Historical Posts
Stains – audio
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We live in the world, and it’s hard to keep it from rubbing off on us.
Sometimes it’s tempting just to escape it, isn’t it? Moving to the proverbial deserted island or to a rural mountain in Tibet doesn’t sound bad at all. Some believers in church history tried that route, retreating to caves, deserts, or monasteries, but it rarely worked well. But tempting as it might be sometimes, God never called us to retreat from the world.
So here we are. We live and work and play in it, all the while seeing daily reminders that it’s a pretty messed-up place. Immorality, violence, deceit, corruption . . . it’s everywhere.
And in the middle of all that we hear commands like this one from James:
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27).
Keep yourself unstained from the world, he says.
In the world, but not of the world, as it’s sometimes put (cf. John 15:19). That’s fairly easy to say, but not so easy to practice. What do we do? Part of the answer is we’ve got to recognize what’s going on. We’ve got to see the world for what it is. We need to ask ourselves daily:
- Are there any significant differences between me and my non-Christian friends?
- How are my values different from the world’s?
- Am I becoming more like Jesus or more like the world?
The thing that makes it so tough is that the world stains us slowly, gradually, subtly.
Perhaps you’ve heard the anecdote about boiling a frog. Put it in boiling water, and it’ll jump out. Put it in cold water and gradually heat it up, and it’ll be cooked to death. I’m not sure if that’s true of frogs, but I’m pretty sure it’s true of us.
The world is all around us, and it affects us without our knowledge. We make small compromises, then at some point we’ve changed without even really knowing.
Let’s pray about this today.
- Ask the Lord to make you vigilant.
- Ask him to help you see the small changes the world is trying to make in your life.
- Ask him to work in you through his Spirit to transform you into what he wants you to be, instead of allowing the world to conform you to its image.
Let the Spirit have his way with you.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Abounding Love – audio
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Some things you just can’t have too much of:
- Ice cream.
- College football.
- Precious kisses from your baby son or daughter.
Of course Paul was not talking about any of those things in Philippians 1, though I doubt he would disagree with me.
Here’s what he says:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11)
Our English translations struggle to communicate Paul’s emphatic language in this passage:
- “And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more . . .” (NRSV)
- “I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more . . .” (GNB)
- “That your love may abound more and more . . .” (ESV)
The verb “abound” itself is strong, meaning “to be present in abundance,” and the way Paul uses it here means “to keep on abounding”. But then he adds this phrase: “still more and more” (though most translations leave the “still” out).
He could’ve prayed that our love might abound, or that it might “abound more.” If he wanted to add a little more emphasis, he could have asked that it “abound more and more.”
But that wasn’t good enough, so he asked for their love to “abound still more and more.”
I think what he’s telling us is clear: you can’t have too much love.
- Ever felt like your spouse loved you too much?
- Have your kids ever loved you too much?
- Ever felt there was too much love in your life?
Probably not, and Paul says he prays that our love will just keep on growing.
If you’re married, he’s asking God to multiply your love for your spouse.
If you’ve got kids, he wants you to love them more every day.
And of course, ultimately, most importantly, he’s praying that we’ll abound in love for God as we mature in faith that we’ll be obsessively in love with Jesus, that we’ll love the Spirit of God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Paul is praying for something huge for you and me.
And it’s what I’m praying for you as we study together tonight, and what I hope you’re praying for me as well.
Let’s be ridiculously, extraordinarily, overwhelmingly in love with our God.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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What Congregations Need – audio
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Commitment to Truth
There is nothing congregations of the Lord’s church today need more than a strong commitment to the truth (Proverbs 23:23). We live in a time in which many congregations of the Lord have abandoned truth for error and God’s way for man’s way – Jeremiah 6:16.
But we must never forget that only the truth saves (John 8:32; James 1:18); only the truth purifies the soul (1 Peter 1:22); truth must govern our worship for God to accept it (John 4:24); the truth causes the body to grow (Ephesians 4:15; Acts 20:32).
Evangelistic Emphasis
What did Paul remind the elders of the church Ephesus when he was among them? In Acts 20:20-27, he taught publicly and from house to house the truth of God Word. He was compelled to share and proclaim to them all the counsel of God.
Strong Leadership
Elders in the Lord’s church are always in need of spiritual strength, for their position involves much “work” (1 Timothy 3:1). They face the daunting task of shepherding a congregation (Acts 20:28), which includes many unpleasant activities. If elders are not strong, wolves will come into the flock and devour them.
It takes strength, depth and vigor to be a good example of leadership (1 Peter 5:3), to watch out for the souls of many people (Hebrews 13:17), to exhort and convict with sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), to be available for church members, to visit the sick, to lead in disciplinary matters, to encourage the weak and to warn the unruly.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Peace – audio
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All of us want peace, but many of us do not have as much of it as we’d like.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Paul makes three important points about peace:
Peace comes from God.
