Historical Posts
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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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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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
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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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Matthew 09:35-38 – Here Am I, Send Me – audio
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Text: Matthew 9:35-38
Introduction
A. There is a great need for gospel preachers in our world today.
B. There is also a great need for teachers, song leaders, encouragers, and the like.
C. Are you willing to do what the Lord calls you to do?
Body
I. Jesus needs us!
A. Christ is the head of the church, which is His body; we are members of that body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).
1) Every single part of the body is needed (1 Corinthians 12:12ff.).
2) Thus, in Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10).
B. As Jesus was sent into the world, so He sends us out!
1) God sent Christ into the world to save it (John 3:16-17; Luke 9:56).
2) Jesus sent out the apostles (John 20:21; 17:18-19; Matthew 28:18-20).
3) They were sent out to preach (Mark 3:14-19).
4) They were not of the world, but were chosen out of the world (John 15:19).
5) After the apostles did their duty, the rest is up to us!
II. We need to go to work for the Lord!
A. Paul went where he was sent (Acts 9:15-16).
B. Jonah did not go where God sent him at first, but later did (Jonah 1:1-3).
C. The Lord asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I! Send me (Isaiah 6:8).”
Conclusion
A. The Lord is sending us!
B. Are we ready to go?
C. Here we are, send us!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 13:13-17 – God is Speaking; Are You Listening? audio
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Text: Matthew 13:13-17 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
Illustration: An elderly couple was just getting up to start their day. “What would you like for breakfast?” the woman asked her husband. Receiving no answer, she proceeded to the kitchen to look for some ideas on what to cook. Her husband came in shortly thereafter, and she asked him again. “Did you decide on what you wanted for breakfast?” Still not receiving an answer, she began to clear off the table. When her husband had been seated, she walked over and asked him the third time: “WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR BREAKFAST?” He replied, “For the third time, I want bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, and orange juice!”
Sometimes people simply do not wish to listen. They hear what they only want to hear, or are too busy thinking about what they will say next to really pay attention to what is being said.
Body
I. God is speaking to us.
A. God has given mankind a very important message since the very beginning.
B. He spoke directly, through the Law, through the prophets, through His Son, and through His Inspired Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16).
C. Everybody has a chance to hear Him speak!
II. Many are pleading for us to hear the Word of God!
A. Jesus pleads for us to listen.
1) He tells the seven churches in Asia: “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).”
2) He said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand… (Mark 7:14)”
B. Peter preached, “…heed my words (Acts 2:14).”
C. Steven pleaded with many to listen to his words as he preached Christ (Acts 7:2).
D. The Jerusalem Council listened to Paul and Barnabas tell of all good things God did for the Gentiles, and then James pleaded for all to listen as he taught the agreement of the prophets (Acts 15:12ff.). James later commands his readers to listen to what God has done for the poor (James 2:5).
E. The author of Hebrews commands us to pay close attention to God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1-3).
III. Sadly, some do not listen to God’s words.
A. Many throughout the Old Testament did not listen to God (Nadab & Abihu, Jonah, et al.).
B. Jesus said that Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled in that day regarding those that do not hear (Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:13-17).
C. The Hebrew writer said his audience became “dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11).”
IV. Blessed are those that hear the Word of God!
A. The Bereans set a good example of hearing the word; they received it with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
B. Faith comes from hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17), and we cannot be saved without it (Hebrews 11:6).
C. If we hear the words of Jesus and believe in God, we may have everlasting life (John 5:24).
D. We are of God if we hear His words (John 8:47).
E. If we hear the voice of Jesus, we are of the truth (John 18:37).
F. True hearers of the word will hear it, understand it, and bear fruit (Matthew 13:23).
G. We must not only hear the word; we must do it (James 1:21-25).
H. Jesus likened hearers and doers to wise men; those that did not hear/do to foolish men (Matthew 7:24-27).
Conclusion
Through the word of God, we learn how to receive salvation. We must truly listen to Him and do what He says! If we do, we may receive everlasting life.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 07:07-12 – Seek and Ye Shall Find – audio
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Text: Matthew 7:7-12
Introduction
We have all lost something at one point in our lives. Maybe we misplaced our billfold, keys, cell phones, or even our minds!
Most of the time, the lost item does not turn up on its own; rather, you have to look for it.
You may even search for an item identical to the one that was lost, or want something for the first time.
Body
I. There is a wrong way to seek.
A. Some pieces just do not fit in a puzzle!
B. We think we may want a certain degree, job, or significant other. Sometimes we later realize that is not the right thing or person for us, and “something better comes along.”
