Historical Posts
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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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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Luke 06:46-49 – Lord, Lord – audio
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Text: Luke 6:46-49
Introduction
A. Who is Lord of your life?
1) Do you call all the shots?
2) Do your parents always tell you what to do?
3) Is there someone else that rules your life?
B. Only Jesus should be Lord of your life!
Body
I. Jesus Christ is Lord!
A. There is one Lord (Ephesians 4:5).
B. God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
C. Jesus is Lord of:
1) lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
2) Jews and Gentiles (Romans 10:12).
3) dead and living (Romans 14:9).
4) all (Acts 10:36).
D. Saul of Tarsus did not know the Lord (Acts 9:4-6).
E. Everyone will know the Lord (Hebrews 8:11).
F. We can only serve one Lord (Luke 16:13).
G. If Jesus Christ is our Lord, we must do to others as He did for us (John 13:13-17).
II. We must do what the Lord says!
A. As a servant honors his mater, we owe honor and reverence to the Lord (Malachi 1:6).
B. Simply saying, “Lord, Lord” will not give us access into the kingdom of heaven; rather, we must do His will (Matthew 7:21-23).
C. The doers of the Lord’s will, not the hearers, will be blessed (James 1:22-25).
Conclusion
A. We must give the more earnest heed to what the Lord has to say (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. We must confess Jesus is Lord in order to be saved (Romans 10:9ff.).
C. There will be a time in which everyone shall confess Jesus as Lord; for some, it will be too late (Philippians 2:9-11).
D. Christ is Lord of our lives when we put on Christ in baptism and live for Him, and Him alone (Galatians 3:27).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 13:22-30 – Lord, Are There Few Who Are Saved?
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Text: Luke 13:22-30
Introduction
A. One individual asked Jesus a question that a lot of people want to know: “Lord, are there few who are saved (Luke 13:23)?”
B. Everybody would like to be saved; in fact, many believe they are saved.
1) Some believe that God saves them no matter what
2) Others believe they cannot do anything to be saved.
C. Jesus’ answer is very eye opening. He said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able (Luke 13:24).”
D. Jesus encourages this individual to be saved, but then admits the reality is that not everyone will.
Body
I. Many have the ability to enter into everlasting life.
A. The gospel of Christ is the power unto salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
B. Every creature must hear, believe, and obey the gospel in order to be saved (Mark 16:15-16).
C. From the beginning, God chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called us by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
II. Few will be saved.
A. Many are called, but only few are chosen (Matthew 20:16; 22:14).
B. Some will die in sin, and cannot be where Christ is (John 8:21-24).
C. Jesus taught a parable in which not everyone the bridegroom invited were prepared to meet him (Matthew 25:1-13).
D. Jesus also taught that only those serving Him, the righteous, will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:33-46).
III. We must commit ourselves to God, in order that we might be saved.
A. We make a commitment to do good (1 Peter 4:17-19).
B. We must strive to enter the narrow gate and the difficult way (Matthew 7:13-14).
C. We must do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21-23).
D. We must life a faithful life, and endure to the end to be saved (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).
Conclusion
A. Are there few who are saved?
1) Absolutely! God has called us all to have eternal life
2) But only has chosen those that are obedient to His will.
B. You can be one of the chosen few!
1) Choose to hear the gospel, believe it, and obey it.
2) Live faithfully to God until the very end.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 23:20-25 Who Crucified Jesus? audio
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Text: Luke 23:20-25
Introduction
Who crucified Jesus? – Galatians 3:1
Body
I. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE JEWS!
A. Jesus said the Jews – Matthew 16:21
B. John says the Jews sought to – John 7:1
C. Peter accused the Jews – Acts 2: 36
D. But the Jews didn’t actually do it – Acts 13:26-29; Mark 14:64
E. The Jews accept the responsibility for it – Matthew 27:24-25
II. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE GENTILES!
A. Jesus said the Gentiles would – Matthew 20:18-19
B. Early Christians said the Gentiles did – Acts 4:23-28
C. Paul said the Gentiles – 1 Corinthians 2:8-9
III. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? GOD!