It’s the peace “of God,” not the peace “of us.” I think sometimes we miss that point. I find myself believing that if I could just get everything on the outside fixed (less stress, fewer problems, etc.), then I’d feel better on the inside. If I could do it.
But it actually works the other way around. When I accept God’s peace on the inside, his gift, it helps fix the stuff on the outside.
Peace is inexplicable.
It “surpasses all understanding,” which implies that sometimes we won’t understand why things happen the way they do. Because it’s from God, though, it can overcome inadequate explanations.
Peace protects our hearts.
“Guard” is a military term, suggesting that peace “stands on duty to keep out anything that brings care and anxiety” (R.R. Melick, p. 150).
And most of us need that. We live in an anxiety-ridden world that’s overwhelmed by the search for something to get rid of the uneasiness we’ve got in our hearts.
The answer is right in front of us.
Paul urges us to turn everything over to God, accept the peace of Christ, and let him stand guard at the door of our hearts to ward off all anxiety and worry.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Contentment – audio
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There’s a tendency to postpone contentment, or to explain away why we don’t have it right now.
The condition is so common that it’s got its own street name: the “Greener Grass Syndrome.”
Sometimes the good life is almost within grasp, just the other side of a 5% raise. Or it’s in that house across town, the pretty one with 500 more square feet, the fenced-in back yard, better school district, and less traffic. Yep, I’d be content there, I know I would.
Sometimes it’s got a chronological component.
I’ll be happy when I get these kids out of diapers. If not then, I’ll get it when they go to school. And so on.
At some point, or so I’m told, you live long enough to realize that you should have just enjoyed the good days you had instead of thinking they were just past the next milestone.
That’s why Paul always challenges me. He does not let me sit here and justify my restlessness with feeble excuses about the life I wish I had.
He says it plainly: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Seriously? How?
The key is in what he writes two verses below, a verse that’s quoted so much it’s almost become a cliché. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
I suppose those words of Paul have been framed and hung on more walls than perhaps any other verse. Everybody can quote them, but do we know what they mean? Contrary to popular opinion, they don’t mean you can do anything you set your mind to, that God will always give you the strength to do whatever you choose. What they mean is right there in the paragraph.
Jesus Christ will give you the strength to be content regardless of what’s going on around you.
Understanding that is crucial. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. No matter how hard you try, you won’t have contentment aside from the power of Jesus.
It’s also true that he’s not going to force it on you . . . there’s an “I can do” part to the verse as well. So where do you stand today? Is your contentment just around the corner but always out of reach?
Paul tells us to stop making excuses, turn our lives completely over to Jesus, and embrace commitment in him.
There’s some pretty bad stuff going on in our world right now, but I suppose it’ll always be that way.
We must choose to submit everything we have, including our disposition, to the one who saved us.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Unspotted – audio
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We live in the world, and it’s hard to keep it from rubbing off on us.
Sometimes it’s tempting just to escape it, isn’t it? Moving to the proverbial deserted island or to a rural mountain in Tibet doesn’t sound bad at all.
Some believers in church history tried that route, retreating to caves, deserts, or monasteries, but it rarely worked well.
But tempting as it might be sometimes, God never called us to retreat from the world.
So here we are. We live and work and play in it, all the while seeing daily reminders that it’s a pretty messed-up place.
Immorality, violence, deceit, corruption . . . it’s everywhere.
And in the middle of all that we hear commands like this one from James:
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27)
Keep yourself unspotted from the world, he says.
In the world, but not of the world, as it’s sometimes put.
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18–19)
That’s fairly easy to say, but not so easy to practice. What do we do?
Part of the answer is we’ve got to recognize what’s going on. We’ve got to see the world for what it is.
We need to ask ourselves daily:
- Are there any significant differences between me and my non-Christian friends?
- How are my values different from the world’s?
- Am I becoming more like Jesus or more like the world?
The thing that makes it so tough is that the world stains us slowly, gradually, subtly.
Perhaps you have heard the anecdote about boiling a frog. Put it in boiling water, and it’ll jump out. Put it in cold water and gradually heat it up, and it’ll be cooked to death.
I’m not sure if that’s true of frogs, but I’m pretty sure it’s true of us.
The world is all around us, and it affects us without our knowledge. We make small compromises, then at some point we’ve changed without even really knowing.
Let’s pray about this today.
Ask the Lord to make you vigilant.
Ask him to help you see the small changes the world is trying to make in your life.
Ask him to work in you through his Spirit to transform you into what he wants you to be, instead of allowing the world to conform you to its image.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Corinthians 15:14-20 Thankful for the Murder of Christ – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 15:14-20
Introduction
This morning we studied how Stephen accused his listeners of being betrayers and murderers of Jesus Christ. I am very thankful that these things did happen!