C. Some seek their own, and not the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).
D. The wicked do not seek God (Psalm 10:4).
E. The Jews sought a sign; the Greeks sought wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).
II. There is a right way to seek.
A. Seek the LORD while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
B. He came to seek us (Luke 19:10).
C. Seek the things above, and not the things on earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
D. Seek a home in Heaven (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14).
E. Jesus taught of a lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15).
III. Those that seek the right way will find greater things.
A. God blesses those who seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).
B. The LORD will not forsake those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
C. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
D. Those who seek for glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life (Romans 2:6-10).
Conclusion
Let us seek God, and the spiritual things!
If we seek diligently, we will find what we are looking for and so much more!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 06:25-34 – Watch and Pray – audio
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Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Introduction
Jesus taught Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately upon the Mount of Olives. They were concerned about when the end was going to come.
Instead of giving them an exact day, time, and year, Jesus instead explained that they needed to be ready at all times! By staying ready for His return, they would not worry about what tomorrow might bring (Matthew 6:25-34).
Body
I. No one knows the day and hour when Christ is coming again.
A. Jesus did promise He will come again (John 14:3).
B. He will return as He went into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), coming in the clouds (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-16).
C. He could come at evening, midnight, crowing of the rooster, or in the morning (Mark 13:35).
D. That day will be as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10).
E. Everything will seem as normal when the Son of Man comes (Matthew 24:36-44).
F. The ten virgins did not know the hour when the bridegroom would come (Matthew 25:1-13).
II. Watch!
A. We must not sleep, but rather watch and remain alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6)!
B. Watch, remaining firm in the faith (1Corinthians 16:13).
C. Be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)!
D. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain (Revelation 3:1-3).
E. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments (Revelation 16:15).
III. Pray!
A. Watch and pray always that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
B. Pray always, being watchful to this end with perseverance and supplication (Ephesians 6:18).
C. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
Conclusion
Jesus has warned us that He is coming again.
Since we do not know when, we must always be ready for His return.
Let us:
- Be ready by always being on the alert, living faithfully.
- Continue to pray to Him for His guidance and encouragement.
- Be thankful that when He does come again, we will be ready to meet Him and live eternally with Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 5:43-48 Love Your Enemies – audio
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Text: Matthew 5:43-48
Introduction
It seems as if this time of year you learn who your friends are, and who your enemies are.
- Families gather together for the holidays, only to see in-laws go at it or siblings renew former spats and squabbles.
- Neighbors compete to see who can display the best holiday decorations.
- Rivalry weekend pairs teams to play each other that do not like one another.
This may seem like a big deal to us now, but consider what it was like many years ago—Jews and Gentiles were at odds, as were Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus taught a lesson that we need to learn even today: love our neighbors! Text: Matthew 5:43-48.
Body
I. Jesus recognized the law.
Jesus knew the multitudes have been taught the things according to the Old Law. He reminds them of the things Moses taught: loving their neighbors and hating their enemies (see Leviticus 19:15-18 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6).
A. Who is your neighbor?
A certain lawyer knew the law said to love his neighbor as himself, yet wanted to justify himself by asking who his neighbor was. Jesus taught the parable of the Good Samaritan to show him, and gave him a similar command (Luke 10:25-37).
B. Who is your enemy?
An enemy is hated by one who opposes his beliefs. In the original language, this term hate means to: hate, despise, disregard, or be indifferent to.”
II. Jesus taught different than the law.
Even though He identified the law, He shows a change. He said, “But I say to you (Matthew 5:43)…” Jesus spoke as one having authority and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:29), for He received all authority from His Heavenly Father (Matthew 28:18).
III. Contrary to the law, Jesus said to…
A. …love your enemies.
John teaches that we must love by our actions, not by just mere words (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action! We may not like our enemies, but we must love them! Paul gave us a reminder of what we can do for our enemies (Romans 12:20), as Solomon said in his wisdom from God (Proverbs 25:21-22).
B. …bless them.
James teaches Christians that we are not to bless and curse; rather, we should speak what is good for necessary edification (James 3:6-10; Ephesians 4:29).
C. …pray for them.
Even Stephen asked, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60)” as he was being stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yes, even Christ prayed a similar prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know what they do (Luke 23:34)” as He was about to die. He prayed for the very ones who killed Him (as Stephen)!
IV. As Jesus is God’s Son, we must prove we are His children.
A. We must suffer from our enemies just as Christ did (Romans 8:14-17).
B. We let our lights shine in a dark world while being blameless and harmless (Philippians 2:15; Matthew 5:16).
C. As God our Father is perfect, so we are to be perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Paul wants all Christians to be perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). After all, we are to be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). Jews and Gentiles alike make Christ complete.
There is only one body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18-20). The body of Christ is made up of many different members, but there should be no schism in it (1 Corinthians 12:24b-27).
Conclusion
We may have enemies, but we must treat them kindly. Jesus taught us to love them no matter what; after all, He died for them!
