Historical Posts
James 04:01-12 How to End Wars – audio
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Text: James 4:1-12
Introduction
1. Have you ever heard of:
b. The War of the Oaken Bucket?
d. These were actual wars fought between nations, and you can read about them in many history books
2. War is too often a fact of life in spite of treaties, world peace organizations, and even the threat of nuclear weapons
a. Not only wars between nations
b. But there are wars of one kind or another on almost every level of life – even gas wars between gas stations!
3. In our text, we find James discussing this important theme of War
a. He describes three types of wars going on in the world
b. He also tells how these wars can be stopped
Body
I. WAR WITH EACH OTHER – James 4:1, 11-12
A. EVEN AMONG CHRISTIANS! – James 4:1
1. Surely brethren ought to live together in love and harmony – Psalms 133:1
2. Yet often they do not
a. Lot quarreled with Abraham
b. Absalom created a war with his father David
c. The disciples of Jesus argued over who would be greatest
d. Paul and Barnabas had great contention over John Mark
3. Even churches in the New Testament often had problems
a. At Corinth
1) Brethren were suing each other
2) They were competing in the public assemblies
b. In Galatia – brethren were biting and devouring one another
c. Even at Philippi – two women were having trouble getting along with each other
B. IN HIS EPISTLE, JAMES IMPLIES SEVERAL DIFFERENT KINDS OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AMONG BRETHREN:
1. Class wars – James 2:1-9
2. Economic wars – James 5:1-6
3. Church fights – James 1:19-20; 3:13-18
4. Personal wars
a. Notice James 4:11-12
b. Where we are admonished not to speak evil of one another, nor to judge one another
II. WAR WITHIN OURSELVES – James 4:1-3
A. THIS IS THE REASON WE WAR WITH ONE ANOTHER! – James 4:1
1. It is the war in the heart that causes the wars in the church and elsewhere!
2. Our desire for things to satisfy our pleasures (Like power, possessions, etc.) is what makes us fight with others
3. Putting it simply, the key problem is SELFISHNESS
B. SUCH SELFISH DESIRES LEAD TO:
1. Wrong Actions – James 4:2
a. you murder and covet…you fight and war
b. Perhaps not literally, but certainly so in God’s sight – 1John 3:15
2. Wrong Praying -James 4:3
a. The kind of praying that goes unanswered
b. Because the prayers are for selfish motives
III. WAR WITH GOD – James 4:4-10
A. HERE IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF EVERY WAR, INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL
1. Rebellion against God!
2. In some way:
a. …those at war with others…
b. …are also at war within themselves…
c. …because they are first at war with God!
B. HOW DOES A BELIEVER DECLARE WAR AGAINST GOD?
1. By being friendly with God’s enemies!
2. James mentions three enemies we must not be friends with if we want to be at peace with God:
a. The World – James 4:4
1) That is, human society that is contrary to God
a) Any conduct, belief, thought…
b) …which is anti-God, anti-Christ
2) To be a friend of such…
a) Makes one an enemy of God!
b) Makes one a spiritual adulterer or adulteress!
b. The Flesh – James 4:1,5
1) The unlawful desires that would lead us away from God
2) These desires wage war within us, but we must not give in to them – 1Peter 2:11
3) Such desires are in direct conflict to what the Spirit of God would have us to be and do – James 4:5; Galatians 5:16-26
4) To submit to these unlawful desires (Works) of the flesh sets one contrary to God and His Spirit!
c. The Devil – James 4:6-7
1) Pride is Satan’s greatest temptation
2) When we give into pride, we become friends of the devil and enemies of God – James 4:6
C. HOW TO ENJOY PEACE WITH GOD
1. Submit To God – James 4:7
a. Literally, get into your proper rank
b. When a buck private acts like the general, there is going to be trouble!
c. Unconditional surrender to God is the only way to victory!
d. Submission is saying: Not my will, but Thine be done
2. Resist The Devil – James 4:7
a. He is behind every war that we have
b. But if we just resist, then he will flee!
3. Draw Near To God – James 4:8
a. And He will draw near to us!
b. How do we do this?
1) Cleanse your hands – Get your sins forgiven!
2) Purify your hearts – Be single-minded in your devotion to God! (Not double-minded, like a spiritual adulterer)
4. Humble Yourselves In The Sight Of God – James 4:9-10
a. It’s possible to submit outwardly and not be humble inwardly
b. True mourning for our sins is how we can humble ourselves before God – James 4:9
c. The end result of such humility? God will lift you up – James 4:10
Conclusion
1. If we obey these four instructions, then God will draw near to us, cleanse us, and forgive us!
2. ONLY THEN WILL THE WARS CEASE!
a. For we will not be at war with God
b. So we will not be at war within ourselves
c. And we will not be at war with others!
3. As Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs: When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
4. Are we making sure our ways are pleasing to the Lord?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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God Working In Us – audio
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It’s clear that God expects a human response in our relationship to him, but do we sometimes emphasize that over what he’s doing?
We need to know that God’s saving us begins, continues, and ends with his initiative, not ours.
Notice how Paul mentions both in this passage:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure – Philippians 2:12-13.
It’s a play on words, one scholar says: We are to “work out” because God “works in” (R.R. Melick).
I have done, and you have heard, a lot of preaching on the “working out” part, but maybe not as much on God’s “working in.”
Maybe that’s part of the reason we often struggle to feel truly secure in our salvation. We know, more than anyone else (except God), how far we fall short of being who we ought to be.
If it depends on our efforts, we know we’ll miss out on salvation, even if we don’t like to admit it.
On the other hand, when we recognize that God is working in us “to will and to work for his good pleasure,” it directs our focus Godward, instead of inward.
That’s where we find comfort. I’ll always fall short, but he won’t.
In another place Paul wrote this: “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” – Romans 9:16
There’s a reluctance to embrace this, because we fear that emphasizing God’s initiative will cause us to relax . . . to fall into spiritual apathy.
But I think we will find that it will do the opposite.
When we put more trust in God’s power to accomplish in us whatever he chooses, we may find ourselves obeying more faithfully out of gratitude, instead of some kind of misguided attempt to try and earn what we can never earn.
It ought to comfort us, in a way that our attempts to measure up never can, that God, who loves us infinitely and wants to save us, is working within us to accomplish His will.
Do we obey?
Absolutely.
But we do it in response to what he’s already done, and what he continues to do.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Christian “4-H” – powerpoint – audio
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Head – Christianity is a Religion of the Mind – God Expects Us to Think Clearly
- Isaiah 1:18
- Acts 18:28
- Matthew 11:3-5
- 1 Peter 3:15
- Acts 17:11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- John 20:30-31
- 2 Peter 2:20
Heart – Christianity is a Religion of the Heart – God Wants Us to Connect Emotionally
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
- John 3:16
- 1 John 4:19
- Romans 6:17
- John 4:24
Hands – Christianity is a Religion of the Service – God Wants Us to Work Actively
- James 1:27
- Galatians 5:13
- Mark 10:43-45
- Matthew 25:34-40
Health – Christianity is a Religion of the Balance – To be a Healthy Christian, One Must Have Balance
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
- James 2:19-20
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
- 1 John 3:18
- John 14:15
- 1 Corinthians 13:3
- Colossians 3:17
- Matthew 7:21-23
- Romans 10:1-3
Delivered on: September 23, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Requirements for Baptism – audio
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Introduction
1. One of the Devil’s greatest tools is misinformation.
2. After all, he is the Father of lies – John 8:44
3. If he can convince people that they are saved when they really are not, then he has won.
4. One way that he accomplishes this is by “muddying” the waters in regard to baptism.
5. Today, let us notice some of the requirements for Scriptural baptism.
6. Before we get started, let me say that I have no one in mind in delivering this lesson.
7. Looking back at my life, I wish I had heard a sermon like this.
Body
I. BELIEF IS REQUIRED.
A. Mark 16:15-16 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
1. Jesus puts belief on an equal footing with baptism.
2. That which we are to believe is the gospel.
3. The gospel is the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – Romans 15:1-4
B. How does the devil use this to lead people astray?
1. Put simply, many are baptized who are not capable of believing.
2. We are talking about infant baptism.
3. These children grow up hearing about the necessity of baptism and feel that they are ok.
4. Without belief, baptism is meaningless.
C. Nowhere in the Scriptures do we have an example of infant baptism.
1. No infants are mentioned in Lydia’s household – Acts 16:15
2. No infants in the jailer’s house were baptized – Acts 16:33-34
II. REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1. Speaking to people who had come to believe the gospel, Peter told them that they needed to repent and be baptized.