Paul taught the Corinthians that Jesus had to die to rise again; if Christ had not risen, we would not have any hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14-20).
Thus, God gave us a gift that cannot be described (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Body
I. God gave us Jesus Christ.
A. God loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
B. The gift of Jesus Christ results in our justification from sin (Romans 5:16-18).
C. God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
II. God gave us grace.
A. Grace is God’s gift for salvation, but must be accompanied by faith (Ephesians 2:8).
B. God gives us faith through study of His Word, another precious gift (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
III. God gives us everything.
A. God gives us every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
B. It was God’s will to bring us forth by the word of truth (James 1:18). His Son and Word are truth (John 14:6; 17:17).
Conclusion
As Joseph’s brothers intended harm for him but God for good (Genesis 50:20), so did the people harm Christ for evil but God meant it for good. I am thankful that Christ died for my sins and that through Him I can find salvation and everlasting life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
“Gratitude…goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”—Henri J. M. Nouwen
“It is delightfully easy to thank God for the grace we ourselves have received, but it requires great grace to thank God always for the grace given to others.”—James Smith
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 07:37-53 Stephen’s Sermon Stings – audio
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Text: Acts 7:37-53
Introduction
Last Sunday night’s sermon helped us learn about those with hardened hearts and stiffened necks. Today we want to study about many that suffered from those symptoms, and the damage that was caused.
In fact, it is very relevant for all of us even today.
Body
I. Stephen preached about Moses.
A. Many years earlier, Moses told the children of Israel that God would raise up for them a Prophet like him (Acts 7:37). The Old Testament records when Moses spoke these words (Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19).
Naturally, that Prophet was Jesus Christ! Jesus would later appear with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, and it was made clear that we should no longer hear Moses or the prophets, but rather Christ (Matthew 17:4-5).
B. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and later gave them God’s commandments from Mt. Sinai (Exodus 12-20).
Stephen said their fathers rejected those commandments (Acts 7:38-39). John also testified that Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
C. The people denied Moses and turned back to Egypt in their hearts (Acts 7:40-43). They also began to serve idolatry (Exodus 32, Deuteronomy 9:16).
II. Stephen preached about Christ.
A. Just as their fathers rejected Moses, the people rejected Christ who Moses spoke about (Acts 7:51-53).
1) The LORD taught Samuel that Israel had rejected Him from reigning over them (1 Samuel 8:7).
2) The LORD sent prophets, and as Stephen said, they were all killed (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
3) Stephen’s audience was stung by hearing they were betrayers and murderers (Acts 7:52-53). Maybe some heard something similar by Peter (Acts 2:22-24,36; 3:13-15,18).
B. Moses was the lawgiver until Christ came (Galatians 3:19). When Christ arrived, He is the Mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24).
C. The common factor between the people of Moses’ day and Christ’s day is they both resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).
1) The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14).
2) We should not grieve the Holy Spirit as Stephen knew they were doing (Ephesians 4:30).
3) God gives us the Holy Spirit, and by rejecting Him we reject God (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16).
4) God reveals the hidden things through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:16-21).
Conclusion
Jesus taught that people would not always listen to Him, and they will not always listen to us.
Jesus says that when people hear us, they hear Him; if they reject us, they reject Him (Luke 16:10; John 13:20).
Jesus also knew that as He was persecuted, we will also (John 15:20). Stephen was then persecuted, even to death (Acts 7:54ff.).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Exodus 17:1-7 Hardened Hearts and Stiff Necks – audio
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Text: Exodus 17:1-7
Introduction
While in college, a Bible professor called me “Dr. Dillon.” I may not be a physical doctor by any means, but can easily identify two common diseases: hardened hearts and stiffened necks. These are very common in the Old Testament.
Body
I. Hardened hearts
A. The children of Israel had hardened hearts as they wondered in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4; 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13).
B. The LORD told Ezekiel about Israel’s hardened hearts (Ezekiel 3:7-9).
C. Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were removed from their kingdoms because of hardened hearts (Daniel 5:18-23).
D. The priests questioned the Philistines regarding their hardness of hearts, just as Pharaoh and the Egyptians (1 Samuel 6:6; Exodus 7-14).
1) Pharaoh at times hardened his heart.
2) The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart other times. “God hardens the heart when He withdraws influences of His Spirit from men, and leaves them to pursue their own corrupt inclinations (Webster).”
II. Stiffened necks
A. Israel and Judah had stiffened necks, and the LORD led them captive to Assyria (2 Kings 17:13-17).
B. King Hezekiah encouraged some not to be stiff-necked as their fathers were (2 Chronicles 30:8).
C. King Zedekiah stiffened his neck before the LORD (2 Chronicles 36:11-13).
III. Applications
A. Calamity befalls those who harden their hearts and stiffen their necks before the LORD (Proverbs 28:14; 29:1).
B. Great wrath from the LORD will come upon them (Zechariah 7:11-14; Romans 2:5-6).
C. They will not enter into the LORD’s eternal rest (Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:7-15).
Conclusion
God shows us the Remedy, but we have to apply it.