What would you want to do to your enemies? Would you want your enemies to return the favor? Remember the words of Christ: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
We are Christians first, and then our individual selves.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 06:33 Priorities – audio
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Text: Matthew 6:33
Introduction
A. Jesus lists many things that we need for our physical well-being.
1. He ends by saying “do not worry about tomorrow”
2. But what we should do is simply put first things first.
3. God always puts spiritual things first.
B. These verses below all deal with our reaction to others.
1. I believe this shows how important God deems our relationships.
2. These relationships affect our worship/service to God.
Body
I. First – Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
A. Matthew 6:33
B. Without this there will be no need to hope for a relationship with God
1. Worry is one of the greatest destroyer of a relationship
2. Trust in God enables us to be trust worthy
II. First — remove the plank from your own eye
A. Matthew 7:3-5
B. Jesus’ words condemn one who would constantly look for sin in others while he would ignore his own sin.
1. We tend to magnify the smallest transgression in others
2. While we down- play great transgressions in which we are involved.
III. First — be reconciled
A. Matthew 5:23-24
B. Thoughts and actions arising from bitter human relations hinder acceptable worship to God. As Christians, we must have the right attitude and action toward others to have a right relationship with God – Romans 12:18
IV. First — forgive others before you ask God to forgive you
A. Matthew 6:14-15
B. If we refuse to forgive others before God, we forfeit our own forgiveness by God.
1. We must seek to have a forgiving spirit
2. When those who wrong us ask for our forgiveness we will forgive “as Christ forgave us” – Colossians 3:13
Conclusion
A. What will help us in fulfilling the above points?
B. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
C. No matter what we give or do, if we have not first given ourselves to God it means nothing
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 23:1-4 Consistency is the Key – audio
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Text: Matthew 23:1-4 (reading by Andy Anderson)
I. Observe!
A. Jesus told the multitudes and the disciples to observe the instructions of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:3
Are they themselves doing what they tell others to do? – Romans 2:21-24
B. Likewise, we must observe God’s instructions!
1) We need faith to come to God – Hebrews 11:6
2) It only comes from hearing God’s word – Romans 10:17
3) Therefore, we observe God’s word by faithfully studying it – Acts 17:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2
C. Once God’s instructions are observed, they must be understood.
1) Jesus often taught in parables so many heard but did not understand His words – Matthew 13:12-13
2) Thus, Jesus often said:
“Hear and understand” – Matthew 15:10; Mark 7:14
“whoever reads, let him understand” – Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14
1. Ezra and all the people were helped to understand the Law of Moses – Nehemiah 8:1-8
2. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand what he was reading – Acts 8:30-39
3. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they would understand the law of Christ – Colossians 1:9-10
D. God gave us examples to learn from.
1) We should observe and do the right examples – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:1
2) We should observe, but not do the wrong examples – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11
II. Do!
A. Observing only is half of the command. The other is action!
1) If we know what to do but do not do it, it is sin – James 4:17
2) Jesus told a parable in which a landowner put idle men to work – Matthew 20:1-7
3) An idle person will suffer, but a worker will reap the reward – Proverbs 19:15-16
B. Doing God’s will allows us to enter the kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 7:21
C. God is pleased when we do good – Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Galatians 6:10
III. Jesus is consistent…are we?
A. The scribes and Pharisees did not practice what they preached, but Jesus did – Hebrews 1:12; 13:8
B. Do we live 7 days a week what we preach on the first day?
C. The scribes and Pharisees are not the same on the outside as they are on the inside…
D. Are we? – Matthew 23:25ff
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 26:31-35 Awakened by a Rooster – audio
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Text: Matthew 26:31-35
Introduction
1. Jesus had predicted that Peter, along with the rest of his apostles would desert him.
2. Peter denied that he would betray the Lord. In fact, he announced that he would die before he denied him.
3. However, with the crow of a rooster, Peter is brought to tears as he realizes his failure.
4. Let us examine this text and see if we can learn any lessons from it.
Body
I. Don’t Be Overconfident.
A. Matthew 26:31-35
B. John 21:15-17
C. 1 Corinthians 10:12
D. I’ll Never Forsake My Lord
II. Don’t Measure Yourself Apart From Trials
A. Proverbs 24:10
B. We don’t really know how strong we are until our faith is tested.
III. A Rooster’s Crow Is Not the Only Way to Be Awakened
A. Death, illness, scare, thanksgiving, compassion, kindness, goodness of God, etc.
B. James 5:19-20
C. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
IV. Jesus’ Love Is Beyond Understanding
A. Ephesians 3:18-19
Conclusion
1. In spite of Peter’s failure, Jesus still loved him and wanted him.
2. And, in spite of your failures, Jesus still loves you and wants you to be saved.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 07:13-23 Do We All Get to the Same Place? powerpoint – audio
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Text: Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23
