Historical Posts
Full Buckets – Colossians 3:15
Text: Colossians 3:15
The surest sign that you’re carrying a full bucket is wet feet.
Are your feet wet?
Like buckets, our hearts tend to spill what’s in them, and that’s Paul’s point in this verse: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).
I suppose most of us struggle with the absence of peace.
- I’ll never get all this stuff done.
- How will my kids turn out?
- What if I lose my job?
- What will the MRI reveal?
And we fret and wring our hands and take more antacids.
We feel unsettled, distracted, nervous, and all this usually manifests itself in our interactions with others. We become distant or withdrawn, or perhaps irritable, even with the people we love the most, or perhaps especially with them.
Only it’s not supposed to be like that.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” Paul wrote. The word rule often referred to an umpire in a game and meant to control (Kittel).
In other words, Paul is saying that our hearts should be governed, ordered, controlled by peace. But how?
It won’t happen when you seek it on your own. You’ll never get everything in your life arranged perfectly so that peace naturally comes.
Peace in your heart will come when you’re filled with the peace of Christ.
Then your feet will be wet. Then you’ll feel peace and live peace and radiate peace.
Today, for a few minutes, pause and empty your heart of all anxieties and distractions and ask the Lord to give you his peace, to fill you with peace. Ask him to let it rule your life. It’s what he wants, of course.
Shortly before he died he left us with these words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
I hope your feet get wet today.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Seven Powerful Words – Mark 16:1-8
Text: Mark 16:1-8
The seven most powerful words ever spoken didn’t come from the mouth of Jesus.
In fact, they come from someone whose name we don’t even know.
Mark tells the account:
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8).
On the way to the tomb early Sunday morning the women remembered a potential obstacle: they had no way to get inside the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Perhaps in their grief they just hadn’t planned everything well.
But they soon realized they had no reason to worry. The tomb was no longer sealed.
At this point things started happening really quickly:
- They saw a young man.
- He said something.
- They ran in horror.
At some point in their flight, when their fear subsided, they recalled the young man’s words. What he said was confirmed by what they remember seeing in the tomb:
- Nothing.
- There was no body.
“He has risen. He is not here.”
Seven words that changed the world.
Seven words that changed me, and you, and millions of others.
They became the triumphant cry of the early Christians. In fact, read through a few sermons in Acts, and you might be amazed to see that this simple message was what they preached.
The tomb was empty.
The cross was significant, of course, but crucifixions were relatively common in that world. In one sense, Jesus died the same way thousands of others did.
But one thing was different. Incredibly, remarkably, gloriously different.
All the other crucifixion victims stayed in their graves.
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, and that makes all the difference.
Sometime, when you get discouraged and wonder if the difficulties of faith are really worth it, think back to the empty tomb.
What it says is that this world isn’t all there is. The same power that raised him will raise you.
A day is coming when everyone will hear his voice
Followers of Jesus will be raised to live with him as God always intended.
Seven words, one powerful message: My tomb will one day be empty too.
He has risen; he is not here.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Drifting Away – Hebrews 2:1-4
Text: Hebrews 2:1-4
There was a time when I (Don Treadway) and a fellow sailor went snorkeling off a Hawaiian beach when we were stationed there with the Navy.
We started following an exotic fish only to realize, almost too late, that we hadn’t kept track of time.
When I finally lifted my head out of the water, what I saw terrified me: the beach was so far away as to be barely visible.
A few minutes of distraction almost cost us our lives, but both of us made it back safely, though exhausted.
It occurred to me recently that something similar often happens spiritually, but with much more tragic consequences.
Have you ever watched someone walk away from God?
A once-devoted follower of Jesus who worshiped him passionately now avoids speaking of him. It’s a terrible thing.
Occasionally, I suppose, it happens with one big splash, some kind of all-of-the-sudden loss of faith that leads to desertion.
Maybe it’s a catastrophe that creates doubt that wasn’t there before, or at least wasn’t recognizable.
But more often it happens another way.
Drifting
It begins slowly with a few tentative steps away from God.
They’re not noticeable at first, maybe not even to the one taking them.
If not checked, however, a believer finds himself so far from shore that he no longer has the strength or will to make it back.
That’s why the Bible has warnings like this one:
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4).
Maybe our first tendency is to do what I did above, think about a friend or family member who’s drifted.
But a more appropriate response is to look inward.
Some Christians Let Their Guard Down
Not much, perhaps, and maybe no one else even knows.