2. Peter puts repentance on an equal footing with baptism.
B. But what is repentance?
1. It is a change of behavior based upon a change of heart – 2 Corinthians 7:10
2. A wonderful example of repentance is given in Matthew 21:28-31.
C. Baptism without repentance does us no good.
1. There must be a mental decision on a person’s part to turn and serve God.
2. Granted… a new Christian does not know everything there is to know when he or she is baptized.
3. There are often things they are doing that they don’t even realize are sin.
4. But when God’s word convicts them of a sin in their life, they have already made the mental decision to turn from it.
III. PROPER UNDERSTANDING IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 19:1-5
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. – Acts 19:1-5
1. These individuals had been baptized.
2. Yet for some reason, they felt compelled to be immersed again.
3. What was that reason?
4. They had been taught incorrectly.
a) They had been taught by Apollos who knew only the baptism of John when he had passed through that area.
b) He had (At that point) not heard of Christ’s baptism.
B. How does the devil use this tool today?
1. Many, many people have been baptized but have been taught incorrectly.
2. I was brought up in the Church of Christ in Christian Union.
a) I was taught that baptism was an outward sign of an inward grace.
b) I was taught that baptism was simply a means of showing the world that I was already a Christian.
3. The Baptist church teaches that one is saved and then baptized to become a member of the Baptist church.
a) “Baptism is not essential to salvation for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of baptismal regeneration”; but it is essential to obedience, since Christ commanded it. It is also essential to membership in the church which is his body” – Standard Manual for Baptist Churches. Pg.21.
b) Hence, it is easier to get to heaven than it is to get into the Baptist church.
c) Many Baptists don’t even realize that this is what their church teaches.
d) Yet many of these same Baptists convince their selves that (Despite being a member of a church that teaches otherwise) they were baptized for the right reason.
C. You cannot be taught incorrectly about baptism and be baptized correctly.
IV. IMMERSION IS REQUIRED.
A. Some Greek Definitions.
1. Baptidzo.
a) Thayer: To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge.
b) Vines: Consisting of the process of immersion. To dip. Was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc.
c) Therefore, we see that baptism is an immersion.
d) The New Testament describes it as a burial.
(1) Colossians 2:12 – Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
(2) Romans 6:4 – Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2. Sprinkling is not baptism.
a) Greek as a word that means sprinkle.
b) Rhantizo : to sprinkle.
c) Hebrews 9:19-21 – For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.
d) If God wanted us to be sprinkled, He could have used this word.
3. Pouring is not baptism.
a) Greek has a word that means to pour.
b) Eckchuno : To pour forth.
c) Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
d) If God wanted us to have water poured over our heads, He could have used this word.
4. Sprinkling and pouring were not the original modes of New Testament baptism.
a) The first instance of its use was in 251 A.D.
b) A sick man by the name of Novatian who feared dying unbaptized had his friends lay bed sheets all around him and they poured water all over him in a attempt to baptize him.
c) This came to be called clinical baptism.
d) In 753 A.D., pope Stephen II legislated that in “cases of necessity” pouring water on the head was acceptable.
e) In 1311, a council of bishops meeting in Ravenna, Italy voted that either sprinkling or immersion was acceptable.
B. Someone who has been sprinkled on or poured on has NOT been baptized.
1. Yet, so many religious groups allow or even force people to forego immersion in favor of sprinkling or pouring.
2. These people will often tell you that they have been baptized when, indeed, they have not.
3. Once again, the Devil convinces them they are saved when they are not.
Conclusion
1. Have you met the above requirements?
2. Have you been SCRIPTURALLY baptized?
3. If not (Or if you are not sure)… don’t gamble with your soul.
4. Contact Us for assistance – Do it right and KNOW that you are saved.
Delivered on: August 5, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Daniel 1:4 Daniel, A Man Ready for Life’s Challenges – audio
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Text: Daniel 1:4
Introduction
A. Daniel
1. Daniel was taken into captivity (1st group) – 606 BC.
2. Was a young man (Perhaps 18-20 years old).
3. Lived in Babylon for duration of the captivity.
B. Daniel’s Test As A Captive.
1. Daniel and Friends Selected For Special Training – Daniel 1:1-7
2. Daniel Refuses To Defile Himself – Daniel 1:8-16
3. God Rewards His Faithful Servants – Daniel 1:17-21
C. One can survive and thrive! One can live godly in an ungodly environment. Daniel was a Man ready for life’s challenges. He was ready because of his commitment to God!
Body
I. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS EARLY – Daniel 1:4
A. A Young Man Who Remembered His Creator – Ecclesiastes 12:1
1. Like Joseph before him – Genesis 39
2. Like Timothy after him – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15
B. A Young Man Who Stood By His Godly Convictions – Daniel 1:8-16
1. Did not leave God when left home
2. Did not try to blend in with Babylonian lifestyle – Romans 12:1-2
C. A Young Man With A Decided Advantage Over Late Starters
1. Fewer wasted years to regret
2. More time to develop spiritual strength
II. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS COMPLETE – Daniel 1:8
A. Reflected in All of His Outward Conduct – Proverbs 4:23-27; 23:7
1. Deeper motive than to merely impress other young men
2. Deeper motive than to merely show defiance to captors
B. Reflected by Being Unmoved by Pomp and Power of Royal Palace
1. Never compromised for temporary advantage or ease
2. Always aware of a Greater Presence – Daniel 2:28
C. Reflected by Accepting Risks of Not Conforming
1. Risked special treatment that select group had
2. Risked life (Life was cheap to Pagan kings)
III. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS LASTING – Daniel 1:21
A. As an Old Man (About 90) Still Faithful & Strong
1. Years of struggle had not worn him down
2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den – Daniel 1:6
3. Test off the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6
a. Jealousy of the wise men and the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:1-9
b. Daniel gave thanks before his God – Daniel 6:10-15
c. Daniel is delivered from the mouth of the lions – Daniel 6:16-24
d. The decree of Darius praises the living God – Daniel 6:25-28
B. As an Old Man He Could Look Back Over a Life of Spiritual Growth
1. By the time needed to refuse king’s food – had the character needed.
2. By the time needed to interpret Neb. Dream – had the wisdom needed
3. By the time needed to interpret handwriting on wall – had gained the Reputation needed – Daniel 5:10-12
4. By the time needed to face the lion’s den – had the fortitude needed
5. By the time needed to help deliver the Jews (During Cyrus reign) – had the influence needed
Conclusion
A. Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges
1. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early
2. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete
3. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting
B. Are you ready for life’s challenges?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 03:13-18 Wisdom: Heavenly vs. Earthly – audio
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Text: James 3:13-18
Introduction
1. In the book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:7-9
2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-17
3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom
4. In this lesson, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: heavenly wisdom vs. earthly wisdom
Body
I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR ORIGIN
A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE
1. It is EARTHLY
a. It is worldly
b. Wisdom that is according to the world’s standards
c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God – 1 Corinthians 1:20
2. It is SENSUAL
a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions
b. Wisdom according to what FEELS right (But that doesn’t make it right)
3. It is DEMONIC
a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels
b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE
1. It Comes from GOD – James 3:17
2. It Comes via PRAYER – James 1:5-8
II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR NATURE
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Full of BITTER ENVY
2. Possessing SELF-SEEKING IN THE HEART
3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:
a. Power
b. Position
c. Privilege
d. Prestige
4. It was this kind of wisdom
a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM
1. It is first PURE – James 3:17
a. Above all else, it is true to God’s Will
b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace
2. Then it is PEACEABLE
a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace – Romans 12:18
b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love – Ephesians 4:15
3. GENTLE
a. That is, kind in one’s dealings with others
b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
4. WILLING TO YIELD
a. Not in matters of truth
b. But in matters of opinion – Romans 14:1
c. In matters of liberty – Romans 14:19-21
5. FULL OF MERCY
a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others
b. Wisely understanding one’s own need of mercy – James 2:13
6. Producing GOOD FRUITS
a. Notice James 3:13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding
b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER – James 1:22
c. Understanding that faith without works is dead – James 2:26
7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY
a. Showing no respect of persons – James 2:1-13
b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis
8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
a. Indicating that all of the above is not an act, a show
b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man
III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR FRUITS
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Causes CONFUSION
2. And EVERY EVIL THING
3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom
a. Is behind denominationalism
b. Is often manifested in politics
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM – James 3:18
1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion
2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing
Conclusion
1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is HEAVENLY WISDOM
2. What kind of wisdom do we have?
a. Those who have EARTHLY WISDOM boast of theirs
b. While those who have HEAVENLY WISDOM show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness
3. What kind of wisdom do we want?
a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels right
b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent
1) To seek such wisdom from God
2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct
4. What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ?
a. EARTHLY WISDOM makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient
b. HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38
5. Have you demonstrated HEAVENLY WISDOM?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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John 17:20-21 Causes of Denominationalism – audio
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Text: John 17:20-21.
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Introduction
1. “Denominate” – to name.
2. “Denomination” – a name or designation, especially one serving to classify a set of things. A recognized autonomous branch of the Christian church.