I. Introduction
A. The worldview states, “It doesn’t matter what you believe; we’re all trying to get to the same place”
B. The Biblical view shows otherwise.
II. There are ways that are wrong
A. Some ways are foolish – Proverbs 12:15
B. Wrong ways lead unto death – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
C. Thieves and robbers enter other ways than the right way – John 10:1, 8-10
III. Only one way is right
A. Jesus Christ is THE way – John 14:1-6
B. The right way is not always easy – Matthew 7:13-14
C. In order to get in the right way, we must do what Christ says
1. Matthew 7:21-23
2. Luke 13:24-28;
3. Matthew 25:1-13
4. James 1:21-25
IV. Things really do matter! It matters…
A. …Where we “go to church”
1. Matthew 16:18
2. Acts 20:28
3. Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23
4. Colossians 1:18
5. Romans 16:16
B. …How we worship – Matthew 15:8-9
1. God did not accept Cain’s offering – Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4
2. God did not accept Nadab and Abihu’s sacrifice – Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4; 26:61
3. Jesus gives us instructions on worship today – John 4:23-24; 14:6; 17:3, 17
C. …How we live – Revelation 2:10
V. Conclusion
A. If you’re going the wrong way, make a U-turn!
B. If you’re going the right way, do not stray!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 25:31-46 Hell is Everlasting Punishment
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- When Jesus Christ comes back again he will judge the world, all nations, according to the things we have done in our body. This will be the great day of separation. The sheep will be separated from the goats, a few will go on the right side, many others will go to the left. A few will be rewarded with the blessings of heaven and many will endure the punishment of hell – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- This evening we want to demonstrate that hell is a real place of everlasting punishment, even though few people view themselves as swimming in the lake of fire – Matthew 7:13-14.
Hell is Eternal Punishment for Those that Rebel Against God
- The word hell derives its meaning from the Hebrew (Ge-hinnnom), the Valley of Hinnom, which was a pit into which trash, defiled or filthy things were dumped to be burned. This became a technical term for unending torment.
- In the Bible hell is described as a place of outer darkness, the furnace of fire, the lake of fire, a place where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth and the fire will not be quenched. There will be everlasting destruction, and everlasting punishment in this eternal punishment. Let us make sure we are not bundle up and cast into the fire – Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43 (Wheat and Tares); Matthew 13:47-51 (Net).
- Hell is not a temporary punishment were you burn in fire for a while and go to ashes. Hell’s duration is everlasting, without end which, means in hell your body will not decay from the fire because God says your worm dies not. To avoid this terrible place of punishment, there will be a number of things we must eliminate from our lives – Mark 9:43-48.
- The everlasting fire of hell was prepared for the punishment of the devil and his angels that rebelled against God – Matthew 25:41. Hell is reserved for the devil and his angels and all those that do evil – Jude 6.
- To those that are determined to be disobey, rebel, and to turn away from the truth of God’s Word, will receive their just reward of God which is separation from God in the terrible place of everlasting punishment – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8.
- If you want to avoid this terrible place you need to have spiritual surgery, and cut out those things that are in your life that are evil and displeasing in the sight of God – Matthew 18:7-9.
- Those that labor endlessly in the body of Christ should take comfort in knowing God will give comfort and rest to them that die in the Lord – Revelation 14:13. But those that do not know God, and obey the gospel of Christ will be punished in hell – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 25:31-46 Judgment Is Coming, Will You Be Ready?
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- Jesus Christ came into this world for the express purpose of saving sinners like you and me, so we would not experience the wrath of God on the children of disobedience – 1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:16. Jesus accomplished this when He went to the cross and bore the transgressions the people – John 19:30 (It is finished) [burial and resurrection].
- After God had resurrected Jesus from the grave to life, He appeared to his Apostles and proved to them of His bodily resurrection – Acts 1:1-3. Jesus ascended to heaven. The Bible reveals to us the same manner in which He was taken up, shall so He come in like manner – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3 .
- Jesus is coming back again to judge the world in righteousness, He is coming to separate the just from the unjust for eternity (Heaven / Hell) – Acts 17:30-31. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves, that we may be found in Him without spot or wrinkle, when Jesus comes back again.
Judgment Day is Coming. Will You Be Ready?
Don’t Delay! Now is the Time to Get Ready for Jesus!
- It’s urgent to prepare for Jesus return because, it is not known the time, hour, day, or year when Jesus Christ will return – Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Therefore, you cannot afford to procrastinate, or remain in sin because you don’t know when Jesus is coming back – Matthew 24:44. Look what happened to the unprepared in the days of Noah – Matthew 24:37-39.
- You should prepare yourself for the great Day of Judgment because it’s an appointment everybody has with Jesus to give account of your life to God – Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36-37. This appointment with Jesus you cannot postpone, even if you try – Hebrews 9:27. That’s why it’s best to be prepared to appear before the judgment seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, we learn that judgment must begin at the house of God. Therefore it’s imperative that members of Jesus body take heed to themselves and the doctrine of Christ that we might be saved in that great Day – 1 Timothy 4:16.