Just a little more relaxed attitude toward sins that used to bother them, or perhaps a lesser commitment to spiritual things like worship and prayer.
Does that ever describe you?
“Give the more earnest heed,” the Bible warns, “Lest you drift away.”
Perhaps this passage should lead us today to conduct a sort of spiritual checkup.
- How’s my relationship with Jesus?
- How’s my devotional life?
- How am I treating people?
- Is my worship spontaneous and sincere or rote and ritualistic?
We all go through spiritual down times, of course, and being at a low point doesn’t mean we’ve lost our faith.
But it probably means that we need to look back toward the Lord, pray to him, and ask him to turn our hearts toward him again.
The best time to stop a drift is soon after it starts, before it gathers momentum.
If you look around today and notice signs of distraction, turn back quickly.
Don’t let yourself get too far away from shore. That can be deadly.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Patience – Colossians 3:13
Text: Colossians 3:13
It’s a good thing God is patient with us.
We fall down, kick ourselves, get back up, and promise this time we’ll do better. Next time we’ll be stronger. And then we do it again.
I wonder if that ever frustrates God?
Even so, he keeps on forgiving, keeps on blessing, keeps on bearing with us.
And he asks us to do the same with others.
Remember the story of the king who had a servant who owed him 10,000 talents? – Matthew 18:23-34
A talent, by the way, was how much a worker would earn in about 20 years, so 10,000 talents was the equivalent of how much you could earn in about 200,000 years.
In other words, this servant will never pay it back. Ever. He’s in debt for the rest of his life.
So the king did the unthinkable:
- He canceled the debt
- Wiped it away
- Acted as if it’d never existed
It’s hard to imagine how excited this servant must’ve been. He’d gotten his life back.
When Jesus tells this story, he focuses more on what this once-indebted-but-now-forgiven servant did with someone who owed him about a hundred days’ pay.
A hundred days versus 200,000 years.
He’s just been forgiven of an incredibly huge debt, so what will he do with a debt that’s miniscule in comparison?
He does the unthinkable.
He chokes the guy, then throws him in prison until he pays him back.
The Lord’s point is clear.
We’ve been forgiven of an unpayable debt, so we’ve got to extend that same kind of patience toward others.
Do you struggle to forgive?
Today, right now, are you holding a grudge?
Are you impatient with the weaknesses of the people around you? Your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, your employees?
Paul says one of the marks of spirituality is patience: “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:13).
The story the Lord told doesn’t have a happy ending.
The king found out what his servant had done, so he threw him in prison, “until he should pay all his debt” (Matthew 18:34).
In other words, the guy would serve a few thousand consecutive life sentences.
God’s patience forgives our sins and bears with our weaknesses.
He’s serious about it when he says we need to do the same.
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Matthew 18:35
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Friends Sometimes Disagree – Acts 15:36-41
Text: Acts 15:36-41
Sometimes even good friends disagree, occasionally quite sharply.
I’m not sure who was right, but Barnabas and Paul once got in an argument. Apparently it was bad enough that they decided they couldn’t work together, at least for a while. Luke tells us what happened:
Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.
And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
(Acts 15:36-41)
Mark had left them before…
We don’t know all the details, but Mark had gone with Paul and Barnabas on a previous missionary trip, and for some reason he had left them and returned home (Acts 13:13).
Was he homesick? Scared? Discouraged?
We don’t know, but whatever the reason, Paul didn’t think it was legitimate, and he wasn’t ready to take Mark on another trip.
So, between Paul and Barnabas, who was right? Should they have taken Mark?
There’s no way to know for sure, and maybe it was just a matter of opinion.
But I’d go with Barnabas.
Don’t you think it’s better to forgive?
Even Paul later changed his mind about Mark. Shortly before he died he wrote Timothy: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Second Chances
Try this: given an opportunity to give someone a second chance, do it. Forgive. Overlook. Think the best.
Barnabas decided to give Mark another opportunity to prove himself, and apparently the young man didn’t disappoint him.
So . . . forgive your spouse. Don’t hold grudges.
Look for your children’s good points and try, when possible, to overlook their faults.
Think good things about your friends and fellow church members, and de-emphasize their negative traits.
Don’t you want people to give you the benefit of the doubt?