Do you have a hardened heart?
Soften, or humble, it before God. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up (James 4:7-10).
Do you have a stiff neck?
Loosen it so as to encourage your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37-38; Romans 16:3-4).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 23:20-25 Who Crucified Jesus? audio
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Text: Luke 23:20-25
Introduction
Who crucified Jesus? – Galatians 3:1
Body
I. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE JEWS!
A. Jesus said the Jews – Matthew 16:21
B. John says the Jews sought to – John 7:1
C. Peter accused the Jews – Acts 2: 36
D. But the Jews didn’t actually do it – Acts 13:26-29; Mark 14:64
E. The Jews accept the responsibility for it – Matthew 27:24-25
II. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE GENTILES!
A. Jesus said the Gentiles would – Matthew 20:18-19
B. Early Christians said the Gentiles did – Acts 4:23-28
C. Paul said the Gentiles – 1 Corinthians 2:8-9
III. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? GOD!
A. God foreordained it – Acts 4:27-28; 2:22-23
B. God showed His love for us – John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 2:9
C. It was part of God’s eternal plan – 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 Corinthians 2:7
D. Jesus GAVE His life for us – Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; Matthew 26:39
IV. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? YOU AND I!
A. Jesus died for OUR sins – 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. Jesus died to put away sin – Hebrews 9:26, 28.
C. Jesus offered one sacrifice – Hebrews 10:12; 2:9
Conclusion
A. The Jews – Admitted
B. The Gentiles – Committed
C. God – Permitted
D. Jesus – Submitted
E. You and I – Benefited
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Jude 1:20-21 Encouragement from Jude – audio
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Text: Jude 1:20-21
Introduction
As Christians, we all need encouragement.
Paul taught the Thessalonians, “therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as also you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”
As the early Christians did, so today we gather upon the first day of the week to worship God and edify one another.
Let us look at Jude’s encouraging words to Christians (Text: Jude 20-21).
Body
I. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
We have a most holy faith. Earlier in his epistle, Jude explained it was necessary to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered for the saints (Jude 3).” We can build ourselves up by contending earnestly for it! After all, it has been delivered.
How? “Faith has come from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).”
Since there is only one God, He gives us only one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must remain in that faith, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
Christians have a solid foundation in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and must build upon that foundation.
Peter tells us exactly how to build our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
II. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
One responsibility and privilege Christians have is prayer. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), as taught by Christ (Luke 18:1).
Just as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), so we need the Holy Spirit to speak to God. We all have our weaknesses, and sometimes do not know how to pray, or what to pray for. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
III. Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Paul made it very clear that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:35-39). On the other hand, is there anything that may separate us from loving God?
Jesus said if we love Him we must keep His commandments (John 14:15). To keep loving Him is to keep doing what He commands us. He commands us to love each other as He has loved us (John 13:34; 15:12-17).
IV. We have the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life to look forward to.
Paul said to Titus that we look forward to “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”
Even Mary proclaimed: “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).”
We do not need to say, “Lord have mercy on me” as many did to Jesus; rather, He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and we can obtain it to help us any time we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
It is through that mercy that He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Conclusion
If we build ourselves and each other on our most holy faith, continually pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God, we can look forward to eternal life through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 03:07-18 Removing the Veil – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Introduction
A veil is typically a piece of cloth cut out to conceal something.
Brides wear veils to conceal themselves before they are married; furniture is sometimes hidden under a veil so it will not attract dust.
Usually something important happens in order for a veil to be removed.
Body
I. Moses wore a veil (Exodus 34:29-35).
God had called Moses to speak with Him on Mount Sinai. After receiving the Ten Commandments, he descended to the people to report all the words of the LORD.
However, being in the presence of the LORD caused his face to shine brightly.
As the people were afraid to speak with Moses face to face, he put on a veil; when he spoke with the LORD, he would remove it.
II. A veil was placed in the temple and tabernacle.
God gave Moses instructions for building the tabernacle. A veil was constructed to hide the ark of the Testimony, separating the holy place from the Most Holy (Exodus 26:31-33). God specifically said when Aaron could come into the Holy Place behind the veil (Leviticus 16:2).
Similarly, the veil of the temple was construed to serve a similar purpose (2 Chronicles 3:14). The high priest went through the veil once a year to be in the presence of God until Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross.
Christians are a “royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5,9)” and Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16; 5:5-10; 9:6-15). At the time Jesus offered Himself on the cross as a sacrifice, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:45-47; Hebrews 10:19-22).
