Historical Posts
1 Peter 05:06-11 – Be Established – Audio
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Text: 1 Peter 5:6-11
Whenever a person is new to something, they need to “get established.” Maybe one moves to a new town, and needs to find a home, job, and/or source of transportation. One can feel all alone, or very weak. One may even ask the right decision was made.
The best decision we can make is to become a Christian! We shouldn’t fear anything, or that we are alone; rather, there is someone there with us to establish (confirm, strengthen, help) us.
I. God will establish us.
A. Peter said that God would “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle” us (1 Peter 5:10).
B. Paul said that He is able to establish us according to the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25-27).
C. He will establish and guard us from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
II. We need to be established:
A. Establish ourselves in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).
B. Establish our hearts before God (1 Thessalonians 3:13; James 5:8).
C. Establish ourselves in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:17).
Have we been established? Are we rooted, grounded, and getting stronger in the faith? Are our hearts right before God? Are we good examples in word and deed? Have we heard and been obedient to God’s Word?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 04:12 – Cut to the Heart – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 4:12
There are some things that can really get to us if we let them. However, the word of God should get to us the deepest. Someone once said, “I apologize if I was stepping on some toes… I was aiming for the heart.” Well, the word of God does just that, it will cut to the heart.
I. The Word of God will cut to the heart.
A. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
B. God’s word has been delivered many times in many ways (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:1,14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
C. Many have heard His word and responded differently. See their responses and think how you are going to respond.
II. Some responded unfavorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter and the other apostles preached the word even in prison, and those who heard them wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-32).
B. Stephen boldly proclaimed the word of God, yet those who heard him stoned him to death (Acts 7:51-60).
III. Others responded favorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter proclaimed the gospel of Christ on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).
B. When the crowd heard this they were cut to the heart, and asked what to do to be saved (Acts 2:37-41).
When the word of God is proclaimed, it should not be given an unfavorable response. Rather, it must be heard, believed, and obeyed! This shows the true power of the word of God and it’s ability to save our souls!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 05:12-14 – Right and Wrong – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
What is Right and What is Wrong?
Introduction to What is Right and Wrong
A. What is “spiritual maturity?” It is being able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B. We are to be able to prove or to determine the good, perfect and acceptable will of God – Romans 12:2
C. How do we decide what is right and wrong?
Body for What is Right and Wrong
I. Questions and Biblical Answers to What is Right and Wrong.
A. Is it condemned in the Bible? – Galatians 5:19-21
B. Will it harm me spiritually? – Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-26
C. Will it harm me physically? – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Romans 12:1
D. Will it hurt others, causing them to go astray? – Romans 14:1-15:3;
E. Will it take too much of my time and money? – Luke 12:16 -21; Ephesians 5:15-16
F. Will it hurt my influence for Christ and the church? – Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12
G. Will it hurt my conscience? – Romans 14:21-23
H. If Christ was here, would He disapprove? – 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1
II. Two Thoughts About Sin!
A. Sin is not hereditary.
1. Sin is of such a nature in its very meaning that it cannot be inherited.
2. Sin is something committed – 1 John 3:4; John 8:34
3. We neither inherit the act or the guilt of our parent’s sins.
4. We suffer the consequences of their sins – Exodus 20:4-5
5. We do not suffer the guilt of their sins – Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4
B. Sin is no laughing matter.
1. Sin is rebellion, lawlessness, perversity, and failure.
2. It is a disease that needs curing.
3. It is a taskmaster that needs forsaking.
4. It is an insanity that needs healing.
5. It is a filth that needs cleansing.
6. It is a debt that needs paying.
7. It is a stain that needs removing.
8. It is a darkness that needs light.
Conclusion to What is Right and Wrong
A. An understanding of “what is sin” constitutes a strong argument against sinning.
B. Obey the Gospel of Christ – quit the sinning business – John 8:32
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 20:20-26 – Give to Each His Due – Audio
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Text: Luke 20:20-26 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Different people deserve different things:
- Parents take good care of their children, and thus deserve much support and appreciation.
