Historical Posts
Matthew 07:07-12 – Seek and Ye Shall Find – audio
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Text: Matthew 7:7-12
Introduction
We have all lost something at one point in our lives. Maybe we misplaced our billfold, keys, cell phones, or even our minds!
Most of the time, the lost item does not turn up on its own; rather, you have to look for it.
You may even search for an item identical to the one that was lost, or want something for the first time.
Body
I. There is a wrong way to seek.
A. Some pieces just do not fit in a puzzle!
B. We think we may want a certain degree, job, or significant other. Sometimes we later realize that is not the right thing or person for us, and “something better comes along.”
C. Some seek their own, and not the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).
D. The wicked do not seek God (Psalm 10:4).
E. The Jews sought a sign; the Greeks sought wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).
II. There is a right way to seek.
A. Seek the LORD while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
B. He came to seek us (Luke 19:10).
C. Seek the things above, and not the things on earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
D. Seek a home in Heaven (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14).
E. Jesus taught of a lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15).
III. Those that seek the right way will find greater things.
A. God blesses those who seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).
B. The LORD will not forsake those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
C. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
D. Those who seek for glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life (Romans 2:6-10).
Conclusion
Let us seek God, and the spiritual things!
If we seek diligently, we will find what we are looking for and so much more!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 06:25-34 – Watch and Pray – audio
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Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Introduction
Jesus taught Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately upon the Mount of Olives. They were concerned about when the end was going to come.
Instead of giving them an exact day, time, and year, Jesus instead explained that they needed to be ready at all times! By staying ready for His return, they would not worry about what tomorrow might bring (Matthew 6:25-34).
Body
I. No one knows the day and hour when Christ is coming again.
A. Jesus did promise He will come again (John 14:3).
B. He will return as He went into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), coming in the clouds (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-16).
C. He could come at evening, midnight, crowing of the rooster, or in the morning (Mark 13:35).
D. That day will be as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10).
E. Everything will seem as normal when the Son of Man comes (Matthew 24:36-44).
F. The ten virgins did not know the hour when the bridegroom would come (Matthew 25:1-13).
II. Watch!
A. We must not sleep, but rather watch and remain alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6)!
B. Watch, remaining firm in the faith (1Corinthians 16:13).
C. Be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)!
D. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain (Revelation 3:1-3).
E. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments (Revelation 16:15).
III. Pray!
A. Watch and pray always that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
B. Pray always, being watchful to this end with perseverance and supplication (Ephesians 6:18).
C. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
Conclusion
Jesus has warned us that He is coming again.
Since we do not know when, we must always be ready for His return.
Let us:
- Be ready by always being on the alert, living faithfully.
- Continue to pray to Him for His guidance and encouragement.
- Be thankful that when He does come again, we will be ready to meet Him and live eternally with Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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God Does Forever – audio
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Have you ever done something and felt very proud of yourself? You wanted that special moment to last forever, but instead it only lasted a little while. Things in our house don’t last very long at all. Whatever we build (train tracks, tower of blocks, Lego creations, etc.) seems to last for just a short time, and then is destroyed. Can you imagine someone building something that would never be destroyed?
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.” What is this referencing? The book of Genesis explains that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But, later we learn that they will pass away (Matthew 24:35). However, Jesus said that His words will never pass away. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If we do what the eternal words of God command us to do, we will be in a place forever with Him! We must not add to God’s word, nor take anything from it (Revelation 22:18-19). If we stay within God’s boundaries, we will be forever in Heaven with Him; on the other hand, if we do not we will be in Hell and without Him forever.
As the wise man said, we must fear before God. As he concluded the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).’” The Bible describes God’s love and power. We must believe Him, respect Him and obey Him. After all, we must all eventually give account of ourselves to our God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Ephesians 05:08-14 – Walking in the Light – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:8-14 (reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Light and darkness are complete opposites.
1) It is impossible to have both at the same time.
2) In fact, just a little light will cancel out a great bit of darkness.
B. Spiritually speaking, sin is often equated with darkness and righteousness with light.
Body
I. We were once walking in darkness.
A. There is no one that does not sin (1 Kings 8:46).
B. All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
C. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
D. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5,6).