A. God foreordained it – Acts 4:27-28; 2:22-23
B. God showed His love for us – John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 2:9
C. It was part of God’s eternal plan – 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 Corinthians 2:7
D. Jesus GAVE His life for us – Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; Matthew 26:39
IV. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? YOU AND I!
A. Jesus died for OUR sins – 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. Jesus died to put away sin – Hebrews 9:26, 28.
C. Jesus offered one sacrifice – Hebrews 10:12; 2:9
Conclusion
A. The Jews – Admitted
B. The Gentiles – Committed
C. God – Permitted
D. Jesus – Submitted
E. You and I – Benefited
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 10:25-37 Do You Love Your Neighbor?
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Text: Luke 10:25-37
Introduction
- In Matthew 22:34-40 the Bible declares that a lawyer asked Jesus, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus replied that loving God with all your being is the greatest commandment along with loving your neighbor as yourself.
- God has showed His love to us by offering His Son Jesus as the atonement price to remove our sins. Cannot we as Christians reciprocate this love to others, and love our neighbors? – Matthew 7:12.
To Love People, Remove Deference and Indifference
- To love God and your neighbour, we must not show partiality to others, such as your country of origin, skin color, gender, occupation, or religious affiliation – James 2:8-9
- In Luke 10:30-32, the Priest and the Levite, who were spiritual men and served God under the old law, passed the man who had been attached by thieves on the other side, and showed no love to this neighbor in need. Instead, they showed indifference and lack of caring. How many times have we done the same?
- In Luke 10:33-37, the Spirit of truth teaches that a certain Samaritan in his journey saw the same man, had compassion on him, and went the extra mile of the way to make sure he was taken care of properly. What was the difference between the “spiritual men”, the Priest and the Levite, and the Samaritan? Caring and a demonstration of love for someone in need.
- Therefore, let us be encouraged to Love God, and Love our neighbors, that the world may learn of the Love of Christ that can save their souls – John 13:34-35.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Luke 19:01-10 Jesus Seeks to Save the Lost
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(Jesus Came to Seek and to Save That Which Was Lost)
Text: Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture Reading: Luke 19:10
Introduction
- This morning I want to focus your attention on evangelism, the activity of Christians announcing the message of good news of the gospel of Christ to save mankind from sin – Isaiah 52:7.
- Before Jesus ascend to heaven, He gave us a great job to perform, we call it the great commission, teaching the world how the power of God can save man from his sins through the sacrifice of Christ – Matthew 28:19-20.
Before Zacchaeus Was Saved, Jesus Interacted With Him – Luke 19:5
- Christians must understand, that association, interaction, and communication with sinner’s is necessary to bring them the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus tells his opponents his purpose for eating with publicans & sinner’s was to call sinners to repentance.
- We sometimes have to overcome the fear of having close proximity or interactions with the undesirables of our society such as drug users, prostitutes, murderers, or sexual predators – 2 Timothy 1:7.
- (Luke 19:7) When the Jews, saw Jesus went to be a guest with a man that was a sinner, they murmured, made compliant. But they didn’t understand that Jesus was not associating with him to be likened to the character of the sinful practice of many publicans of the day, but He was trying to save Zacchaeus and his house – Luke 19:10. Note: [II Corinthians 6:14-18; Epesians 5:11, We must not to be united with unbelievers & theirs sins]
Zacchaeus Is Penitent and Made Restitution for His Sins – Luke 19:8-10
- It’s implied in our scriptural text, while Jesus was a guest in Zacchaeus house that he taught him he must repent of his sins to obtain salvation, which is consistent with the preaching ministry of Jesus – Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15.
- Repentance is being sorrowful of your sins which brings about a change of action in regard to sin – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. In Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus expresses his penitent heart over his sins by giving half his goods to the poor, and restoring anyone he wronged in his profession fourfold – Luke 13:3.
- Therefore, you and I must focus our goals in our lives at finding ways and avenues that will effectively communicate in the spirit of love the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ – Proverbs 11:30.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-23-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Luke 4:16-21 Jesus Delivers Us from Death to Life
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Text: Luke 4:16-21
Introduction
- Deliver means “to save by rescuing from evil or danger. It means to release, to set free, to rescue & preserve from eminent danger or death.