III. The gospel is a veil to sinners (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).
The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians of the veil that Moses had while speaking God’s Word to Israel. Now, he explains that God’s Word has come though Christ, which was better than that of Moses.
In former times, people could neither see nor understand what Christ would later do for them (Isaiah 6:9-10; Acts 28:26). Now that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The veil separating us from everlasting life is removed when one obeys the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 11:23; Isaiah 25:7-9). As Moses was in the glory of the LORD, so we can see the LORD face to face by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:12). The mirror we look into is the perfect law of liberty, the Word of God (James 1:23-25).
If the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those that perish (do not obey the gospel). The god of this age (ruler of this world) blinds them (John 12:31, 40) so the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ may not shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:18).
Conclusion
As the veils of the temple and tabernacle have been removed, Moses removed his veil in the presence of God.
Won’t you remove your veil today and be in the eternal presence of the LORD?
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Kings 05:08-15 Naaman and his Leprosy – audio
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Text: 2 Kings 5:8-15
Introduction
It is important to review the events found in the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul told 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).”
Let us now review the story of Naaman, and how he received hope from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:8-15).
Body
I. Background.
Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Syria, a mighty man of valor—a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because the LORD had given the Syrians victory through him (2 Kings 5:1).
While on raids, the Syrians took captive a young Israelite girl who would wait on Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:2). Through her, Naaman told his master that he could be healed of his leprosy.
The king of Syria then sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to heal him. Naturally, the king was upset because he knew he could not do that which God alone could do (2 Kings 5:3-7).
II. Elisha wanted everyone to know there is a prophet in Israel.
Naaman needed assurance that he could be healed of his leprosy, and the kings of Israel and Syria needed to know that they did not have the power to heal him, but rather a man of God did (2 Kings 5:8).
A. Having a prophet in Israel assures them that God is in Israel. The LORD told Aaron and Miriam that He reveals Himself to His prophet, who would then speak His word to the people (Numbers 12:6). Moses was excepted because He spoke to him face to face (Numbers 12:7-8).
B. The people would be blessed by heeding the words of the prophet, and thus the words of the LORD. Jehoshaphat said, “…Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20).”
C. As God spoke to the people through His prophets, He speaks to us through His Son and His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16). We too will be blessed when we heed God’s Word!
III. Naaman had a perception of Elisha.
A. He eagerly went to Elisha’s house and waited at the door expecting Elisha to come to him. Instead, he sent a messenger (2 Kings 5:9-11). Similarly, God sent us His messenger, and we must to go Him through faith (Hebrews 11:6).
B. He expected him to call on the name of the LORD his God (2 Kings 5:11), as Elijah called upon God at Mount Carmel in front of the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:24).
C. He expected to be healed with just a wave of the hand (2 Kings 5:11). Today many Jews, scribes, and Pharisees also want to see a sign from Jesus (Matthew 12:38; 1 Corinthians 1:22).
D. He was disappointed to be commanded to dip in the Jordan River when the Abanah and Pharpar were better (2 Kings 5:12).
1) The Abanah River is often called the “stony river, “and is purported to have healing qualities. In the Anti-Lebanon range, it originates 23 miles northwest of Damascus and flows south into Damascus, splitting into 3 rivers. The chief river of Damascus flows right through the middle of the city.
2) The Pharpar River is often called “that which produces fruit,” and is a small, lively river on the east side of Damascus.
E. After his leprosy was removed, his perception changed (verse 15). It was then he realized “…there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel (2 Kings 5:15)…” Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings (Daniel 2:47)…” after Daniel interpreted his dream with His help.
Later, he made a decree that “any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this (Daniel 3:29)” after they were saved from the fiery furnace.
King Darius also wrote: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:26-27).”
Conclusion
Three applications from the story of Naaman.
A. It matters not who we are, we must all be subject to the will of God.
Naaman may have been a commander of an army, a mighty man of valor, and considered great and honorable by some, but he still had to do what Elisha commanded him. Thus, God is no respecter of persons. Peter learned this as he was sent to Cornelius (Acts 10:34). Moses said that God does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). Jehoshaphat taught the judges of Judah there is no iniquity, partiality, or taking of bribes with the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:7). Paul taught this very lesson (Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9), and thus showed the gospel is for all (Romans 1:16).
B. Naaman could not be healed by the king of Syria, nor the king of Israel. He could only be healed by God.
The LORD taught Moses, “…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 (Deuteronomy 32:39).” As the king of Israel recognized he is a man and not God, so are we. When Cornelius tried to worship Peter, he replied “Stand up; I myself also am a man (Acts 10:26).”
C. Naaman was cleansed only after completing the task commanded by God of him through Elisha.
He had to dip, or wash in the Jordan River! Interestingly, Jesus also dipped (was baptized) in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). He commands us to be baptized and wash away our sins in order to be saved (Luke 4:27; Acts 22:16; Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).
