Historical Posts
Joshua 24:15-16 – Serve The Lord – Audio
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Text: Joshua 24:15-16
We Will Serve The Lord
Joshua met with all the elders, heads, judges, and officers of the tribes of Israel. He reminded them of all God had done for them, and how loyal they must be to Him. He then commanded them to choose whom to serve: to either serve the false gods their fathers served, or serve the Lord, the one true God, who had done so much for them.
Body
I. We must serve only the LORD!
A. Jesus told Satan that he must serve the LORD only (Matthew 4:10).
B. If one serves the Lord, he cannot serve anyone or anything else. He may not have two masters (Matthew 6:24; Galatians 1:10).
C. Zacharias prophesied that we may serve the LORD “without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74-75).
1) If we are afraid to serve Him, we will have our part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8).
2) There is nothing to fear in serving God; by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, all things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
D. To serve the Lord, we must do three things (Matthew 16:24-26):
1) Deny ourselves
2) Take up our cross
3) Follow Him.
II. Jesus taught us how to serve the Lord in two ways.
A. He taught us how to serve the Lord by His words (Matthew 20:26-28).
B. He taught us how to serve the Lord by example (John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:7).
III. Serving the LORD has its rewards.
A. Those who serve the Lord will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24).
B. By serving Him, the LORD gives us the kingdom and eternal life (Matthew 25:31-46).
Conclusion
We too must make a choice: should we serve people or things; should we serve the LORD? If we choose the latter, we will be eternally rewarded!
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Timothy 06:06-10 – Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain – Audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Reading by Don Treadway)Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
Godliness is always right, but it is not always easy to do the right thing. Sometimes peer pressure can be difficult to overcome. Other times, it may seem easier to do what’s right if one has certain things, or if one does not have other things. However, by doing what is right with what one has, one may be blessed and gain contentment.
Body
I. We must profess godliness.
A. Godliness means living a life that is respectful to God, and to oneself.
B. Earlier, Paul told Timothy that godliness is profitable for all things (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
C. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
D. Godliness is in accordance with truth (Titus 1:1).
E. Christians must live in “holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
F. We must add godliness to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-7).
G. We can expect persecution when living godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12).
H. We must withdraw from those that suppose godliness is a means of gain, yet pursue true godliness (1 Timothy 6:5,11).
II. We must be content.
A. Paul has learned to be content in every condition (Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:11).
B. We must be content with such things as we have (Hebrews 13:5).
C. We need God’s words more than necessary food (Job 23:12; Matthew 6:11).
D. God gives us all we need (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; Proverbs 30:7-9).
III. We have much to gain.
A. Godliness is profitable for this life, and the life that is to come (1 Timothy 4:8).
B. If a man gains the world and loses his soul, he loses everything; if he loses the world and gains his soul, he has gained everything (Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:20-21).
Conclusion
As Christians, we are to live Christ Jesus with Godliness. In so doing, we must be content with who we are and what we have. Being content and living godly lives in Christ, we have much to gain!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Anxiety and Comfort for Christians – Audio
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Anxiety and Comfort for Christians
Christians Have Anxiety?
Someone has written that an average person’s anxiety is focused on a few major areas:
- 40% of anxiety concerns things that will never happen. No point in worrying about these!
- 30% of anxiety is about things that have happened in the past and can’t be changed.
- 12% of anxiety is over criticism by others. We have no control of others!
- 10% of anxiety is health oriented. Health gets worse when we are stressed and anxious!
- 8% of anxiety is related to real problems that we can be face and possibly address.
Christians Should Take Comfort, Not Have Anxiety.
Look at 1 Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These are some reasons that Christians should let go of anxiety and take comfort:
- Take comfort because we have experienced God’s mercy (1 Peter 1:3a).
- Take comfort because we have been born again (1 Peter 1:3b). We have another chance to have God as our father!
- Take comfort because we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3c).
- Take comfort because we have a guaranteed inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).
- Take comfort because we are kept by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5).