- Have you have ever found yourself in the “claws” of disparity, where there was danger all around you, perhaps a medical crisis, or accident, and all you could think of was getting help or calling 911 because danger or death was emanate?
- There’s a greater danger, we face, that our world is becoming more blind to, it’s spiritual death, separated from God, the everlasting punishment for our sins, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched in hell according to (Mark 9:43-48). This is why you need to obey Jesus to be saved. Let us learn how Jesus has delivered us from death to life.
Jesus Delivers Us from Sin by Offering Himself as the Perfect Sacrifice
- According to the law in order to have atonement for your soul there must be the shedding of blood of a fleshly sacrifice – Leviticus 17:11. In Hebrews 9:22, the Word of God declares that without the shedding of blood is no remission. The blood of bulls & goats were not able to take away sins – Hebrews 10:4. The only sacrifice that will take away our sins is the offering of Jesus body – Hebrews 10:10-14.
- Jesus was able to be the perfect sacrifice for man’s sins because He was both God and man in flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; (Luke 1:26-35). He overcame the temptations of Satan – Matthew 4:3-4. Jesus was the only sacrifice without blemish or without sin that could take away our sins – Hebrews 4:15. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Bible teaches Jesus knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness through Him.
- Jesus delivered us from death to life because He was willing to give His life for the sheep – John 10:10-11. Jesus laid His life down for the sheep (John 10:18), and endured the pains of the cross that we might live – Luke 23:46
God Raised Jesus to Deliver Us from Death to Life
- When God raised Jesus to life from the grave, and when Jesus ascended to heaven to be at the right hand of God, the Bible teaches in Psalm 68:18-19, Jesus led captivity captive. Which means Jesus led away, the enemy which captured us (Sin, death & Satan), Jesus has subdued, and overcome, through His death, burial, and resurrection. This is why we can sing the song Victory in Jesus – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
- In John 5:24, the Bible teaches, Jesus will deliver the faithful in Christ from death to life – John 6:40. This will occur at His second coming, which will be the great Day of Judgment (Resurrection day) when the just will be resurrected to life and the unjust will be resurrected to damnation – John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
- Jesus has delivered us from death to life. The question you must answer for yourself is will you be ready when He comes – Matthew 11:28-30. Why not be delivered from your sins today and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Luke 24:01-24 The Resurrection of Christ
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Text: Luke 24:1-24.
Introduction
- On March 4, the Discovery Channel aired a documentary entitled “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.”
- This film was directed by Simcha Jacobovici and produced by James Cameron.
- This documentary focuses on a tomb that was discovered in 1980 near Jerusalem.
- The thrust of the documentary is that this tomb could contain the remains of Jesus of Nazareth.
- Tonight, we will discuss the arguments set forth by the documentary and see if they are valid.
- This morning we are going to discuss the Biblical account of what happened to Jesus after His death.
Body
-
Why is it such a big deal?
-
If Jesus did not rise from the dead then He was either a liar or a lunatic.
- Matthew 16:21
- John 14:1-4
- John 16:7
-
The resurrection fulfills prophecy.
- Genesis 3:14-15
- Daniel 7:13-14.
- If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, Satan would win.
- 1 Corinthians 15:17.
- Without the resurrection, Jesus is not the Son of God. Romans 1:1-4
-
-
The reality of the resurrection.
- When proving the resurrection is a reality to one who does not believe, we must go to the historical evidence and there is an abundance of it.
-
There are several facts that are granted by both believer and infidel.
- Both grant that a man named Jesus lived.
- Both grant that he rose to great heights of prominence, particularly among the common people.
- Both grant that he suffered the crucifixi0n of the Roman Cross, and was thought to be dead when he was taken from the cross.
- Both grant that his body was buried in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea.
- Both grant that a great stone was laid at the mouth of the tomb.
- Both grant that the seal of the Roman Governor was affixed thereto.
- Both grant that a Roman guard consisting from fifteen to sixty men was stationed about the tomb.
- Both grant that sometime after the third morning the body of Jesus disappeared.
- Both grant that his disciples came to believe with unshakable confidence that their Lord had been raised from the tomb by the power of God.
