Historical Posts
2 Corinthians 13:07-10 – Stand for Truth – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Introduction
A. There is a lot of confusion in the world today.
1) Many people disagree on matters of religion.
2) Amid the confusion and disagreements, there is destruction.
B. Christians should not strive to destroy one another, but rather edify one another. Consider the text of 2 Corinthians 13:7-10. During that text, Paul says “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth (verse 8).”
C. God’s truth will always prevail, even when man tries to contradict it.
Body
I. What is truth?
A. Much confusion arises simply because people do not know what truth is.
1) As Jesus was put on trial, Pilate asked him, “What is truth (John 18:38)?”
2) This is a question we all need to ask.
3) Jesus is the one to give the answer.
B. Jesus said we can know the truth, and it will make us free (John 8:32).
1) The truth will make us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 6:14,18,22; 8:2).
C. There are three sources of truth.
1) Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6).
2) God is true (John 17:3).
3) God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
II. Christians must stand for the truth.
A. Christians must use the Bible as a guide, the source of truth inspired of God (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13).
B. Christians put on Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
C. Christians wear the whole armor of God, including being girded about with truth (Ephesians 6:14).
D. Christians are a part of the Lord’s church, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
1) The church’s mission should be to preach the truth!
E. Christians share the truth, because it will allow many souls to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:9-14).
F. It is God’s desire that all men will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
III. Paul is a good example of a Christian standing for truth.
A. After Paul became a Christian, the truth abode in him (2 Corinthians 11:10; Romans 9:1 et. al.).
B. Paul spoke words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25).
C. Paul did not even yield to false brethren, in order that the truth of the gospel would continue (Galatians 2:4-5).
IV. Sinners do not let the truth work for them, and may try to hinder it from helping others.
A. Some people simply refuse to listen to the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
B. Some resist the truth, and do not want to come to the knowledge of it (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
C. Paul observed Jews who were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel (Galatians 2:13-14).
D. Paul called the Galatians foolish because they were hindered from obeying the truth (Galatians 3:1; 5:7).
E. James warns Christians not to boast or lie against the truth (James 3:14).
Conclusion
A. We pray that today the truth has been proclaimed.
1) It is a foolish thing to try to hinder it.
2) It is a blessing to allow it to work in your life.
B. What is hindering you from obeying the truth?
1) As Paul said, “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”
2) Won’t you obey the truth right now?
A Brief Word on Fasting – audio
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Fasting is Abstaining from Food.
Have you ever gone a while without eating? I can remember fasting, going just one full day without eating a bite. This was several years ago, but that was the one and only time I attempted to fast. That was just to see if I could do it, and I did.
Why do people want to go without eating? Some want to lose weight, and others are usually mourning about something. However, some people may decide to fast for religious significance.
Why Did They Fast?
The LORD asked Zechariah the same question. Those who were fasted, why did they fast? Did they do that to benefit themselves, or to seek God (Zechariah 7:1-6)? What would we say? Do we do things because we want to do something, or because we want to draw closer to God?
Fasting is Exercising Christian Liberty.
Fasting is a good example of exercising Christian liberty. The apostle Paul explained to the Romans that we should not do things for ourselves, but unto God (Romans 14:1-8). It doesn’t matter if we fast or not; what matters is that we truly belong to the LORD.
Christian Should Fast in Secret.
Even Jesus has a word of caution. We should not appear to men to be fasting; rather we should do it in secret. The people in the day of Zechariah had the same problem; they wanted to be seen doing it (to appear religious), and he wondered whether it was necessary to continue doing it. Jesus says do not fast to be seen by men, but fasting in secret will give a hidden reward (Matthew 6:16-18).
Mark 12:28-34 – You are Not Far from the Kingdom of God – audio
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Text: Mark 12:28-34 (Reading by Clark Perkins)
Introduction
A. A scribe was very impressed with the answers that Jesus had given to the Pharisees and Sadducees concerning the paying of taxes and the issue of resurrection.
B. As a result, he wanted to ask Jesus a question.
C. This was a very important question, and the answer would encourage him to be a part of the kingdom of God.
Body
I. What is the first commandment of all?
A. There are many commandments that come from God.
1) Perhaps the ones that are most familiar are those given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-22).
2) In addition to these, the book of Leviticus is filled with specific instructions that God had given to the Levites for the priestly duties.
3) Knowing the challenge of learning all commands, the scribe wanted to know which was most important.
B. Jesus says that first one must know God, and love Him.
1) He reminds the scribe of what God told Moses to tell the Israelites (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) about the ONE and ONLY GOD!
2) Later, the Israelites learned what God required of them: to fear Him, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all their heart and soul, and keep His commandments and statutes (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
3) Even Solomon said the conclusion of the whole matter is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
4) We show God we love Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).