What Can You Expect to Happen at the Day of Judgment?
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect Jesus to descend from heaven with a shout and triumph of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first to meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forevermore – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Jesus will change the bodies of those that are dead in Christ to be like His – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57; Philippians 3:20-21.
- On the Day of Judgment you can expect Jesus Christ to separate the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left for eternity – Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46. As Jesus expounds on the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30), you get the “big picture” about this great day of separation – Matthew 13:40-43.
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect the atmosphere around the earth, and the earth itself to be burned up with fire – 2 Peter 3:3-13.
- If you have examined yourself today, and have found yourself unprepared for the Day of Judgment, God is extending His everlasting arms of love to you to come to Him today in obedience. Why not, respond to the Savior’s invitation today and prepare yourself for the Day of Judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“It’s Gonna Rain”
It’s gonna rain, It’s gonna rain, You better get ready and bare this in mind
God showed Noah, the rainbow sign, it won’t be water but fire next time.
Way back in the bible days, God told Noah it’s gonna rain, but when Noah told the people they paid him no mind and when it happen they were left behind,
They tell me when the water begin to pour, they knocked on the windows, they
knocked on the doors. They did know exactly what to do now you don’t want this to happen to you
Noah told the people, I’m sorry my friends God’s got the keys and you can’t get in if
something don’t happen to the hearts of man the same thing is gonna happen again.
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 28:19-20 Why Teach The Lost? audio
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Text: Matthew 28:19-20
Introduction
-
Thursday night, my family and I returned from Sevierville, TN where we attended Polishing the Pulpit.
- The elders, starting back with Tom and Eddie and not with John and Dan have graciously allowed me and my family to go for several years now.
- They do so at considerable expense to the congregation.
- Why?
-
Brian Lawson just recently returned from a mission trip to Guyana, South America.
- He took two weeks away from his wonderful wife.
- It cost a considerable amount of money.
- He put himself physically in harm’s way.
- Why would he do this?
-
Why do people devote their lives to saving the lost?
-
More than that, why should each of us strive to save the lost?
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Motivation matters!
Body
-
REASON ONE – BECAUSE I LOVE THE LORD.
-
Isn’t He worthy of our love?
- John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
- Romans 5:8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
- Ephesians 3:19. To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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His love for us leads us to love Him. 1 John 4:19. We love Him because He first loved us.
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Many will say, “Yes, I love the Lord.”
- Do you really?
- That statement has some consequences.
-
If I love Him, I will obey Him.
- John 14:15. If you love Me, keep my commandments.
- 1 John 5:3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
- One of His commandments for us is to teach the lost. Matthew 28:19-20. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- 1 John 3:18. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
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-
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REASON TWO – BECAUSE I WANT TO GLORIFY GOD.
-
Mark 5:18-20.
And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.-
Think of this man’s condition before he met Jesus.
- He lived among the tombs.
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He was alone.
- He had no contact with family or friends.
- People undoubtedly avoided him at all costs.
- He was forced to do physical harm to himself.
- He probably felt as if he had no hope.
- Of all the different afflictions that tormented people during this time period, surely demon possession had to be the worse.
- Jesus had healed him. Mark 5:8. For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”
- Mark 5:20 is key. He departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him.
-
If you had a horrible disease, and someone came along and took that disease away when no one else could…
- Wouldn’t you be incredibly grateful?
- Would you keep that to yourself or would you tell anyone who would listen?
- If you would do that for someone who cured a physical illness, why wouldn’t you do it for the One who saved you from spiritual death? Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-
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2 Kings 7:8-9
And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”- Sometimes, I fear that we act like these four lepers acted initially.
- They found a great bounty (Silver, gold, and clothing).
- Initially, they went and hid it for themselves.
-
Sometimes, we are guilty of doing this with the gospel.
- We’ve received the forgiveness of our sins and, therefore, eternal life.
- We have all spiritual blessings in Christ.
- We have a wonderful extended family…
- And we want to keep it for ourselves.
- We need to realize, like the lepers, “This is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us.”
-
Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Any good that we do, and that includes winning the lost to Christ, brings glory to God!
-
Sometimes, especially with preachers, you find that they preach Christ to bring glory to their selves.
- Not so with Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:14-15.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them
- Jeremiah 45:1-5.
The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the instruction of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: ‘You said, “Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.”‘ “Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”‘”
-
Let us be like Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 20:7-9. O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!” Because the word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
-
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REASON THREE – BECAUSE I LOVE THE LOST.
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If we love the Lord, we must learn to love what He loves.
- We have already demonstrated that He loves us more than we can fathom and that we, in turn, should love Him.
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In turn, we must love all men as He does.
- Matthew 22:39. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- We don’t have to approve of everyone’s actions, but we must love them.