E. The world was in darkness, and did not receive the Light (John 1:5-13; 3:19-21).
II. We have been called out of darkness.
A. God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
B. The Lord called Paul to the Gentiles, turning them from darkness to light (Acts 26:15-18).
C. We are called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
D. By obeying it, we:
1) die to sin [darkness]
2) are buried with Christ in baptism
3) are raised to walk in newness of life [light] (Romans 6:1-7)
III. We must now walk in the light.
A. By becoming sons of God, we are sons of light and day; we are no longer of night nor darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
B. We must walk in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1:7).
C. Jesus commands us to let our lights shine before men (Matthew 5:16).
D. Light has no fellowship with darkness (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Conclusion
A. Are you in the dark?
B. Come to Christ, the true Light!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Reap What is Sown – Galatians 06:06-10 – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:6-10
Here the apostle Paul explains that whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. We often hear the saying, “you reap what you sow;” that is very true! As it is now spring and nearing summer, many people are out sowing seeds. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like are popping up everywhere. Whatever seed one plants, that is what one expects to grow.
The parable of the sower is a good example of this (Matthew 13:1-9). The seed that fell on good ground reaped plenty; all other seed did not. As Christians, it is our job to sow the seed! Jesus later explained that the seed represented the Word of God (Matthew 13:19ff.). Different types of soil represented different types of hearts. We must have a receptive heart to the gospel, and share it with others.
Not only do we sow the seed of the Word of God, but we also sow the seed of the Spirit. A chapter earlier, Paul wrote that the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).” If we do these things as God commands us, in the end we will reap everlasting life.
What are you sowing?
If it is for the flesh, it will reap corruption! If it is for the Spirit, it will reap everlasting life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 03:15-24 – Brotherly Love – What is it and Why do I Want it? audio
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Text: 1 John 3:15-24
Introduction
1. The apostle John has given us two reasons in 1 John 3:10-15 for why it is necessary that we love the brethren:
a. Along with practicing righteousness, it distinguishes the children of God
b. It signifies a passing from death to life
2. But what does it really mean to love the brethren? And what benefits do we receive in return when we possess brotherly love?
3. These two questions are answered by John in 1 John 3:16-24, which serves as the text of this lesson
Body
I. BROTHERLY LOVE IS: (1 John 3:16-18)
A. JESUS EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE THE BRETHREN (1 John 3:16)
1. The word for love, has often been described as “active goodwill”
2. In giving His life for our sins, Jesus certainly demonstrated goodwill in an active way
3. Meditating upon His example we are “taught of God to love one another” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9
4. With Jesus’ example, then, we come to understand what brotherly love is all about: sacrificially serving others!
a. Therefore we should be willing to lay down our lives for one another
b. In some cases, it may indeed involve “dying” for our brethren; but it can also be “living” for them through serving
B. BROTHERLY LOVE IS NOT: (1 John 3:17)
1. John uses the example of not helping a brother when it is within your power to do so
2. In view of Christ’s love, how we can claim to have love if we are not willing to sacrifice for a brother in need?
3. This illustrates that brotherly love is not only being willing to “die” for someone, but willing to “live” for them as well, through active service on their behalf
C. THEREFORE, AN ADMONITION TO “TRUE LOVE” (1 John 3:18)
1. An admonition prefaced by John’s favorite term of endearment: “My little children”
2. To love, not just in words, but truly, through deeds!
D. We see, then, that “brotherly love” which:
1) distinguishes the Children of God, and
2) signifies one as having passed from death to life, must go beyond the spoken word or occasional hymn.
E. Patterned after the example of Jesus, “brotherly love” is manifested by what one does, not just by what one says – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
F. The blessedness of such love is not only for the recipient, but also for the giver, as we learn beginning in 1 John 3:19
II. THE VALUE OF BROTHERLY LOVE (1 John 3:19-24)
A. IT GIVES ONE ASSURANCE BEFORE GOD (1 John 3:19-21)
1. Love of the brethren is an indication that one is “of the truth”, just as it as an indication that one had passed from death to life – 1 John 3:14
2. It is certainly not the only indicator (1 John 3:10), but it does help to provide one with assurance of their salvation
3. The importance of such assurance:
a. If our own hearts condemn us…
1) Because we know we do not love the brethren as we ought
2) Certainly God, who is greater and knows all things, will know of our shortcomings in this area, if conscience condemn us in known sin, or the neglect of known duty, God does so too.
b. But if our hearts do NOT condemn us…
1) Because we are loving the brethren as we know we should
2) This will make us able to approach God with joyful confidence!
