Historical Posts
The Light of the World – Audio
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Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
John explained that the world was in darkness until Jesus, the true Light, came into the world to give it light (John 1:4-9). As long as He was in the world, He was the light of the world (John 9:5). Jesus was not in the world for a very long period of time. In fact, when the time would come to leave the world, He would be sure the light would still shine.
Jesus also said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Just as Jesus let His light shine in the world, so must His disciples. We are His disciples today! We must follow Him (1 Peter 2:21), letting our lights shine and being the light of the world today! John said, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Are you walking in the light and letting your light shine as Jesus did?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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How Long Has it Been? – Audio
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How long has it been since you…
- had something to eat?
- have been to work?
- got a decent amount of rest?
These things may seem natural, and thus it likely has not been long at all since you may have done any or all of these.
How long has it been since you spent quality time in prayer?
Sure, we have just prayed a few moments ago as a congregation; however, how long has it been since you prayed individually? Does it seem as frequently as the aforementioned daily tasks?
Paul mentioned that prayer should be a frequent part of our lives. He wrote, “pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).” He also penned, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)…”
Does it seem tedious? It shouldn’t be; it is very rewarding! James wrote, “…the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).”
We need to go to God in prayer. We need to pray for ourselves, for each other, and even for our enemies. How long has it been since you truly prayed?
Are you righteous in the eyes of God, having been washed clean of sin by the blood of Christ? Are you praying?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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King Jesus – Audio
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Do you call him King Jesus?
Is Jesus a king? This is a question that many people have different views on. For example, a multitude accused Jesus of calling Himself a King. Pilate then asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “It is as you say (Luke 23:1-4).” He then explained that His kingdom is not of this world. Pilate asked Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus replied, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice (John 18:36-37).” Of course, Pilate could find no fault in Him, even in King Jesus.
“JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” These words were written by Pilate upon the cross of Jesus recognized Him as King Jesus, much to the dismay of the Jews. The chief priests said to him, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’’” Pilate responded, “What I have written, I have written (John 19:19-22).” The Jews were not happy with this gesture. After all, they adamantly said they had no king but Caesar (John 19:12-15) and had no desire to recognize King Jesus.
Jesus was not accepted by the Jews to be their King. However, He must be accepted as our King to be our Saviour! He is the “King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).” He is the King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 10:16; 29:10).
He wants to be King of your life! Will you let Him? Put Him on in baptism, and begin to live the life He has called you to live.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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God’s Desire for Man – Audio
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God’s Desire for Man is TwoFold
Even though man may have many desires, God has two connected desires for man. God’s desire for man is that man may be saved and that man may come to the knowledge of the truth. We can see God’s desire expressed for us in 1 Timothy 2:3-4: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Let’s look closer at God’s desire and how he enables it to come about.
First, God’s desire is that all men may be saved.
- God desires that man will cease unrighteousness and begin righteousness (Ezekiel 18:20-28).
- God’s desire is that man will accept and follow His Son (John 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:10).
- God desires that man would accept His saving grace (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:5,8).
- God’s desire is that man will repent of sin (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 13:3,5).
Second, God’s desire is that all men will come to the knowledge of the truth.
- Jesus, God’s Son, said we can know what truth is (John 8:32).
- Jesus bears witness to the truth (John 18:37).
- There are three sources of truth:
1) Jesus is true (John 14:6),
2) God is true (John 17:3)
3) God’s Word is true (John 17:17).
God’s desire for you is clear – Learn and Obey His Truth to be Saved!
He desires for you to be saved and has provided the truth for you to know and follow unto salvation. This truth is shown to us in three ways: God has revealed Himself, sent His Son, and left His Word. These three aspects of truth lead us to salvation. Will we follow Him and accept it?
Is Our Desire Aligned with God’s Desire?
For us to grasp the salvation offered by God, our desire must align with God’s. Our desire must be to come to the knowledge of the truth and obey it, for the truth will set us free! When we learn the truth and obey it, our unrighteousness may cease, and our righteousness will begin.