- We can’t love God if we don’t love our brother. 1 John 4:20-21. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
- If we love men as God does, then we will want them to be saved as God does.
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Matthew 16:26. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
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Jesus says that one soul is worth more than the whole world!
- Zechariah 12:1. The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him:
- Ecclesiastes 12:7. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
- Think about it… when I, or you, bring one person to Christ, we have helped to save that which is more valuable than the earth itself!
-
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We need to see people as God does! Each soul is priceless.
-
(Delivered on August 26, 2012 in Streetsboro)
Content by Ralph Price
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Matthew 21:23-25 Authority in Religion
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Text: Matthew 21:23-25
Introduction
1. The Lord’s church can expect to confront many challenges
a. Opposition by Satan was foretold in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
b. Attacks from within and without foretold by Paul – Acts 20:29-30
c. Apostasy was foretold, and began very early – 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 4
2. The local church will be at the front of the confrontation
a. As the church universal is a spiritual entity well preserved by Jesus
b. But the church local is subject to many things that can threaten its existence
c. How can the church local stand strong and firm in the service of Christ?
3. I believe the key is respecting the proper authority
a. How shall we determine what is right or wrong, good or evil?
b. What shall be our authority in matters of religion?
c. Is a particular doctrine or practice from heaven or from man? – Matthew 21:23-25
Body
I. WHAT MANY CHURCHES ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. From the beginning of the church, many have appealed to the OT – Acts 15:1-5
2. The OT has its place, when properly handled – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3. But it can be misused, to authorize things no longer required – Galatians 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3
4. We cannot assume that just because something is in the OT, it is authorized!
B. TRADITIONS OF MEN
1. The handing down of traditions was common in Rabbinic Judaism – Mark 7:1-5
2. Traditions of God are not wrong – 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6
3. But Jesus condemned the traditions of men
a. When they are taught as doctrines of God – Mark 7:6-7
b. When they displace the commands of God – Mark 7:8-13
4. Uninspired traditions cannot be equated with or replacements for the Word of God!
C. MODERN DAY PROPHETS
1. Throughout church history, many have claimed to be prophets of God – Revelation 2:20
2. Christ and His apostles warned against false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1
3. The OT gives us two ways to test the prophets
a. Do their prophecies come to pass? – Deuteronomy 18:20-22
b. Even if they do, is their doctrine consistent with God’s Word? – Deuteronomy 13:1-5
4. Since the 1st century A.D., all prophets have failed either one or both tests!
D. MAJORITY RULE
1. Many people and church councils decide doctrine or practice based on majority rule
2. Yet Jesus warned of the danger of following the majority – Matthew 7:13-14
3. If we had followed the majority
a. In Noah’s day, we would have perished in the flood
b. In Joshua’s day, we would have perished in the wilderness
4. Following the majority is not a good guide for authority in religion!
E. CONSCIENCE
1. Let your conscience be your guide is the motto of many
2. But our conscience cannot always be reliable
a. Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his life – Acts 23:1
b. Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! – Acts 26:9-11
3. The conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if set properly
4. Our conscience is not always a reliable guide in matters of religion
F. HUMAN WISDOM
1. Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine right and wrong
2. But God’s thoughts and ways are not always our own – Isaiah 55:8-9
3. In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-29
4. For us to know God’s will, it was necessary for Him to reveal it to us – 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
5. This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles – Ephesians 3:1-3
6. Who in turn shared it with us through their writings – Ephesians 3:4-5
7. Human wisdom is often the exact opposite of God’s wisdom!
G. FEELINGS
1. This is often the standard of authority for many people and churches
a. Who go by whatever ‘feels right’
b. Who place stock in a religion ‘better felt than told’
c. Who will follow societal trends that may seem good and right
2. Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
a. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death – Proverbs 14:12
b. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool – Proverbs 28:26
c. O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. – Jeremiah 10:23
3. Such subjective feelings are from the heart of man, not the mind of God!
These seven standards of authority in religion are from men, not from heaven, and are the main reason for much religious confusion and division that exists today.
II. WHAT CHURCHES SHOULD ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth – Matthew 28:18
2. He expects us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded – Matthew 28:19-20
3. He is the head of the church, which is to be subject to Him – Ephesians 5:23-24
4. As the body of Christ, we must submit to our Head!
B. THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES
1. To receive Christ, we must receive His apostles – John 13:20
2. They were sent as His ambassadors – 2 Corinthians 5:20
3. To ensure reliability, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit – John 14:26; 16:12-13
4. The apostles’ wrote so that we might have their understanding – Ephesians 3:1-5
5. They wrote their epistles that we might always be reminded – 2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1-2
