the God that we all serve.
8. While it is fundamental and essential, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily easy to grasp.
9. As with any Biblical topic, when studying about the Godhead we must be sure to look at all of the relevant passages.
10. We must make sure not to have “made up our minds” ahead of time.
11. We must be aware that there are many false teachings in regard to the Godhead floating around out there.
12. My goal is not to look at each of these false theories but to see what the truth is as revealed by the word of God.
Body
I. A DEFINITION
A. Godhead – Theiotes – divinity or divine nature.
1. Divinity – the quality of being divine.
2. Divine – being a deity.
3. Deity – Supreme being.
B. The word “Godhead” is used three times in the Scriptures.
1. Romans 1:20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
a) Referring to the divine nature of the Creator.
b) His limitless power and infinite wisdom that are demonstrated in His creation.
2. Acts 17:29. Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.
a) Obviously, the NKJV renders the word “Divine Nature” here. Which is the true meaning.
b) It could also be translated “the Deity.”
c) A perfect way to distinguish between the one True God and the conflicting gods of paganism.
3. Colossians 2:9. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
a) The Divine Nature is manifest in Jesus Christ.
b) Here, the term means “deity” or “divinity.”
II. WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE GODHEAD, WE MUST REALIZE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THREE DISTINCT BEINGS.
A. We see this first illustrated for us in Genesis 1.
1. In Genesis 1:1, the Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim.”
a) “Elohim” comes from the Hebrew root meaning “strength” or “power.”
b) The “im” on the end makes it plural.
c) However, all of the verbs in the text are singular.
d) Thus, “Elohim” is a plural noun with a singular nature.
e) The Godhead is made up of three beings with a singular nature!
2. Genesis 1:26. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
a) Who was God talking to?
b) Here we have one member of the Godhead talking to the other two.
c) The Holy Spirit was present at the creation. Genesis 1:2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
d) Jesus was present at the creation. John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
B. The following passages show that the Godhead is made up of three distinct beings.
1. Matthew 3:16-17. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
2. John 14:16-17. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
3. 1 Corinthians 13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
4. Romans 15:30. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.
5. 1 Peter 1:2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
III. JESUS IS PART OF THE GODHEAD.
A. Matthew 1:22-23. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
B. John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
C. John 8:58. Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
1. One of the names for God in the Old Testament was “Yahweh.”
2. In the Hebrew it was “YHVH” also known as the tetragrammaton.
3. It is the word translated “LORD” in the Old Testament.
4. It is the word from which we get “Jehovah.”
5. It simply means “to be.”
6. It is used to portray the eternal nature of God.
7. Exodus 3:14-15. And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’
8. In John 8:58, Jesus identifies Himself as Jehovah!
9. Isaiah 40:3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ” Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.
a) This passage is referring to John the Baptist’s preparation for Jesus.
b) Matthew 3:3.
10. Micah 5:2. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
D. Philippians 2:5-6. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.
IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD.
A. Acts 5:3-4. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
B. The Holy Spirit is not an “it” but an “He.”
1. John 15:26. “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
2. He is not some nebulous energy sent out from the Father.
3. He is not puppet controlled by misguided men on earth.
4. He is not some mysterious mystical force that is totally incomprehensible to the human mind.
V. WHAT ABOUT PASSAGES THAT TEACH THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD?
A. There are many passages that point out that there is only one God.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
2. Isaiah 45:5. I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
3. 1 Timothy 2:5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
B. As we have already seen, the Godhead is made up of three beings who are of one Divine Nature.
1. One can not throw out the doctrine of the Godhead and still have a Bible that makes any sense.
2. It is plain that the Bible teaches that there are three Persons in the Godhead.
3. Therefore, the passages that refer to there being only one God are referring to their Divine Nature or Deity.
C. Three everyday examples.
1. The Cleveland Browns are one team.
a) That team is made up of different people.
b) Yet they are all Browns.
c) They are all one team.
d) “Godhead” is much like a team name.
2. Marriage.
a) Made up of two individuals.
b) Yet they are described by God as one flesh. Genesis 2:24. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
c) Two individuals but one flesh.
3. An egg.
a) When we think of an egg, we think of a shell.
b) But the egg is actually composed of the shell, the yoke, and the whites.
c) But it is still one egg.
d) Without the yolk or the whites, it would not be a complete egg.