5) We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
C. Jesus even went further to answer the scribe.
1) As He Himself taught to go two miles with one that asked to go one (Matthew 5:41), Jesus gave a second commandment in addition to the first commandment.
2) The second commandment, like the first, was to love his neighbor as himself.
3) Again this commandment was given to the Israelites (Leviticus 19:18), as no doubt both were very familiar.
4) Even the apostle Paul commands Christians to keep many old laws, but all are summed up in this one: loving your neighbor (Romans 13:8-10).
5) On another occasion, Jesus was asked what to do to inherit eternal life. After reminding this person of the same two commandments, He was asked who his neighbor was. Jesus then went on to teach about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25ff.).
II. There is only ONE God!
A. Again, the scribe insisted Jesus answered well and true. He then confessed that there is ONE God, and no other!
B. This is often confirmed in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:39; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6).
III. Sacrifice is not the most important thing to God.
A. Again, the scribe points out that God requires so much more than just an offering or sacrifice.
1) Hosea prophesied, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6).”
2) Samuel, too, said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22).”
IV. The scribe was not far from the kingdom of God.
A. Jesus knew the scribe had answered wisely.
1) As a result, Jesus knew he was not very far from the kingdom of God.
2) However, we are never told whether this person did enter the kingdom of God.
3) God does, however, teach us what to do to be a part of His kingdom.
B. The reality is that not everyone will be in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:23-29).
C. Jesus taught the Pharisees that the kingdom of God is within them (Luke 17:20-21).
E. Jesus taught Nicodemus he must be born again, of water and the Spirit, to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3ff.).
E. The apostle Paul taught that the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).”
F. Paul praised the Thessalonian church for their faithfulness, and therefore they were worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5).
Conclusion
A. The scribe was very close to the kingdom of God, but one can only guess as to whether he entered or not.
B. What about you? Are you in the kingdom of God?
C. You know how to enter, so will you do what God requires of you?
Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – audio
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The apostle Paul charges the young man Timothy to instruct Christians in rejecting profane and old wives’ fables, and rather to exercise themselves unto godliness.
There are many false religions in the world today, but only one can stand true. We must not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).” We get such exercise toward godliness through and studying and doing God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22).
Just as bodily exercise helps a little, spiritual exercise leading to godliness helps a whole lot! Paul later told Timothy “godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).” We may gain a little temporarily from physical exercise, but imagine what there is to gain eternally by living the life that God has called us to live!
In order to receive an eternal reward, we must work hard. Sometimes a person needs motivation to work hard. God gives us such motivation! Paul says here, “we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).” God is our Savior, who has sent His Son Jesus to die for us. Because Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we have the hope of eternal life through Him. This should motivate us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus.
This is good news for you, me, and everyone else in this world. Paul finally charges Timothy to “command and teach (1 Timothy 4:11)” these things. Let us share this good news with others with our words, but also our godly lives.
Proverbs 17:04 – Lying – audio
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Text: Proverbs 17:4
Introduction
A. Lying is huge problem today.
1) Some say things that are not true
2) Others say one thing and do another.
B. Lying has been known to hurt many relationships.
C. The wise man wrote, “An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue (Proverbs 17:4).”
D. Liars love to hear untruths and pass them along to others.
E. A lie is false, untrue, erroneous, deceitful, or wicked. Thus, a liar is one who speaks or does any of these things.
Body
I. Who does not lie?
A. It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18; Numbers 23:19).
B. Christ does not lie (1 Peter 2:21-23).
C. Christians should no longer lie (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9).
D. John describes Heaven as a place where there will be no lies (Revelation 21:27).
II. What should be the proper attitude to lies?
A. God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16-17).
B. The Psalmist hates and abhors lying (Psalm 119:163).
C. The righteous man should hate lying (Proverbs 13:5).
III. Who does lie?
A. Jesus said the devil is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44).
B. Who do we make a liar?
1) We make God a liar if we say we have not sinned (1 John 1:10).
2) We make Christ a liar if we do not believe the testimony God gave of Him (1 John 2:22; 5:10).
3) Since we have sinned (Romans 3:23) and God did give His son (John 3:16 et. al.), we would be lying to deny it!