People tend to live up to what we expect from them, and it’s usually best to think the best.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Barabbas – Who Is He? Mark 15:6-15
Text: Mark 15:6-15
Most of us have reflected on the final hours of Jesus again and again. There is probably little to be said that we have not heard before. I suppose that’s a danger here for all of us, isn’t it? The story can become too familiar, too common. But it’s a story we need to hear.
We need to reflect on it, absorb it, be touched by it.
As you read the beginning of Jesus’ Roman trial, slow down – read it as if you’ve never heard it before:
Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.
Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.
Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”
So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them;
(Mark 15:6-15a).
There’s a lot of irony there
- Barabbas means “son of a father,” and he had committed insurrection.
- Jesus was the “Son of God” and was accused of insurrection.
- Barabbas, who was guilty, was released.
- Jesus, who was innocent, was convicted.
I’ve often wondered why the story of Barabbas is included in the New Testament. It seems, at best, tangential to the Lord’s trial, which is the focal point.
Perhaps it was included just to show us how much some of the leaders hated Jesus.
But there’s probably a more theological reason than that.
One who was guilty was pardoned while one who was innocent died
Mark wanted to remind us again that this is the gospel.
The story of Barabbas took place in my life several years ago. I was guilty and deserved to be condemned, but God chose to release me.
In my place on the cross went an innocent man. He stepped in and took the mocking, beating, and execution that I deserved.
I am Barabbas – You are Barabbas
I wonder if the first Barabbas hung around Jerusalem long enough to stop by Calvary and see the cross where he almost hung.
I doubt it. I’d guess he got out of Jerusalem as quickly as he could.
But you and I can’t do that. We’ve been acquitted of crimes we committed, and we need to go to Calvary and see the cross that has our name on it.
This story doesn’t ever need to get old. It needs to remind us that we were pardoned.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Do You Ever Have Doubts? Mark 9:14-29
Text: Mark 9:14-29
Do you ever have doubts?
Doubts, perhaps, about God, perhaps, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Or maybe your own salvation, or that of someone you love.
Some days you believe without reservation, but other days you struggle.
What do you do on those days?
You may not discuss it, at least not openly, fearing that other Christians will question your faithfulness or doubt your integrity.
If you were a good Christian, Satan whispers, you wouldn’t have doubts. Ever.
Which isn’t even close to the truth.
I love the story of a father whose son was possessed by a demon. In desperation he brought the boy to the Lord’s disciples, but they couldn’t help.
Jesus could, of course, and he did, but not before he engaged the man in a short dialogue.
Please read with me and reflect on this story, particularly notice the conversation between Jesus and the worried father:
Read Mark 9:14-29
We have no idea what this man’s background was, but I’m encouraged by his honest response to the Lord’s mild rebuke:
Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! – Mark 9:24
That’s something I’ve asked the Lord many times.
On the surface it sounds contradictory, but it’s not.
As one commentator writes, it’s been the “frequent experience of disciples of all times” (J.A. Brooks).
We believe, but that faith is sometimes (often?) tinged by doubt. We hope, but that hope is sometimes dampened by uncertainty.
If you doubt, it means you’re in the flesh and therefore fallible. In a place where we all live, at least for now.
It doesn’t mean you’re a skeptic or an agnostic or that you’re weak.
It means you live on this side of that final day.
Don’t lose heart. Strengthen your faith… pray what this boy’s father prayed.
Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and shine his light into the dark corners of doubt.
Do you believe?
Of course you do.
Now ask the Lord to start working on those areas of uncertainty. He still answers those prayers today.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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How Much Things Change – John 11:25
Text: John 11:25
It’s amazing how much one thing changes everything.
It happens in life – a job, a marriage, a baby – and suddenly your world is never the same.
It also happens in areas that matter even more.
The apostles were sometimes so spiritually blind.
At least it seems that way to us.
They once tried to prevent Jesus from going to Jerusalem to die . . . for their sins, and ours.
How could they?
Why would they think of calling down fire from heaven on a village of people who wouldn’t listen to them?
How could they leave Jesus alone on the night before he died?
The truth is, they weren’t any different from us.
They were no less spiritual or mature, no more shallow or superficial.
But they could only see a portion of the picture that was yet to be completed.
As Mark finishes describing the Lord’s transfiguration, he gives us a clue:
Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. (Mark 9:9-10).
That’s an interesting phrase, isn’t it?
… what the rising from the dead meant.
They had no idea, not really.
Not having the advantage that we have of reading the completed Bible, they struggled.
Why does he talk about dying? What’s this about a cross? And a resurrection?