- Teachers have command of the classroom, and must have the attention of their students and assignments turned in on time.
- Bosses oversee employees to help make the company successful, and thus deserves projects turned in on time and respect.
- Coaches help athletes become better athletes and better individuals, and deserve a great effort from them.
The same is true with our government and with God. Give to each his due.
I. Government: Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.
A. Every soul must be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2).
B. Peter indicated that even Jesus paid the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27).
C. Christians likewise are subject to every ordinance of man (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:6-7).
II. God: Give to God the things that are God’s.
A. We must give ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
B. We must give financially as we have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Romans 12:8; Mark 12:41-44).
C. We must fear God, keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Proverbs 24:21; Deuteronomy 6:1-2).
D. God requires us to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
E. God deserves our time (Ephesians 5:15-17).
F. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19; John 14:15).
Give to each his due!
Give to those that are deserving of such. We have legal obligations to our government and must give our due there, but we have a greater responsibility to God. He created us; we must give to Him all glory and honor due Him! Are you giving God the glory? Start by recognizing, accepting and obeying His son.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 15:10-20 – Man Defiled – Audio
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Text: Matthew 15:10-20 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
What makes a man defiled?
The Scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of defiling themselves as they ate bread with unwashed hands (Matthew 15:1-2). Jesus responded to the scribes and Pharisees by showing that they did not keep God’s commandments themselves because of their tradition (Matthew 15:3-9).
It is not what goes into the mouth that makes a man defiled, but what comes out of the mouth, for the mouth shows the heart. Are you showing the heart of a man defiled by sin?
I. A man is not defiled by what goes into his mouth.
A. Jesus explained to His disciples that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach, and is eliminated (Matthew 15:17; Mark 7:18-19).
B. Paul explained that food is for the stomach and stomach for food, but God will destroy both (1 Corinthians 6:13).
C. Peter learned that God has the authority to call unclean food clean (Acts 10:14-15; Leviticus 11).
D. Paul was convinced that nothing is unclean of itself (Romans 14:14-17).
E. Food is not to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3-4).
II. What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.
A. We should not let our mouth cause us to sin (Ecclesiastes 5:6).
B. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34-37).
C. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (James 3:6, 8-10).
III. What is in the heart defiles a man.
A. The LORD searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10; 11:20; Revelation 2:23).
B. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7; 27:19).
C. Jesus explained what was in man’s heart (Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23).
D. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and it shows a man defiled! Instead of putting evil into our hearts, we need to put in the good and remove what defiles us.
- Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).
- Ezekiel pleaded, “Cast away all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 18:31).”
- David pleaded, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).”
Does your mouth show the heart of a man defiled? Won’t you get a pure heart right now by washing it clean from sin with the blood of Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Timothy 1:12-17 – The Salvation Pattern of Paul – Audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Paul tells Timothy all that Christ had done for him, of his salvation pattern. Saul, as Paul was originally known, caused great havoc in the church (Acts 8:3). He was a great opponent of the cause of Christ! However, because of the exceedingly abundant grace and rich mercy of the Lord, he was able to become a great worker in the kingdom of Christ as his salvation pattern comes to a conclusion in Acts 9.
I. Paul received grace as the first part of his salvation pattern.
A. Saul became Paul by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).
B. Paul received grace in order to preach the gospel (Ephesians 3:7-8; Galatians 1:15-16).
C. Grace reigns through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:20-21).
D. Paul said we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).
E. God’s purpose and grace in Christ saves us (2 Timothy 1:8-11).
II. Mercy was included in his salvation pattern.
A. Paul obtained mercy because he persecuted Christ and the church ignorantly in unbelief (1 Timothy 1:13; Acts 17:30).
B. We are saved through mercy, poured out abundantly on us through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:5-7).
III. Paul was saved in baptism to complete his salvation pattern; We can be saved in like manner!
A. The grace of God brings salvation and has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11; 2 Corinthians 4:15).