C. “…Let God be true but every man a liar (Romans 3:4)…”
D. One lies if he exchanges the truth of God (Romans 1:25).
E. One lies if he claims fellowship with Christ but walks in darkness (1 John 1:6-7).
F. We lie if we claim to know Christ but do not keep His commandments (1 John 2:4-6).
G. We lie if we claim to love God but hate our brother (1 John 4:20-21).
H. Satan entered the heart of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit and God (Acts 5:1-4).
IV. What would be the end result of lies?
A. As Satan does lying wonders, those who believe such lies will perish (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
B. ALL liars will have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
Conclusion
A. If we have lied in the past or are lying now, we must repent.
B. We should not heed those who lie, and correct lies with truths from God’s Word.
C. If we are not lying now, let us not be tempted to start!
John 09:01-07 – Jesus and the Blind Man – audio
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Text: John 9:1-7 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
A. Jesus encounters a blind man who, we are later told, was blind from birth (John 9:19-20).
B. The disciples asked Jesus about his blindness, and Jesus answers them by words and example.
C. By doing this, Jesus teaches not only the disciples, but also the blind man, Pharisees, and Jews.
Body
I. The disciples assumed sin caused the man’s blindness (John 9:1-3).
A. The disciples asked who sinned (John 9:1).
B. The Jews accused this man born in sins, and cast him out of the synagogue (John 9:34).
C. The Pharisees and Jews accused Jesus of being a sinner, but the formerly blind man refused to admit this (John 9:16,24-25).
D. The natives of Malta thought Paul was a sinner and was going to die when a viper fastened on his hand (Acts 28:3-6).
E. Jesus answered that sin was not to blame for the man’s blindness, but for another reason (John 9:3).
1) This does not mean that the man did not sin.
2) We all sin (Romans 3:23).
II. Jesus used the man’s blindness to do the work of God (John 9:4-7).
A. Jesus used these good works to prove that He came from God, His Father (John 5:17-23,36; 10:25,37-38).
B. By believing in Christ, we shall see the glory of God (John 11:4,40). Remember recently we studied about seeing the salvation of the LORD!
III. Christ is the light of the world for as long as He was in the world (John 9:5).
A. John identified Jesus as the Light of the world (John 1:1-9).
B. Jesus explained to Nicodemus why light is rejected (John 3:19).
C. We must believe the true Light (John 12:44-50).
D. By following Christ, we can have the light of life (John 8:12).
IV. We must walk in the light, doing the works of God.
A. Jesus says to follow the light, believe the light, and become sons of light (John 12:35-36).
B. We walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).
C. Seeing the light will not cause us to stumble (John 11:8-10).
D. Whatever we do, like Christ, we do to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Conclusion
A. After the formerly blind man was cast out of the synagogue, Jesus found Him.
B. This man wanted to believe in the Son of God, and Jesus claimed that identity.
C. He confessed his faith, and worshiped Him.
D. Some of the Pharisees questioned if they, too, were blind (John 9:35-41).
E. Based on Jesus’ answer, are we blind also (John 15:22-24)?
1) Let us see Christ, the true Light.
2) Let us believe He is the Son of God, and do His work!
Stir Up Your Gift
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Do you have a “hidden talent?” There are things that people may do that no one knows about. Those things can be good, beneficial, or even just odd. Perhaps they do not use them because they are shy, or understand how it can be beneficial.
Do we have special gifts that are being unused for the kingdom of God? Paul told Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).” Also, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14).” Timothy had a gift, yet should not neglect it. We all have some special gift to use in God’s kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 12), and therefore must not neglect it. Instead, we should stir it up!
As Paul gave Timothy this gift, he laid his hands on him. Comparably, in Acts 6 seven men were chosen to see about the work regarding neglected widows. When the disciples came together, they prayed for them and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:6). Similarly, Paul prayed for Timothy and laid his hands on him, blessing him in the work that he was about to do.
We will be blessed if we do the work of God, and others are praying for us. Do we have the courage to stir up our gift? We must not neglect it, but use it to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. By each of us using our talents that God gave us, the Lord’s church will grow. After all, He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Heaven is Open – audio
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Introduction
A. The Bible describes Heaven as a beautiful place.
B. Have you ever wondered just what you would see if it were opened?
C. Tonight we will take a peek, and see what appears as Heaven is opened for us.
D. It may not be what you expect!
Body
I. Physical things come out of Heaven.
A. The first time we are told that Heaven is opened, God sends rain upon the earth (Genesis 7:10-12; 8:1-3).
1) The lives of Noah and seven others are saved because he found grace in the eyes of God.
2) Everyone else perished because their thoughts were only evil continually.
B. Asaph tells of the time that God opened the doors of Heaven, and sent manna and quail to feed the children of Israel after they left the land of Egypt (Psalm 78:23-30; Exodus 16; Numbers 11).
II. Spiritual things come out of Heaven.
A. The prophet Malachi records the words of the LORD regarding His blessings pouring out of the windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10-12).
III. Visions can be seen when Heaven is opened.
A. The prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God as the heavens were opened (Ezekiel 1:1). He went on to share to those of Israel what would happen if they would not repent.
B. John had visions of things that would shortly come to pass as the door opened in Heaven (Revelation 4:1; 19:11).
C. Peter saw Heaven opened, and an object like a great sheet descending to him full of unclean animals (Acts 10:11ff.).
D. Jesus told Nathanael he would see Heaven open, and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:49-51).
IV. God can be seen as Heaven is open. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one (1 John 5:7; John 1:1,14).
A. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him and His Father spoke good of Him (Matthew 3:16-17).
B. As Stephen preached the gospel, he was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God as the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-60).
Conclusion
A. If Heaven were to open right now, what would you see?
B. Would you want to be there forever with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and others?
C. There is only one way to get there, and that is through Christ (John 14:6).
D. Heaven is open for you; won’t you come in?
I Like Forgiveness Quite a Bit – audio
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I like forgiveness quite a bit, don’t you?
I like for my wife to forgive me when I have been rude or unkind. I like for my kids to forgive my impatience. I like others to extend heaps of forgiveness to me when I need it. I especially like God’s forgiveness. As believers, we revel in the fact that God does not hold sin against us… that he removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
We like that.
But there’s a part of forgiveness that’s not as easy to enjoy. Jesus mentions it near the end of his model prayer: “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). And to make sure we didn’t miss that little phrase, he adds this postscript: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
“Forgive us our debts” – we like that.
“…as we also have forgiven our debtors” – not so much.
I’m not sure why it’s so hard to forgive others, but it might be that withholding it gives us a little power over them. We can use it against them at some point – “Do you remember when you…?”
Or maybe it’s that we think they do not really deserve it. They might not be completely genuine in their repentance. Maybe they will do it again. They ought to get what they deserve.
But Jesus calls us to a higher road, of course. He asks us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven, which means that we can’t forgive only those who deserve it. Remember, we do not deserve God’s forgiveness either.
It means we can’t be concerned about their getting properly punished, because we don’t get the punishment we deserve. And it means we can’t hold a grudge over their heads, because when the Lord forgives us, he never brings it up again.
Are you holding something against your spouse? Are you nursing a grudge against a friend? Do you have something against someone at church? Is your relationship with one of your kids strained?
Relationships are always complicated, but the first step you might take is to forgive, to let the past go, to drop the grudge. It probably won’t be the easiest part about your walk with Christ, but it’s crucial.
We forgive because we have been forgiven, and we forgive so that we will be forgiven.
(Thanks to Chuck Webster for these thoughts!)
John 4:25-42 The Samaritan Woman’s Mission – audio
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Text: John 4:25-30, 39-42
Introduction
We have a mission in this world: come to know Christ, and help others come to know Him!
There was one woman who did this very well. She is the Samaritan recorded in the gospel of John (John 4:25-30, 39-42).
Body
I. Jesus revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman.
A. It was foretold that a Prophet would arise out of Israel (Deuteronomy 18:15), and she had earlier perceived that Jesus was a prophet (John 4:19).
B. Daniel prophesied of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27), and the Samaritan woman knew that He was coming (John 4:25). Even Andrew pointed out to Peter that he had found the Messiah (John 1:41). These all quickly learned that Jesus, in fact, was the Messiah and Christ.
II. She went and told others about Him.
A. Jesus commanded a man who was healed from demons to go and tell others what the Lord had done for him (Mark 5:19-20).
B. Jesus commanded John’s disciples to go and tell him what they had seen and heard (Luke 7:22-23).
C. The Samaritan woman went on her own and told others (John 4:28-30).
III. People came to learn about Jesus.
A. They were brought to Christ by the Samaritan woman (John 4:39-40).
B. Many believed because of Christ’s own words (John 4:41).
1. Christ’s words are with authority (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32).
2. The words Christ speaks are spirit and life (John 6:63,68).
3. His words are with us today (John 17:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25).
C. Many believed for themselves, and not to appease the Samaritan woman (John 4:42).
1. We must have our own faith (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6).
2. We must all give account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5-6).
Conclusion
The Samaritan woman is a good example of leading others to Christ.
It is our duty to share the good news of Christ with others.
It is God’s duty to help the church grow (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19).
Psalm 139:13-17 The Gift of Life – audio
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Text: Psalm 139:13-17 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Introduction
The body is a masterpiece of exquisite design. Beautifully “engineered,” it is governed by several hundred systems of control each interacting with and affecting the other. The brain has 10 billion nerve cells to record what it sees and hears. Our skin has more than 2 million tiny sweat glands about 3000 per square inch all part of the intricate system which keeps the body at an even temperature. A “pump” in our chest makes the blood travel 168 million miles a day equivalent of 6720 times around the world! The lining of the stomach contains 35 million glands secreting juices which aid the process of digestion.
These are but a few of the involved processes and chemical wonders which operate to sustain this wonderful and fearfully made life. A young student had been impressed with the fact that most new products have some “bugs” that must be ironed out before they can operate efficiently. As he stood gazing at a chart showing the organs, nerves, arteries, and glands in the human body, he suddenly exclaimed, “Just think, the first time God put it together, it worked!”