3. There are about 20-30 major denominations in existence today.
4. Among those major groupings, there are countless sub-divisions.
5. For example: Read list of Baptist Subdivision in the United States.
6. That God is displeased with this situation is beyond doubt.
7. How did we get to this current state of affairs?
8. Some would look back to the Reformation movement of the 1500’s with Martin Luther as the start of Denominationalism.
9. While it is true that most of the modern denominations had their origins in the Reformation; it is also true that the underlying causes of denominationalism were present long before even the establishment of the church.
Body
I. Jesus’ Disciples. Mark 9:33-38.
A. Even before the church was established there were certain “red flags” that warned of division to come.
B. Jesus’ disciples were concerned with who would be the greatest among them.
C. Pride is one of the major causes of denominationalism.
D. There always have been and always will be people who desire to have a following.
1. Paul warned the Ephesian elders of this. Acts 20:29-30.
2. Diotrephes is another example. 3 John 9.
E. Also we see in Mark 9:33-38, that the disciples demonstrated an elitist attitude.
1. There was a man casting out demons in the name of Jesus.
2. Thus, he was a true follower of Jesus or else he would not be able to do such.
3. Yet the disciples forbade him because he was not part of their little group.
4. This is much like the attitude that Diotrephes demonstrated.
5. This type of divisive attitude is also one of the causes of denominationalism.
F. Jesus’ answer?
1. Don’t seek to be great.
2. Seek to be a servant.
3. Greatness in the kingdom of Christ comes from serving others!
II. The church at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 1:11-12.
A. Spiritual immaturity is another cause of denominationalism.
B. Just like there will always be certain men who want to have followers, there will always be people who are more interested in the preacher than what is being preached.
C. Sometimes these people will denominate them selves even when their leader does not desire it.
For example, Martin Luther said, “I pray you leave my name alone and not to call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine: I have not been crucified for any one…How does it then benefit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of Christ? Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with all of them; and let us call ourselves only Christians, after Him from whom our doctrine comes.”
1. I disagree with Luther on a lot of things but he had it exactly right in this statement!
2. Yet, his followers still call themselves Lutherans.
D. What were Paul’s instructions?
1. 1 Corinthians 1:10.
2. 1 Corinthians 1:13.
3. 1 Corinthians 3:3-4.
III. The Pharisees.
A. Mark 7:1-9.
1. The Pharisees had no respect for the authority of the Scriptures.
2. They had placed the traditions of men above the Scriptures. (v.9)
3. Jesus says that those who do this are far from God. (v.6)
4. Furthermore, He says that their worship is vain. (v.7)
B. The Bible alone will make Christians only.
1. We don’t read of Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians, etc… in the Bible.
2. These names and different doctrines are the result of man’s lack of respect for the authority of the Scriptures.
3. Sometimes it is not a lack of respect for Biblical authority but is rather an incorrect view of it.
a) Some feel that anything not expressly forbidden by Scripture is authorized.
b) Time and time again we are shown that God’s silence does not authorize.
(1) Leviticus 10:1-2.
(2) 2 Samuel 7:1-7.
IV. The Galatians.
A. Galatians 1:6-9.
1. The Galatians were allowing their selves to be led astray by certain people who were perverting the Gospel of Christ.
2. Paul marveled (was amazed) that they were turning away so soon.
3. The Galatians, evidently, were either ignorant of the truth or simply didn’t care that the truth was being perverted.
a) How could they not know the truth? Weren’t they Christians?
b) The answer is yes, but even Christians, if they do not continue to study and grow, can forget the very fundamental truths upon which their salvation was built.
c) Hebrews 5:12.
d) Hence the reason Peter felt the need to constantly remind the brethren of basic, fundamental truths. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
B. Lack of knowledge, will all too often, lead to denominationalism.
1. Hosea 4:6.
2. It amazes me how many people do not even know the basic tenets of their denomination.
a) I have yet to meet a member of any denomination who tells me that they believe a little baby is born sinful.
b) But a common tenet of most denominations is the doctrine of Original Sin which teaches that very thing!
3. Many have never taken the time to find out what their church teaches much less what the Bible teaches on a given topic.
4. 1 John 4:1.
Conclusion
1. Denominationalism is wrong.
2. However, denominationalism is just a symptom of deeper problems which have been a constant danger to man.
a. Pride and an elitist attitude.
b. Spiritual Immaturity.
c. No respect for Biblical authority or a perverted view of such.
d. Ignorance of the truth and apathy.
3. All of these things will lead to religious division.
4. What is the answer?
5. Repent and go back to the authority – The Bible!
Delivered on: January 15, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Gossip – audio
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Introduction
1. I maim without killing.
2. I break hearts and ruin lives.
3. I am cruel and malicious and gather strength with age.
4. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
5. I flourish at every level of society.
6. My victims are helpless.
a. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.
b. To track me down is impossible.
c. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
7. I’m nobody’s friend.
8. I topple governments and ruin marriages.
9. I destroy careers, cause heartache and many sleepless nights.
10. I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
11. I make innocent people cry into their pillows at night.
12. I am gossip.
Body
I. WHAT IS GOSSIP?
A. A Definition.
1. Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
2. Chiefly derogatory, a person who likes talking about other people’s lives.
B. Four Words. These four words give us some insight into the nature of what gossip really entails.
1. Talebearer / Whisperer.
a) Proverbs 11:13.
b) A talebearer is one who likes to reveal secrets.
c) He does this in whispers.
2. Backbiter.
a) 2 Corinthians 12:20.
b) Literally: one who speaks against or speaks back.
c) Brings with it the idea of speaking secretly about someone behind their back.
d) As a result, the one being spoken of has no opportunity to defend himself.
3. Busybody.
a) 2 Thessalonians 3:11.
(1) From a compound verb meaning to work around.
(2) In other words, to be busy in other people’s affairs.
b) 1 Peter 4:15.
(1) From two words: That which belongs to another, and overseer.
(2) So busybodies are people who think they are overseers over other people’s business.
(3) Also, notice that being a busybody is listed right along with being a murderer, thief, and evildoer.
c) Busybodies are “peeping Toms.” Always peeping into other people’s lives.
4. Slanderer.
a) 2 Timothy 3:1-3.
b) Slander – to accuse.
c) The Greek word for slanderer is “diabolos” or devil.
d) Psalm 101:5.
e) Psalm 140:11.
C. What is gossip?
1. Being busy in other people’s affairs.
2. Telling tales about others.
3. Telling these tales behind their backs.
4. Accusing others of things without giving them the chance to defend themselves.
D. An important note.
1. If you become aware of a brother or sister not behaving properly…
2. Matthew 18:15-17.
3. First go to that brother or sister and…
a) Confirm the truthfulness or untruthfulness of the facts.
b) If that brother or sister is guilty of sin, encourage them to repent.
4. If they won’t repent, take one or two witnesses with you that every word may be established.
5. If there is still no repentance, reveal it to the church.
6. This is not gossip. Gossip is speaking of others with no intention of helping them.
II. WHY IS GOSSIP SUCH A PROBLEM?
A. People enjoy it. Proverbs 18:8.
1. Gossip is like an all-you-can-eat buffet with a dessert bar.
2. Gossip is like a hot fudge peanut butter sundae made with chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
B. Why is gossip so tasty?
1. I am convinced that there is a part of us that likes to hear about the misdeeds / weaknesses of others because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
2. We have a bit of the Pharisee in us. Luke 18:9-12.
III. GOSSIP CAUSES GREAT HARM.
A. James 3:5-8.
1. Gossip is a wildfire gone out of control.
2. We may try to put it out but it has a life of it’s own.
3. It is full of deadly poison (v.8).
B. Gossip can destroy friendships. Proverbs 16:28.
C. Gossip causes division and strife. Proverbs 26:20.
D. Gossip causes fierce anger. Proverbs 25:23.
E. Often, gossip spreads falsehood. Ephesians 4:25.
F. Being a Gossip / Busybody / Talebearer / Whisperer / Backbiter will cause you to be lost. Romans 1:29-32.
IV. THE REMEDY FOR GOSSIP.
A. Repent! Don’t listen to gossip.
1. Proverbs 20:19.
2. If the gossip has no one to talk to, he will cease.
3. Put a stop it by saying:
a) Brother, this sounds a lot like gossip and I can’t take part in that. Or…
b) Brother, this is serious business. Let’s go and talk to brother ____ and see if this is true.
B. Watch your tongue carefully.
1. Ephesians 4:29.
2. If our words tear people down rather than build them up, we must keep quiet.
C. Realize that you will have to give an account of all your words. Matthew 12:36-37.
D. Pray as David did: Psalm 141:3-4.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Confession of Sin – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.
Introduction
1. The Bible tells us that we are to confess our sins.
2. 1 John 1:9.