Christians need more comfort? Why? Look at all that God has already provided to comfort us when we are His children!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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John 01:01-14 – Jesus Christ was in the Beginning with God – Audio
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Text: John 1:1-14
Introduction
- Jesus Christ must be understood and acknowledged as God in the flesh or God in human form. To save man from his sins, and to bring him back into fellowship with God, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, as man & God for the purpose of destroying sin in the flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23.
- Jesus Christ has always been in existence. The birth of Mary’s firstborn child, Jesus does not mark the beginning of Jesus existence. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus Christ lets you & I know that He is the beginning and the end.
In the Beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, The Word was God
- In the beginning before God created the heavens and the earth and all that’s therein the Word was present with God – John 1:1-2. In 1 John 1:1-3, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the “Word of life.” In 1 John 5:7, the Word of God reveal those that bear witness in heaven, and one of them is the Word, Jesus Christ.
- In John 8:56-59, the Jews show their disbelief in the divinity of Jesus Christ when Jesus told them Abraham rejoiced to see His day and saw it and was glad, and told them that He existed before Abraham. These Jews did not believe Jesus Christ is God
- In John 1:3, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that all things were made by Jesus Christ. Everything that was created was made by Him. This means Christ is our Creator – Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:12-18; Hebrews 1:1-2.
The Word, Jesus Christ, Was Made Flesh
- Through the power of God, the Word was made flesh when the Holy Spirit overshadowed a virgin name Mary. And that which was conceived of Mary was the Word, Jesus Christ the Son of God – Luke 1:26-35.
- John the baptizer was sent from God to bear witness of the Light of Jesus Christ, and to prepare the way of the Lord – John 1:6-9. This is that light that you must walk in to be forgiven of your sins – John 3:16-21; 1 John 1:5-7.
- Even though the world was made by Christ, the world did not know Him. And even His own people the Jews rejected Him – John 1:10-11. But if you believe in Christ the Son of God, He has the power to made us the sons of God, He has the power to save us through His sacrifice on the cross – John 1:12-14.
- Do you want life or do you want death? Do you want to seize liberty, or do you want to remain in bondage. Jesus Christ is the way and life. Why not obey Him now and accept His salvation – Revelation 21:6-8?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 09:37-38 Are You Motivated To Work As God’s Servant? – Audio
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Text: Matthew 9:37-38 (Reading by Steven Winland)
Introduction
- The word motive denotes that which influences, prompts, propels, pushes, or induces a specific action. It causes you to move in a direction, so you can receive a specific outcome. I like to describe it as the fire that gets under you to move you to action, or in God’s service. (exp) What will motivate you into service for God, because there’s plenty of work to do – Matthew 9:35-38?
- A servant or steward is a person that takes care of things that belongs to another (God owns everything – Psalms 24:1). A servant has responsibility to make sure the owner’s goods are well taken care of. This responsibility makes the servant accountable to the master, of the goods. The servant would receive a reward or punishment depending on how well he took care of the owner’s goods (Romans 14:12). This is why being motivated to serve God is important. To be motivated you must be excited about it.
- The thing that should excite us into God’s service is the Word of God – Hebrews 4:12. One of the best examples of the Word of God motivating one to a certain action is found in Acts 9:1-6; Acts 22:6-16.
Some Will Need Encouragement to Motivate Them to Serve God
- The word encourage, means to inspire with confidence, to urge forward one to start or continue in an action. What will motivate you, to work as a servant of God? People need different types of sources of motivation to get them going in the right direction. It was a little maid of the land of Israel that motivated Naaman to go to Elisha to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-9). Again it was one of Naaman’s servants that encouraged him to dip seven times in the Jordan river to be healed, instead of going away in a rage an being not healed (2 Kings 5:10-14). Sometimes it takes many encouragements to get us moving because we may be stubborn or lazy.
- When the Word of God is preached, it is for the express purpose of encouraging you and moving you to righteous actions – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Consider the things we could do for the kingdom if we were motivated to do so!