B. IT LEADS TO POSITIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYER (1 John 3:22-23)
1. Our prayers are more likely to be answered according to our requests
2. Because we are keeping the commandments of God (of which loving the brethren is one), and thereby pleasing Him
3. “Commandment-keeping” is a condition upon which God hears prayer, just as it is a condition upon which Christ promises His abiding love – John 15:10
C. IT ENSURES THAT ONE ABIDES IN CHRIST (1 John 3:24)
1. Abiding in Christ is contingent upon keeping His commandments (and loving the brethren is certainly one of His commandments) – John 14:23
2. And how do we know that Christ truly abides in those who keeps His commandments?
a. By the Spirit whom Christ has given
b. He (the Spirit) is the one Who reminded the apostles of the key to abiding in Christ – John 14:19-26
Conclusion
1. Aren’t these three blessings what every true Christian desires…?
a. Abiding in Christ, and He in us?
b. God answering our prayers?
c. Confidence concerning our standing before God?
2. For these blessings to be ours…
a. We must allow Christ to teach us by His example what it really means to have “brotherly love”
b. And then manifest such sacrificial service in our lives! “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
3. Does the love of God abide in you?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 03:10-15 – Children of God vs Children of the Devil – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:10-15 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. In our previous study, we saw where John described two different kinds of people:
a. One who continuously practices sin, and is therefore of the devil – 1 John 3:8a
b. One born of God, who does not continuously practice sin – 1 John 3:9
2. John continues to illustrate the contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil in 1 John 3:10, presenting two criteria which distinguishes them:
a. Practicing righteousness
b. Brotherly love
3. Both of these criteria have already been introduced earlier in this epistle:
a. John enjoined brotherly love as necessary to abiding in the light – 1 John 2:9-11
b. He connected practicing righteousness to being born of Him – 1 John 2:29; 3:7
4. It is primarily the subject of brotherly love that John expounds upon throughout the rest of this epistle, including that which serves as our text for this study – 1 John 3:10-15
Body
I. LOVE DISTINGUISHES THE CHILDREN OF GOD (1 John 3:10-13)
A. TWO THINGS MANIFEST THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S CHILDREN AND THE DEVIL’S CHILDREN (1 John 3:10)
1. The word manifest means:
a. To show or demonstrate plainly; reveal
b. To be evidence of; prove
2. That which clearly demonstrates the children of God are:
a. The practice of righteousness
b. The love of the brethren
3. Whereas those who are the children of the devil are clearly revealed when they:
a. Do not practice righteousness
b. Do not have brotherly love
B. THE COMMAND TO LOVE IS FROM THE BEGINNING (1 John 3:11)
1. In other words, from the beginning of the gospel, spoken by Jesus – John 13:34-35
2. Note that Jesus also stressed how loving one another would make the children of God (His disciples) manifest to the world: by this all will know – John 13:35
C. EXPECT SOME CONFLICT BETWEEN THESE TWO CHILDREN (1 John 3:12-13)
1. Just as Cain killed his brother Abel
a. He who was of the wicked one killed his brother
b. The murder was sparked by the contrast between the works of the two
2. So don’t be surprised if the world hates you as well – John 15:18-20
D. When we follow the teachings of Jesus, especially His command to love one another, it soon becomes evident (manifest) that we are different from those of the world. But that difference sometimes leads to jealousy and its unpleasant consequences.
E. Why do we have to heed a command that makes us stand out so?
II. LOVE SIGNIFIES A PASSING FROM DEATH TO LIFE (1 John 3:14-15)
A. IT IS A MARK OF TRUE CONVERSION (1 John 3:14a)
1. Certainly brotherly love is not the ONLY indicator
2. Remember that we must also practice righteousness – Galatians 5:22-23
3. But love for the brethren is a positive sign that true conversion has occurred
B. WHEREAS LACK OF LOVE IS AN OMINOUS SIGN (1 John 3:14b-15)
1. That one abides in death
2. As we saw earlier, one who hates his brother is in darkness until now – 1 John 2:9, 11
3. Indeed, hating one’s brother makes one a murderer! (just like Cain)
4. And it should be self-evident that a murderer does not possess eternal life!
C. WHY DO CHRISTIANS NOT LOVE THEIR BRETHREN?
1. It MAY be an indication that true conversion never occurred, and that they are Christians in name only
2. It MAY be that there was true conversion:
a. But the Christian is still a babe in Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
b. Or that what the writer of Hebrews feared has occurred – Hebrews 3:12-14
3. In ANY circumstance, it is not what God desires for us!
Conclusion
1. Two compelling reasons are therefore given by John for why we should love one another:
a. It distinguishes the children of God
b. It signifies a passing from death to life
2. John will have more to say about love and its value, but may these two reasons compel us to examine our hearts and our attitudes toward our brethren!