B. We are all sinners, justified by the grace of God (Romans 3:23-26).
C. Grace accompanies faith and love in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 1:14; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:22; Acts 22:16).
D. Paul received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith through Christ (Romans 1:5).
E. Though Christ we have access by faith into grace (Romans 5:2).
F. God, who is rich in mercy, saves us by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:4-8).
G. Christians have obtained mercy and proclaim the praises of God (1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:12, 17).
Paul received grace and mercy. He was then saved when he responded by submitting to baptism in water to be added to the church. All Christians have followed that same salvation pattern. We have received grace and mercy; we are saved when we respond and complete the exact same salvation pattern we see demonstrated by Paul!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 28:18-20 – Authority is all in Jesus – Audio
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Text: Matthew 28:18-20 (Reading by Don Treadway)
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority (Matthew 21:23)?” The chief priests and elders questioned the authority of Jesus. He did not answer them because they could not handle the answer. His disciples, on the other hand, could understand because they had come to know Him.
I. Jesus has been given all authority.
A. Jesus was given all authority (Matthew 28:18; Daniel 7:13-14).
B. This authority could only come from God (Ephesians 4:6; John 12:48-50).
C. He spoke with authority (Matthew 7:29).
D. He has full authority over…
1) …nature (Mark 4:39).
2) …unclean spirits (Mark 1:21-27).
3) …death (John 2:19; 10:17-18).
4) …judgment (Jonn 5:22-23,26-27; Acts 10:42).
5) …angels, authorities, and powers (1 Peter 3:22).
6) …the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).
II. Jesus gave His disciples authority to make disciples.
A. Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
B. They were to preach the gospel, and signs would accompany them (Mark 16:15-18).
C. They preached repentance and remission of sins, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 2).
III. We must abide by His authority.
A. Jesus said we are to observe all things He has commanded us (Matthew 28:20).
B. The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).
C. Whatever we do, we are to do “in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).”
Are we abiding by the authority of Christ? Have we been obedient to the gospel? Are we faithfully keeping all His commandments?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 01:06-12 – One Gospel, Many Preachers – Audio
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Text: Galatians 1:6-12
One Gospel, Many Preachers
Over the course of time, there have been many preachers. At the beginning of the church, there was only one gospel! As time went on, some people began to turn to a different gospel; however, there is not really another gospel, but some wanted to pervert the one gospel and preach a false gospel! That still happens today, yet it should not be so!
I. There is one gospel.
A. Paul received the gospel through revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
B. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
C. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16)!
D. There is not another gospel, but some pervert it (Galatians 1:6-7).
II. There are many preachers.
A. Peter preached the first gospel sermon on Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36).
B. Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-37).
C. Paul simply preached Christ and Him crucified (Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
III. Many preachers must preach the same gospel!
A. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).”
B. Preachers must preach so people can hear, believe, and call upon the LORD (Romans 10:13-16; Isaiah 52:7).
C. Preachers should say the same thing, and let there be no division among them (1 Corinthians 1:10).
D. If a preacher preaches a different gospel, he is to be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9).
It was thrilling to hear many gospel preachers last week at Polishing The Pulpit. They all spoke the same thing! The one gospel that was preached in the first century can still be preached today. The one gospel that saved men’s souls then is the one gospel that saves men’s souls today. Though there may be many preachers must preach the one gospel of Christ from the Word of God!