Conclusion
1. The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2. All three persons of the Godhead want YOU to be saved.
3. All three have worked toward that end.
4. Are you saved?
Continued in “The Godhead – A Closer Look”
Delivered on: December 9, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Ephesians 05:01-13 Unfruitful Works of Darkness – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:1-13
Introduction
A. Before one obeyed the Gospel of the Christ
1. He was separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. lost in sin – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3. In a state of spiritual darkness – Ephesians 2:1-2; 5:8
B. Jesus came to this sin-darkened world “to seek and to save” the lost – Luke 19:10
C. Those who follow Jesus do not live in darkness – Acts 26:16-18.
Body
I. HOW DOES ONE TURN TO THE LIGHT WHO IS SEPARATED FROM GOD, LOST IN SIN, AND IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS?
A. Every alien sinner is called by the Gospel of Jesus Christ – 2 Thessalonians 2:14
B. When one hears, believes, and obeys that Gospel, something takes place.
1. Colossians 1:13
2. 1 Peter 2:9
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
4. Romans 13:12
5. 1 John 1:6-7
C. All these things being true, it is no wonder that Paul would exhort the Ephesians – Ephesians 5:11
II. APPLICATION OF EPHESIANS 5:11
A. In the context Ephesians 5:11 applies to the immoral practices in which the phrase is found; But it is not limited to its immediate context of Ephesians 5.
B. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
C. 1 Timothy 5:22
D. Matthew 7:17-20
E. THINK! Is Jesus merely talking about trees and the fruits they produce, or is he using this figure to illustrate the fact that false teachers and others producing the “unfruitful works of darkness” are actually evil?
1. By their fruits we shall know that they are corrupt.
2. In order for a good tree and evil tree to have fellowship, they would have to be producing fruit together.
3. Herein lies the problem. Can a good tree, a tree of light, produce “unfruitful works of darkness”? NO!
4. If a good tree cannot produce “unfruitful works of darkness,” how is it possible for it to be in fellowship with the kind of tree that does? IT CANNOT!
5. What kind of a tree produces “unfruitful works of darkness”? An evil tree, a tree of darkness – in other words, one who walks in darkness
F. Fellowship with God is contingent upon “walking in the light.” The fellowship we have with others walking in the light – 1 John 1:6-7
G. It is impossible for one “walking in the light” to have fellowship with one “walking in darkness.” When one does so, he himself ceases to “walk in the light” because he becomes a partaker (Fellowshipper) of the evil deeds being done by the one who is “walking in darkness.” – 2 John 9-11.
Conclusion
A. Light is often used by the NT writers as a synonym for truth and righteousness, while darkness represents sin and error – 1 John 1:6-7
B. Ephesians 5:8-13
C. Matthew 5:14
D. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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New Years (2012-2013) – audio
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Many people have told me that time passes more quickly as you get older.
I don’t know if it’s true for everyone, but from where I sit I think they’re right.
Can you believe 2012 is gone?
It’s been an eventful year. The presidential race occupied our attention for much of the year. We were intrigued by the London Olympic Games, horrified by shootings in Aurora and Newtown, and now we’re preoccupied by talk of heading over the nebulous but scary “fiscal cliff.”
What’s happened in your world in 2012?
Did you welcome a child into your life? Send one to college?
Get a new job? Change careers?
Perhaps you went through a divorce or lost someone you love.
The way Paul closes Philippians seems quite appropriate as we end one year and begin another.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Philippians 4:21-23).
In the 1,950 years since Paul dictated this letter from a Roman jail, the world has changed in many ways. Nations have risen and fallen. Wars have been fought, and millions of people have lived and died.
But in so many ways, things are still the same.
We look at a world that’s not too different from the one Paul saw from his imprisonment. People are laughing and crying and dreaming and living and dying.
And what the world needs now—what we need now—is the same thing they needed.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”
We still live in a fallen world, and we’re a fallen people, but the hope Paul extended to the church at Philippi is the same hope God extends to us today.
He offers us hope through his grace, which is how Paul finished the letter.
And I think that’s a pretty good way to end a year:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
But, there’s just something neat about new.
The smell of a new car, the look and feel of a new gadget, the cuteness of a new puppy.