3. James 5:16.
4. But how does this work?
a. Are we to confess our sins to a priest?
b. Are we to confess our sins publicly? If so, how often should one do this?
c. Are we to confess our sins only to God?
5. Tonight, let us consider what it means to confess our sins and how we should go about doing it.
Body
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONFESS SIN?
A. Simply put, confession of sin means that one acknowledges sin in their lives. Psalm 51:3.
B. Confessing sin in our lives is the first step toward repentance.
1. Certainly, one who does not admit sin in his life will never repent of it.
2. This is a common problem. John 9:39-41
3. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.
C. But to whom do we confess our sins?
1. Genesis 39:8-9.
2. Ultimately, all sin is against God, so obviously we must acknowledge our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
3. Are we to confess our sins to men?
a) Yes and No.
b) The answer to this question depends upon the nature of the sin being confessed.
c) Generally speaking, the sin needs to be confessed (acknowledged) as widely as it is known.
d) However, there is also James 5:16 to consider.
(1) This tells us that it is good to confess our faults / sins / shortcomings to one another so that we can pray for one another.
(2) There are times that all of us need the prayers of the church.
(3) Those prayers are effective.
II. CONFESSION OF PRIVATE SIN.
A. Private sin is sin that is only known by you and God.
1. As such, it needs only be confessed to God.
2. It need go no further.
B. Ultimately, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
1. The idea of having to have a human mediator in order to deal with God is foreign to Scripture.
2. Jesus is our Mediator. As such, we can approach God through Him.
C. However, there may be times when our private sin is getting the best of us.
1. Sins like: drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gluttony, etc.
2. We may need to seek the prayers of the church for strength to overcome these sins and “be healed.” James 5:16.
3. Please remember though, those confessing sins need to be willing to do their part in repenting of those sins as well.
III. CONFESSION OF SEMI-PRIVATE SIN.
A. By “Semi-private,” I am referring to sins that are not public but that are known to at least one other than yourself.
B. Perhaps, you have sinned against a brother or a brother has sinned against you.
1. A sin such as this needs to be taken care of as widely as it is known.
2. Note Matthew 18:15-17
a) The ultimate goal is to make peace.
b) Between the brethren and if a sin has indeed been committed and it is not just a misunderstanding…
c) To make the offending brother / sister right with God.
3. Every attempt has to be made to keep this sin as private as possible. 1 Peter 4:8.
4. All too often, what happens is brethren confess their brother’s faults with us.
5. As seen from the passage above… sometimes this type of sin might become public knowledge if there is no repentance on the part of the guilty party.
C. Sometimes, we may sin against an individual who is not a member of the church.
1. In doing this we have hurt not only our influence but the influence of Christ and His church.
2. When this happens we must repent of our sin and make restitution (as much as is possible) with the one we sinned against.
IV. CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SIN.
A. Sometimes, our sins are committed in a very public way.
1. Perhaps our actions have brought reproach on the church.
2. Perhaps our actions have led others astray. i.e. Doing drugs and leading others to think that it is ok to do such.
B. Public sin needs to be taken care of in a public way.
1. Acts 5:1-5.
2. Galatians 2:11-14.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.
C. Public sins are also sins against the church.
1. When we sin in such a way, we must seek the church’s forgiveness.
2. The church (if it is what is should be) is all too willing to forgive, they just need to know that forgiveness is sought.
3. We offer this opportunity when we give the invitation.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Observations on a Sunday Flea Market – audio
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A flea market is not a bad thing.
In fact, it can be fun to mix with people, eat some junk food (some people call it fair food) and shop for stuff you really don’t need. But should this be a higher priority than meeting to worship with the Lord’s Church?
Sunday, September 16th, was a big Gahanna Flea Market.
The flea market was already booming as we passed through Gahanna at 9:00 Sunday morning and it made me sad to think all these people would come to a flea market instead of worshiping God. Here are some pictures I took on the way home.
For the sake of stuff, many are entering the wide gate that leads to destruction – Matthew 7:13-14
Instead, their feet need to follow a different way, accepting direction from the Lord – Jeremiah 10:23-24
Only by giving stuff up and valuing the Lord will we be of value to the Lord.
When Jesus comes again, will we have valued Him as treasure? – Matthew 13:44
Will he find us just and find value in us? Will he find us to be:
- A Pearl of Great Price – Matthew 13:45-46
- Good – Matthew 13:47-48
At the end of the world, the wicked will be severed from the just and cast away – Matthew 13:49-50
Will you be numbered with the wicked or the just?
Are you holding on to your stuff instead of to the Lord?
If you don’t like your answer, now is the time to change – 2 Corinthians 6:2
Let us know if we can help you begin or improve your Christian walk…
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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2 Peter 1:12-15 Lord, Remind Me – audio
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Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15
Introduction.
1. Recently, at one of the Friday Night Sings, we sang a song that really spoke to me.
2. The title is Remind Me, Dear Lord. By Dottie Rambo.
The things that I love and hold dear to my heart Are just borrowed,
they’re not mine at all; Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life,
So remind me, remind me, dear Lord
(Chorus)
Roll back the curtain of mem’ry now and then,
Show me where you brought me from and where I could have been;
Just Remember I’m a human and humans forget –
so remind me, remind me, dear Lord
Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own son,
I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands; Yet he chose the road to
Calv’ry to die in my stead – Why he loved me, I can’t understand
3. We so often need reminded!
4. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
5. Thankfully, we have a God who knows us and knows that we need reminded so often!
6. What are some of the things of which we need reminded?
Body
I. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO GIVE UP, REMIND ME THAT YOU NEVER GAVE UP ON ME.
A. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to hang it up.
1. The parable of the sower teaches us that two out of three who obey the gospel will not remain faithful.
2. What are the causes of their falling away?
3. Matthew 13:20-22.
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
a) Persecution – which comes in many forms.
b) The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.
4. There are other things that make us want to throw in the towel.
a) Disappointment in ourselves.
b) Disappointment in others.
B. When you are tempted to give up, remember that Jesus didn’t give up on you!
1. He endured mocking and ridicule for you. Matthew 27:27-29.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
2. He was beaten for you. Matthew 27:26. Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
3. He carried that cross until He couldn’t carry it anymore. Matthew 27:32. Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
4. He was crucified for you.
5. My precious Savior suffered pain and agony, He bore it all, that I might live.
C. Lord, when I am tempted to give up, remind me that what I am going through is NOTHING compared to what you went through for me!
II. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF, REMIND ME OF MY BLESSINGS.
A. We all get sad from time to time.
1. Jesus did. John 11:35. Jesus wept.
2. Many things cause us to be sad.
a) Seeing sin in the world.
b) Disappointment in others.
c) Death of a loved one.
d) Troubles at work or school.
e) Troubles in relationships.
f) Financial problems.
g) Health problems.
3. It has been said that all of us are either just getting out of a trial, just getting into a trial, or we are in a trial right now!
B. What happens, though, is we often go from feeling sad to feeling sorry for ourselves.
1. A person who feels sorry for himself is one who starts to think that he has it worse than anyone else.
2. He focuses inward on his pain and sorrow rather than outward.
3. He starts to get a little angry with the world and maybe even God.
C. When we start to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to remember our blessings!
1. I don’t care who you are and what problems your having, if you are in Christ, YOU ARE BLESSED!
2. Spiritually we are blessed. Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
3. Physically we are blessed. Matthew 6:33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
a) Are you going hungry? Many in the world are.
b) Do you have a roof over your head. Many in the world don’t.
c) Do you have warm clothes for the cold weather that is coming. Some don’t.
4. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost…Count your many blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
D. Lord, remind me of my blessings.
III. LORD, WHEN I GET ANGRY WITH OTHERS, REMIND ME THAT I AM NOT PERFECT EITHER.
A. It is not a sin to get angry.
1. Jesus got angry. Mark 3:1-5.
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
2. We are told to be angry. Ephesians 4:26. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
B. We are to be angry without sin. We are not to let the sun go down on our wrath.
1. It is one thing to be angry about sin and another thing to hold a personal grudge.
2. Maybe it would help us to be more forgiving if we remember, we are not perfect either.
3. Matthew 18:21-35.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
C. Lord, remind me that I am not perfect either.
IV. LORD, WHEN I PUT THINGS OFF, REMIND ME THAT LIFE IS SHORT.
A. Procrastination is a universal problem.
1. We put off things, intending to do them later.
2. We put off…
a) Work around the house.
b) Getting into shape.
c) Working on our relationships.
d) Obedience to the gospel.
e) Talking to others about Jesus.