- How many times have you been ready to quit, but someone encouraged you to continue on? Was not Elijah the prophet encouraged by God to continue on when he thought he was by himself alone serving God – (1 Kings 19:9-10, 15-18).
(Read the Story of Two Frogs)
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
Servants of God Must Be Motivated to Remain Faithful
- A key component, in being motivated to remain faithful, is to make sure your zeal for God, doesn’t grow cold – Galatians 5:7. Whenever the excitement for serving God diminishes you need to be careful because Satan will be near to turn you away from God – (1 Peter 5:8-9). That’s why it is important to focus on doing the Lord’s work. Remember what happened to Peter when he was walking on water and lost his focus off Jesus – Matthew 14:27-31.
- In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Word of God, gives a requirement to those whom would be His servants/steward. It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
♦ What type of servant will the lord make ruler over his household? Matthew 24:45-47.
♦ There is also a warning to those servants whom fail to do his master will – Matthew 24:48-51.
- Therefore, let us not be lazy or slothful in doing the work of the Lord. Let us not make excuses. You and I have talents, so let us be motivated, to do the Lord’s work, because the fields are already white ready to be harvested – John 4:35-36.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 05:13-16 Contagious Christian Living – Audio
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Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Introduction to Contagious Christian Living
1. Usually, the term “contagious” has a negative connotation.
2. Contagious simply means that something is transmissible and is not negative by definition.
3. What normally gives the word a negative connotation is that we usually speak of it with reference to disease. (EBOLA as an example)
4. However, are there not many good things that we could wish were contagious?
5. In this lesson, let’s examine some things that we can do with our lives that will help make Christianity contagious and bring others to Christ.
Body
I. Becoming Contagious Christians
A. People may sometimes think that being “contagious” involves attributes such as size, money, entertainment, theatrics, etc., but not so for true contagious Christian living.
B. We may never become a “mega-church,” but we can become a contagious church by following three principles of contagious Christian living.
C. Three principles of Contagious Christian Living:
1. Be Amazed at the Glory of God – Revelation 15:1-4
2. Be Transformed by the Love of Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
3. Be Yielded to the Word of God – John 12:47-50
II. How Jesus Drew People to Him?
A. Jesus turned ordinary conversations to spiritual Conversations – John 4:10, 13-14
C. Jesus gave people reason to follow Him – John 4:13-14
D. Jesus didn’t force Himself on other people – John 4:26-30
E. Jesus created intentional encounters with people – John 4:4
Conclusion
1. May we strive for true Christian living, with lives are a reflection of the Son of God.
2. Living with a greater awareness of how blessed we are as Christians, we can be contagious to those with whom we come in contact.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 06:14 – Boast in the Cross – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction:
1. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 6:14
2. Why would anyone want to “boast” in the cross, an instrument of death?
3. The answer is because the cross is a great paradox.
a. It is Instrument of death – but it gives life.
b. It is darkest day in history – but on it hung the light of the world.
c. It is premeditated murder – but also predestined sacrifice.
d. It is great act of sin – but it was also a great cure for sin.
e. On the cross, Jesus won by losing and He conquered by surrendering.
f. The cross demonstrates how much God hates sin and how much He loves the sinner.
4. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and rightly so, for it gives meaning, hope, and stability for our lives.
5. Let’s examine three messages from the cross which can give meaning, hope, and stability to my life.
Body:
I. The Cross Declares That My Life Is Not Futile
A. You are not an obscurity, but an object of God’s love.
B. John 3:16
C. 2 Timothy 1:9
II. The Cross Declares That My Failures Are Not Fatal
A. Luke 23:43
B. Ephesians 1:7
C. 1 John 2:1
D. 1 John 1:9
III. The Cross Declares That My Death Is Not Final
A. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
B. Hebrews 12:1-4
Conclusion:
1. All of us have suffered from what life can throw at us and how life can shake our faith and how life can knock us off balance.
2. It’s at these moments that we really need to look back to the cross, and lean on it for meaning, hope, and stability.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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The New Covenant is Here – Audio
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The New Covenant is Here Now!