Many of us get excited about a new year.
There’s optimism in the air, isn’t there? Yep, I messed up last year, but this year’s gonna be different.
It’s a beautiful new slate, clean start, fresh beginning.
New me for the new year, as they say.
God likes new things too, something Paul celebrates here:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God gives newness, but it’s not tied to the calendar, of course.
And it has nothing to do with weight loss or gym memberships or quickly-made-but-easily-forgotten resolutions.
He gives newness in Christ.
In fact, he recreates us in Christ, which is incredible.
All those sins?
Gone.
The guilt, hopelessness, living only for self?
A thing of the past.
God gives you a new identity with a new hope, a new outlook, and a new future.
Maybe that’s just what you need
Maybe you got sidetracked last year, got your priorities out of whack, became a little self-serving.
Now’s a good time to change that.
God’s not bound by our calendars, of course, but there’s no better time than today to ask God to give you a fresh start.
If you’re not a follower of Christ, trust in him as God’s Son and connect to his crucifixion in baptism.
Maybe you obeyed the gospel long ago, but today what you need more than anything is for him to be your Lord and Savior once again.
Ask him.
He’ll make you new, completely new, beautifully new.
In Christ, “the new has come.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:01-13 Fortifying the Focus of our Hope – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:1-13 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Up to this point in his epistle, Peter has summarized some of the blessings enjoyed by God’s pilgrims
a. Their election, sanctification, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus – 1 Peter 1:2
b. Their rebirth to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
c. Their incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4
d. Their being kept by the power of God through faith for the salvation to come – 1 Peter 1:5
e. Their great joy, which is inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:6-9
f. The honor of having been served by a distinguished group of individuals – 1 Peter 1:10-12
2. Starting with 1 Peter 1:13, we find a series of exhortations
a. These exhortations are based upon the wonderful blessings listed previously
b. These exhortations are found throughout much of the rest of the epistle
3. The first exhortation relates to the hope that we have as Christians – 1 Peter 1:13
a. In which we are charged to rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
b. Put another way, we are being charged to fortify the focus of our hope
Body
I. OUR DUTY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. THAT IS THE PRIMARY EXHORTATION IN THIS PASSAGE
1. The words rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you is the main point of 1 Peter 1:13
2. The other exhortations which precede it are subsidiary and will be considered later
B. WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO REST YOUR HOPE FULLY?
1. It means to set your hope perfectly, unchangeably, without doubt and despondency
2. As the NASV puts it: fix your hope completely on the grace
3. Therefore Peter is exhorting us to make our hope one that is complete, strong, and not wavering
C. THE CULTIVATION OF A STRONG HOPE IS THEREFORE A CHRISTIAN DUTY
1. We have a duty to develop and fortify our hope
2. Just as we need to cultivate patience, self-control, etc, so we need to cultivate our hope
3. For without a hope that is strong
a. Our faith may waver
b. We are subject to fear, doubt, and depression
4. Yes, the cultivation (Or fortification) of our hope is essential to living joyful and victorious lives as Christians!
II. IDENTIFYING THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. AS DEFINED IN VERSE 13, OUR HOPE IS
1. The grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
2. The unmerited favor that we will receive when Jesus comes again!
B. AS ALLUDED TO IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE VERSES, OUR HOPE IS:
1. The inheritance…reserved in heaven for you – 1 Peter 1:4
2. The salvation ready to be revealed in the last time – 1 Peter 1:5
3. The praise, honor, and glory we shall receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:7
4. The end of your faith–the salvation of your souls – 1 Peter 1:9
C. IN VIEW OF ALL THESE VERSES, THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE IS TO BE:
1. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the wonderful grace He will bring!
2. The wonderful praise, honor, and glory we shall receive when He comes!
3. The complete and final salvation of our souls from sin and its effects!
4. The receiving of our wonderful inheritance, the heavenly city, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away!
III. WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OUR HOPE
A. GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND
1. Gird up is an oriental expression
a. It refers to the act of gathering up around the waist the long, loose robes worn by those in the east
b. Such gathering up was necessary or one’s progress in running or some other act of exertion would be impeded
2. With the use of this metaphor, Peter is saying
a. We must put out of the mind all things that would impede the free action of the mind in connection with developing our hope – Romans 12:2
b. We must put out of the mind such things like worry, fear, or obsession with material possessions – Proverbs 23:7
3. In other words, remove anything and everything that is not conducive to having a strong hope in the coming of our Lord – Philippians 4:8
a. Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life – Luke 21:34-35
b. Such things as these choke us and hinder our ability to bear fruit (Such as the fruit of a strong hope) – Luke 8:14
B. BE SOBER
1. The word sober means to be calm and collected in spirit
2. It is that state of mind in which the individual is self- controlled, able to see things without the distortion caused by worry or fear
3. To fortify the focus of our hope requires a CALM and SERIOUS attention to the task at hand – Luke 21:36
4. We cannot cultivate and fortify a strong hope if we are so weak-minded that we allow things to divert us away from our true calling!
Conclusion
1. And what is our calling? To travel this life as pilgrims, but with a hope that is resting fully upon the grace we will receive when Christ comes again!
2. The problem with many Christians today is NOT that they have no hope
a. But that their hope is weak and shallow
b. And that is because they are preoccupied with the affairs of this temporary life
3. To remain faithful to the Lord, we need to heed Peter’s exhortation to fortify the focus of our hope by:
a. Freeing our minds of those things which would hinder us
b. Being more serious about the kind of lives our Heavenly Father would have us live – Luke 12:35-40
4. Our next lesson will elaborate upon how God would have us live; but for now, are we living for God at all?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Revelation 01:18 He Lives – audio
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Text: Revelation 1:18
I. Christ lived!
A. He was born of a virgin as prophesied and witnessed by the wise men, Simeon, Anna, and others – Matthew 1; Luke 2
B. Jesus grew, and amazed many with His wisdom and understanding – Luke 2:52
C. Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness – Matthew 3:15
D. He performed many miracles as multitudes witnessed.
E. He overcame temptation, witnessed by the devil – Matthew 4
F. Jesus taught His disciples, the Jews, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and countless others.
II. Christ died!
A. He was falsely accused and put on trial:
i. They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
ii. He was struck, spat upon and mocked.
iii. He was crucified on a cross.
iv. His side was pierced with a spear.
v. Darkness covered the sky.
vi. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
vii. The earth quaked, the rocks were split, and graves were opened.
B. Witnessing these events, the centurion and guards confessed “truly this was the Son of God.” – Matthew 27:54
C. Joseph of Arimathea:
i. Wrapped the body of Jesus.
ii. Lay His body in the tomb.
iii. Rolled the large stone to guard the entrance.
III. Christ arose!
A. The tomb was empty!
i. The stone was rolled away.
ii. The linen clothes and handkerchief were neatly folded separately.
B. An angel declared,
i. “He is risen”
ii. “why do you seek the living among the dead?”
C. He appeared to:
i. Mary
ii. The apostles
iii. Some on the road to Emmaus
iv. Saul of Tarsus
v. Over 500 at one time!
IV. Christ lives forevermore!
A. Romans 6:3-5, 8-11
B. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 54-57
C. 2 Timothy 1:10
D. Acts 2:22-24
V. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can live forever!
A. Eternal life is in Christ alone – John 11:25-27; 1 John 5:10-13 John 10:10
B. To be in Christ, one must be baptized into Christ – Galatians 3:27
C. All spiritual blessings are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
D. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we must die to sin, be buried with Christ, and be raised to walk a new life – Romans 6:1-5
E. Man must die except Christ should come first, but then what? – Hebrews 9:27
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 23:1-4 Consistency is the Key – audio
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Text: Matthew 23:1-4 (reading by Andy Anderson)
I. Observe!
A. Jesus told the multitudes and the disciples to observe the instructions of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:3
Are they themselves doing what they tell others to do? – Romans 2:21-24
B. Likewise, we must observe God’s instructions!
1) We need faith to come to God – Hebrews 11:6
2) It only comes from hearing God’s word – Romans 10:17
3) Therefore, we observe God’s word by faithfully studying it – Acts 17:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2