Then they went to an empty tomb on a Sunday morning
And it changed them.
Forever.
Peter denied Jesus on the eve of the crucifixion but later gave his life for his faith.
His good friend James ran from the soldiers in Gethsemane but a few years later lost his head to an axe when he wouldn’t stop preaching about Jesus.
In fact, all the apostles except John were executed because of Je
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Some People are Hard to Reach – Mark 6:1-6
Text: Mark 6:1-6
Have You Been Rejected?
You probably have someone in your family or circle of friends you’ve tried to share the Lord with, but they’ve shown no interest. They might hgave even displayed hostility.
You may have felt guilty about it. I must be doing something wrong. If only I had the right words, the right approach . . .
Something like this happened in Jesus’ life.
Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6:1-6).
That must have been difficult for the Lord.
He had returned home to Nazareth, probably eager to share His message with people He had grown up with. And it seemed to start well—people were amazed at His teaching.
Even Jesus was Rejected!
But that’s as far as it went. They were scandalized by His lowly roots, and they doubted He could have risen higher than they or His family had.
So they rejected Him while simultaneously insulting His mother and siblings.
What About Us?
Sometimes we need to be reminded that if people rejected Christ, and most did, should it surprise us that many people turn away from the message we’re trying to share?
It’s often hardest to reach the ones who’ve known us the longest, especially if they knew us when we were growing up.
But we’re not responsible for how people respond. We need just to keep living the Christian life and looking for opportunities to share Christ.
Sometimes it takes people years to overcome emotional or intellectual barriers to the gospel, but some of them will eventually come to know Christ.
Is there someone you know who doesn’t yet believe?
Perhaps soon the Lord will give you an opportunity again to talk about Christ and share your faith.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Can We Really Know The Truth?
Can We Really Know?
“Is it really possible for a person to KNOW the truth?”
There are so many opinions about what the Bible teaches.
“Is truth even attainable in the religious realm?”
These are common questions today.
Consider a few observations from Scripture:
1. How can a person be expected to OBEY (Hebrews 5:8-9) Christ if he is incapable of knowing what constitutes obedience to Christ?
2. How can a person be expected to ABIDE IN (John 8:31) the word of Christ if he is unable to learn and know Christ’s teaching?
3. How can a person be expected to PROVE (1 Thessalonians 5:21; cf. 1 John 4:1) what the Bible says if the truth cannot be distinguished from error?
4. How can a person be expected to CONTEND (Jude 3) earnestly for the truth if the truth is unattainable?
5. How can a person be expected to BEWARE (Matthew 7:15; cf. 2 John 7) of false teachers if there is no discernible way of telling whether or not they are teaching error?
6. How can a person be expected to SPEAK (Ephesians 4:15) the truth in love if he is unable to differentiate between truth and error?
7. How can we UNDERSTAND the will of the Lord ( Ephesians 5:17) if it is unattainable?
Yes, we can know the truth.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; 2 Timothy 3:13-17).
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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All Your Heart… Mark 12:28-33
1 Samuel 12:14-25
Samuel was the last judge over Israel. During his reign, the people wanted a king to be like all other nations. This displeased Samuel, and the LORD told Him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).
As a result, God gave them a king, but chose Saul. Samuel’s final words of advice were to fear the LORD, serve Him with all their heart, and obey His voice. God sent thunder and rain as a sign, and the people knew that they had sinned greatly by demanding a king.
However, Samuel prayed to the LORD for them as a righteous man should do (James 5:16). He also taught them the good and right way. If a way is proven to be good and right, one must follow it. That only way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6)!
After all, there is a way that “seems” right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Jesus described that way as broad, where many go in. However, narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few find that way (Matthew 7:13-14).
Mark 12:28-33
Just as Samuel told the people to “fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you,” Jesus taught a scribe what the first commandment was.
He said, “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…The second, like it, is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Just as the Israelites were to serve God with all they had, so should we!
Everything we think, say, and do must have Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18).
Thus, if we love Him with all, we’ll do all He says (John 14:15).
Content by Richard Dillon
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All Things Become New – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Is Anything New?
Is there anything new, according to the Preacher? Solomon, the Preacher, the son of David, said that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 9-11).
Many things that exist in this world (strife, sorrow, worry, etc.) have existed long, long ago. Paul reminded the Romans that things written before were written for our learning (Romans 15:4).