3. Let brotherly love continue – Hebrews 13:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Will the Righteous Rule? audio
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Yesterday many voted on local issues. Candidates ran for office, state and local issues were debated, and the results affected everyone locally, state-wide, and perhaps nationally. It will not be long until another election is held, and people will be chosen to head certain offices. We all need wisdom to put the right person in the right place at the right time. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, received his wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:5-12). He made an observation a long time ago that is still evident today.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Also, we read in Proverbs 28:12: “When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.”
The Book of Esther is a good example. As Esther, a Jew, became queen, Haman wanted to have all the Jews killed. Mordecai found out about this plan, and soon “there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).” Mordecai told Esther, who risked her life to appear before the king and save the lives of her people. As a result, Mordecai was honored and “the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor (Esther 8:15-16).”
In our country today, many have ruled over cities, states, and the entire nation. When a righteous person is elected, the people rejoice! Similarly, if a wicked person is elected, many people groan. We should all do our best to be godly citizens, and choose wisely who shall rule over us. We need to keep God in charge, not man. Israel demanded a king in the days of Samuel, and he was displeased. The LORD told him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them (1 Samuel 8:7).”
Let us not be ashamed of the outcome, but let us rejoice in knowing we did what God would want us to do. Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 03:01-03 – The Children of God – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:1-3
Introduction
1. In 1 John 2:29, for the first time John speaks of Christians as those who are born of God
a. It is an expression that will be used time and again throughout the remainder of this epistle – 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18
b. It is a figurative expression, emphasizing that the Christian’s spiritual life is a result of the redemptive work of God – Colossians 2:12-13
c. As a result of this working of God in our lives, we have been born again, and can therefore be properly called God’s children
2. That we can be called children of God was amazing to John, and in our text (1 John 3:1-3) he desires that we consider:
a. The significance of being called the children of God
b. The news of what we shall be
c. The transformation that is to take place in our lives
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. WE ARE RECIPIENTS OF GOD’S LOVE – 1 John 3:1a
1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
2. It is through the love of God that we can even become His children – John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10
3. It is an honor for God to even take notice of us, how much love God must have to allow us to become His children!
B. WE ARE UNKNOWN BY THE WORLD – 1 John 3:1b
1. …the world does not know us…
2. That is, they do not truly recognize, appreciate or understand what we have become in Christ
3. They may even deem us as religious fanatics, fools – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
4. But this is understandable:
a. For the world did not (and still does not) really know Jesus – John 1:11
b. And for now, our lives are hidden in Jesus – Colossians 3:3-4
5. Loved and honored by God, unknown and sometimes despised by the world; that is what we are today as the children of God.
II. WHAT WE SHALL BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN FULLY REVEALED
1. Exactly what we shall be like has not yet been revealed
2. Which may be that due to our finite capability to comprehend
3. In general terms we have been promised a spiritual body and immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 50-53
4. But there is something else, hinted at by both Paul and John
B. WE SHALL BE LIKE JESUS!
1. …we know that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
2. Paul also says that we will be like Jesus when He comes…
a. We shall bear the image of the heavenly Man – 1 Corinthians 15:49
b. Our lowly bodies will undergo a wonderful transformation to become like Jesus – Philippians 3:20-21
III. WHAT WE SHOULD BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD (3)
A. OUGHT TO BE MOTIVATED BY OUR HOPE
1. “everyone who has this hope…”
2. The hope of which John writes, of course, is the earnest expectation that we will be like Jesus when He comes
B. DILIGENTLY INVOLVED IN PURIFYING ONE’S SELF
1. This involves the idea of being set apart for a holy purpose, which Christians are taught to pursue – Hebrews 12:14
2. How can Christians purify themselves?
a. First and foremost by appropriating the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus! – 1 John 1:9
b. Only then can we hope to be truly holy and without blemish – Ephesians 5:25-27
c. But we also have an obligation to remove ourselves from things that would defile us – 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1