Old Covenant
God had given Israel a covenant written in stone by his own finger, and they broke it almost as soon as it was given. It was broken literally when Moses threw the tables of stone on the ground in anger (Exodus 32:19), as some of the Ten Commandments were being broken by the people while he was still on the mountain (Exodus 20:1-17). As Moses eventually received a new set, or copy, of commandments in the old covenant (Exodus 34), so do God’s people receive a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
New Covenant
As Jeremiah prophesied, God would make a new covenant and that new covenant was to be placed and kept in the minds and hearts of God’s people (Jeremiah 31:33). Everyone should know God, for they will have been taught of Him (Jeremiah 31:34). God even promised to no longer remember our sins (Jeremiah 31:35).
The Hebrew writer shows how the first covenant was not faultless; therefore, a new covenant was needed. Through Christ, we have now received the new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13).
Today, if We Keep the New Covenant, He will be Merciful to Us.
We learn God’s laws of His new covenant by studying His word. We must meditate upon it day and night. Then, by following His commandments and walking in the light as He is in the light, His blood continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Tomorrow – Audio
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Do not Boast about Tomorrow
Tomorrow never truly comes.
“Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow; it’s only a day away!” “Let’s talk about tomorrow.” “Tomorrow is the perfect time to do anything.” These are some of the many sayings regarding the idea of tomorrow. Some people are excited about what will happen tomorrow; others procrastinate till tomorrow. However, tomorrow never comes; therefore we should not boast about it! We are really always living in today.
You do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” We do not know how the future will be, whether good or bad. Sometimes things happen today that affect it. Tomorrow may be better than expected, worse, or even as expected; we just don’t know.
We are not guaranteed another day.
James 4:13-16: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” We are not even guaranteed another day! Our lives are very short; in fact, for some it is shorter than others. Even today I was reading the online newspaper from my hometown and learned of recent road accidents taking the lives of young individuals.
This night your soul could be required of you.
Luke 12:19-21: “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Do we take tomorrow for granted?
Are we ready now in case the Lord should return? Let us not boast in thinking we can wait and become a Christian; rather, let us be ready to be saved right now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Fool and Wise Words – Audio
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Wise Words Regarding A Fool
Today is April 1, 2015. It is also known as “April Fool’s Day.” Perhaps there are those that try to pull a prank on someone, causing them to feel foolish. A man of God should not be foolish, but instead be wise. Let us consider a few wise words regarding the fool (Proverbs 26:1-12).
- In Proverbs 26:1, Solomon explains that snow is not fitting in summer; nor is rain fitting in harvest. Likewise, honor is not fitting to a fool.
- In Proverbs 26:3, Solomon says a whip is needed to guide the horse, and a bridle for the donkey. Likewise, a rod is needed for the fool’s back. David says that the horse or mule has no understanding, and must be harnessed with a bit and bridle (Psalm 32:9). Just as one beats them to guide them, Solomon earlier stated “judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools (Proverbs 19:29).
- In Proverbs 26:4-5, a warning is issued not to answer a fool according to his folly. We should not be like them, but rather set the example for them. Sometimes it is best not to answer anything; other times it is best to give a soft answer, turning away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
- In Proverbs 26:6-7, a warning is given on the thought of trusting a fool. They may not deliver the message accurately, and cause the sender of the message harm from the receiver.
- In Proverbs 26:8, one wouldn’t want to bind a stone in a sling that is used for something else; similarly, one would not want to give honor to a fool when none is due.
- In Proverbs 26:9, a thorn in the hand of a drunkard is very dangerous; likewise, putting a proverb in the mouth of a fool can be costly.
- In Proverbs 26:10, God will give the fool his due.
- In Proverbs 26:11, a fool will repeat his folly (like Pharaoh refusing to let God’s people go in Exodus).
- In Proverbs 26:12, there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 29:20). Jesus illustrates this by the Pharisee’s prayer (Luke 18:10-14) and His words to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:17).