New Heaven and Earth
Did Isaiah prophesy of something new? Isaiah foretold of the coming of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom, the church. He said new heavens and a new earth, Jerusalem, would come and there would be no more weeping or crying (Isaiah 65:17-19). Did anyone else tell of a new Jerusalem?
In his Revelation letter, John saw a new heaven and new earth, and new Jerusalem came down from heaven. God wiped away every tear, and there was no more death, sorrow, crying, nor pain; all things were made new (Revelation 21:1-5). The faithful receive this, but there is a second death (Revelation 21:8). All must die, but each decides where to spend eternity (Hebrews 9:27).
New Compassion
How does Jeremiah describe God’s compassions? They do not fail; they are new every morning. God’s faithfulness is great. The Lord is his portion, and thus will hope in him. The Lord is good to those that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him (Lamentations 3:22-24).
New Commandment
What new commandment did Jesus give to His disciples? They must love one another, as Jesus loved them (John 13:34).
New Person
If one is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, and all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17; see also Galatians 6:15).
The old man has been put off with his deeds, and the new man is put on (Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 3:5-15).
Through baptism, one is dead to sin, buried with Christ, and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:2-6).
New Spirit
No longer do we serve the flesh but the newness of the Spirit (Romans 7:4-6).
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Must I Do? Acts 16:25-34
Text: Acts 16:25-34
The Philippian Jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do?” – Acts 16:30
This is an essential question all must ask. However, he was not the first to ask. The crowd on Pentecost asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Also, Saul of Tarsus asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).
If we ask different men what to do to be saved, we will get different answers; asking the Lord what to do gives us one answer!
Believe – Acts 16:31-32
Once the Philippian Jailer became open minded, could he received the word of the Lord and act on the instruction to, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Belief is not a stand alone requirement, but a starting point! Jesus said we must believe in Him to receive everlasting life (John 3:15-16; 8:24). However, Paul clearly shows belief must be accompanied by confession (Romans 10:9-11). So, if we truly believe in Christ, we will do what He says. True belief leads to obedience.
Hear God’s Word – Acts 16:33
Upon hearing the word of the Lord, all who heard were baptized! That’s exactly the same response that happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38ff.). Jesus Himself said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Rejoice! – Acts 16:34
He rejoiced, having believed in God. He showed his belief by acting upon it! When the Ethiopian eunuch was told to believe, he did, and was baptized (Acts 8:26-39)! On the day of Pentecost, many gladly received the word and were baptized (Acts 2:41)! Thus, the saved are added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Religion is Dangerous – Luke 18:11-12
Text: Luke 18:11-12
I think religion’s danger is that it gives us false comfort that this is what it means to know God.
Remember the Pharisee’s prayer?
“God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get” (Luke 18:11-12).
Five!
That’s how many times he uses the first-person pronoun “I” in that short little self-congratulatory prayer.
“Are you saved, Mr. Pharisee?”
“Of course I am. Look at everything I do and don’t do.”
“So you’ve never sinned?”
[Long pause]
“Well, sure, but not nearly as often as most. See that tax collector over there? That’s what a real sinner looks like.”
The Pharisee’s major problem was that his religion had skewed his view of himself
He honestly thought he was on good ground before God because of what he had done, and, perhaps more importantly, what he hadn’t.
The tax collector, on the other hand, who presumably had very little religion, was on much better footing with God. Why?
Because he knew he desperately needed God for salvation. He knew he had nothing to bring to the table.
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!‘ (Luke 18:13)
“Are you saved, Mr. Christian?”
“Of course I am. I’ve been baptized, and my church attendance is almost perfect. And besides, I don’t drink, lie, or cheat on my taxes.”
None of us would say that, of course, but I’m afraid that sometimes we think it, if only subconsciously.
It’s all because we love to create ways to measure faithfulness. We look at things we can see and quantify, like attending church, committing sexual sins, or giving financially to the church. They tell us what we think we need to know about our faithfulness.
But the most important question is this:
Do our hearts belong to Jesus?
If they do, then sure, many of the outward signs will follow.
The problem is . . . in different ways we can motivate ourselves into doing the outward part while ignoring the heart.
That’s why religion is dangerous
It helps us avoid asking the tough questions about where our allegiance really lies.
With God or the world?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – Romans 6:1-11
Text: Romans 6:1-11
Can we trust in riches?
Jesus said it is hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:24). After all, the rich young ruler would not give them up in order to follow after Christ (Matthew 19:16-22).