B. Lord, remind us that we may not have a tomorrow.
1. James 4:13-14.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
2. Life is too short to procrastinate!
3. None of us is guaranteed another day.
Conclusion
1. Lord, remind me…
2. When I am tempted to give up, remind me that you never gave up on me.
3. When I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, remind me of my blessings.
4. When I get angry with others, remind me that I am not perfect either.
5. When I procrastinate, remind me that life is short.
Delivered on: September 16, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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1 Corinthians 13:12 Then I Shall Know. . . – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 13
Introduction
1. Recently, a question was asked in regard to 1 Corinthians 13:12.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
2. This verse is one part of a much larger context.
3. In this larger context (Chapters 12-14), Paul is dealing with the use and abuse of spiritual gifts.
4. Let us come to a better understanding of 1 Corinthians 13:12 by looking at the larger context of the passage.
a. We will see the need for spiritual gifts.
b. We will note the abuse of spiritual gifts.
c. We will discover the nature of spiritual gifts.
Body
I. THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. Paul did not want the Corinthians to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:1.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
1. He wanted them to understand that there were many different gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-10.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 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.
2. He wanted them to realize that all of these gifts came from the same source. 1 Corinthians 12:11.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
3. He wanted them to understand that all Christians are members of the same body working together. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
4. He wanted them to understand the true purpose of the gifts was for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
B. Ephesians 4:11-15.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, 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—
1. Spiritual gifts were for the equipping of the saints.
2. Spiritual gifts were meant for the purpose of helping the church to reach maturity.
3. Spiritual gifts were for the purpose of keeping the saints from being “children, tossed to and fro” by every wind of doctrine.
C. How did these gifts help the church to reach maturity?
1. God’s will was miraculously revealed to them.
2. They had the ability to speak in other languages.
3. Several gifts served as signs to the hearer that the speaker had God’s approval. Mark 16:17-20.
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
a) Prophesying of future events (assuming those events came to pass in the hearer’s lifetime).
b) Healing.
c) Even tongues could be a sign.
(1) 1 Corinthians 14:22. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
(2) Acts 2:4-7.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
II. THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. The Christians at Corinth were carnal. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
B. They were using their gifts to “show off.” 1 Corinthians 14:6-9.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
C. Their worship assemblies had become a confused mess. 1 Corinthians 14:31-33.
For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
D. So, rather than using these gifts to edify the church, the Corinthians were by their abuse of them actually causing division and strife.
E. These abuses were what led Paul (through the Spirit) to pen these instructions.
III. THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. Miraculous gifts were temporary by design.
1. Notice again, Ephesians 4:11-15.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, 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—
2. Notice that in Ephesians 4:13, the word “till” is used.
3. Miraculous gifts would be needed till…
a) We come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.
b) We become a perfect (complete) man.
4. Now lets look at 1 Corinthians 13.
B. 1 Corinthians 13.
1. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
a) 1 Corinthians 13:8.
(1) Prophecies would fail – cease to be uttered.
(2) Tongues would cease.
(3) Knowledge (the miraculous revealing of knowledge) would vanish away.
b) 1 Corinthians 13:9.
(1) What did Paul mean by “We know in part and we prophesy in part.”
(2) He did not mean that they did not have all the truth. John 16:13. 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.
(3) What he meant was that they received the truth in parts. 1 Corinthians 14:26. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
(4) We can see how that would not be an ideal system.
c) 1 Corinthians 13:10.
(1) When that which is perfect has come, that which is in part will be done away.
(2) “That which is in part” is referring to the system of getting knowledge in pieces and parts from inspired teachers.
(3) That system was going to be done away when “that which is perfect” came.
(4) What is “that which is perfect?”
(a) It is not talking about Jesus! He is not a “that.”
(b) Paul is talking about the “perfect law of liberty.” James 1:25. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
(c) What is the “perfect law of liberty?” – The word. Mark 16:20. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
(5) So, 1 Corinthians 13:10 is saying that when the Word came (the written Word of God), then the “part system” (miraculous gifts) would be done away with.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
a) 1 Corinthians 13:11.
(1) Paul uses an illustration to emphasize the point he just made.
(2) When he was a child, he behaved as a child but when he grew up, he put away childish things.
(3) In the same way, in it’s infancy, the church needed spiritual gifts but when it grew up, those gifts would not be needed and thus would be put away.
(4) The church would “grow up” when that which is perfect came (the word) and they were no longer tossed to and fro as children with every wind of doctrine.
b) 1 Corinthians 13:12.
(1) Now Paul uses a second illustration. The idea of seeing one’s face dimly in a mirror (this represented the “part system of revelation).
(2) “But then face to face” – Once the word was complete, God’s will would be made perfectly clear to all who look into it. James 1:25.
(3) With the word, a Christian need no longer to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.
(4) Then Paul says, “Now I know in part but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
(a) “I know” – ginosko – to know.
(b) “I shall know” – epiginosko – to know fully.
(c) In other words, “Now I know, but then I will really know.” – Just as I also am known.
(d) He is saying in yet another way that when the Word was completed, our knowledge of God’s will would come to completion.
Delivered on: January 8, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Philippians 04-11:13 Contentment – audio
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Text: Philippians 4:11-13
Introduction
A. Illustrations on contentment:
1. “Lazy Fisherman” – Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
“Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked.
“Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman.
“Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?” the rich man asked.
“What would I do with them?”
“You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon
nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.”
The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?”
“You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist.
“What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied.
2. Benjamin Franklin said, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
3. A typical supermarket in the US in 1976 stocked 9,000 articles; in 1994 it had grown to 30,000; in 2006 it is estimated to be 45,000.
B. Define contentment. The word does not mean that Christians should not continually seek to improve themselves. As someone said, “Be content with what you have, never with what you are.”
Body
I. PHILIPPIANS 4:11-12
A. Contentment is something to be learned, sought after and gained. It is not given automatically or miraculously to the Christian.
B. We can learn contentment by following the example of Paul.
1. He counted everything as loss in order to gain Christ – Philippians 3:7-8
2. He knew that all things work together for good to them who love God – Romans 8:28
3. He knew that there is nothing permanent here – 2 Corinthians 4:18
4. He knew that God is able to keep that which is committed unto Him – 2 Timothy 1:12
5. Paul was able to learn contentment because his heart was first and foremost focused on God.
C. Paul’s example of contentment is uplifting and serves as a wonderful example.
1. He knew how to be abased, to hunger, and to suffer need – 1 Corinthians 4:11- 13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 11:21-28
a. At times he was without physical health – Galatians 4:13-15; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
b. Many times he was without freedom – Philippians 1:12-13
c. He was often without the admiration and approval of brethren – 2 Timothy 4:16-17
2. Also, he knew how to abound and to be full – Philippians 4:12, 15-18
a. For some, knowing how to abound is more difficult than being content in want.
b. With some, the more they get, the more they want – Ecclesiastes 5:10
c. It is not easy to go from poverty to plenty or from plenty to poverty.
d. Listen to Solomon – Proverbs 30:8-9
D. Christians, as Paul, must learn contentment through Christ – Philippians 4:13
1. We must rely on the Lord for all things; Hebrews will abundantly bless – Philippians 4:6, 7; Matthew 7:7
Conclusion
A. Let us be content with what we have.
B. And serve the Lord with a true heart.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 03:01-12 Let Not Many Become Teachers – audio
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Text: James 3:1-12
Introduction
1. In our study of “The Epistle Of James”, we now come to the third chapter
2. In James 3:1-12, we find:
a. A WARNING against too many becoming teachers – James 3:1-2
b. A DISCUSION of the untamable tongue – James 3:3-12
3. In a time where “verbal abuse” is often epidemic, and where “self- proclaimed teachers” engage in all sorts of heated religious discussions, there is much we can learn from this passage
Body
I. THE “WARNING” (James 3:1-2)
A. “LET NOT MANY OF YOU BECOME TEACHERS”
1. Note carefully:
a. James does not say, “Let not many of you BE teachers”
b. But rather, “Let not many of you BECOME teachers”
2. This passage is not just a rebuke of those who try to BE teachers before they are ready, but a warning that many should not ever BECOME teachers in the future!
3. It is a mistake to believe that EVERYONE should become a teacher at some point in their service to Christ!
a. Paul illustrated time and again that the body of Christ has many members, and not all members do not have the same function!
1) To the saints at Rome – Romans 12:3-8
2) To the church at Corinth – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Note esp. verse 29, where Paul with a rhetorical question implies that not all are to be teachers)
b. Peter likewise taught that God’s grace toward is “manifold” and that we should exercise our respective abilities accordingly – 1 Peter 4:10-11
4. In view of what Paul, Peter, and James wrote, we should be careful before we apply Hebrews 5:12-14 to mean that EVERYONE should one day be teachers (The author of Hebrews may have been writing to a select audience, whom he knew ought to have been teachers)
B. WHY MANY SHOULD NOT BECOME TEACHERS
1. Teachers shall receive “a stricter judgment”
a. There is a grave responsibility involved in teaching others
b. We can lead people to TRUTH – but we just as easily lead them to ERROR!
c. Just as with elders (Hebrews 13:17), those who teach will be held accountable if they mislead others!