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Philippians 01:14 – Speaking the Word of God Boldly – audio
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Text: Philippians 1:14
Introduction
It seems as if today’s culture is changing, and not for the better.
For example, Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” rightly stood up for the Biblical view on homosexuality (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). As a result, he has been removed from appearing on the program. I pray that no matter what happens to him, he will stand for the truth.
Similarly, the apostle Paul said, “most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).”
Body
I. We have been commissioned to preach the Word!
A. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).”
B. In no way should the word be corrupted (2 Corinthians 2:17); rather it should be sincerely, since it is God’s word!
C. We have no authority from God to add to or take away from His word (Revelation 22:18-19). If we do, we will be repaid.
D. All Scripture is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has said everything we need to know!
E. We must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
II. We must fear God and not men when we preach.
A. If we truly love God, then we will boldly proclaim His word (1 John 4:17-18).
B. Jesus said not to fear him who can only destroy the body; rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12:4-7).
C. The Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)?” Also, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?” Later, the Hebrew writer quotes these words (Hebrews 13:6).
D. Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?”
III. Consider examples of those that preached boldly, fearing God and not men.
A. Peter and John boldly preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man (Acts 4:13).
B. Paul and Silas boldly proclaimed Christ to the Philippian jailer, leading to his salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 16).
C. Barnabas proclaimed Paul’s bold preaching at Damascus (Acts 9:27-29), yet he also boldly proclaimed the word in…
1) …Iconium (Acts 14:3)
2) …Ephesus (Acts 19:8)
3) …Rome by letter (Romans 15:15)
Conclusion
Do we have that boldness to proclaim the Word of God as Paul and others did?
If not, we can receive boldness and confidence through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:11-12), and praying to God for it (Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 6:19-20).
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Acts 02:26-35 – The Ethiopian Eunuch – audio
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Text: Acts 2:26-35
Introduction
An Ethiopian eunuch was returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship. On his way he had begun to read from Isaiah.
Whether he was reviewing what he heard in Jerusalem, picked up a scroll there, or for some other reason, we do not know. What we do know is that he had an opportunity to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” and he did.
Body
I. The eunuch was increasing his faith (Acts 8:27-28).
As he was traveling, he was reading from Isaiah. Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah says to “search from the book of the LORD, and read (Isaiah 34:16)…” He was indeed searching something, and by the providence of God would later find it.
One thing he would find by searching the Scriptures is faith. After all, faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Without it, one cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Our faith must grow, and one thing we add to our faith is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-7). The eunuch obviously wanted to know more about what he was reading (as we’ll see shortly). As those were in Berea, so was the eunuch. He “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
II. The eunuch sought to understand the Scriptures (Acts 8:30-34).
It is not enough o only hear the Word of God; one must do it (James 1:22). In order to do what God commands, we must understand what He says!
Jesus commands us to understand (Matthew 15:10), as Matthew encourages his readers to understand his gospel (Matthew 24:15). On one occasion, Jesus opened the understanding of some to help them comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). This would be done to the eunuch through Philip.
It is God’s plan that everyone will understand His will (Romans 15:20-21)! Our understanding is only beneficial when we receive it with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-2), as the eunuch did.
A. Not understanding God’s Word will have its consequences. When Jesus taught the parable of the sower, He explained that those that do not understand the word had it snatched away by the wicked one (Matthew 13:19).
B. Understanding God’s Word will have its benefits.
1) Understanding God’s Word will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:23).
2) We may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
3) This gives us wisdom (Ephesians 5:17).
4) We can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:9-10).
5) Our hearts are encouraged and we have full assurance of God’s promises (Colossians 2:2).
6) It is a blessing to understand all things, and others are praying for us as Paul did for Timothy(2 Timothy 2:7).
7) We can come to know God and Jesus, and be in Him. This gives us eternal life (1 John 5:20; Ephesians 1:3).
III. Philip preached Christ to Him (Acts 8:35).
Jesus commanded us to preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16), as Philip was doing.
Even Paul said he determined not to know anything but “Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).”
IV. The eunuch understood what Isaiah meant (Acts 8:36-39).
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus and His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7-8). He was silent as He appeared before His accusers (Matthew 26:61-63; 27:12-14; John 19:9). He endured the suffering because of our transgressions. The eunuch realized Christ died for him, and readily obeyed the gospel.
Conclusion
Just as the eunuch understood he needed to become a Christian, so do we! Like the eunuch, we need to:
A. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) to get faith.
B. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 16:30-34; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10; John 8:24).
C. Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38).
D. Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
E. Be baptized for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7 – Christ: The Fulfillment of Prophecy – audio
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Text: Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7
Introduction
Many years before the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, many prophets foretold the people about him. Perhaps Isaiah, the “Messianic Prophet,” is most well-known.