Let us not act foolishly, but instead, help fools to become wise by sharing the love of Christ with them, that they too can become wise in the eyes of The Lord through obedience to the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Requirements From The Lord – Audio
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The Lord’s Requirements:
We know that there are many things in this life that have worldly requirements we have to meet: name, birth certificate, education, previous work experience, and the like. Different people and situations may require different things of us. However, there are three requirements that the LORD has for our lives (Micah 6:8) that we must be diligent to meet in order to be pleasing to Him:
1. The Lord Requires Us To Do Justly.
a. The LORD knew that Abraham would teach his children and household after him to “do righteousness and justice (Genesis 18:19).”
b. Paul behaved himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” before the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
c. We must think on whatever things are just (Philippians 4:8).
d. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
2. The Lord Requires Us To Love Mercy.
a. God has mercy on whom He wills (Romans 9:15,18; Exodus 33:19).
b. His mercies are not consumed; they are “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
c. As He is merciful, so should we be merciful (Luke 6:36).
3. The Lord Requires Us To Walk Humbly With Him.
a. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”
b. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).”
c. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
d. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Are We Meeting The LORD’s Requirements?
If we are diligent to meet His requirements, we will receive the eternal reward that we so desire. We will be with The Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Audio
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Our Help Comes From Him
Text: Psalm 124:1-8.
David proclaims the Lord saves His people from adversity. Over countless times, He has delivered those who stood for Him. Yes, The Lord is on our side. If He had not been, the people would have perished. For example, in Psalm 124:3, he reminds the reader of those who have been swallowed alive. Numbers 16 tells of how Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rose against Moses and the Lord; consequently, the Lord caused the earth to swallow them up.
In Psalm 124:4-5 David mentions that the waters would have overwhelmed God’s people had they not heeded Him. In Exodus 14, the Lord allowed the children of Israel to escape Pharaoh and all the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea. God allowed the children of Israel to live, but destroyed the Egyptians by causing the waters to fall back upon them.
David says that God allows His people to narrowly escape their enemies as a bird escapes from a birdcatcher with a trap (Psalm 124:6-7; Psalm 91:3; Proverbs 6:5; Hosea 9:8). Yes, even a narrow escape is still an escape. Perhaps it makes us appreciate it more. God is on our side (Psalm 124:1; Romans 8:31)! Our help comes from the name of the Lord (Psalm 124:8), who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). With every temptation to Christians, God is faithful and will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In the end, God will take care of His people. Those who disobey Him will be destroyed forever. The Lord is on our side, will you be on His side?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Obtain the Prize – Audio
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Run the race of life to obtain the prize of eternal life.
This weekend many individuals will be participating in the Bible Bowl. The gospel of John has been studied, and learned by all. Although a prize will be given to each of the top finishers in each age group, everyone wins because they all have a better understanding of God’s word.
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Paul likens the Christian life to a lifelong race. Just as one runner receives the top prize in a marathon, so every Christian should run in a way that they may obtain a prize. In the early days, the winner of the Olympic events would receive an olive tree wreath on his head. This crown would perish. However, here Paul speaks of an “imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25).”
Paul told Timothy that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and have kept the faith.” As a result, he would receive a prize, the “crown of righteousness,” which the Lord would not only give to him, but also to “all who have loved his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).” This “crown of righteousness” is also called the “crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).” As it takes a lot of hard work preparing for the Bible Bowl, it takes a lot of work preparing for Heaven. After becoming a Christian, one must endure temptation, be approved, and continue to live faithfully unto death.
Unfortunately, sometimes competitors may try to win by unethical means. Many forms of cheating have stripped some winners of their awards. As Paul told Timothy, one is “not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Timothy 2:5).” If we want to hold on to our prize and crown, we must compete according to God’s rules. The church in Philadelphia was told, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown (Revelation 3:11).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Thinking Like God – Audio
No Longer Thinking Like God, Man Has Schemed
There is a great difference between God and man. Our thinking is different. God’s thinking is higher than man’s thinking. God said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).”
Man may not have thinking like God, but, in fact, man does have a choice on how to think. Sadly, man most often makes the wrong choices on what to think about. God made man upright; but man has sought out many schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:27-29).