In honor of the unborn that have needlessly been murdered at the hands of abortionists, I would like to talk about the wonderful gift of life we have been given by God our Creator and the battle that ensues for that very life. Let’s give honor to God the Father who is the creator of all things, including each one of us!
As we look at the gift of life, I want to take the time to look at the whole panorama of our lives from the moment of conception in the womb till the time we return to the earth. I want us to see the battle that goes on between God and the devil for our lives from the moment we are conceived till the time we die. It is a battle for life!
Job 5:6-12 For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. “But as for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause; Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields. He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
Body
I. God’s Involvement In The Creation Of Life.
1. We Are Fearfully And Wonderfully Made By Our Creator.
Psalms 139:13-17 For You have formed my inward parts; Yaiah ou have covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself…
As we see from these passages of scripture, even though life comes as a result of a man and a woman coming together in sexual unity, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, God of the Universe. As a result we should praise and honor Him for the wonderful work He does in creating us. We should be eternally grateful.
2. The Beginning of Life in the Womb.
There has been much discussion and debate as to when life really begins, but David makes it clear that his life as well as ours began in the womb, because God is the God of the living.
Psalms 22:10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.
- The 20th Day after conception – In the watery world of the womb, the developing child is a complex, dynamic and rapidly growing individual. By the 20th day the foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system have been established. The heart begins to beat in irregular patterns by 21 days and in smooth rhythmic contractions a week later.
- The end of the first month – through the 8th week – By the end of the first month, the child will have grown ten thousand times his or her original size, and by birth the child’s weight will have increased six billion times. Lines in the hands and fingerprints begin to be etched by the 8th week, and these will remain a distinctive feature of the individual throughout his or her life.
- After eight weeks – After eight weeks, the child bears all the external features and internal organs of a full-term baby. From now until fully grown, generally around 25 years of age, the body will change mainly in terms of size and gradual refinements.
- The third month – In the third month, the child becomes very active. If the womb had windows we would see graceful and fluid motions as the child sleeps and wakes, makes fists, sucks his thumb, fans her toes, and seeks positions of comfort. During the remaining months in the womb, the child continues to develop activities, and even to learn, in preparation for the day of birth.
- The most dangerous stage – You would think that in this state of life the child would be relatively safe, but this is one of the most dangerous battles for life that this person will ever face. It’s ironic that in the child’s most innocent stage of life there is a fierce battle raging for the life of this tiny unborn infant.
Psalms 10:8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
Satan has been trying to destroy God’s creative beings since the beginning of time, when he first tried to destroy Adam & Eve, God’s first created beings His lust for blood and revenge has continued throughout the ages to the degree that he has been successful in the slaughtering of millions and millions of unborn babies, who are in the secret place of their mother’s womb fixed in a helpless condition against the forces of evil.
II. Abortion Is A Ploy Of Satan To Thwart God’s Plan.
Satan attacks and destroys God’s creative works with any weapon he can conceive. He has now been successful at using our own laws of the land as an effective weapon of destruction. He has infiltrated our society, feeding on the selfishness and greed of man to legalize his pattern of destruction and killing; convincing us that the killing of unborn children is a woman’s choice.
- Those of us who stand against this tide of violence and killing are considered politically incorrect. We have truly fallen prey to the times that God warned us about when “evil is called good and good is called evil.”
- What does God’s Word say about the killing of unborn children? Does a woman or a man have a right before God to make this critical choice concerning someone God has created?
Deuteronomy 32:39 Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. - Only God has the right to bring the innocent home to Himself. Only God has the right to open or close wombs, but man has taken matters into his own hands. Mothers with their selfish excuses and doctors with their sharp instruments are playing God!
Exodus 23:7 Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.
Exodus 21:22-23 “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no lasting harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. “But if any lasting harm follows, then you shall give life for life…” - If abortion happens unintentionally through unnecessary roughness it is wrong – how much more so when it happens willfully.
My shining feet will never run on early morning lawn;
my feet were crushed before they had a chance to greet the dawn.
My fingers now will never stretch to touch the winning tape;
my race was done before I learned the smallest steps to take.
My growing height will never be recorded on the wall;
my growth was stopped when I was still unseen, and very small.
My lips and tongue will never taste the good fruits of the earth;
for I myself was judged to be a fruit of little worth.
My eyes will never scan the sky for my high flying kite;
for when still blind, destroyed were they in the black womb of night.
I’ll never stand upon a hill Spring’s winds in my hair;
aborted winds of thought closed in on Motherhood’s despair.
I’ll never walk the shores of life or know the tides of time;
for I was coming but unloved, and that my only crime.
Nameless am I, a grain of sand, one of the countless dead;
but the deed that made me ashen grey floats on seas of red.
(Fay Clayton, Christian Crusade Weekly, Jan. 18, 1976)
- What should be the battle plan against the slaughter of unborn children?