Do you have a desire to be saved?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Scripture Importance – Audio
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The Importance of Scripture
In 1 Peter 3:15 the Scripture tells us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” As Christians, we must always be prepared to defend the faith. Why do we believe what we believe? Why do we live like we live? In order to answer these and other questions, we must know the scripture, the Word of God.
Knowledge of Scripture is important because:
- In it we think we have eternal life, and it testifies of Jesus (John 5:39).
- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
- Whatever we do, we must “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17)…”
- Studying Scripture approves us to God (2 Timothy 2:15).
It is also important to know where Scripture teaches on certain topics.
- Jesus was able to overcome temptation by knowing what was written in Scripture (Luke 4:4, 8, 12).
- The Ethiopian eunuch was reading from Isaiah, and Philip began at the same Scripture and preached Jesus unto him (Acts 8:28-35).
- Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, preaching Christ (Acts 17:2-3).
We must not only know where a Scripture can be found, we must also know what it really teaches.
- The Bereans were noble in that they searched the Scriptures daily to see whether such things were so (Acts 17:11).
- Untaught and unstable people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
- No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).
- Paul often asked, “What does the Scripture say?” He also said, “The Scripture says (Romans 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; Galatians 4:30; 1 Timothy 5:18)…”
Would you be rebuked or commended?
Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29); Paul commended Timothy for knowing the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15). Are we to be rebuked, or commended in our knowledge of the Scriptures?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Two Workers in Three Cities – Audio
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Text: Acts 14:21-23
Jesus expects His disciples to be workers.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15),” Jesus commanded His disciples. They listened and became workers! They went everywhere, and many souls heard, believed, and were baptized. One good pair of workers was Paul and Barnabas. They performed good works in the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch:
- Strengthened the souls of the disciples (Acts 14:22).
– Jesus prayed for His disciples, that they would strengthen their brethren (Luke 22:32).
– Paul said it is Christ that strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). - Exhorted them to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22).
– Jude wrote a letter, encouraging Christians to “contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3).”
– Paul encouraged the Philippians to “strive together for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).” - Reminded them that they must endure tribulations to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
– Paul reminded Timothy of a faithful saying, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).”
– Paul also reminded Timothy that those desiring to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). - Appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23).
– Paul left Titus in Crete to set in order the things that were lacking, and to “appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5)…”
– Elders were to meet certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7). - Prayed with fasting (Acts 14:23).
– Jesus’ disciples learned that the epileptic son could not be healed “except by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21).” There must have been some special connection between prayer and fasting.
– Paul told the Corinthian spouses to consent to deprive one another so that they may give themselves to “fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt” them for lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:5). - Commended them to the Lord (Acts 14:23).
– It is commendable before God to do good and suffer (1 Peter 2:20).
Paul and Barnabas did much in three cities while they were there. Wherever we are, we can be a worker for the Lord and do the good work He has given us!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Anxiety and Comfort for Christians – Audio
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Anxiety and Comfort for Christians
Christians Have Anxiety?
Someone has written that an average person’s anxiety is focused on a few major areas:
- 40% of anxiety concerns things that will never happen. No point in worrying about these!
- 30% of anxiety is about things that have happened in the past and can’t be changed.
- 12% of anxiety is over criticism by others. We have no control of others!
- 10% of anxiety is health oriented. Health gets worse when we are stressed and anxious!
- 8% of anxiety is related to real problems that we can be face and possibly address.
Christians Should Take Comfort, Not Have Anxiety.
Look at 1 Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These are some reasons that Christians should let go of anxiety and take comfort:
- Take comfort because we have experienced God’s mercy (1 Peter 1:3a).
- Take comfort because we have been born again (1 Peter 1:3b). We have another chance to have God as our father!
- Take comfort because we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3c).
- Take comfort because we have a guaranteed inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).
- Take comfort because we are kept by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5).
Christians need more comfort? Why? Look at all that God has already provided to comfort us when we are His children!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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The New Covenant is Here – Audio
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The New Covenant is Here Now!