6. Their writings were the commandments of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
7. They received their word as the word of God – 2 Thessalonians 2:13
8. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
9. Any true local church of Christ respects the doctrine of the apostles as their authority
C. THE FAITH REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL
1. The faith or doctrine of Christ was delivered once for all time (NLT) – Jude 3
2. The apostles did not hesitate to proclaim the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27
3. They proclaimed all things pertaining to life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3
4. The Scriptures provide everything needed to make one complete – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
5. With the Scriptures as an all-sufficient guide, we need no other authority!
Conclusion
1. The only proper authority in religion
a. Is that which emanates from Jesus as the head of His church
b. Which has come to us through the doctrines of His Spirit-inspired apostles
c. Which has been preserved in the form of the New Testament
2. All other authority in religion comes from:
a. Either misapplication of the Scriptures (e.g., the Old Testament)
b. Or uninspired men (and women) who usurp authority based on feelings, etc.
3. When confronted with any challenge, the church today needs to:
a. Look to the words of Christ, and the writings of His apostles
b. Observe all things He commanded, and continue steadfastly in their doctrine
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 21:12-13 The Courage of Jesus – audio
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Text: Matthew 21:12-13
Introduction
1. Jesus went against the culture of the day. He was not “politically correct” in His actions, but He was correct in the eyes of His Father.
2. How do we measure up to the courage of Jesus? – 2 Timothy 1:7-11
Body
I. His courage among His friends
A. Jesus did not stoop to the level of human habits but encouraged them to His level. Jesus stated many times that man should not fear this world, but overcome the world. – Luke 12:4-5
B. Are we walking like Jesus in the presence of our friends? Do we have the courage to turn away from “friends” who would lead us to sin? – Ephesians 5:8-14
II. His courage among His enemies
A. Jesus faced Satan:
1. at His temptation – Matthew 4:1-11
2. the Jews at His arrest – John 18:4-9
3. the cross without fear – Luke 23:26-31
B. Are we standing up to the enemies of the cross?
1. Ephesians 6:10-17
2. Philippians 1:1-17
III. His courage among false teachers
A. Jesus never hesitated nor retreated. He attacked the hypocritical and was uncompromising and fearless. – John 8:44
B. Too many today will not call sin “sin”. They call it “a mistake”. Do you stand courageous against false teachers and their doctrine?
1. Acts 4:13, Acts 4:18-21
2. Galatians 1:6-10
3. 2 John 9-11
Conclusion
1. It takes courage to live the Christian life.
2. Let Jesus be your great example.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 16:15 The Historical Jesus
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Text: Matthew 16:15
Introduction
1. In the previous lesson, we laid the foundation for a study in Christian apologetics: That the Christian faith is:
a. AN OBJECTIVE FAITH
1) With Jesus of Nazareth as the object of that faith
2) That He is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose from the dead
b. A HISTORICAL FAITH
1) Based upon real people, places, and events
2) That actually took place in history
c. AN INTELLIGENT, RATIONAL FAITH
1) Which invites people to use their minds
2) To examine the historical evidence which logically supports placing one’s faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God
2. With these things in mind, we begin by considering the evidence
a. Which establishes Jesus of Nazareth as a HISTORICAL FIGURE
b. One who actually lived in Palestine during the First Century A.D.
Body
I. WAS THERE EVER ANY QUESTION?
A. THERE HAVE BEEN SKEPTICS WHO BELIEVED JESUS WAS JUST A MYTH
1. This concept was popular with some scholars of the 1800s’
2. It is rarely found today, except among those
a. Who are ignorant of the facts
b. Who purposely suppress the evidence (e.g., as was done in formerly communist dominated countries)
B. TODAY, NO SERIOUS HISTORIAN (EVEN THOSE WHO ARE ATHEISTS) DISPUTES THE FACT THAT JESUS EXISTED
1. H. G. WELLS
a. An atheist, he spoke of Jesus in his book, Outline Of History
b. “…one is obliged to say, ‘Here was a man. This part of the tale could not have been invented.'”
2. WILL DURANT
a. Ex-professor of Philisophy of History at Columbia University
b. He spent two chapters in The Story Of Our Civilization depicting Jesus as a historical figure right along with the Caesars
3. ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA
a. Used over 20,000 words to describe Jesus
b. More than Aristotle, Cicero, Alexander, Julius Caesar, Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, or Napoleon
II. THE EVIDENCE FOR A HISTORICAL JESUS
A. AMONG “PAGAN” SOURCES
1. THALLUS (a Samaritan historian, ca. 52 A.D.)
a. Wrote attempting to give a natural explanation for the darkness which occurred at the crucifixion of Jesus
b. Note carefully:
1) He did not deny the existence of Jesus
2) But only tried to explain away the strange circumstances surrounding His death
2. LETTER OF MARA-SERAPION (written to his son, ca. 73 A.D.)
a. He tells of the deaths of Socrates, Pythagoras, and of Jesus
b. “What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise king?…Nor did the wise king die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given.”