Have you heard the one gospel and responded to accept salvation in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 06:14 – How do you View the Cross of Christ? – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (Reading by )
Introduction to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. Some see the Cross of Christ as a piece of jewelry
2. Some see the Cross as a decoration in their home.
3. Some see the Cross as a design in their clothing
4. The bible points out seven different perspectives of the Cross of Christ
Body
A. The Cross of Christ was about silver to Judas
1. He was a thief and traitor – John 12:4-6
2. He sold Jesus – Matthew 26:15
B. The Cross of Christ was about silence to the Pharisees
1. They tried to trick Him – Matthew 22:15-22
2. They decided to kill Him – Matthew 26:3-5
a. He arose – Acts 2:32-33
b. His disciples turned the world upside down – Acts 17:6
C. The Cross of Christ was about self-preservation to Pilate
1. He knew Jesus was innocent – Matthew 27:23-24
2. He sacrificed Jesus to save himself – John 19:12-16
D. The Cross of Christ was about sport to the Roman soldiers
1. The soldiers made fun of Him – John 19:2-3
2. They gambled for His clothes – Matthew 27:35
E. The Cross of Christ was about substitution to the Father
1. This was God’s demonstration of His love
2. He died for us – 1 Peter 2:21
F. The Cross of Christ was about submission to the Son
1. He submitted willing – Matthew 26:39, 53
2. He humbled Himself – Philippians 2:8-9
Conclusion to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. The Cross of Christ is about salvation to the saints
2. So Jesus said – Matthew 26:28
3. So they preached – 1 Peter 1:18-20
4. He is coming again – Revelation 1:7-9
5. The Cross can change your life, change you. How will you respond to the Cross of Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 05:23-33 – Why I Love The Church – Audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:23-33 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction to Why I Love The Church
1. There are many people who are cynical when they speak of the church
2. They see the church as a cold, sterile, formal institution
3. However, some people see the church as I do: Something to love
4. I grant the human side of the church remains in a constant state of renovation and repair, but that’s really no reason not to love it
5. Allow me to share with you four reasons why I love the church
Why I Love The Church
I. I Love the Church Because Jesus Loves It
A. My greatest aim in life is to be a Christian
1. I’ll never be perfect
2. But I hope and pray I look more like him today at 73 than when I was 23 years old
B. Jesus loved the church – Ephesians 5:25
II. I Love the Church Because the Church Is Family
A. Members of the church are called sons of God – Galatians 3:26
1. Fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters – 1 Timothy 5:1-2
B. Because we’re family, we have support
C. We don’t have to go through life alone
1. Matthew 12:46-50
2. Mark 10:28-30
III. I Love the Church Because Of Its Impact on the World
A. Don’t we all lament the state of the world?
B. Just think what this world would be like without the influence of the church!
C. Matthew 5:13-16
D. The church is a moral voice and a conscience in our society
IV. I Love the Church Because It Is the Saved
A. Jesus Saves, not the church; but it is the church that Jesus saves!
B. Ephesians 5:25-30; Acts 2:47, 20:28
C. If I’m not a part of the church, then no matter what else I may accomplish in life, it’s all been for nothing – Matt 16:24-26
Conclusion to Why I Love The Church
1. The greatest gift you could ever give the Lord is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
2. The greatest gift you could ever give to your spouse is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
3. The greatest gift you could ever give to your children is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
4. The greatest gift you could ever give your neighbors and friends is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Know God, Even the Unknown God – Audio
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Text: Acts 17:22-31
Know God?
The Greeks did not know God. They sought after wisdom. Christ, the Son of God, was foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). Even so, Paul wanted them to know God!
I. Know God who made the world and everything in it.
A. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
B. God made us; we did not make ourselves (Psalm 100:3).
C. Without Christ, “nothing was made that was made (John 1:3).”
D. By Christ, all things were created in heaven and on earth (Colossians 1:16-17).
E. He is Lord of heaven and earth (Acts 17:24-25; Matthew 11:25).
II. Know God who has set our boundaries
A. He set the boundaries for the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:8).
B. He “makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and guides them (Job 12:23).”
C. God does with us according to His will (Daniel 4:35).
D. God would not allow man to build a tower to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-9).
III. Know that God who desires us to seek Him.
A. God has given us ample evidence to know he exists (Romans 1:20-23).
B. God is very near to us (Deuteronomy 4:7; Jeremiah 23:23-24).
C. God may be found (Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 7:7).
IV. Know God who commands everyone everywhere to repent.
A. If we don’t repent, we will perish (Luke 13:3,5).
B. God does not want anyone to perish, but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
C. We must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12).
V. Know God will judge the world in righteousness by Christ.
A. God ordained Christ to be Judge of the living and dead (Acts 10:42).
B. The word that Jesus has spoken will judge us in the last day (John 12:48).
C. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
Do You Know God?