Proverbs 24:11-12 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? he who keeps your soul, does He not know it? and will He not render to each man according to his deeds? - We can take a stand for truth and speak with conviction what our convictions are to friends, letters to editors etc.
- We can pray fervently in this area, wrestling against the rulers of darkness and the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly realms.
- We can offer all the help and support we can to insure mothers to carry their child to full term.
- We can work with pro-life candidates, helping them to get elected into office. It’s a shame to live in a country that has legislated murder.
- We must continue to spread the life changing gospel – that’s when lives are really changed.
- Melody Green writes, “Abortion is not an issue that you can remain “neutral” on. You are either for it or against it. What would you do if you were walking down the street, and looking up, you saw a woman about to throw her three-month-old baby out the window? Would you turn and walk away saying, `Well, I wouldn’t do that, but I won’t interfere. It’s her decision – that baby’s probably messing up her life anyway.'”
III. The Battle For Life After Birth.
The battle for man’s soul begins in the womb and continues from birth; throughout his life. As soon as a person is born the sparks begin to fly.
But Satan will be there every step of the way to lead try and lead us in his destructive paths.
1. Satan Tried To Destroy Jesus After His Birth.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Satan shows his total disregard for life when he influenced Herod to have all the male children in Bethlehem and its districts, who were born around the time of Jesus to be put to death. He tried to destroy the giver of eternal life, the only one who has the power to save our souls from eternal corruption. Jesus came to give us life abundant, but Satan came to kill, destroy and steal.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2. As parents, God sets you as guardians over your children.
You are to watch out and protect them, just as Joseph and Mary did for Jesus. They escaped from the hand of the enemy into Egypt.
Prophet Without Honor – audio
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Many times people get discouraged when no one listens or responds to the gospel.
They think they are the ones who could do a better job. I can remember preaching my first sermon; I expected someone to walk down the aisle to the front during the invitation song. You can imagine my disappointment when no one did.
Even Jesus had a difficult time when in Nazareth.
When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He grew up), he marveled at the people’s unbelief! In fact, He could not do much except lay hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:1-6).
Imagine even the Son of God teaching, and many were offended at Him!
They knew who Jesus was because He grew up there. They knew His family, work, and education. Therefore, they had their doubts about Him. Jesus finally moved on to other mission fields.
Saul of Tarsus had problems at Jerusalem.
Ananias had just baptized him, and immediately he went to Jerusalem to join the disciples. However, they knew of his efforts to destroy the church and were wary. Barnabas went with him and declared what all the Lord had done for him (Acts 9:26-31). When all were comforted, the churches began to grow.
Sometimes the gospel is preached but not heard or obeyed.
However, it remains our responsibility and duty to preach it (1Timothy 4:2-5)! Sometimes we may be more effective outside our own territory, as were Jesus and Paul!
Let us not become discouraged, but seek a way to be effective in the Lord’s kingdom!
1 Corinthians 06:09-11 From Sinner to Saved – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Introduction
Last week we looked at how God views homosexuality. This is just one of many things that God does not approve of.
What if we are doing things that God does not approve of?
- Does He care?
- What must be done about it?
Consider what the Corinthians did, and the change they made (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Body
I. We must recognize that we are ALL sinners.
A. Every single one of us listening to this sermon was a sinner (Romans 3:23).
B. If we claim not to sin, then we are lying (1 John 1:8,10).
C. Because of our sin, we have been separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
II. We must recognize that God loves us.
A. Even though sin separates us from God, nothing separates us from the love of God (Romans 8:33-39).
B. God demonstrates His love for us by giving us His Son (John 3:16-17; 15:13-14; Luke 9:56).
C. Yes, while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-11).
D. Christ died for ALL of us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15), and His blood can cleanse ALL our sins, if we let Him (1 John 1:7).
E. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:11).
III. We must recognize God did His part; we must do ours!
A. We must have faith in Christ and what He did for us (Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6).
B. Our faith must work (James 2:17).
C. We must repent of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:8-12; Luke 13:3,5; 2 Peter 3:9).
D. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
E. We must be baptized in the blood of Christ to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
F. We must be raised to go and sin no more (Romans 6:1-7; 1 John 2:1-2) as the woman caught in adultery was told (John 8:10-12).
Conclusion
All of us are sinners, but God loves each and every one of us.
Do you love Him too? If so, you will become a Christian as He commands you (John 14:15).
Have your sins washed away, so you can receive everlasting life in Christ!
Job 19:23-27 I Know that My Redeemer Lives – audio
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Text: Job 19:23-27
Introduction
God allowed Satan to do anything to Job with the exception of taking his life. Everything Job had was taken away.
Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite tried to comfort him, but to no avail.
During their discourse, Job affirmed his belief that God would give everything back to him (Job 19:23-27).