Conclusion
1. By virtue of God’s love for us, and His working in us, we can truly be called the children of God!
2. However, to become a child of God, and truly remain such, we must be willing to cooperate with God
a. When our faith joins with the working of God, we can become His children! – Colossians 2:12-13; Galatians 3:26-27
b. As long as our faith remains strong, we have the assurance of receiving the promises God has made – Hebrews 3:12-14; 4:1-2; Revelation 2:10
3. Is the love our heavenly Father has shown in making us His children, serving to motivate us to remain faithful to Him!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Live Fast or Slow – audio
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Are you a planner? Do you look ahead at goals, and strive to find a way to achieve them? Do you lay out a plan and stick to it, perhaps for a very long time? On the other hand, do you just live for today? Are you only concerned with what you can get out of this very moment? Well, both perspectives have some Biblical insight.James 4:13-15: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy, and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”
In one sense, we do need to be concerned with the here and now. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow; things can happen in the blink of an eye. Job learned this very well: all of a sudden his health diminished, his family and livestock were taken away, and his friends turned against him. He lamented, “Oh, remember that my life is a breath! My eye will never again see good (Job 7:7).” On the other hand, today can be a good day! The Psalmist wrote, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah knows the importance of patience, and allowing God to work in His way and in His time.
By following God’s plan, we can become the kind of people He would have us to be, and can become stronger to do His will. This takes time! It took time for a King to come and rule over Israel; it took time for Saul of Tarsus to see the light; it took time for members of the Lord’s church to qualify for certain offices (elder, deacon, etc.).
Since our lives are so short as James describes, we need to take care of our souls now! We may not get another opportunity! Once we are in the right relationship with God, we must plan to be His people.
It takes time studying His Word and adjusting our lives to follow Christ’s example. Everything will work out for good, though (Romans 8:28). Remember the words of Jesus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:33-34).”
Become a child of God now; God will take care of you now and later on, for eternity.
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 06:01-02 – Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Introduction
A. There are many things in life that can be beneficial if used properly;
1) On the other hand, they may not help at all
2) Or even can be harmful if misused.
B. There are many food choices available to us;
1) Some are healthy
2) Others are not.
3) Some good foods, if taken too much, can be harmful.
C. Prescriptions are the same way.
1) A doctor gives a patient a certain kind of medicine and a certain dosage.
2) If the wrong medicine is taken, or if the right medicine is taken the wrong way, it will not do as good a job as it was intended.
3) There can be dire consequences.
D. Spiritually, God gave us His grace and we must not use it in vain!
Body
I. Grace is essential for salvation.
A. God is full of grace and truth, and we receive them through Jesus Christ (John 1:14-17).
B. We are justified by the grace of God (Titus 3:4-7).
C. God saves us by His grace in Christ through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
D. The grace of God brings salvation (Titus 2:11).
E. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5-8).
F. God’s promise is of faith that it might be according to grace (Romans 4:16).
II. Grace is not always guaranteed.
A. We can fall from the grace of God (Galatians 5:4).
B. We can fall short of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14-15).
III. Grace must be used properly.
A. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34).
B. We must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).
C. We must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1).
D. By the grace we receive, we must serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).
IV. Grace must not be misused.
A. Some have turned the grace of God into lewdness and denied God and Christ (Jude 4).
B. We must not sin in order that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2).
Conclusion
A. The grace of God can save us, but our faith must accompany it.
B. If we serve God properly, grow in His grace, and strive not to sin, it will not be in vain! He will help us in the day of salvation!
C. That is today!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 06:46-49 – Lord, Lord – audio
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Text: Luke 6:46-49
Introduction
A. Who is Lord of your life?
1) Do you call all the shots?
2) Do your parents always tell you what to do?
3) Is there someone else that rules your life?
B. Only Jesus should be Lord of your life!
Body
I. Jesus Christ is Lord!
A. There is one Lord (Ephesians 4:5).
B. God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
C. Jesus is Lord of:
1) lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
2) Jews and Gentiles (Romans 10:12).
3) dead and living (Romans 14:9).
4) all (Acts 10:36).
D. Saul of Tarsus did not know the Lord (Acts 9:4-6).
E. Everyone will know the Lord (Hebrews 8:11).
F. We can only serve one Lord (Luke 16:13).
G. If Jesus Christ is our Lord, we must do to others as He did for us (John 13:13-17).
II. We must do what the Lord says!
A. As a servant honors his mater, we owe honor and reverence to the Lord (Malachi 1:6).
B. Simply saying, “Lord, Lord” will not give us access into the kingdom of heaven; rather, we must do His will (Matthew 7:21-23).
C. The doers of the Lord’s will, not the hearers, will be blessed (James 1:22-25).
Conclusion
A. We must give the more earnest heed to what the Lord has to say (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. We must confess Jesus is Lord in order to be saved (Romans 10:9ff.).