C. Once God’s instructions are observed, they must be understood.
1) Jesus often taught in parables so many heard but did not understand His words – Matthew 13:12-13
2) Thus, Jesus often said:
“Hear and understand” – Matthew 15:10; Mark 7:14
“whoever reads, let him understand” – Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14
1. Ezra and all the people were helped to understand the Law of Moses – Nehemiah 8:1-8
2. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand what he was reading – Acts 8:30-39
3. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they would understand the law of Christ – Colossians 1:9-10
D. God gave us examples to learn from.
1) We should observe and do the right examples – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:1
2) We should observe, but not do the wrong examples – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11
II. Do!
A. Observing only is half of the command. The other is action!
1) If we know what to do but do not do it, it is sin – James 4:17
2) Jesus told a parable in which a landowner put idle men to work – Matthew 20:1-7
3) An idle person will suffer, but a worker will reap the reward – Proverbs 19:15-16
B. Doing God’s will allows us to enter the kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 7:21
C. God is pleased when we do good – Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Galatians 6:10
III. Jesus is consistent…are we?
A. The scribes and Pharisees did not practice what they preached, but Jesus did – Hebrews 1:12; 13:8
B. Do we live 7 days a week what we preach on the first day?
C. The scribes and Pharisees are not the same on the outside as they are on the inside…
D. Are we? – Matthew 23:25ff
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 26:31-35 Awakened by a Rooster – audio
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Text: Matthew 26:31-35
Introduction
1. Jesus had predicted that Peter, along with the rest of his apostles would desert him.
2. Peter denied that he would betray the Lord. In fact, he announced that he would die before he denied him.
3. However, with the crow of a rooster, Peter is brought to tears as he realizes his failure.
4. Let us examine this text and see if we can learn any lessons from it.
Body
I. Don’t Be Overconfident.
A. Matthew 26:31-35
B. John 21:15-17
C. 1 Corinthians 10:12
D. I’ll Never Forsake My Lord
II. Don’t Measure Yourself Apart From Trials
A. Proverbs 24:10
B. We don’t really know how strong we are until our faith is tested.
III. A Rooster’s Crow Is Not the Only Way to Be Awakened
A. Death, illness, scare, thanksgiving, compassion, kindness, goodness of God, etc.
B. James 5:19-20
C. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
IV. Jesus’ Love Is Beyond Understanding
A. Ephesians 3:18-19
Conclusion
1. In spite of Peter’s failure, Jesus still loved him and wanted him.
2. And, in spite of your failures, Jesus still loves you and wants you to be saved.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:10-12 Ministering Not to Themselves, but to Us – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Introduction
1. Already in Peter’s epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by the elect of God
a. Born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
b. Having a joy inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:8
2. As we continue in 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter expands upon the topic of the salvation Christians enjoy as a result of their faith
3. As we take the time to think about what is found in this passage, we cannot fail to be impressed with how privileged we are in God’s sight
a. For we will learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a very distinguished company of individuals!
b. And in their efforts, they were ministering not to themselves, but to us who are now Christians!
Body
I. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE PROPHETS!
A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE
1. When the prophets prophesied, they were often intrigued by what they revealed – 1 Peter 1:10-11
a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy Spirit, and not by their own will -II Peter 1:21
b. Therefore, they often expressed perplexity concerning those things they prophesied – Daniel 7:28; 8:26-27
2. But as pointed out in our text, it was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but us! – Daniel 12:8-9
B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT
1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as:
a. Moses, Samuel, and David
b. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
2. These men (And many others) spent their lives, and in many cases even gave their lives, in service to you and me!
3. Yes, these great heroes of faith suffered much in their service to God and to us who are now in Christ – Hebrew 11:36-38
II. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!
A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT
1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to proclaim things to come – 1 Peter 1:11
a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the sufferings of Christ – Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the glories to follow
1) The resurrection of Jesus – Psalms 16: 9-11
2) His ascension and coronation – Daniel 7:13-14
2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal the gospel – 1 Peter 1:12
a. As Jesus promised He would, in His discourse to His apostles – John 16:13
b. As Paul said He did, in writing to the Ephesians – Ephesians 3:5
B. AGAIN, CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH
1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the lives of the prophets and apostles, we have been served by the Holy Spirit
2. Because of His work, we have today the completed revelation of God’s Word in our hands!
3. This is in addition to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to which Peter referred in – 1 Peter 1:2
4. Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for us throughout the ages? Is this not an indication of the great value God must place upon His people?
III. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE APOSTLES!