2. Because we all “stumble in many things” – James 3:2
a. Everyone has faults, and with many people the improper use of the tongue is a major one
b. But it takes spiritual maturity (“a perfect man”) not to stumble in word!
II. THE “DISCOURSE” ON THE UNTAMABLE TONGUE (James 3:3-12)
A. THE ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BIT AND RUDDER (James 3:3-4)
1. Both illustrations are used to demonstrate that a small member (Like the tongue) can control the body
a. A bit controls a horse – James 3:3
b. A rudder controls the ship – James 3:4
2. So our tongue controls the body
a. If you speak a lie, it won’t be long before you find yourself living a lie
b. If you speak suggestively in an immoral manner, it won’t be long before you begin acting immorally!
3. The power of the tongue to direct is easily applied to the dangers of teaching
a. The teacher’s speech can easily set the mood of the class or congregation
b. He can easily direct the congregation in an uplifting way, or just as easily direct the congregation in a discouraging way
4. Should not this power to direct via the tongue humble those who teach, and caution the spiritually immature?
B. THE ILLUSTRATION OF A LITTLE FIRE (James 3:5-6)
1. A small fire can easily cause great destruction (Remember the Great Chicago Fire?)
2. So it is with the tongue!
a. A loose tongue can ruin one’s reputation
b. It can also destroy churches, families, friendships
3. In describing an uncontrolled tongue, James uses very vivid terms to make his point: The tongue is:
a. A fire
b. A world of iniquity
c. So set among our bodies that it defiles the whole body
d. That which sets on fire the course of nature
e. That which is itself set on fire by hell!
4. Should not this power to destroy and defile both ourselves and others caution us in becoming teachers?
C. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (James 3:7-12)
1. Despite being able to tame wild animals, man is unable to tame the tongue!
a. It is an unruly evil!
b. It is full of deadly poison!
2. I understand James to be somewhat hyperbolic here for the sake of emphasis
a. It is true that no MAN (By himself) can tame the tongue
b. But with GOD’S help, we can tame it (As David prayed in Psalm 141:3)
c. And with GOD’S help, we MUST tame it – Ephesians 4:29-30; Colossians 4:6
3. As a further example of how difficult it is to tame the tongue, James uses a very common (And relevant) problem
a. Blessing God and cursing men – James 3:9
b. Something we are very likely to do, especially on Sundays
1) We spend time in worship, blessing God
2) But in driving home, we might curse men (Other drivers who pull out in front of us)
c. Racists and bigots are often guilty of “blessing God and cursing men”!
4. But with the illustrations of a spring, a fig tree and a grapevine, James shows the inconsistency of this!
a. What comes forth is a true indication of what is inside
b. Just as Jesus taught in Mark 7:20-23
c. Despite all the praises we offer God, it is the curses against man that reveals the true person inside!
Conclusion
1. Again, these examples of the misuse of the tongue should humble and caution all those who would become teachers
2. But they should also serve as a warning for us all, whether we teach or not, that we need to seek God’s help in controlling the tongue!
3. May David’s prayer be our own: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer – Psalms 19:14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Questions and Answers 2010-07-25 – audio
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I. Question One – “Is it okay to listen to Christian music with instruments?”
A. Philippians 2:12.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
B. We know that instrumental music is wrong in a worship service.
C. Therefore, the question is really, “What constitutes worship?”
D. There are varying opinions:
1. Some say, “When I am listening to music on the radio, I am not worshipping. It is only for entertainment. Therefore, it isn’t wrong.”
2. On the other hand some feel, “If I am listening to a spiritual song that gets me thinking about God and even praising God, then, by definition, I am worshiping.”
E. I choose not to listen to spiritual songs that have instrumental accompaniment.
F. Others see nothing wrong with it.
G. One thing is sure… Romans 14:22-24.
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
H. This is not an issue where we should draw lines of fellowship.
II. Question Two – “Please explain Matthew 12:31-32. Is there an unforgivable sin?”
A. Matthew 12:31-32.
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
B. In order to understand the passage properly, we have to consider the context. After all, it starts with the word, “Therefore…”
1. Matthew 12:22-35.
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
2. Jesus had just performed an undeniable miracle.
a) Biblical miracles were always undeniable.
b) It wasn’t like supposed miracle workers today who leave people in doubt.
3. In the face of this undeniable miracle, some were willing to ascribe the miracle to Satan.
a) This is much like what we read in Acts 4:16. Saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
b) Question: If one witnesses an undeniable miracle performed by the power of the Holy Spirit and then gives Satan the credit for that miracle; Is there anything that will convince that person? No!
4. Jesus was dealing with people whose hearts were hard! Matthew 12:34.
C. Is it possible to commit this sin today?
1. It is impossible to recreate the same circumstances today.
2. None of us have or will witness a genuine miracle.
3. So technically, it is not possible to commit this sin today.
4. However, even though there is no such thing as an unforgivable sin today; there is such a thing as unforgiven sin. The end result is the same!
III. Question Three – “When someone in the Bible believed and all his household; was it a matter of what the man said or were they doing what they were told?”
A. Acts 16:31-33.
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
B. In the above example…
1. The jailer was told that if he believed, he would be saved.
2. He was told that if his family believed, they would be saved in the same way.
3. Each individual member of the household was accountable for their own actions.
4. They were not saved by the actions of the jailer but as a result of their own faith and obedience.
5. Notice, all the household heard the word preached and all the household was baptized.
C. If there were ever a case where the head of the house was baptized and then commanded the rest of the family to be baptized whether they believed or not, then that would be wrong.
D. There is no reason to believe that this is what happened in Acts 16.
IV. Question Four – What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
“As parents we are to discipline our children. At times, when they get older, they try and challenge authority (of the parent). What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
A. Ephesians 6:4.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
B. It helps us to understand the meaning of the word “wrath.”
1. There are two main words used in the New Testament to mean wrath. Thumos & Orge. Both mean wrath but there is a difference.
2. Thumos – More emotional than Orge. It is an outburst of wrath from inward indignation. Hot, spur of the moment anger.
3. Orge – suggests a more settled or abiding condition. It is less sudden in it’s rise but also lasts longer than Thumos. It means to exasperate.
4. The word in Ephesians 6:4 is parogidzo. It means literally “to anger alongside.”
a) It is a form of the noun orge.
b) Hence, it is the longer lasting, deep seated anger.
C. As parents we are to discipline our children.
1. When we discipline them we must do it in the correct way.
2. As fathers, we are to discipline them in such a way that they know we have their best interests at heart.
3. We should be calm, and communicative when we discipline.
4. “This is why I am upset with you. This is why I have to punish you. I don’t like having to punish you. Please, let’s try to get this straightened out so I don’t have to do it again.”
5. When we discipline them in anger, we often will incite anger in them as well.
6. The punishment needs to be fair.
7. If done correctly, our children will not resent us when we discipline them.
8. Certainly, they will not enjoy the punishment. But they will not hate us for trying to help them to be the type of person that they know they ought to be.
V. Question Five – “I was thinking about the catacombs and wondered; Do Christians have to be buried?”
A. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that a Christian has to be buried.
B. John 5:28-29.
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
1. I have heard of some who believe that the above passage (and other like it) mean that we have to be buried in order to be resurrected.
2. As such they would not want to be cremated.
C. Consider this…
1. A body that has been buried for thousands of years basically just returns to dust.
2. In the first century, many Christians were burned at the stake because of the faith in Christ.
3. Other Christians over the years may have died in explosions.
4. Others may have died in shipwreck or been buried at sea.
D. Certainly, God will be able to handle such problems.
1. The bodies with which we will be raised, will be spiritual bodies anyway. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
VI. Question Six – “Denominations participate in fasting. Why do we not?”
A. Notice the following passages:
1. Matthew 6:16-18. “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
2. 1 Corinthians 7:5. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
3. Luke 5:35. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.
B. Though no fasts are commanded, the New Testament seems to take it for granted that children of God would see the need to fast occasionally.
1. Fasting can be beneficial in times of sorrow.
2. Fasting often accompanied repentance as an outward sign of genuine sorrow.
3. Fasting often accompanied important spiritual events.
a) Matthew 4:2.
b) Acts 13:2-3.
C. “Why do we not?”
1. If we are scripturally practicing fasting, you would not know it.
2. Matthew 6:17-18. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
D. Fasting is strictly a personal and voluntary action.
VII. Question Seven – “When Adam and Eve sinned, why didn’t God destroy them?”
A. God is our Creator.
1. He knew before He even created man that they would sin. 1 Peter 1:18-20. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
2. It wouldn’t make any sense for Him to create man only to turn around and destroy him the first time He sinned.
3. Rather, He treated Adam and Eve like a Father.
B. He warned them of the consequences if they disobeyed. Genesis 2:17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
C. Then He carried through with the punishment (Genesis 3:14-19).
Content by Ralph Price
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Questions and Answers 2010-05-30 – audio
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I. Question One – Please discuss the withholding of physical intimacy in a marriage.