C. There will be a time in which everyone shall confess Jesus as Lord; for some, it will be too late (Philippians 2:9-11).
D. Christ is Lord of our lives when we put on Christ in baptism and live for Him, and Him alone (Galatians 3:27).
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Faithful House – audio
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The Faithful House is Built Upon the Rock.
There are many types of houses, and many people build them. However, each house must have a foundation.
For the faithful house, the perfect foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the perfect builder is God (Text: Hebrews 3:1-6).
Christ was faithful to God, who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:1-2).
Christ had a purpose, and fulfilled it. God put Him in the right place at the right time for the right purpose; He will do the same with us!
Christ is counted worthy of more glory, as He who built the house has more glory than the house itself (Hebrews 3:3).
Jesus said that a servant is not greater than his master, nor one who is sent greater than one that sent him (John 13:16).
The apostle Paul never gave credit to himself as He served the Lord; rather, all glory goes to God!
As every house is built by someone, God is the builder of all things (Hebrews 3:4).
God created you and me, He built the heavens and the earth and everything in it, and He even built the church upon Christ.
As Moses was faithful in His house as a servant, Christ was faithful as a Son over His own house (Hebrews 3:5-6)!
Christ was appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and we can inherit the things of God through Christ (Galatians 3:26-4:7).
We are of the house of God if we “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6).”
We must have faith to come to God (Hebrews 11:6), and our faith must work (James 2:17). By becoming obedient to the gospel of Christ, we become members of His house, the church!
By living faithful to Him, we can receive an eternal home in Heaven (Revelation 2:10).
Are you a faithful member of the house of God?
If not, you can become one right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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John 11:20-27 – I Am the Resurrection and the Life – audio
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Text: John 11:20-27
Introduction
A. Jesus has the power to raise us all from the dead.
B. Here in John 11, Lazarus was sick and later died.
1) Jesus was not there at that exact time.
2) He explained that the Son of God would be glorified through it (John 11:4).
3) That those present would believe (John 11:15).
C. He had a very important discussion with Martha.
1) Like her, we must believe His words.
Body
I. Jesus is the resurrection.
A. Jesus claimed to be the resurrection (John 11:25), and proved it by raising Lazarus (John 11:42-44).
B. Jesus later arose from the grave.
1) Those that came to the tomb learned “He is risen (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:6,9; Luke 24:6; John 20:9)!”
2) The apostles affirmed His resurrection.
i. Paul declared the gospel of which he also received (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
ii. Paul reminded Timothy that Jesus was raised from the dead according to the gospel (2 timothy 2:8).
iii. Paul declared that Christ is risen from the dead, and all shall be made alive in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
iv. Peter preached the resurrection of Christ, beginning on Pentecost (Acts 2:24,32; 3:15,26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40). It is through the resurrection of Christ that we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
3) God raised up Christ (see iii above), and thus Christ gives life to whom He wills (John 5:21). As He raise up Jesus, so will we be raised (1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14).
C. Jesus said there would be a resurrection of life to those who have done good, and a resurrection of condemnation to those who have done evil (John 5:28-29).
II. Jesus is the life.
A. In Christ, we live (Acts 17:28).
B. In Christ was life (John 1:4).
C. Eternal life is in Christ (1 John 5:11-12).
D. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
III. We must believe in Christ.
A. Jesus said that though we may die, if we believe in Him, we shall live (John 11:25-26).
B. We all must die (Hebrews 9:27).
C. At the last day, Jesus will raise up those who believe in Him unto everlasting life (John 6:39-40,44).
D. Paul taught the Ephesians of God’s exceedingly great power towards the believers of Christ’s resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20).
E. Our faith and hope are in God, who raised Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:21).
F. Christ was raised from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:24-25).
G. We must believe Christ in order to be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
H. The Spirit of God must dwell in us, in order to receive eternal life (Romans 8:9-11,13; Ephesians 3:16-17). The body is the temple of God, where His Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
Conclusion
A. God raised Christ from the dead, and will raise us up if we believe in Him.
B. Eternal life is in Christ, and if we want to live forever we must be in Christ.
C. We do so by being baptized into Christ, and rise to walk a new life as Christ was raised from the dead (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-5, 8-9).
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Timothy 04:17-18 – The Lord is on my Side – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. The words “I will never leave you nor forsake you” often ring throughout the Bible.
1) God took care of the Israelites in the Old Testament
2) He took care of Jesus’ disciples in the New Testament
3) He takes care of us today.