If you don’t know God yet, you can start now by reading His Word and learning His will. Then, you will have to decide how to respond.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Faith and Works – Audio
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Text: James 2:14-26
I. Faith and works were present in Abraham.
A. Abraham first showed his faith by leaving his land and family, as God commanded him (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10).
B. He also showed his faith by offering Isaac on the altar (James 2:21-24; Hebrews 11:17-19; Genesis 22:1-18).
II. Faith and works were present in Rahab.
A. Rahab hid the spies, and spared their lives (Joshua 2:1-13).
B. By letting a scarlet cord out of the window, her life was spared when the city of Jericho was overtaken (Joshua 6:22-25; Hebrews 11:31).
III. Faith and works must be present in us.
A. Faith
1. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
2. Faith is necessary to come to God (Hebrews 11:6).
3. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
4. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17,20,26).
B. Works
1. Works admit us into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).
2. Works show the love of God in us (1 John 3:17-18).
3. Works will be remembered by God (Hebrews 6:10).
4. Works must be done in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13).
5. Works make faith perfect (James 2:22) and justifies it (James 2:24).
C. Faith and works were not both present in demons (James 2:19; Matthew 8:28-29; Mark 1:23-24).
D. Faith and works are both present in us when we:
1. Hear God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
2. Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24).
3. Repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5).
4. Confess Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10).
5. Are baptized for the remission of our sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
6. Live faithful Christian lives unto our deaths (Revelation 2:10).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 8:35-39 – Enduring Love of God – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:35-39
The Enduring Love of God
“How can God love me?” This is a question that is often asked by a person who is feeling very insecure. After all, if they do not love themselves, how can they expect God to love them? Would you be surprised that God’s love is an enduring love and He will ALWAYS love you?
I. Nothing can separate us from the enduring love of God.
A. Paul lists several things beyond our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (Romans 8:35-39).
B. Paul also listed things within our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Though they may separate us from God himself, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
II. Even though we are separated from God by sin, God still loves us.
A. Only our sins can separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), if we let them. Even then, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
B. While we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
C. Jesus proved His enduring love for us by laying down His life for us (John 15:13-14; 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; 1 John 4:9-10).
D. As God loved Jesus, Jesus loves us (John 15:9; 5:20; 17:26).
III. Even when we are chastened, God still has enduring loves for us.
A. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens, desiring to bring about repentance (Revelation 3:19).
B. Eliphaz told Job, “Happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty (Job 5:17).”
C. The writer of Hebrews reminds Christians that the LORD chastens those whom He loves, as sons (Hebrews 12:3-6). One corrects a son because of love.
Conclusion
God, by His very nature, is love (1 John 4:7-8).
We are to love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We are “more than conquerors” in all things through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
Won’t you love Him too by keeping His commandments (John 14:15)?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 12:1-2 – Living Sacrifice – Audio
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Text: Romans 12:1-2 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
You Are a Living Sacrifice
A sacrifice may be defined as something you give up in order to receive something better in return. When playing a board game, you might give up a piece in order to get a better piece or position in return. You may have to choose between two activities at the same time; something must be given up. When making a sacrifice to God, something must be given up of ourselves, a living sacrifice, in order to receive something greater from Him.
I. We must offer ourselves as a living sacrifice.
A. We are “living stones,” offering up “spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:4-5).”
B. To be a living sacrifice, one must be dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11-13; Galatians 6:14).
C. Our body and spirit belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
D. Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20).
E. The church at Sardis was not alive; it was dead (Revelation 3:1-3).
II. We must offer holy sacrifices.
A. The book of Leviticus describes just how holy each sacrifice to God should be, and how holy the priests are to offer them.