Old Covenant
God had given Israel a covenant written in stone by his own finger, and they broke it almost as soon as it was given. It was broken literally when Moses threw the tables of stone on the ground in anger (Exodus 32:19), as some of the Ten Commandments were being broken by the people while he was still on the mountain (Exodus 20:1-17). As Moses eventually received a new set, or copy, of commandments in the old covenant (Exodus 34), so do God’s people receive a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
New Covenant
As Jeremiah prophesied, God would make a new covenant and that new covenant was to be placed and kept in the minds and hearts of God’s people (Jeremiah 31:33). Everyone should know God, for they will have been taught of Him (Jeremiah 31:34). God even promised to no longer remember our sins (Jeremiah 31:35).
The Hebrew writer shows how the first covenant was not faultless; therefore, a new covenant was needed. Through Christ, we have now received the new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13).
Today, if We Keep the New Covenant, He will be Merciful to Us.
We learn God’s laws of His new covenant by studying His word. We must meditate upon it day and night. Then, by following His commandments and walking in the light as He is in the light, His blood continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Tomorrow – Audio
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Do not Boast about Tomorrow
Tomorrow never truly comes.
“Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow; it’s only a day away!” “Let’s talk about tomorrow.” “Tomorrow is the perfect time to do anything.” These are some of the many sayings regarding the idea of tomorrow. Some people are excited about what will happen tomorrow; others procrastinate till tomorrow. However, tomorrow never comes; therefore we should not boast about it! We are really always living in today.
You do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” We do not know how the future will be, whether good or bad. Sometimes things happen today that affect it. Tomorrow may be better than expected, worse, or even as expected; we just don’t know.
We are not guaranteed another day.
James 4:13-16: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” We are not even guaranteed another day! Our lives are very short; in fact, for some it is shorter than others. Even today I was reading the online newspaper from my hometown and learned of recent road accidents taking the lives of young individuals.
This night your soul could be required of you.
Luke 12:19-21: “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Do we take tomorrow for granted?
Are we ready now in case the Lord should return? Let us not boast in thinking we can wait and become a Christian; rather, let us be ready to be saved right now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Fool and Wise Words – Audio
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Wise Words Regarding A Fool
Today is April 1, 2015. It is also known as “April Fool’s Day.” Perhaps there are those that try to pull a prank on someone, causing them to feel foolish. A man of God should not be foolish, but instead be wise. Let us consider a few wise words regarding the fool (Proverbs 26:1-12).
- In Proverbs 26:1, Solomon explains that snow is not fitting in summer; nor is rain fitting in harvest. Likewise, honor is not fitting to a fool.
- In Proverbs 26:3, Solomon says a whip is needed to guide the horse, and a bridle for the donkey. Likewise, a rod is needed for the fool’s back. David says that the horse or mule has no understanding, and must be harnessed with a bit and bridle (Psalm 32:9). Just as one beats them to guide them, Solomon earlier stated “judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools (Proverbs 19:29).
- In Proverbs 26:4-5, a warning is issued not to answer a fool according to his folly. We should not be like them, but rather set the example for them. Sometimes it is best not to answer anything; other times it is best to give a soft answer, turning away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
- In Proverbs 26:6-7, a warning is given on the thought of trusting a fool. They may not deliver the message accurately, and cause the sender of the message harm from the receiver.
- In Proverbs 26:8, one wouldn’t want to bind a stone in a sling that is used for something else; similarly, one would not want to give honor to a fool when none is due.
- In Proverbs 26:9, a thorn in the hand of a drunkard is very dangerous; likewise, putting a proverb in the mouth of a fool can be costly.
- In Proverbs 26:10, God will give the fool his due.
- In Proverbs 26:11, a fool will repeat his folly (like Pharaoh refusing to let God’s people go in Exodus).
- In Proverbs 26:12, there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 29:20). Jesus illustrates this by the Pharisee’s prayer (Luke 18:10-14) and His words to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:17).