A. Sometimes, husbands or wives will withhold themselves from their spouse:
1. Because they are not getting along.
2. Because they want to punish their spouse.
B. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.
Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
C. Several things are made clear from this passage:
1. In order to avoid sexual immorality in a marriage, the husband is not to withhold himself from his wife and the wife is not to withhold herself from her husband.
2. God created us with certain desires which need to be fulfilled. If a husband or wife does not get that need fulfilled by their spouse, the temptation is always there to get it fulfilled in another way.
3. Verse 5 very plainly states that husband and wife are not to deprive one another. To do so is sin!
4. The only exception to this is if the withholding is done…
a) By mutual consent.
b) And the intervening time is filled with fasting and prayer.
II. Question Two – “The Bible tells us to come together on the first day of the week, so we meet on Sunday morning. Why does the church of Christ meet on Sunday night and Wednesday night too? Where did this come from or start?”
A. While we are told to meet on the first day of the week, we must also realize that we certainly are not limited to meeting only once a week.
B. When we look at the practice of the New Testament church, we see that they met daily.
1. Acts 2:46-47. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
2. Verse 47 makes it clear that “continuing daily” involved praising God and evidently teaching because the Lord was adding to the church daily.
3. While they may not have had a full fledged worship service every day, it is clear that they met and worked every day.
4. Wednesday night is simply a time to get together for Bible study and mutual edification.
C. Authority for Wednesday and two services on Sunday is also implied in the charge to elders.
1. Acts 20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
2. 1 Peter 5:2. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
3. In both of these passages, elders are told to “shepherd” or “feed” the flock.
a) The food is the word of God.
(1) 1 Peter 2:2. As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.
(2) Hebrews 5:12-14. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
b) In order to feed the flock, the elders have set aside certain times to gather together for Bible study.
c) We are obligated to submit to them. Hebrews 13:17. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
III. Question Three – “When was Sunday evening worship established in the church?”
A. Put simply, it was established in the first century.
B. Acts 20:7.
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
C. Evidence seems to suggest that the first century church met in the evenings more often than not.
IV. Question Four – “At what age group should a woman not be allowed to teach in the church? How do you justify the cut-off age scripturally?”
A. Our key passage is 1 Timothy 2:12.
And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
B. A woman is not to teach over a man.
1. So the question is, “When does a boy change into a man?”
2. The Bible really doesn’t give us a specific age.
3. Therefore, it is left up to us (or the eldership if there is one) to decide on a policy.
C. One view is that after adolescence, a boy becomes a man.
1. This is more or less the policy followed by our eldership here (at Streetsboro).
2. We try to have men always teach the classes from junior high on up.
3. We have never had a woman teach any ages older than junior high unless the class was split into boys and girls and a woman would teach the girls.
4. Junior High is about right for when a boy enters puberty and begins to become a man physically.
5. Of course, the Jews counted the age of 12 to be when a boy became a man. This coincides with Junior High age.
V. Question Five – “Are members of denominational churches no better off spiritually than if they were not worshipping at all?”
A. Members of a denomination may have a better quality of life than someone who does not worship at all.
B. But in terms of salvation, we know that one must:
1. Hear, believe, confess, repent, and be baptized.
2. If a person is a member of a church that teaches otherwise, then how could they be better off?
3. We must also worship according to truth. John 4:24.
C. Simply being religious will not be enough to get one to heaven.
1. Matthew 7:21-23. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
2. Matthew 15:7-9. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘ These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
D. In some ways, people in man-made church are worse off because they have been convinced that they are alright.
VI. Question Six – “Why do we bow our heads when we pray?”
A. The Bible mentions several different postures in prayer.
1. Standing and kneeling.
2. While standing:
a) Arms upraised – 1 Kings 8:22
b) Head bowed – Luke 18:13
3. While kneeling:
a) Arms raised – 1 Kings 8:54
b) Prostrate – Matthew 26:39
B. Why do we often choose to say, “Please bow as we pray.”???
1. Luke 18:10-14.
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
2. The tax collector had a humble attitude and would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven.
3. Bowing our heads is a way of showing submission, humility, and respect.
VII. Question Seven – “Outside of worship services, can a Christian listen to contemporary Christian music with instruments?”
A. Philippians 2:12.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
B. We know that instrumental music is wrong in a worship service.
C. Therefore, the question is really, “What constitutes worship?”
D. There are varying opinions:
1. Some say, “When I am listening to music on the radio, I am not worshipping. It is only for entertainment. Therefore, it isn’t wrong.”
2. On the other hand some feel, “If I am listening to a spiritual song that gets me thinking about God and even praising God, then, by definition, I am worshipping.”
E. I choose not to listen to spiritual songs that have instrumental accompaniment.
F. Others see nothing wrong with it.
G. One thing is sure… Romans 14:22-24.
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
H. This is not an issue where we should draw lines of fellowship.
VIII. Question Eight – “Is there any evidence in the Bible to suggest that it would be wrong to go to the beach and for a man to wear only swimming trunks and a woman to wear a two-piece swimsuit?”
A. This is a question about modesty.
B. 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
1. Why is the command given to women?
2. Because men are affected a lot more by what women wear.
3. Men are stimulated visually.
4. Paul says that women are to dress in modest apparel.
a) So he is talking about what we wear.
b) We all know that it is wrong to go naked. Paul is not talking about that.
c) So think of it this way, if a two piece bathing suit is not immodest, what would be?
d) You can’t make it any more immodest. The next step is nudity.
e) If a 2 piece bathing suit is not immodest then nothing is.
C. What about men wearing only swimming trunks?
1. I am assuming we are talking about loose fitting, long shorts.
2. So the question is, “Is it wrong for a man to go shirtless?”
3. Definitely, the safest thing would be for a man to wear a shirt in the presence of women.
4. We need to think about the example we are setting.
5. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
6. However, some would say that their going shirtless would not invoke lust on the part of any woman. Therefore, it is not wrong.
7. In my mind, this is an area where we all have to make a decision for ourselves and live with it.
IX. Question Nine – “What would Jesus or God think of what’s going on now?”
A. Hebrews 13:8.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
B. God still hates sin.
C. God still loves the sinner.
D. God still wants all men to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:4.
Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
E. Perhaps, this question is asking, “Are things worse today then they have ever been?”
1. Certainly, sin is rampant and immorality is common.
2. However, I don’t think we’ve reached the conditions that existed at the time of the flood. Genesis 6:5. Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Content by Ralph Price
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He Knows Me! – John 10:02-04 – audio
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Text: John 10:2-4, 11
They don’t know me!
If I ran into Governor Kasich at the mall today, he wouldn’t know my name.
If I went to a campaign event and got close enough to one of the presidential candidates to shake his hand, he’d have no idea who I am.
Neither would Leonardo DiCaprio, or Oprah Winfrey.
I met Coach Jim Tressel at an event one day, and he didn’t seem to be interested in developing a close, personal friendship.
But none of that particularly bothers me.
Isn’t it incredibly encouraging to know that the only One who really matters knows each of us individually?
Here’s the way Jesus put it:
But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he brings out all his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. . . . I am the good shepherd – John 10:2-4, 11
Just a number…
Have you ever attended a college that identified you by your student number?
Or worked for a company where you were little more than an employee number?
Your government knows you by the nine-digit number assigned to you shortly after you were born.
Not Jesus, our Good Shepherd
He knows us by name, not by number!
He knows us as individuals, not constituents, taxpayers, or employees.
He’s counted the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7)… and if that’s true, could anything escape his notice?
He knows about the tough day you had at work last week, the argument you had with your spouse last night, and the anxieties in your heart right now.
He knows how much you love your children, and he knows your plans, your dreams, your hopes.
He’s the Shepherd who knows, loves, and protects.
None of the heavy hitters may know you, but in the end only one who matters does.
He knows your name, and he’ll shout it loudly sometime soon when he comes back to get his flock.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Being Baptized – How Do I Know I’m Ready? – audio
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Introduction
1. “How do I know when I’m ready to be baptized?”
2. I appreciate this question!
3. All too often, I am afraid that we are guilty of simply telling people that they need to be baptized and not really explaining to them that baptism is merely a part of God’s plan to save man.
4. The one who asks this question realizes:
a. That baptism is important.
b. That baptism is not something to be done on a whim.
c. That one needs to be PREPARED to be baptized.
5. How do we know when we are ready?
6. All of the preparation is mental.
Body
YOU ARE READY TO BE BAPTIZED WHEN…
I. YOU UNDERSTAND SIN AND IT’S CONSEQUENCES…
A. A question to ask someone who says that they want to be baptized…
1. “If you were to die right now, before you were baptized, would you go to heaven or hell?”