B. Today, Christians are a “holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5).”
C. We are to be holy…
1) …for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
2) …and without blemish (Ephesians 5:26-27).
3) …and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4-8).
D. We are to serve God “in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life (Luke 1:75).”
E. John tells us, “he who is holy, let him be holy still (Revelation 22:11)” as we prepare for the Lord’s coming.
III. Our sacrifices must be acceptable to God.
A. Abel offered a sacrifice acceptable to God, but Cain did not (Genesis 4:1-7).
B. Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they did not offer an acceptable sacrifice (Leviticus 10:1-3).
C. Abraham was willing to offer his son as an acceptable sacrifice to God (Genesis 22).
D. Today we are told what is acceptable to God through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Conclusion
Jesus Christ offered Himself as the perfect living sacrifice! He lived, died, and lives again! He is holy, and always does what is acceptable to His Father. Following His example, we must transform ourselves into a living sacrifice. We must live for Him, be holy, and do what is acceptable unto Him. His will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect. We can prove it if we offer ourselves as the right kind of sacrifice.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Timothy 06:06-10 – Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain – Audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Reading by Don Treadway)Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
Godliness is always right, but it is not always easy to do the right thing. Sometimes peer pressure can be difficult to overcome. Other times, it may seem easier to do what’s right if one has certain things, or if one does not have other things. However, by doing what is right with what one has, one may be blessed and gain contentment.
Body
I. We must profess godliness.
A. Godliness means living a life that is respectful to God, and to oneself.
B. Earlier, Paul told Timothy that godliness is profitable for all things (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
C. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
D. Godliness is in accordance with truth (Titus 1:1).
E. Christians must live in “holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
F. We must add godliness to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-7).
G. We can expect persecution when living godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12).
H. We must withdraw from those that suppose godliness is a means of gain, yet pursue true godliness (1 Timothy 6:5,11).
II. We must be content.
A. Paul has learned to be content in every condition (Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:11).
B. We must be content with such things as we have (Hebrews 13:5).
C. We need God’s words more than necessary food (Job 23:12; Matthew 6:11).
D. God gives us all we need (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; Proverbs 30:7-9).
III. We have much to gain.
A. Godliness is profitable for this life, and the life that is to come (1 Timothy 4:8).
B. If a man gains the world and loses his soul, he loses everything; if he loses the world and gains his soul, he has gained everything (Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:20-21).
Conclusion
As Christians, we are to live Christ Jesus with Godliness. In so doing, we must be content with who we are and what we have. Being content and living godly lives in Christ, we have much to gain!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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John 01:01-14 – Jesus Christ was in the Beginning with God – Audio
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Text: John 1:1-14
Introduction
- Jesus Christ must be understood and acknowledged as God in the flesh or God in human form. To save man from his sins, and to bring him back into fellowship with God, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, as man & God for the purpose of destroying sin in the flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23.
- Jesus Christ has always been in existence. The birth of Mary’s firstborn child, Jesus does not mark the beginning of Jesus existence. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus Christ lets you & I know that He is the beginning and the end.
In the Beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, The Word was God
- In the beginning before God created the heavens and the earth and all that’s therein the Word was present with God – John 1:1-2. In 1 John 1:1-3, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the “Word of life.” In 1 John 5:7, the Word of God reveal those that bear witness in heaven, and one of them is the Word, Jesus Christ.
- In John 8:56-59, the Jews show their disbelief in the divinity of Jesus Christ when Jesus told them Abraham rejoiced to see His day and saw it and was glad, and told them that He existed before Abraham. These Jews did not believe Jesus Christ is God
- In John 1:3, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that all things were made by Jesus Christ. Everything that was created was made by Him. This means Christ is our Creator – Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:12-18; Hebrews 1:1-2.
The Word, Jesus Christ, Was Made Flesh
- Through the power of God, the Word was made flesh when the Holy Spirit overshadowed a virgin name Mary. And that which was conceived of Mary was the Word, Jesus Christ the Son of God – Luke 1:26-35.