Let us not act foolishly, but instead, help fools to become wise by sharing the love of Christ with them, that they too can become wise in the eyes of The Lord through obedience to the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Requirements From The Lord – Audio
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The Lord’s Requirements:
We know that there are many things in this life that have worldly requirements we have to meet: name, birth certificate, education, previous work experience, and the like. Different people and situations may require different things of us. However, there are three requirements that the LORD has for our lives (Micah 6:8) that we must be diligent to meet in order to be pleasing to Him:
1. The Lord Requires Us To Do Justly.
a. The LORD knew that Abraham would teach his children and household after him to “do righteousness and justice (Genesis 18:19).”
b. Paul behaved himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” before the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
c. We must think on whatever things are just (Philippians 4:8).
d. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
2. The Lord Requires Us To Love Mercy.
a. God has mercy on whom He wills (Romans 9:15,18; Exodus 33:19).
b. His mercies are not consumed; they are “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
c. As He is merciful, so should we be merciful (Luke 6:36).
3. The Lord Requires Us To Walk Humbly With Him.
a. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”
b. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).”
c. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
d. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Are We Meeting The LORD’s Requirements?
If we are diligent to meet His requirements, we will receive the eternal reward that we so desire. We will be with The Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Audio
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Our Help Comes From Him
Text: Psalm 124:1-8.
David proclaims the Lord saves His people from adversity. Over countless times, He has delivered those who stood for Him. Yes, The Lord is on our side. If He had not been, the people would have perished. For example, in Psalm 124:3, he reminds the reader of those who have been swallowed alive. Numbers 16 tells of how Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rose against Moses and the Lord; consequently, the Lord caused the earth to swallow them up.
In Psalm 124:4-5 David mentions that the waters would have overwhelmed God’s people had they not heeded Him. In Exodus 14, the Lord allowed the children of Israel to escape Pharaoh and all the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea. God allowed the children of Israel to live, but destroyed the Egyptians by causing the waters to fall back upon them.
David says that God allows His people to narrowly escape their enemies as a bird escapes from a birdcatcher with a trap (Psalm 124:6-7; Psalm 91:3; Proverbs 6:5; Hosea 9:8). Yes, even a narrow escape is still an escape. Perhaps it makes us appreciate it more. God is on our side (Psalm 124:1; Romans 8:31)! Our help comes from the name of the Lord (Psalm 124:8), who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). With every temptation to Christians, God is faithful and will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In the end, God will take care of His people. Those who disobey Him will be destroyed forever. The Lord is on our side, will you be on His side?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Obtain the Prize – Audio
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Run the race of life to obtain the prize of eternal life.
This weekend many individuals will be participating in the Bible Bowl. The gospel of John has been studied, and learned by all. Although a prize will be given to each of the top finishers in each age group, everyone wins because they all have a better understanding of God’s word.
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Paul likens the Christian life to a lifelong race. Just as one runner receives the top prize in a marathon, so every Christian should run in a way that they may obtain a prize. In the early days, the winner of the Olympic events would receive an olive tree wreath on his head. This crown would perish. However, here Paul speaks of an “imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25).”
Paul told Timothy that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and have kept the faith.” As a result, he would receive a prize, the “crown of righteousness,” which the Lord would not only give to him, but also to “all who have loved his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).” This “crown of righteousness” is also called the “crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).” As it takes a lot of hard work preparing for the Bible Bowl, it takes a lot of work preparing for Heaven. After becoming a Christian, one must endure temptation, be approved, and continue to live faithfully unto death.
Unfortunately, sometimes competitors may try to win by unethical means. Many forms of cheating have stripped some winners of their awards. As Paul told Timothy, one is “not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Timothy 2:5).” If we want to hold on to our prize and crown, we must compete according to God’s rules. The church in Philadelphia was told, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown (Revelation 3:11).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Thinking Like God – Audio
No Longer Thinking Like God, Man Has Schemed
There is a great difference between God and man. Our thinking is different. God’s thinking is higher than man’s thinking. God said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).”
Man may not have thinking like God, but, in fact, man does have a choice on how to think. Sadly, man most often makes the wrong choices on what to think about. God made man upright; but man has sought out many schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:27-29).