God created man in His image, and according to His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). At that time, God called everything “good” (Genesis 1:31). Man was allowed eat of any and every tree in the garden of Eden, including the tree of life, with one exception. Man was instructed not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, man was tempted to eat of that tree by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Naturally, they gave into sin (Genesis 3:6-7). Since the entry of sin, man has always schemed (Genesis 6:5). But, from the beginning, it was not so.
How can man get back to thinking like God? Paul told the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8)…” We need to be thinking more like Christ, following His example. God has made us upright; through Christ we can be reconciled to Him!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Perspectives on Love
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Insight and Perspectives on Love
Some words may mean different things to different people. For example, ask some people what love is. You are likely to get a variety of definitions. Consider what a group of kids age 4 thu 8 have said about love (Listen to the Audio).
These definitions from the children are very entertaining. Yet, they all have great insight and perspectives on love. For true and complete insight on love, we need to turn to the message of love in God’s Word.
Consider these perspectives on love from God’s Word from the as defined by:
- Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (Perspectives on love here focus on being unselfish)
- John in 2 John 6; 1 John 2:5; 3:18; 5:3. (This perspective on love involves our deeds and how we live)
- Jude in Jude 20-23. (This perspective on love recognizes God’s grace and requires compassion for others)
- Jesus in John 14:15, 23. (This perspective on love requires obedience in keeping His commandments)
Understanding How God Loves Helps Us Love
The Bible is all about God’s love for man, and how man should love God in return (1 John 4:19). By understanding how God loved us, we can better understand how to love Him. Once we decide to love Him, there is nothing external that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). But is there anything that can separate us from loving God? Only ourselves, as demonstrated by those in Ephesus. They chose to leave their first love (Revelation 2:1, 4).
Our love for God must be everlasting, even to the point of death. We must demonstrate our love by keeping His commands and always being faithful to Him. Have you learned His commandments and responded to them with obedient action?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
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Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:5-7
Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded
Two ways we can think: carnally minded or spiritually minded
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” If used properly, the mind can be a wonderful tool; if misused, the mind can cause one to get into a lot of trouble. After all, our actions result from our thoughts. There are two fundamental ways we can think, and they are at odds with each other: carnally minded versus spiritually minded. Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6).” Similarly, Paul stated: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:8).”
Carnally minded thinking is against God
The carnal (earthly, fleshly) mind is enmity against God (Romans 8:7-8). James says, “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).” Thinking on worldly things, being carnally minded, will lead to doing worldly deeds. Again, our thoughts preceed our actions. Paul lists the works of the flesh we need to avoid in Galatians 5:19-21.
Spiritually minded thinking brings life and peace
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). The Spirit of God dwells in the spiritually minded; the body of sin is dead, yet the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:9-10). The spiritually minded have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; John 15:15; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:1-2).
What do you often think about?
Be aware of the carnally minded versus spiritually minded war for your thoughts. Is your mind in the gutter? Is your minds in the clouds? Do you even know where your mind is focussed? What should you be thinking about? The fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).” Choose how you will think and the resulting actions that will follow.
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Together in Christ – Audio
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There is one God and one Mediator between God and men
When people grow apart, it takes one special person to bring them back together. Many individuals cannot find “common ground,” and thus distance themselves from one another. One person, who has something in common with both of them, can bring them back together again. Man has become separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:2). Thus, only one person can bring us back together: Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).”
God’s plan for reconcilliation brings us together in Christ
Paul explains to the Corinthians how we come together in Christ: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).”
Through the death of God’s Son, we may be reconciled to God. Because Christ was raised again, we can be saved by His life (Romans 5:10-11). Christ made the perfect sacrifice, doing what we could not to bridge the gap. God came down to us, and we must go up to Him.
Salvation requires God’s grace
Man cannot be saved without, or apart from, the grace of God; this grace is “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).” This redemption gives us the promise of an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:12-15).