- John the baptizer was sent from God to bear witness of the Light of Jesus Christ, and to prepare the way of the Lord – John 1:6-9. This is that light that you must walk in to be forgiven of your sins – John 3:16-21; 1 John 1:5-7.
- Even though the world was made by Christ, the world did not know Him. And even His own people the Jews rejected Him – John 1:10-11. But if you believe in Christ the Son of God, He has the power to made us the sons of God, He has the power to save us through His sacrifice on the cross – John 1:12-14.
- Do you want life or do you want death? Do you want to seize liberty, or do you want to remain in bondage. Jesus Christ is the way and life. Why not obey Him now and accept His salvation – Revelation 21:6-8?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 09:37-38 Are You Motivated To Work As God’s Servant? – Audio
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Text: Matthew 9:37-38 (Reading by Steven Winland)
Introduction
- The word motive denotes that which influences, prompts, propels, pushes, or induces a specific action. It causes you to move in a direction, so you can receive a specific outcome. I like to describe it as the fire that gets under you to move you to action, or in God’s service. (exp) What will motivate you into service for God, because there’s plenty of work to do – Matthew 9:35-38?
- A servant or steward is a person that takes care of things that belongs to another (God owns everything – Psalms 24:1). A servant has responsibility to make sure the owner’s goods are well taken care of. This responsibility makes the servant accountable to the master, of the goods. The servant would receive a reward or punishment depending on how well he took care of the owner’s goods (Romans 14:12). This is why being motivated to serve God is important. To be motivated you must be excited about it.
- The thing that should excite us into God’s service is the Word of God – Hebrews 4:12. One of the best examples of the Word of God motivating one to a certain action is found in Acts 9:1-6; Acts 22:6-16.
Some Will Need Encouragement to Motivate Them to Serve God
- The word encourage, means to inspire with confidence, to urge forward one to start or continue in an action. What will motivate you, to work as a servant of God? People need different types of sources of motivation to get them going in the right direction. It was a little maid of the land of Israel that motivated Naaman to go to Elisha to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-9). Again it was one of Naaman’s servants that encouraged him to dip seven times in the Jordan river to be healed, instead of going away in a rage an being not healed (2 Kings 5:10-14). Sometimes it takes many encouragements to get us moving because we may be stubborn or lazy.
- When the Word of God is preached, it is for the express purpose of encouraging you and moving you to righteous actions – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Consider the things we could do for the kingdom if we were motivated to do so!
- How many times have you been ready to quit, but someone encouraged you to continue on? Was not Elijah the prophet encouraged by God to continue on when he thought he was by himself alone serving God – (1 Kings 19:9-10, 15-18).
(Read the Story of Two Frogs)
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
Servants of God Must Be Motivated to Remain Faithful
- A key component, in being motivated to remain faithful, is to make sure your zeal for God, doesn’t grow cold – Galatians 5:7. Whenever the excitement for serving God diminishes you need to be careful because Satan will be near to turn you away from God – (1 Peter 5:8-9). That’s why it is important to focus on doing the Lord’s work. Remember what happened to Peter when he was walking on water and lost his focus off Jesus – Matthew 14:27-31.
- In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Word of God, gives a requirement to those whom would be His servants/steward. It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
♦ What type of servant will the lord make ruler over his household? Matthew 24:45-47.
♦ There is also a warning to those servants whom fail to do his master will – Matthew 24:48-51.
- Therefore, let us not be lazy or slothful in doing the work of the Lord. Let us not make excuses. You and I have talents, so let us be motivated, to do the Lord’s work, because the fields are already white ready to be harvested – John 4:35-36.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 05:13-16 Contagious Christian Living – Audio
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Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Introduction to Contagious Christian Living
1. Usually, the term “contagious” has a negative connotation.
2. Contagious simply means that something is transmissible and is not negative by definition.
3. What normally gives the word a negative connotation is that we usually speak of it with reference to disease. (EBOLA as an example)
4. However, are there not many good things that we could wish were contagious?
5. In this lesson, let’s examine some things that we can do with our lives that will help make Christianity contagious and bring others to Christ.