2. If the person answers that they believe that they would go to heaven, then that person does not yet understand sin or the purpose of baptism.
B. Before one is a scriptural candidate for baptism, he must realize that he is lost!
1. One must understand what sin is.
a) All mankind lives under God’s Law.
Galatians 6:2. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
b) Sin is lawlessness or disobeying God’s law.
1 John 3:4. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
c) There are sins of commission, omission, and ignorance.
2. Sin separates a person from God.
a) Genesis 2:17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
b) Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
c) Isaiah 59:1-2. Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
C. Unremitted sin will cause us to be eternally separated from God.
1. Revelation 14:11-13. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
2. Revelation 20:13-15. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
And…
II. YOU UNDERSTAND WHO JESUS WAS…
A. There has always been confusion and disagreement on the identity of Jesus.
Matthew 16:13-16. When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
B. Without a proper understanding of who Jesus was, one can not be scripturally baptized.
C. Our salvation depends, in part, on our perception of Jesus.
John 8:23-24. And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
1. What does it mean t believe that Jesus is the “I AM.”
2. If we acknowledge Jesus as the “I AM” we:
a) Are acknowledging Him as part of the Godhead.
Exodus 3:14. 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.’”
b) Are acknowledging His pre-existence.
John 8:56-58. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
c) Are acknowledging His authority.
Matthew 28:18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
D. Belief alone is not sufficient to save.
James 2:19. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
And…
III. YOU UNDERSTAND REPENTANCE…
A. Repentance is also necessary to salvation. Luke 13:3. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
B. But what is repentance?
1. Examples of repentance
Matthew 21:28-31. “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2. Repentance is a change in mind (brought on by godly sorrow) that leads to a change in action.
C. People must be willing to repent of sin in their lives before they are ready to be baptized.
1. If one is a thief, he must quit being a thief.
2. If one is a liar, he must quit being a liar.
3. If one is an adulterer, he must quit being an adulterer.
And…
IV. YOU UNDERSTAND CONFESSION…
A. Jesus says we must confess Him before men.
Matthew 10:32. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
B. Paul said that confession is made to salvation.
Romans 10:9-10. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
C. It is called the good confession.
1 Timothy 6:12-13. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate
1. The confession that Jesus made before Pilate was that He was the Son of God.
2. John 18:36-37. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
D. Without this confession, one is not ready to be baptized.
Acts 8:36-37. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
And…
V. YOU UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM.
A. Without a proper understanding of the purpose, baptism is useless.
B. What is the purpose of baptism?
1. Remission of sins.
Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Washes away sins.
Acts 22:16. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
3. Saves us.
1 Peter 3:21. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
4. Puts us into Christ.
Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
5. Puts us into the body.
1 Corinthians 12:13. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—
Conclusion
1. When are you ready to be baptized?
2. When you understand sin and its consequences in your life.
3. When you understand who Jesus was and what He did for you.
4. When you are willing to repent of sin in your life.
5. When you are willing to confess Jesus.
6. When you understand the purpose of baptism.
Delivered on: December 18, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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James 03:07-10 Adult Language – audio
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Text: James 3:7-10
Introduction
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Recently, purely by coincidence, we have heard several sermons on the uses of the tongue.
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We’ve talked about:
- Gossip.
- Confession.
- And blasphemy.
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We need to be exceedingly careful with how and what we say.
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One way that we can permanently damage our influence on others is to speak in a way not befitting Christ.
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Today, let’s study together about the topic of profanity.
Body
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A DEFINITION.
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Profanity – Blasphemous or obscene language.
- Blasphemous – hurtful speech.
- Obscene – offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency.
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Profane – A person or behavior that is irreverent. To treat with irreverence or disrespect.
- Irreverent – Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.
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Profanity proceeds from a profane person.
- As Christians we are to be reverent (Show proper respect) to God and His word.
- A Christian who continually uses profanity (Which is in contradiction to God’s word), is thus showing a lack of respect for things which God takes seriously.
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PROFANITY AND THE BIBLE.
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Why doesn’t the Bible give us a list of bad words?
- Some feel that the only type of language that is forbidden is language that profanes God’s name.
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The Bible does not give a detailed list of words that are considered profanity. Why?
- Words come and go. Some words are curse words today which were not curse words many years ago. There are some words in the KJV that are considered profanity today.
- This hypothetical list would need to be updated about every decade.
- To give a list of words, the Bible would have to give the list in every spoken language in the world.
- If we are honest, we know which words are curse words.
- Even though the Bible doesn’t give us a precise list, it does give us definite principles to use.
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Filthy language.
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Ephesians 5:4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
- “Filthiness” – obscenity. Filthy talking.
- This is talking about language that is offensive, disgusting, and irreverent.
- Colossians 3:8. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
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Lewd language. 2 Peter 2:18. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.
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Corrupt language. Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
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An important note:
- One need not use “cuss words” in order for their language to be classified as filthy.
- It is completely possible for our language to be profane without using one single word that we consider to be a “cuss word.”
- We must be careful about the content of what we say as well as the word choice. Both are important.
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PROFANING GOD’S NAME.
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Another type of profanity (Blasphemous language) is profaning the name of God.
- Remember, to profane something is to treat it with irreverence or disrespect.
- It is to take that which is holy and use it in a worldly way.
- The phrase, “Oh my God!” / “God!” / “Jesus Christ!” is using God’s name in such a way.
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God has always demanded respect for His name.
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Exodus 20:7. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
- Vain – when used as an adverb (Which it is here), it means false.
- Therefore, this is referring to using God’s name in a falsehood. “Swearing to God.”
- Using God’s name in this way is irreverent.
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Leviticus 18:21. And you shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
- By associating God’s name with pagan worship, one was profaning His name.
- To use God’s name in any irreverent way is to profane it.
- Jews so respected the name of God that would not write it with a freshly dipped pen, lest it might smear.
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EUPHEMISMS AND ABBREVIATION.
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Euphemism – A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh.
- Sometimes, we want to curse but rather than use the actual word, we use a substitute instead.
- These words mean the same thing as the curse word.
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Examples:
- Darn – means to mend. Also a euphemism for a curse word.
- Shoot – cause a gun to fire. Also a euphemism.
- Gosh – euphemism for “God.”
- Freaking – a person might say, “This is freaking me out!” to point out that something is making them uncomfortable. However, when you use this word as an adjective, it is a euphemism.
- There are many other words we could add to the list.
- Brethren, we need to be careful about what we say.
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Abbreviations.
- In our world of texting, abbreviations (Letters substituted for phrases) have become popular.
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Many are harmless.
- LOL. Laugh out loud.
- ROFL. Rolls on floor laughing.
- However, some abbreviations are abbreviations for curse words or phrases.
- OMG. Means “Oh my God!” As we have discussed, this is using God’s name in an irreverent way. Even though you have not said or written God’s name, you have used it in an irreverent way.
- There are many abbreviations that are used that stand for profane words or ideas.
- Typing an abbreviation is just as bad as saying it out loud or typing out the entire word.
- Brethren, we need to be careful about what we type! Typing is communicating!
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Conclusion
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The title of this sermon is “Adult Language.”
- This is a phrase we often see when we are looking at movie or T.V. show ratings.
- It means that profanity is spoken in the show.
- Let me suggest to you that profanity is not “Adult” language.
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Adult language is described in:
- Colossians 4:6. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
- Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
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James 3:7-10.
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Content by Ralph Price
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Revelation 3:1 Autopsy on a Dead Church Member – powerpoint – audio
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Revelation-03-01-01-Autopsy-on-a-Dead-Church-Member.pdf
Revelation-03-01-01-Autopsy-on-a-Dead-Church-Member.pptx
Text: Revelation 3:1
- Causes of Death
– Starvation – 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 5:6
– Spiritual Diabetes – Isaiah 30:9-10; Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
– Sclerosis of the Giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 12:19-20
– Sunday Sickness – John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:24-25 - Big Head – Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 21:24; 1 Timothy 3:6
- Busybody – 1 Peter 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:13
- Big Mouth – James 1:26; James 3:6-8; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 17:28
- Stiff-Knecked – Acts 7:51; 2 Chronicles 30:8
- Always Looking Back – Luke 9:62
- Too Busy – Matthew 6:24; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 10:37-39
- Patting Himself on the Back – Luke 17:10; Matthew 6:3-4
- Finger Pointing – Matthew 7:3-5; 2 Corinthians 13:5
- No Backbone – 2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:1-2
- Straddling the Fence – James 3:9-12; 1 Kings 18:21
- Sitting in the Pew – Proverbs 22:13; James 2:18; Titus 2:14
- Full of Envy – Proverbs 14:30; Galatians 5:26; Proverbs 23:17
- Can’t Bend the Knee – Ephesians 3:14; Romans 14:11
- Won’t Spread the Gospel – Romans 10:14-15; Matthew 10:32-33
Content by Ralph Price
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