Paul said not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).” Riches are uncertain, for they will pass away (1 John 2:15-17).
Can we trust in ourselves?
Sometimes we think we can, and other times we know we cannot. We are not reliable. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and are not perfect. Paul said we should not “trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9-10).
One is tempted when enticed by his desires, and when the desire is conceived it causes sin. When sin is full-grown, death is brought about (James 1:14-15). This all started when Adam & Eve gave in to temptation and sinned when eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2-3).
As a result, “…in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
If we cannot trust in things or in people, in what or in whom can we trust?
We can trust in Christ!
- We heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise who is our guarantee of the inheritance (Ephesians 1:12-14)!
- We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). The Old Testament shows how God provided for the children of Israel, and He will do the same for us (James 1:17; Ephesians 1:3).
- He is the Savior of all men, but especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). Even when we were in sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Those who are obedient to the gospel will be saved (Romans 6:1-11).
How do we show our trust in God?
Peter says the women who trusted in God adorned themselves with the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1-6).
Paul told Timothy a true widow shows her trust in God by “continuing in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5). Christians are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Five wise and five foolish virgins were all invited to a wedding feast. The wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, whereas the foolish virgins did not.
All slept while waiting for the bridegroom. When they learned the bridegroom was approaching, the foolish virgins found they had run out of oil for their lamps. The wise told them to go in the city and buy some.
While the foolish virgins were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The wise virgins entered the wedding feast, whereas the foolish virgins did not because they were outside the door when it was shut.
There are three main lessons to gain from this parable.
Be prepared!
As there were both wise and foolish virgins invited to the feast, not all were prepared. All persons need to be prepared to do God’s will. Paul illustrates to Timothy that not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and earth are equally important, especially for the master’s use and prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Likewise, we have God’s Word to prepare us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By careful study, we can be prepared to answer those that ask a reason within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
The bridegroom gets the bride!
The bride is described as a holy city, new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). The church began at Jerusalem and spread throughout the world (Acts 2:5ff; Acts 8:1). The bride is described as the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21:9). The bride is also referred to as the saints, often a term used for Christians (Revelation 19:7-9).
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:6-12; 1 Peter 1:19).
Paul told the church at Corinth they were espoused to one husband, presented as chaste virgins to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Be watchful!
The foolish virgins tried to get in saying, “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 25:11), but the door was shut. Jesus said to watch and pray for we do not know when the Son of Man will return (Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Therefore, only those that do the will of God and are ready will enter (Matthew 7:21).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Fear – Romans 8:15-17 – audio
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Fear often holds us back in our walk with Christ.
Do you ever worry?
About your health, your kids, or your future?
Most of us do, and worry is just another word for fear.
Why do we fudge the truth?
Probably because we’re afraid of what’ll happen if we don’t.
Why do we sometimes fail to say what needs to be said?
Because we’re afraid of confrontation, or what people will think about us.
Why do we so easily join in when people around us are gossiping?
Because we’re afraid of looking self-righteous or judgmental.
If you take a close look at your most common sins, I think you’ll find that you’re scared of something.
Peter denied Jesus three times because of fear.
The one-talent man buried his money because of fear.
Abraham slept with his wife’s servant because of fear.
That’s not how it’s supposed to be, of course. God doesn’t want fear to control us.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:15-17).
As you’re listening to this, are you worried about something?
What fear is stealing the joy from your life in Christ?
What fear is keeping you from being fully obedient?
By God’s Spirit, cry out to him today: Abba! Father!
Ask him to cast the fear out of your heart!
Beg him to fill your life with confidence in him, to help you trust him enough to obey him no matter what.
Facing fear is part of the human struggle, but it shouldn’t control us.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Submit to God to be Free from Sin – Romans 6:16-18
Text: Romans 6:16-18
Introduction
- The world that we live in teaches us to empower self (becoming your own god), to gain happiness and success instead of submitting yourself to God, to be blessed and prosper (Psalm 1:1-3).
- When you make the decision to submit to self or the world, you’re making a decision to be enslaved to unrighteousness and death. This is why you need to yield yourself to God to be made free from the bondage of sin (John 8:31-32).
You Become Servants to Whomever You Submit
- In Romans 6:16, the Bible teaches us whoever you choose to submit to becomes your master whom your will serve. This is why it is important to know of a surety who you decide to submit to (God or Satan).