Isaiah records prophecies of His birth (Isaiah 7:14-15) and death (Isaiah 53). Many other important aspects of His life are also included throughout the book.
When Jesus finally came to this earth, His mission was not to destroy the things said of Him, but rather to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18). Yes, every single prophecy of Him came true (Luke 16:17; 24:44).
Peter preached the fulfillment of His suffering (Acts 3:18), and Paul the fulfillment of His death (Acts 13:29). Jesus knew these would be fulfilled, and prepared His disciples (Luke 18:31-33).
Body
Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in the hearing of many in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16-21). Isaiah prophesied these words (Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7), and now the time has come for them to be fulfilled.
A. The Spirit of the LORD was upon Him (Luke 4:18). This was true at one point physically at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), but always spiritually (John 3:34).
B. Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor (Luke 4:18). The disciples of John saw and heard this (Luke 7:22; Matthew 11:5). Jesus said those that were poor in this world were blessed because the kingdom of God had come to them (Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20). The apostles Paul and James explained that even though we may poor in this world, we can be rich through Christ (2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9; James 2:5).
C. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). Many times people suffered physically because of heartache, and Jesus healed them (as in the death of Lazarus, John 11). However, Jesus also healed the hearts that were broken spiritually (Luke 24:25-27; Acts 2:37ff.).
D. Jesus proclaimed liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). There was a time when slaves and property were set free: in the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8ff.). Some commentators see Jesus liberating men in this regard, but also all sinners are set free from their sin in Christ (John 8:31-32; 14:6; 17:17; 2 Peter 2:19).
E. Jesus recovered sight to the blind (Luke 4:18). There are many instances in which Jesus healed a blind person, as John’s disciples were witnesses (Matthew 11:5). A blind man was healed in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-25), Bartimaeus outside of Jericho (Luke 8:46-52), the man in the pool of Siloam (John 9:1-7), and countless others. However, there are many spiritually blind that Jesus can help to see! He taught the Pharisees that is one reason He came into the world (John 9:39-41). He also taught His disciples they needed to see spiritually (Mark 8:18). Sadly, no matter what Jesus did, some still did not believe and thus were blinded (John 12:37-41; Isaiah 53:1; 6:9-10). Later Paul explained Christ’s role in our spiritual lives (Romans 11:7-10).
F. Jesus set at liberty those that were oppressed (Luke 4:18). This is very similar to those that were captive and set free (see II. D. above). Isaiah prophesied of this as well (Isaiah 58:6), knowing that he could proclaim liberty; only Christ could grant liberty!
G. Jesus proclaimed the acceptable year of the LORD (Luke 4:19). Just as Isaiah prophesied about the acceptable time and day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8), Christ realized it! Paul said that time is here, and the day is now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Conclusion
Yes, every prophecy of Christ has come true. He is the Son of God, and gives us eternal salvation. Won’t you accept Him, and be saved today?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Eternal Life is in Christ – audio
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“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13
God gives us eternal life in Christ!
God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, in whom is eternal life (John 3:15,16; 17:2,3)
Eternal life is in God’s Son.
As John often said, one must believe in God’s Son in order to have eternal life (John 3:36; 6:47). If we believe in Christ, we will do whatever He says (Matthew 28:18). Christ commands us to believe and be baptized (Mark 16:16) in order to be saved. Baptism is what puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Thus, being in Christ we have the Son, and therefore eternal life.
We can know we have eternal life.
There is no doubt of living forever if we do what Christ commands us!
We must continue to believe in the name of Christ.
This idea involves not only having confidence in the Lord, but remaining in the faith. After all, He tells us: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).”
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Hereafter – audio
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“The Hereafter”
Do you believe in the ‘hereafter?’ One lady does. Every time she goes into the kitchen, she wonders what she’s here after! In fact, we all need to believe in it.
The wise man wrote, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:17-18).” The NKJV uses the word ‘hereafter,’ where the RV and ASV use ‘reward.’ The ESV says ‘future,’ and the KJV ‘end.’
There are three important things to remember regarding the hereafter as the wise man says.
1. Do not let your heart envy sinners.
Do we tend to lose our focus on what God gives us, and turn our attention to the things others have?
Sometimes they obtain it by unethical and ungodly means. The Psalmist wrote, “Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 37:1-3).
The wise man also explained, “Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out (Proverbs 24:1-2,19-20).”
2. Be zealous for the LORD.
Since we know there is a hereafter, we should be preparing ourselves for what is to come. The wise man later wrote, “Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity (Proverbs 28:14).”
3. Your hope will not be cut off.
Recently we studied about the hope that we have through Christ, and now we are assured of them by God’s plans. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).”
To have a hope of peace, we must do God’s will. The Psalmist also wrote, “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace (Psalm 37:37).”