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A battle rages over what happened to the body of Christ.
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Some say that Jesus never really died.
- Imagine the torture he had been through on the cross.
- Then he would have to move the stone.
- Then he would have to get by 15 to 60 guards in this weakened condition.
- Furthermore, the Roman soldiers were confident that he was dead. John 19:31,37
- It was against Roman law to remove a body from the cross until the death of the person was obvious and certain.
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Some say the body was removed by Jesus’ enemies.
- No motive!
- Jesus body was right where they wanted it to be. Matthew 27:62-66
- They claimed the disciples stole it. Matthew 28:11-15
- They could have produced Christ’s body and destroyed Christianity forever.
-
Some say the disciples moved the body.
- This is what the Roman guards said.
- How did they know the disciples took it if they were asleep.
- They should have been put to death under Roman Law but they were not.
- Maybe one guard could have fell asleep but all 15-60?
- Why would the apostles be willing to die for a cause that they knew to be a lie?
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Some believe that Jesus was raised by the power of God.
- This is the only other alternative.
- The body of Christ was raised by the power of God.
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In regard to options 2 & 3…
- These two arguments are especially relevant to the Lost Tomb of Jesus documentary.
- If Jesus had a family tomb in Jerusalem, it would have been known.
- Christianity would have failed right out of the starting blocks.
- But it didn’t.
- This is perhaps the most devastating argument against the whole Jesus family tomb theory.
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The Resurrection Requires a Response.
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One might respond by unbelief.
- Like the Sadducees. Matthew 22:23.
- They didn’t believe in the general resurrection or the resurrection of Christ.
- Many still believe this despite the evidence.
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One might be converted.
-
Conclusion
- The resurrection of Christ truly is the crowning miracle of Christianity!
- Once one sees that the resurrection is a reality, all other miracles must be accepted.
- The resurrection was also required.
- The resurrection also requires a response. How will you respond?
- Offer Invitation.
(Delivered on: March 11, 2007. Streetsboro)
Content by Ralph Price
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Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer
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Text: Luke 18:1-8
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 13:23-28 Lord, Are There Few That Be Saved? audio
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Reading: Matthew 7:13-14
Text: Luke 13:23-28
Introduction
- QUOTE: John 3:16-17
When you read the message of God, you should get excited, because God has made a way for all in the bondage of sin to be delivered out darkness into the Light by Jesus – Colossians 1:12-14
Therefore, salvation is being delivered from end result of sin (death).
- Almost Everyone Wants to Be Saved
Interestingly, when you converse with people about salvation, almost everybody wants to be saved or wants to go to heaven, but only a few are willing to strive to comply with God’s requirements to be saved – Luke 6:46; Matthew 15:8-9
Today, the sermon is titled LORD, ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED? (Luke 13:23-28)
Jesus Says to Strive (Agonize) to Enter in at the Strait Gate
- Jesus admonishes striving to enter the strait gate – Luke 13:23
The word strait means to be constrained, restricted, or narrow.
Therefore, the strait gate will be difficult and not easy to pass through because it requires faithfulness (obedience) to God.
As a result, few will enter in – John 14:15
- Deception
It’s a deception of our adversary the devil (1 Peter 5:8), to believe entering into the kingdom of God (the strait gate) takes little forethought or effort – Luke 13:23
In Acts 14:22, we learn it will take continued faithfulness, and going through much tribulations to enter into the kingdom of God.
It’s not good enough just to get at good start.
We must continue to the end – John 8:31-32; Matthew 10:22
Entering the strait gate will require faithfulness until death – Revelation 2:10
- Two Ways
There are two ways you can follow, the narrow way (life) and the broad way (destruction) – Matthew 7:13-14
There will be many people whom will follow the broad way, and a few will be faithful to God and follow the narrow way that leads to eternal life.