3. CORNELIUS TACITUS (Roman historian, ca. 112 A.D.)
a. Writes of Jesus in his ANNALS
b. “Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberias.”
4. PLINY THE YOUNGER
a. Governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor, ca. 112 A.D.
b. Wrote to the emperor Trajan about Christians and their devotion to Christ
5. SEUTONIUS (Court official and annalist under Hadrian, 120 A.D.)
a. “As the Jews were making constant disturbance at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome.”
b. Luke makes reference to this same expulsion in Acts 18:1-2
B. AMONG “JEWISH” SOURCES
1. THE TALMUD
a. Consists of two separate books dealing with Jewish law, written during the period from 100 A.D. to 500 A.D.
b. Speaks frequently of Jesus of Nazareth
1) In unfriendly terms, of course
2) But never disputing his status as a historical figure
2. FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS
a. A Jewish general turned Roman historian, born 37 A.D.
b. Makes several references to Jesus in his History Of The Jews
c. E.g., “…and brought before it the brother of Jesus, the so-called Christ, whose name was James.”
C. Such is the evidence which must be taken into account by any intelligent and rational person.
III. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS EVIDENCE
A. WHAT IT “DOES” DO…
1. It provides a solid basis upon which one can intelligently believe in Jesus as a person who actually existed in history
2. It exposes the shallow thinking of any who would try to write off Jesus as a myth
3. It requires everyone to give some sort of answer to the question posed by Jesus Himself: “But who do you say that I am?” – Matthew 16:15
B. WHAT IT “DOES NOT” DO
1. The evidence we have seen thus far DOES NOT prove Jesus to be the Son of God
2. In fact, it does not tell us anything about Jesus except:
a. That He lived and died during the First Century A.D.
b. That He must have done something significant to gain some notoriety by the historians
C. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS, WE MUST LOOK ELSEWHERE
1. There have been many fanciful stories written about Jesus
2. But the Christian considers the twenty-seven books known as the New Testament to be the only reliable source of information about Jesus
3. But are they?
a. Is the New Testament reliable as a historical document?
b. Can we even be sure that what we have is actually what was penned by the original authors of the New Testament?
Conclusion
1. The next study shall begin an attempt to answer these questions
2. For now, we have simply laid one block as we build a foundation upon which we can rest our faith
a. We have seen that it is more logical to believe that Jesus did in fact exist
b. To assert that He is a myth is groundless
3. And since He actually existed, that requires our giving some answer to the question Jesus asked: “WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?”
4. Will our answer be “LORD!”, or “A CAREFULLY CONTRIVED LIE?”
a. As we shall see, these are the only two choices we have
b. The evidence we shall continue to examine should help give us the right answer!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 09:35-38 Are You Laboring? audio
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Text: Matthew 9:35-38
Introduction
- • The word labor means to exert one’s power in mind or body especially in continuous effort to accomplish a determined goal. In Genesis 11:1-8, the people had one language and had determined to build a tower and they exerted their mind & body to accomplish this goal until the Lord changed those plans.
- You and I as Christians need to be continuously employing ourselves at laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. In Matthew 9:35-38, we find Jesus is employed at going about the cities and teaching in their synagogues preaching the gospel and healing the sick and was moved with compassion on the multitudes because they’re as scattered sheep having no shepherd.
- Sometimes we may labor to do the wrong things in which will not profit us. But Jesus admonishes us to labor not for the meat that perishes but for the meat which endures to everlasting life (John 6:27-29).
God Expects Us to be Members of the Body
And Labor in His Vineyard
- God labored for six days as He created the world, and on the seventh day God rested from His work (Genesis 2:1-3). To enjoy the rest that God has prepared for you, you must work as God worked to entered into His rest (Hebrews 4:9-11).
- When you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, God added you to the body of Christ (church). Each member of the body of Christ has a job or function that must be performed if the church is to function properly (Romans 12:4-8).
- Christians must take time from daily schedules to work for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let us be encourage to labor for the Lord now since we will all have to give account the things done in the body before God (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
- In Galatians 6:7-8 the Bible teaches, you will reap what you sow, therefore you must spend time sowing things of the Spirit and not of the flesh, so you can reap everlasting life.
Why Will Some Refuse to Work?
- Many Christians & members of the church will refuse to work in God’s vineyard because they have not been converted (Matthew 13:15; Matthew 18:3).
- Others will refuse to serve God because they love worldly living more than they love God. These will try to appear spiritual in the assembly of the saints, but Jesus lets us know you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 6:24; I John 2:15-17).
- Let us all be encouraged to labor in the vineyard of the Lord that we might rest from our labors (Revelations 14:13).
- If you are laboring in the vineyard of Satan, and have burdens you can no longer bear, why come to Jesus? (Matthew 11:28-30).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