A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12
1. …those who preached the gospel to you
a. This is a reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ
b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel, as recorded in Mark 16:15-16
2. As they carried out this Great Commission, they considered themselves but servants for those to whom they preached
a. As Paul said, they were but seed-throwers and water-boys – 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
b. They were serving as your servants and of Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:1; 2 Corinthians 4:5
B. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN
1. Such as Peter, James, John, and Paul
2. Who gave their lives for our sake, to convince the world that our faith in their testimony is not unfounded, but that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead
Conclusion
1. Our Father in heaven must hold His elect (The church) in high regard to have them served by such a distinguished company!
2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people
3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition to all these (Prophets, the Holy Spirit, apostles) He sent His only Son to serve us as well!
4. “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
5. Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedience to His Will?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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God’s Care for His People – audio
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Read the Article by Wayne Jackson.
Audio and comments by Don Treadway.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Isaiah 01:18 Jesus Paid It All – audio
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Text: Isaiah 1:18
Based on the Hymn, “Jesus Paid It All”
Introduction
A. What did Jesus pay? What was the cost?
B. It has been stated that all religious systems can be spelled with just two letters—D O. The gospel of Christ, however, is spelled with four letters—D O N E!
1. According to author K. W. Osbeck in, “Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions” this hymn text, written by a woman named Elvina Hall, speaks pointedly to this basic truth, which is the very basis of our Christian faith.
2. Mrs. Hall wrote these words one Sunday morning while seated in the choir loft of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, supposedly listening to the sermon by her pastor, the Revelation George Schrick. The pastor recalled that the church organist, John Grape, had just previously given him a copy of a new tune that he had composed, which he had titled “All to Christ I Owe.” To the amazement of all, they soon discovered that John Grape’s tune fit perfectly with Elvina Hall’s words scribbled on the flyleaf page of the hymnal.
3. Since its first published appearance in 1874, this hymn has been widely used in churches, especially for the communion services.
Body
I. LET US HEAR WHAT THE SAVIOR SAYS TO US.
A. He tells us that our strength indeed is small.
1. Paul says that when we were yet without strength Christ died for us – Romans 5:6
2. We are unable to stand against sin without God on our side – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
a. We can do all things with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. However we can do nothing without Christ – John 15:1-6
c. We have no hope without Christ – Ephesians 2:12
B. We are children of weakness, but we need to watch and pray.
1. This refers to the child of God.
a. We are to watch for the second coming – Matthew 25:13
b. We are to pray for forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 6:12
c. We are to pray that others will come to Christ – 1 John 5:16
2. Though the flesh is weak, our spirit is to be strong – Matthew 26:41
C. We are to find everything we need in Christ.
1. We do that by studying his word – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3
2. He word makes us complete and thoroughly furnishes us – 2 Timothy 3:17
D. Most people look in all the wrong places – Matthew 7:13, 14
1. Some look to the wisdom of the world – 1 Corinthians 1:19-21
2. Some look to themselves for answers – Jeremiah 10:23
3. We all need to look to Christ – Hebrew 12:2
II. LET US NOTICE THAT WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER CHRIST.
A. We are saved by God’s grace Ephesians 2:8, 9
1. This does not mean that we are saved by grace alone – James 2:24, 26
2. This does mean that God has given us an opportunity to come to him and without that opportunity we would be lost – Romans 6:17
B. Salvation is free and cannot be bought – Romans 6:23
C. We must wash ourselves in the blood of the lamb – Revelation 7:14
III. LET US NOTICE THAT WHEN WE STAND BEFORE THE THRONE.
A. We shall all appear before the throne – 2 Corinthians 5:10
1. Every tongue shall confess – Romans 14:10-12
2. Every eye shall see him – Revelation 1:7
B. We shall stand in him complete.
1. If we live as he commands we will be complete and will have salvation – 1 John 5:13
2. We won’t have to wonder where we will spend eternity – Matthew 25:34
Conclusion
A. We have seen that
1. The Savior tells us that our strength indeed is small, that we are to watch and pray and find in Him our all in all.
2. Nothing good have we that would buy his grace, we will wash our garments white in the blood of the lamb.
3. When before the throne, we will stand in Him complete; Jesus died our souls to save and our lips shall still repeat.
B. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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