Body
I. Job had a Redeemer, as do we.
A. Job had faith in God that even though what he had was taken away, God could give it back (Job 19:25; 1:21).
B. Asaph and Isaiah proclaimed that God is the Redeemer of Israel (Psalm 78:35; Isaiah 54:5).
C. The LORD is our Redeemer and Savior (Isaiah 49:26; 60:16).
D. God sent His Son to redeem…
1) …those under the law (Galatians 4:4-5).
2) …those who would later believe in Christ (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-15).
II. Our Redeemer lives!
A. Job knew his Redeemer lives forever (Job 19:25).
B. Jesus was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1,14; 1 John 1:1-4). He is still alive today, and always will be (Revelation 1:18)! Because of Him, we may live forever (John 14:19).
C. Besides John, many others witnessed Christ after His death, burial, and resurrection including Thomas (John 20:24-29).
III. We will all see God.
A. Job knew he would see God (Job 19:26-27).
B. David wanted to see the face of God (Psalm 17:15).
C. God is love (1 John 4:8,16), and while describing love Paul said that we would “see…face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).”
1) The pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).
2) We shall see God as He is, so we must purify ourselves (1 John 3:1-3).
3) Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7-8; Matthew 24:30-31).
IV. We must long to see our God!
A. Job’s heart yearned within him (Job 19:27).
B. John expressed, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)!” This was immediately after Christ said, “Surely I am coming quickly (Revelation 22:20).”
Conclusion
Job’s Redeemer lives; our Redeemer lives!
Are we ready for the return of Christ, that we may live forever with Him?
If so, we long for His return; if not, we need to become right with God. We can do so right now!
Help! audio
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Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise (James 5:13).
I suppose we’re more likely to obey the first part of that verse than we are the second. It’s easy to let all of life’s stresses cause us to forget our need to praise God for everything good. If we’re not careful, talking to God can be more like a 911 call – something when do only when we find ourselves in a difficult spot.
Talking to God, though – praising him – ought to be what we do in every situation.
When we’re hurting or sad, we pour out our hearts to him.
When we’re joyful – when he’s blessed us – we praise him.
James recognizes that life has its ups and downs.
We’ll have problems like everyone else; when we do, we pray about it. But we should also recognize that God gives us so many joys.
What’s right in your life today?
Can you hear the birds singing outside? Perhaps you’ve already taken a walk in the cool springtime air this morning. God’s blessings surround us, and most of us have quite a few things to smile about.
A soft bed and a comfortable house. Water to drink and food to eat. A job that supports our families, healthy kids, faithful friends, a stable, peaceful country.
And most of all, of course, we’ve got Christ. Even if we have problems, which we do, nothing can dampen the fact that we’re forgiven.
Saved from sin. Washed in the blood. Justified, sanctified, and soon to be glorified.
So today, take time to praise.
List the blessings God’s poured into your life, and thank him for every single one of them.
But especially thank him for giving you hope in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior.
The Presence of God – audio
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I can’t imagine what it’ll be like to be in God’s presence, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be the best thing about heaven.
- What will it feel like?
- What will he look like?
- What will it be like?
I want that, but I’m not ready for it yet. People can’t be in the presence of God, not actually, not yet. We couldn’t survive it.
Whenever God revealed himself to people in the Bible—even in some kind of limited way—he spelled out the things they must do to be ready . . . and not die.
After the Israelites left Egypt, God met them at Sinai to give them his law, but he couldn’t just “come down” and talk to them. He told Moses to consecrate them for two days, let them wash their clothes, and be ready the third day. And then he put limits concerning how close they could come to the mountain where God would reveal himself. Get too close and die. Break through the barrier to try to get a glimpse of God . . . and die. It was a serious matter.
That’s the way it’s always been. We can’t come close to God because of our sins. We’ve got to be cleansed to enter God’s presence.
That’s why verses like this one are fascinating: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8a).
Us? Close to God? How?
Through Jesus, of course. He cleanses us, makes us holy, and grants us access to God.
Remember the temple’s veil being torn in two pieces during the crucifixion? That veil had always symbolized a barrier between sinful people and a holy God. When Jesus died, he tore the barrier down.
But what James puts right after he tells us to draw near to God is interesting: “Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:8b-10).
We still don’t come to God flippantly.
He’s forgiven us, but that does not mean we stop repenting. He’s declared us righteous, but we still acknowledge our sinfulness.
We are reminded of that weekly when we come to the Lord’s Table. We don’t deserve to commune with Christ, and it’s incredible that he lets us sit and eat and drink with him.
But as we draw near to him we remember.
We remember the ways we’ve sinned against him. We remember the times we lost focus and said something wrong or did something sinful or thought something impure.
And so we draw near to God, but not without remembering what it cost to give us that access.
One day, when we receive our glorified bodies, we’ll draw near to him with no barriers at all.