Because we are assured of a hereafter, we do not need to pattern our lives after sinners. Instead, we need to have a zeal for the LORD so our hope will not be cut off. A wonderful example of one who has learned how to do this is found in Psalm 73:1-28.
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Colossians 1:3-6 – Hope Laid Up In Heaven – audio
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Text: Colossians 1:3-6
Introduction
A Christian has something to look forward to that anyone living as the world does not. If we remain faithful till death, we will receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). Paul commended the Colossians for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all saints (Colossians 1:4).
If there was no life after death, nothing would be lost. However, if there is life after death, then there is everything to gain. That is what we hope for!
Body
I. Christ has begotten us to a living hope.
Peter tells Christians exactly where that hope comes from: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Because of what God’s only begotten Son did for us, we can inherit an eternal reservation in heaven by being His faithful children too.
II. Christ is getting our reservations ready in heaven.
Jesus had to go to heaven first (after his death, burial, and resurrection) so we can go after our death (unless the Lord returns first). Simon Peter did not understand this as Jesus explained that He was going somewhere we could not follow immediately (John 13:33,36; John 14:1-6).
Once there, Christ is getting ready for us.
III. We have the hope through the word of truth of the gospel.
Paul preached the gospel of Christ to give everyone the hope of salvation, for the power is in the gospel (Romans 1:13-16).
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives us hope to live again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
That gospel will be preached throughout the entire world to give hope to every individual (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:18).
Thus, the gospel is bringing forth fruit (Colossians 1:6; John 15:16) as Christ intended.
IV. There is only one hope, and it comes from obeying one gospel.
Paul taught the Galatians about that one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and the Ephesians about the one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Timothy learned about that one hope that comes through that one gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
Conclusion
We should strive to realize that hope! We should live every day as faithful to the Lord as we can so that we can enter into heaven (2 Peter 1:10-11).
When people see how we live, they will ask us about it. We must always be ready to give them a reason of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
Hopefully we can do that now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 5:43-48 Love Your Enemies – audio
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Text: Matthew 5:43-48
Introduction
It seems as if this time of year you learn who your friends are, and who your enemies are.
- Families gather together for the holidays, only to see in-laws go at it or siblings renew former spats and squabbles.
- Neighbors compete to see who can display the best holiday decorations.
- Rivalry weekend pairs teams to play each other that do not like one another.
This may seem like a big deal to us now, but consider what it was like many years ago—Jews and Gentiles were at odds, as were Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus taught a lesson that we need to learn even today: love our neighbors! Text: Matthew 5:43-48.
Body
I. Jesus recognized the law.
Jesus knew the multitudes have been taught the things according to the Old Law. He reminds them of the things Moses taught: loving their neighbors and hating their enemies (see Leviticus 19:15-18 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6).
A. Who is your neighbor?
A certain lawyer knew the law said to love his neighbor as himself, yet wanted to justify himself by asking who his neighbor was. Jesus taught the parable of the Good Samaritan to show him, and gave him a similar command (Luke 10:25-37).
B. Who is your enemy?
An enemy is hated by one who opposes his beliefs. In the original language, this term hate means to: hate, despise, disregard, or be indifferent to.”
II. Jesus taught different than the law.
Even though He identified the law, He shows a change. He said, “But I say to you (Matthew 5:43)…” Jesus spoke as one having authority and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:29), for He received all authority from His Heavenly Father (Matthew 28:18).
III. Contrary to the law, Jesus said to…
A. …love your enemies.
John teaches that we must love by our actions, not by just mere words (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action! We may not like our enemies, but we must love them! Paul gave us a reminder of what we can do for our enemies (Romans 12:20), as Solomon said in his wisdom from God (Proverbs 25:21-22).
B. …bless them.
James teaches Christians that we are not to bless and curse; rather, we should speak what is good for necessary edification (James 3:6-10; Ephesians 4:29).
C. …pray for them.
Even Stephen asked, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60)” as he was being stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yes, even Christ prayed a similar prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know what they do (Luke 23:34)” as He was about to die. He prayed for the very ones who killed Him (as Stephen)!
IV. As Jesus is God’s Son, we must prove we are His children.
A. We must suffer from our enemies just as Christ did (Romans 8:14-17).
B. We let our lights shine in a dark world while being blameless and harmless (Philippians 2:15; Matthew 5:16).
C. As God our Father is perfect, so we are to be perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Paul wants all Christians to be perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). After all, we are to be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). Jews and Gentiles alike make Christ complete.
There is only one body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18-20). The body of Christ is made up of many different members, but there should be no schism in it (1 Corinthians 12:24b-27).
Conclusion
We may have enemies, but we must treat them kindly. Jesus taught us to love them no matter what; after all, He died for them!
What would you want to do to your enemies? Would you want your enemies to return the favor? Remember the words of Christ: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
We are Christians first, and then our individual selves.
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