Body
I. Becoming Contagious Christians
A. People may sometimes think that being “contagious” involves attributes such as size, money, entertainment, theatrics, etc., but not so for true contagious Christian living.
B. We may never become a “mega-church,” but we can become a contagious church by following three principles of contagious Christian living.
C. Three principles of Contagious Christian Living:
1. Be Amazed at the Glory of God – Revelation 15:1-4
2. Be Transformed by the Love of Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
3. Be Yielded to the Word of God – John 12:47-50
II. How Jesus Drew People to Him?
A. Jesus turned ordinary conversations to spiritual Conversations – John 4:10, 13-14
C. Jesus gave people reason to follow Him – John 4:13-14
D. Jesus didn’t force Himself on other people – John 4:26-30
E. Jesus created intentional encounters with people – John 4:4
Conclusion
1. May we strive for true Christian living, with lives are a reflection of the Son of God.
2. Living with a greater awareness of how blessed we are as Christians, we can be contagious to those with whom we come in contact.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 06:14 – Boast in the Cross – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction:
1. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 6:14
2. Why would anyone want to “boast” in the cross, an instrument of death?
3. The answer is because the cross is a great paradox.
a. It is Instrument of death – but it gives life.
b. It is darkest day in history – but on it hung the light of the world.
c. It is premeditated murder – but also predestined sacrifice.
d. It is great act of sin – but it was also a great cure for sin.
e. On the cross, Jesus won by losing and He conquered by surrendering.
f. The cross demonstrates how much God hates sin and how much He loves the sinner.
4. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and rightly so, for it gives meaning, hope, and stability for our lives.
5. Let’s examine three messages from the cross which can give meaning, hope, and stability to my life.
Body:
I. The Cross Declares That My Life Is Not Futile
A. You are not an obscurity, but an object of God’s love.
B. John 3:16
C. 2 Timothy 1:9
II. The Cross Declares That My Failures Are Not Fatal
A. Luke 23:43
B. Ephesians 1:7
C. 1 John 2:1
D. 1 John 1:9
III. The Cross Declares That My Death Is Not Final
A. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
B. Hebrews 12:1-4
Conclusion:
1. All of us have suffered from what life can throw at us and how life can shake our faith and how life can knock us off balance.
2. It’s at these moments that we really need to look back to the cross, and lean on it for meaning, hope, and stability.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 10:30-35 – Samaritan Sense
Text: Luke 10:30-35
Introduction
In our text, Jesus tells a certain lawyer of a certain Samaritan that did a good deed for a man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho. This lawyer asked who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29), and Jesus showed how to be a neighbor (Luke 10:36-37). Perhaps there was something else Jesus was teaching the lawyer. One can only wonder if the lawyer needed to realize that Samaritans can be good neighbors, and he needed to be a good neighbor to Samaritans…
Body
I. Some Samaritans did not receive Jesus.
A. There was not a good relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
1) The king of Assyria placed many foreigners in Samaria who did not fear the LORD, and often served idols (2 Kings 17:24ff.).
2) As time went on, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9,27; 8:48).
B. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, He commanded them not to enter a city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5).
C. One village of the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, as He was ready to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56).
II. Some Samaritans believed Jesus.
A. A woman of Samaria was wary of Jesus when she came to draw water at Jacob’s well, but later leads many Samaritans to Him (John 4:9ff.).
B. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).
III. One Samaritan was thankful to Jesus.
A. Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-14).
B. Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to say thank you (Luke 17:15-19).
Conclusion
A. We can learn a lot from the Samaritans.
1) They are people, just like all of us.
2) They have the same opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
a) Some believed themselves and led many others to Christ.
b) Some went to Christ and were thankful, as we all should (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
c) Some were good examples of how to love their neighbor.
Content by Richard Dillon
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