Sharing The Word is offering reconcilliation with God
Don’t you want to share with others the good news? Don’t you want to tell them of an eternal inheritance they too can have? God commands us to do just that! Remember, He has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” and “committed to us the word of reconciliation.” By sharing the word, others too can believe and obey it. Thus, we can all be together in Christ, one in Christ; and He will be one in us (John 17:20-23).
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Herod and His Demise – Audio
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The Demise of Herod
Pride – The Downfall of Herod
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).” These words by Jesus soon rang true of King Herod (Acts 12) and we can see this in Herod’s demise.
Herod had been harassing some members of the Lord’s church (Acts 12:1-4). He persecuted an apostle [James, the brother of John], and even put another apostle in prison [Peter].
As Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him. Then, Peter was soon freed from prison by the Lord’s angel (Acts 12:5-17). This is an example of that shows “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).” Now, compare the Church with Herod; obviously one is more righteous than the other.
Herod became angry after he could not find Peter. He was even angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. He later wore his royal apparel, and gave an oration to them. The people lifted him up and deemed him a god (Acts 12:18-22).
Give Glory to God
As a result of Herod being so elevated, the angel of the Lord struck him, and he died (Acts 12:23). The Psalmist wrote, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth (Psalm 115:1).”
There are still some today who love the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). This will cause them plenty of grief. Notice that Jesus did not receive honor from men, and condemned seeking honor from one another instead of from God (John 5:41, 44).
As Herod and his opposition faded away, God’s word grew and multiplied (Acts 12:24). Likewise, we must be careful not oppose the word of God. In fact, doing so would be in vain. Instead, we must accept God’s Word and work to spread the good news of the Gospel.
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Abundant Entrance – Audio
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Jesus Is Our Abundant Entrance Into Heaven
Just Getting In
For some people, just getting into somewhere can mean a whole lot. Purchasing the very last tickets to a concert, ball game, or any function can cause great elation, even if the seats are at the very top in the far back, in the nosebleed section. On the other hand, imagine what it would be like to have great seats guaranteed for life!
Imagine What He Has Prepared
Jesus has said that there are many mansions in His Father’s house. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and has given us the way to get there (John 14:1-6). Imagine how beautiful Heaven will be (as we often sing). Imagine the place that is prepared for us, how we can enjoy it forever, and the abundant entrance He has prepared.
He Is Our Abundant Entrance
However, one must go through Christ in order to get to Heaven (John 14:6; Hebrews 11:6). He is the abundant entrance, and the only entrance. Therefore, if we want to get in and stay in, we must do as the Lord commands. Peter says, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
We Must Be Diligent And Obedient
We are all called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). By obeying the gospel, we become the elect of God (Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; Titus 1:1). We must be diligent to present ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15) by studying His word and by living a faithful Christian life unto the point of death (Revelation 2:10). If we do these things, we are guaranteed an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Christ! Will you do these things?
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The Giving of Grace – audio
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Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are the most giving times of the year. Usually, there is one present intended for one person. However, there is one gift that God gave to the whole world: His Son (John 3:16). Jesus said that “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Note that anyone, regardless of classification, can partake of everlasting life.
Paul was instrumental in giving everyone that opportunity. Text: Ephesians 3:1-7. Everyone includes both Jew and Gentile alike. Paul identified himself as a prisoner of Christ to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). Thus, he had something important to give them: grace.
The grace of God was given to Paul for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2). Earlier, the Lord told Paul that he would bear His name to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). As the Lord delivered Him, so He would the Gentiles. This was a mystery that has finally been revealed (Ephesians 3:3-5; Romans 11:25; 16:25)! The Gentiles, along with the Jews, can be saved (Ephesians 3:6)!
One cannot be saved without the grace of God, and it has come to all men, including Gentiles (Titus 2:11-13). Earlier, Paul explained to the Ephesians that salvation is through grace and faith (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, by being baptized into Christ Jew and Gentile can be saved (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Paul became a minister of the gospel through the grace of God to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:7; Romans 1:5).
Will you receive the grace of God? Obey the gospel and live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) to receive eternal life!
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