- Satan packages sin with so much glitter and gold to make it look like a great deal to be his servant. But Satan never shows you the fine print that says obeying & serving him will lead to eternal death (1 Peter 5:8).
Become a Servant of Righteousness by Submitting to God
- In Romans 6:17-18, the Spirit of truth conveys that the Christians at Rome were at one time servants of sin, but made the decision to obey the doctrine of Christ, to become free from sin and servants of righteousness.
- In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we find the Christians at Corinth were at one time unrighteous, but they decided to submit to God.
- If you are tired of being in the bondage of sin, if you are feed up with the painful consequences of walking in darkness, why not deny yourself and obey the doctrine of Christ to save your life and become servants of righteousness (Matthew 16:24-26).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFUL
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Presented at the Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Blessings of Sowing and Reaping – John 4:31-38
Text: John 4:31-38
Introduction
- Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father, to finish his work, to provide a perfect sacrifice for man’s sins that the lost might be saved through faith in Him [Jesus] (John 19:30).
- After Jesus was resurrected, He gave his disciples a charge to teach every creature and teach every nation, teaching them everything he taught the them (Mark 16:15-16). This great work is passed unto us as Christians to evangelize the world.
- Sometimes we complain about the work of evangelism; because frequently there is not instant gratification. But my Christian friends, let us be encouraged to sow the seed and reap the harvest. Because, how can there be a harvest, if the farmer doesn’t sow the seed? (Proverbs 11:30).
Sowers and Reapers Rejoice Together at the Fruit of the Harvest
- The laborers of the vineyard of the Lord should not complain about their respective roles (sower/reaper), but rejoice God has blessed their efforts and have caused the seeds planted to grow into maturity ready to be harvested. We are laborers together with God to save lost souls – (I Corinthians 3:9).
- In Galatians 6:7-8, we are reminded to not sow of the flesh but to sow the things of the Spirit that we might reap everlasting life.
- In John 4:36, Jesus teaches us that both sower and reaper are to rejoice together. Therefore, let us labor in sowing and reaping that we might have rejoicing with God when souls are saved (Luke 15:10).
- Why not decide to be a sower or reaper in the Vineyard of the Lord and enjoy in the blessings of eternal life. God made it possible by the offering up of His Son Jesus to die as the perfect sacrifice for sin. God raised Him up to life defeating sin and death. You can have victory in Jesus Christ. Why not come?
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Presented by Harry D. Anderson, Jr. at the Gahanna Jefferson Church of Christ On June 29, 2011.
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Blinded by Satan – John 8:12
Text: John 8:12
Introduction
- Satan, the god of this world, our enemy the devil, has been successful in blinding or covering the eyes of many, the lost, from the truth that they might be saved.
For example:
– Has not Satan blinded women whom have chosen to abort (murder) their unborn child? (1 John 3:15).
– Has not Satan blinded atheist whom do not believe in God? (Psalm 14:1).
– Has not Satan blinded those who practice sexual immorality? (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
– Has not Satan blinded those who believe being good is good enough to make it to heaven (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). - This is why we need to be reminded that Jesus is the light of the world, and to follow Him, so we don’t walk in darkness (John 8:12).
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT SATAN USES TO BLIND US?
- One of the things that Satan uses to blind us is human reasoning.
We should realize our human knowledge is limited, but God is omniscient (All Knowing), so doesn’t it make sense to put your trust in God who knows all. In (Proverbs 16:2), we learn the ways of man are clean in his own eyes, but God judges (Proverbs 14:12). - Satan also uses our preconceived ideas to blind our eyes from the truth.
Many Jews rejected Jesus because he did not fit their preconceived ideas of the Messiah as a conquering King. A suffering servant, whom would die for the sins of the world, did not fit their preconceived ideas about the Messiah, even though these things are confirmed by the prophets (Luke 24:13-25) Way to Emmaus (Read Luke 24:13-27). - Satan also uses people’s blind faith in false preacher’s the cover their eyes from the truth.
These individuals have failed to search the scriptures for themselves to identity the words or speech of their preacher’s as truth or error (Acts 17:11). - Therefore, make sure you get to the source of the truth, the Word of God.
Do not get blinded by human reasoning, preconceived ideas, or false teachers because Satan and his followers will be rooted up and fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:13-14).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM FAITHFUL LIVING
Presented by Harry D. Anderson, Jr. June 15, 2011 at the Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ, Blacklick, Ohio
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