God created man in His image, and according to His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). At that time, God called everything “good” (Genesis 1:31). Man was allowed eat of any and every tree in the garden of Eden, including the tree of life, with one exception. Man was instructed not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, man was tempted to eat of that tree by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Naturally, they gave into sin (Genesis 3:6-7). Since the entry of sin, man has always schemed (Genesis 6:5). But, from the beginning, it was not so.
How can man get back to thinking like God? Paul told the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8)…” We need to be thinking more like Christ, following His example. God has made us upright; through Christ we can be reconciled to Him!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Perspectives on Love
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Insight and Perspectives on Love
Some words may mean different things to different people. For example, ask some people what love is. You are likely to get a variety of definitions. Consider what a group of kids age 4 thu 8 have said about love (Listen to the Audio).
These definitions from the children are very entertaining. Yet, they all have great insight and perspectives on love. For true and complete insight on love, we need to turn to the message of love in God’s Word.
Consider these perspectives on love from God’s Word from the as defined by:
- Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (Perspectives on love here focus on being unselfish)
- John in 2 John 6; 1 John 2:5; 3:18; 5:3. (This perspective on love involves our deeds and how we live)
- Jude in Jude 20-23. (This perspective on love recognizes God’s grace and requires compassion for others)
- Jesus in John 14:15, 23. (This perspective on love requires obedience in keeping His commandments)
Understanding How God Loves Helps Us Love
The Bible is all about God’s love for man, and how man should love God in return (1 John 4:19). By understanding how God loved us, we can better understand how to love Him. Once we decide to love Him, there is nothing external that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). But is there anything that can separate us from loving God? Only ourselves, as demonstrated by those in Ephesus. They chose to leave their first love (Revelation 2:1, 4).
Our love for God must be everlasting, even to the point of death. We must demonstrate our love by keeping His commands and always being faithful to Him. Have you learned His commandments and responded to them with obedient action?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:5-7
Carnally Minded Versus Spiritually Minded
Two ways we can think: carnally minded or spiritually minded
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” If used properly, the mind can be a wonderful tool; if misused, the mind can cause one to get into a lot of trouble. After all, our actions result from our thoughts. There are two fundamental ways we can think, and they are at odds with each other: carnally minded versus spiritually minded. Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6).” Similarly, Paul stated: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:8).”
Carnally minded thinking is against God
The carnal (earthly, fleshly) mind is enmity against God (Romans 8:7-8). James says, “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).” Thinking on worldly things, being carnally minded, will lead to doing worldly deeds. Again, our thoughts preceed our actions. Paul lists the works of the flesh we need to avoid in Galatians 5:19-21.
Spiritually minded thinking brings life and peace
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). The Spirit of God dwells in the spiritually minded; the body of sin is dead, yet the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:9-10). The spiritually minded have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; John 15:15; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:1-2).
What do you often think about?
Be aware of the carnally minded versus spiritually minded war for your thoughts. Is your mind in the gutter? Is your minds in the clouds? Do you even know where your mind is focussed? What should you be thinking about? The fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).” Choose how you will think and the resulting actions that will follow.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Together in Christ – Audio
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There is one God and one Mediator between God and men
When people grow apart, it takes one special person to bring them back together. Many individuals cannot find “common ground,” and thus distance themselves from one another. One person, who has something in common with both of them, can bring them back together again. Man has become separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:2). Thus, only one person can bring us back together: Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).”
God’s plan for reconcilliation brings us together in Christ
Paul explains to the Corinthians how we come together in Christ: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).”
Through the death of God’s Son, we may be reconciled to God. Because Christ was raised again, we can be saved by His life (Romans 5:10-11). Christ made the perfect sacrifice, doing what we could not to bridge the gap. God came down to us, and we must go up to Him.
Salvation requires God’s grace
Man cannot be saved without, or apart from, the grace of God; this grace is “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).” This redemption gives us the promise of an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:12-15).