No sinful flesh, no broken vessel. We’ll bask in his immeasurable holiness and light.
That’s the day we’re all waiting for.
David’s Prayer is our Prayer – audio
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David’s prayer in Psalm 86:14-17 can apply to us today. He was concerned about the proud and violent men, and rightfully so. The wise man said these are some of the things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). These things even happened to Jesus, and imagine how God felt when His only Son died for us.
As David acknowledged, God is “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” That is why God allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He loves us, and made it possible that our sins can be removed. In order to do that, though, we have to obey Him. He is the truth (John 14:6), and we can be saved if we follow Him.
David prayed that mercy and strength would be given him. This prayer was answered! God is rich in mercy, evident by sending us His Son (Ephesians 2:4-5)! Likewise, our strength is found through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
As David concluded his prayer, he requested a sign for good so that those who hated him would see it and be ashamed. Imagine how people feel when they realize who Jesus is and what He has done for their sins by dying on the cross! Are we not ashamed? Remember, godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation (2 Corinthians 2:10)! God indeed helps us and comforts us, just as He has done to David.
Valuable, Important, Forgiven – audio
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Text: Colossians 2:11-13
We are all valuable to God.
We are all important to God.
We are all forgiven by God in the same way.
Is Homosexuality Acceptable to God? audio
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Introduction
With all the hype surrounding A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” it would be helpful to see exactly what the Bible teaches regarding the issue of homosexuality.
It is widely accepted in society, but is it accepted by God, to whom we must give an account?
Body
I. God’s original plan for mankind.
A. In the beginning, God made two sexes: male and female. He did not make male and male, nor female and female (Genesis 1:27-28). The reason? They were to go forth and multiply! Reproduction can only occur with members of the opposite sex! When God saw that man was alone, He made a helper comparable to him. Did He make another man? No! He made a woman (Genesis 2:18-24).
B. God commanded the children of Israel not to have relations with members of the opposite sex (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). It is an abomination before the LORD!
C. Jesus often taught people the words of His Heavenly Father concerning marriage. He put His seal of approval on the fact that God joins men and women in marriage (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9).
D. The apostle Paul taught the Ephesians the relationship Christ has with His church, as a husband has with his wife. He affirmed the same words of Jesus that a “man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31).” He taught the Romans that we must follow God’s design. If not, He will allow us to continue to live in sin with dire consequences (Romans 1:21-32). This is “shameful!”
II. God punishes those who do not follow His plan.
A. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their exceeding wickedness, including sexual immorality (Genesis 13:13; 18:20,23,25). Men tried to commit immortality with the men that stayed in Lot’s house; these same men told Lot to leave before God destroyed those cities (Genesis 19). Later, Peter and Jude remind us of these examples so we will not suffer the same destruction (2 Peter 2:6-7; Jude 7).
B. Another similar instance occurred in the land of Gibeah. Men came to the house where a certain Levite was staying, and wanted to know him carnally. He would not give in, but instead gave them his concubine. Her death came as a result (Judges 19).
C. Paul reminds us that those that practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Conclusion
God clearly disapproves of homosexuality, but makes it possible to not continue practicing it! Just as the Corinthians, we can be washed by the blood of Jesus Christ after repenting (1 Corinthians 6:11).
It is good to know God’s law, but one must use it lawfully. Paul taught Timothy that God gives His law to sinners to know right from wrong, and the gospel to save them (1 Timothy 1:8-11). Notice that sodomites again are mentioned as sinners in this context.
2 Corinthians 05:14-17 All Things Become New – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 05:14-17
Introduction
The apostle Paul summarizes what the Christian life is all about. He begins telling the Corinthians that as Christ died for everyone, we should all live for Him and not ourselves. To be a Christian, we must:
1) Be in Christ
2) Allow the former things to pass away
3) Let all things become new
(2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
Body
I. We must be in Christ.
A. There is only one way to get into Christ: baptism.
(Galatians 3:26-27)
B. One must be in Christ in order to receive all spiritual blessings.
(Ephesians 1:3)
C. Being in Christ means that one must wear the name of Christ.
(Acts 11:26)
II. The former things have passed away.
A. We must die to sin in order to live a new life in Christ.
(Romans 6:1-11)
B. The Corinthians were living in sin, but did not have to any longer.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
C. Paul died to the law, being crucified to Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20)
D. Paul was crucified to the world, and the world to him.
(Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:20-22)
III. All things have become new.
A. We no longer think like the world; rather, we are transformed by renewing our minds.
(Romans 12:2)
B. The old man is put off with his deeds, and we put on the new man.
(Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15)
C. We no longer follow after fleshly things; now we walk after the Spirit.
(Romans 7:4-6; 8:1-11)
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, so should the Christian! The old man is gone, and now we must wear the name of Christ.
Let us put on the new man every day, and lead many souls to Christ!