B. He is someone you can depend on, for He is always there, day or night.
Body
I. Paul encourages Timothy that he is never alone (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
A. As he encouraged Timothy to come to him quickly (2 Timothy 4:9), he also reminded him that someone else is with him.
B. Yes, even though Paul was not with him at this time, God was!
II. The Lord stood with Paul.
A. Paul had Him always there, and always on his side.
B. On another occasion, the Lord stood by Paul, telling him that he would bear witness again of Him in Rome (Acts 23:11).
C. The Lord strengthened Paul.
1) Paul needed strength to continue to preach the gospel of Christ.
2) Many things happened during his life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29).
3) He could do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13).
D. Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He was not alone;
E. The Lord stands with His people
1) David was delivered from the paw of the lion (1 Samuel 17:37)
2) Daniel was saved in the lions’ den as an angel of God shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22).
3) . The Lord would deliver him from every evil work. The Psalmist wrote, “the LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).”
F. The Lord preserved him for His heavenly kingdom. He already has it prepared (John 14:1-6), and all Paul has to do is go the right way!
Conclusion
A. The Lord is clearly on Paul’s side
B. He wants to be on your side!
C. Are you on His side? You can decide to follow Him right here, right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 04:07-11 – Let All You Do be Done with Love – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:7-11 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. Every single one of us has something to do every day of our lives.
1) Wake up
2) Go to school or work
3) Do things about the home
4) Do things about town
B. We need to keep Paul’s words in mind: “Let all that you do be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14).”
Body
I. John gives us the “why” of our love (1 John 4:7-11).
A. He reminds us that love comes from God!
B. As God loves us, so we should return His love and love each other.
C. Peter, on the other hand, gives us the “how.” He brings together what God did for us, and what we need to do for Him and each other (James 4:7-11).
D. James commands Christians to have “fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins (James 4:8).”
1) He then begins to explain how Christians are to treat each other (James 4:9-11).
2) Love is seen as an action, and not merely a feeling (1 John 3:18).
3) In this text we are to pattern our love after God’s love.
II. God did all with love.
A. God created man in His image and blessed him (Genesis 1:26-28).
B. God corrects man when he sins (Proverbs 3:11-12).
C. God provided a way that man could remove his sins (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; Proverbs 10:12).
D. Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:1-2,14), loved us by laying down His life for us (John 15:9-17; 1 John 3:16).
III. We must do all with love.
A. Paul said, “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).”
B. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
C. Love covers a multitude of sins, and Christians can share that love by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; James 5:19-20).
D. We must love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-46).
E. While speaking, we must speak with love (Ephesians 4:29; James 3:6,8-10).
F. We must keep the commands of Christ to show we love Him (John 14:15).
G. Families are to love each other.
1) Husbands and wives must love each other (Ephesians 5:22-33).
2) Parents are to love their children, and children to love their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Conclusion
A. Everything God did, He did out of love for us.
B. Everything we do, we must do out of love for Him.
C. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
D. We love one another as He loved us (John 15:12).
E. We say we love our families, friends, and neighbors.
1) Do our actions show it?
2) Do our attitudes express that love?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Observations of a Centurion – audio
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As Jesus was dying on the cross, a centurion made a couple of important observations about Him.
First, he confessed that “Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). Also, Luke records, “Certainly this was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47)!”
We too must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; otherwise we will die in our sins (John 8:24). John also exhorts us by reminding us that “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).”
As Jesus was the Son of God, so can we become sons of God. Paul told the Galatians that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
As Christ was righteous, so can we become righteous. As Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), we can be made righteous through that obedience (Romans 5:19).
God’s righteous children.
Doesn’t that sound promising? There are befits if we live righteous lives as God’s dear children. John wrote, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). Jesus Himself promised that the righteous will enter into eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
Are you a child of God?
Are you living righteously? If so, you may enter into eternal life. If you have not become a child of God, why not do so now? If you are not living the righteous life as you should, why not start?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 15:04 – Follow the Pattern – audio
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Text: Romans 15:4
Introduction
A. Patterns are very useful. By following them, one can achieve a desired result.
1) If you want to make a quilt with a certain style and color, you follow the pattern exactly to get yours to look exactly like the one you want.
2) Puzzles are fun to work, and the picture on the box shows what the end result ought to be. When all of the pieces are put together in the proper place, the ideal photo is revealed.
B. From the very beginning, God has a pattern for man to follow.
1) By following His directions, one can achieve the intended result.
2) By not following it, an undesirable consequence ensues.