Sharing The Word is offering reconcilliation with God
Don’t you want to share with others the good news? Don’t you want to tell them of an eternal inheritance they too can have? God commands us to do just that! Remember, He has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” and “committed to us the word of reconciliation.” By sharing the word, others too can believe and obey it. Thus, we can all be together in Christ, one in Christ; and He will be one in us (John 17:20-23).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Herod and His Demise – Audio
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The Demise of Herod
Pride – The Downfall of Herod
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).” These words by Jesus soon rang true of King Herod (Acts 12) and we can see this in Herod’s demise.
Herod had been harassing some members of the Lord’s church (Acts 12:1-4). He persecuted an apostle [James, the brother of John], and even put another apostle in prison [Peter].
As Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him. Then, Peter was soon freed from prison by the Lord’s angel (Acts 12:5-17). This is an example of that shows “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).” Now, compare the Church with Herod; obviously one is more righteous than the other.
Herod became angry after he could not find Peter. He was even angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. He later wore his royal apparel, and gave an oration to them. The people lifted him up and deemed him a god (Acts 12:18-22).
Give Glory to God
As a result of Herod being so elevated, the angel of the Lord struck him, and he died (Acts 12:23). The Psalmist wrote, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth (Psalm 115:1).”
There are still some today who love the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). This will cause them plenty of grief. Notice that Jesus did not receive honor from men, and condemned seeking honor from one another instead of from God (John 5:41, 44).
As Herod and his opposition faded away, God’s word grew and multiplied (Acts 12:24). Likewise, we must be careful not oppose the word of God. In fact, doing so would be in vain. Instead, we must accept God’s Word and work to spread the good news of the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Abundant Entrance – Audio
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Jesus Is Our Abundant Entrance Into Heaven
Just Getting In
For some people, just getting into somewhere can mean a whole lot. Purchasing the very last tickets to a concert, ball game, or any function can cause great elation, even if the seats are at the very top in the far back, in the nosebleed section. On the other hand, imagine what it would be like to have great seats guaranteed for life!
Imagine What He Has Prepared
Jesus has said that there are many mansions in His Father’s house. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and has given us the way to get there (John 14:1-6). Imagine how beautiful Heaven will be (as we often sing). Imagine the place that is prepared for us, how we can enjoy it forever, and the abundant entrance He has prepared.
He Is Our Abundant Entrance
However, one must go through Christ in order to get to Heaven (John 14:6; Hebrews 11:6). He is the abundant entrance, and the only entrance. Therefore, if we want to get in and stay in, we must do as the Lord commands. Peter says, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
We Must Be Diligent And Obedient
We are all called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). By obeying the gospel, we become the elect of God (Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; Titus 1:1). We must be diligent to present ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15) by studying His word and by living a faithful Christian life unto the point of death (Revelation 2:10). If we do these things, we are guaranteed an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Christ! Will you do these things?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Giving of Grace – audio
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Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are the most giving times of the year. Usually, there is one present intended for one person. However, there is one gift that God gave to the whole world: His Son (John 3:16). Jesus said that “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Note that anyone, regardless of classification, can partake of everlasting life.
Paul was instrumental in giving everyone that opportunity. Text: Ephesians 3:1-7. Everyone includes both Jew and Gentile alike. Paul identified himself as a prisoner of Christ to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). Thus, he had something important to give them: grace.
The grace of God was given to Paul for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2). Earlier, the Lord told Paul that he would bear His name to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). As the Lord delivered Him, so He would the Gentiles. This was a mystery that has finally been revealed (Ephesians 3:3-5; Romans 11:25; 16:25)! The Gentiles, along with the Jews, can be saved (Ephesians 3:6)!
One cannot be saved without the grace of God, and it has come to all men, including Gentiles (Titus 2:11-13). Earlier, Paul explained to the Ephesians that salvation is through grace and faith (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, by being baptized into Christ Jew and Gentile can be saved (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Paul became a minister of the gospel through the grace of God to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:7; Romans 1:5).
Will you receive the grace of God? Obey the gospel and live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) to receive eternal life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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