I. Old Testament examples.
A. Paul taught the Romans “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Noah followed God’s pattern to build an ark, and saved himself, 7 other humans, and animals (Genesis 6:14-22).
C. The children of Israel assisted Moses in building the tabernacle, according to the pattern that God gave him (Exodus 25:9,40). As a result, God had a place to dwell.
D. Aaron made the lampstand according to the pattern God gave him (Numbers 8:4).
E. David gave Solomon the instructions on how to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:9ff.), since he could not build it himself.
F. Nadab and Abihu did not follow God’s pattern, offering strange fire before Him. As a result, they died before Him (Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:4; 26:61).
G. Through Ezekiel, the LORD gave Israel a chance to go back to the pattern of the temple (Ezekiel 43:10-12).
II. New Testament examples.
A. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life, and we must follow His example (1 Peter 2:21-24).
B. Paul said Jesus wanted him to be a pattern for others (1 Timothy 1:16).
C. The church at Philippi were encouraged by Paul to follow his example as they have a pattern (Philippians 3:17).
D. Timothy was told to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”
E. Young men are exhorted to be a pattern of good works in all things (Titus 2:6-7).
Conclusion
A. We need to follow God’s pattern to be a good example to the world and lead lost souls to Christ.
B. God gave us His Word as a blueprint.
1) Christ to follow after
2) The gospel to save us
3) He built His church that we can be a part of.
C. The directions are easy to follow.
D. Let us follow that pattern, and be the examples for others!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord’s Security – Psalm 121 – audio
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Text: Psalm 121
Today has been a very dreary day. No doubt several of us have wanted to stay in the bed and sleep. I admit that I tried, but due to circumstances beyond my control I had to get up. I would not get anything accomplished had I slept the whole time. On the other hand, God never sleeps. He always has a watchful eye on us.
Psalm 121:3-4 tell us that God will “not slumber…neither slumber nor sleep.” This gives me confidence, knowing that when I am asleep that God is awake, watching over me. Psalm 121:5 tells us that He is our “keeper!” He protects us from things that we may not even be aware of.
The Psalmist goes on to describe Him as “your shade at your right hand.” Similarly, Isaiah describes Him as “a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4).”
David wrote another Psalm in which he says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).”
The author of this Psalm then reminds us of God’s power as He created the sun and moon (Psalm 121:6).
If God keeps the sun and moon in their respective places, will He not also keep us secure? The sun watches over us by day and the moon by night, but God watches over us all the time.
Finally, the Psalmist says that He “shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).” What a comfort, to know our soul is in God’s safe hands.
Are you comforted and secure knowing that God has your soul? Or, does He not have your soul? You can give it to Him right now by obeying the gospel. He is watching over you, and pleading you to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Colossians 02:06-10 – Complete in Christ – audio
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Text: Colossians 2:6-10
Introduction
A. Do you ever have an empty feeling? Does it seem as if something is missing in your life?
B. Well, that may be because you do not have Jesus Christ.
C. Paul expresses our dependency upon Him, and that we are “complete in Him (Colossians 2:10)…”
D. We are complete in Him because we can accomplish anything through Him:
1) He fulfills or fills all
2) He has fully come
3) He has completed His task
4) He satisfies our every need
5) He abounds in us
Body
I. We need Christ physically.
A. Paul acknowledges that “in Him we live and move and have our being…For we are also His offspring (Acts 17:28).”
B. It is God that made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3; 139:13-14).
C. Christ was in the beginning with God, creating us (John 1:1-3,14; Genesis 1:26-27; Ephesians 4:24).
D. God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
E. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
II. We need Christ spiritually.
A. Christ completed His Father’s will (Hebrews 10:8-10):
1) Taking away the first covenant
2) Establishing the second
3) It is through that will we are sanctified!
B. Our belief in God and Christ will fill us with joy, peace, hope, goodness, and knowledge (Romans 15:13-14).
C. The love of Christ fills us with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19; 4:10).
D. Christ fills us with the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11).
E. As individuals are filled with Christ, so is the church (Ephesians 1:17-23; Colossians 1:9-18).
III. Christ needs us!
A. We received the Lord’s ministry, and must fulfill it (Colossians 4:17).
B. Christ has created good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 3:1-2).
Conclusion
A. Just as we are incomplete without Christ, He is incomplete without us!
B. As the church, we are His body.
C. He has called us to work for Him.
D. Are you a member of His church?
1) He did a lot for us
2) Won’t you be willing to do something for Him?
Content by Richard Dillon
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