Jesus, tells us to strive to enter the strait gate because many will seek to enter in and not be able – Luke 13:23
Jesus Says That Many Will Seek to Enter in and Not Be Able
- Many Will Seek
Many will seek to enter in and not be able because they have entered the wide gate of disobedience to God – Matthew 7:21-23
Multitudes in this group will take the path of least resistance, they will do things there way and not God’s way and will find themselves lost – Luke 13:25-29
- A High Price
The cost of becoming a Christian (or entering the strait gate) is too high a price for many people to pay for salvation – Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 16:24-26
For masses of people, obeying the gospel of Christ is not easy task for them. Why? Because it requires one to forsake all things and to love God more than man – Luke 14:26-33
- Biblical History
And finally can anyone ignore the Biblical history on the question Lord, are there few that be saved?
– In Genesis 6:5-8, God sees the wickedness of man but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
– In 1 Peter 3:20, we find a few souls were saved from the great flood.
– Shall we not also consider Israel whom God saved from Egyptian bondage but afterward destroyed them because of unbelief – Jude 5.
– Only two men entered Canaan land that left Egypt Joshua & Caleb – Numbers 26:63-65
Therefore, let us strive to enter in the strait gate, since few will be saved! When Jesus comes back again, do you want to be on the outside looking in? – Luke 13:28
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Luke 24:32 Are You an Apatheist? audio
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Text: Luke 24:32
Introduction
1. On 12/25/11, USA Today had an article related to apatheism
a. Entitled “Many Say ‘So What?’ To God, Religion, Atheism”
b. Describing the attitude of those who are ‘spiritually apathetic’
2. This is a condition true of many; according to several polls
a. 46% never wonder whether they will go to heaven
b. 44% don’t spend time seeking ‘eternal wisdom’
3. How about you? Are you an apatheist?
Body
I. WHAT IS APATHEISM?
A. DEFINED – portmanteau
1. Acting with, disregard, or lack of interest towards belief or lack of belief in a deity
2. Describes the manner of acting towards a belief or lack of a belief in a deity; so applies to both theism and atheism
B. EXPRESSED
1. An apatheist is also someone who is not interested in accepting or denying any claims that God exists or does not exist
2. An apatheist is someone who considers the question of the existence of God as neither meaningful nor relevant to his or her life
3. In regards to whether God exists, whether there is heaven or hell, the apatheist’s creed is “So what?”
II. WHAT CAUSES APATHEISM?
A. CONSIDER THE ISRAELITES
1. Warned by Moses about the danger of materialism – Deuteronomy 8:11-14
2. Who deceived themselves when they became rich – Am 6:3-6
B. CONSIDER THE LAODICEANS
1. Lukewarm Christians, with whom Jesus was displeased – Revelation 3:14-16
2. Their spiritual apathy was the result of their materialism – Revelation 3:17
C. When all is well, when materially blessed, it is easy to become spiritually apathetic.
D. Compare that with times of crisis (remember the religious fervor following 9/11?)
III. WHAT CURES APATHEISM?
A. TRUE REPENTANCE
1. Brought about by godly sorrow for sin – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
2. Manifested by diligence, fear, desire – 2 Corinthians 7:11
3. Through which we learn of grace, and the penalty of neglecting it! – Romans 2:4-11
B. TRUE RELIGION
1. Many are apathetic because they have not seen or experienced true religion!
2. But Jesus offers that which truly satisfies!
a. He offers the water of life that quenches thirst – John 4:13-14
b. He offers the bread of life that eliminates hunger – John 6:35
c. He offers light that dispels darkness – John 8:12
d. He offers freedom from the guilt and bondage of sin – John 8:34-36
e. He offers the abundant life, filled with joy and peace – John 10:10
3. Which comes by knowing and abiding in His word – John 8:31-32
4. As offered to the lukewarm Laodiceans, riches now, and royalty to come! – Revelation 3:18-22
Conclusion
1. What causes apathy regarding religion…?
a. It boils down to ignorance, combined with material well-being
b. Ignorance of God’s Word, preoccupation with material success
2. What can cure apathy regarding religion…?
a. It is simple: personal knowledge of salvation
b. Personal knowledge of God’s Word, personal experience of God’s saving grace
c. Begin by committing yourself to reading and meditating on the Word of God. It will burn like fire within you, leading you to Christ where you will find salvation and joy through the wonderful grace of God…!
– And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32
– Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38
– But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control. Against such there is no law – Galatians 5:22-23
– Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit – Romans 15:13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 11:37-41 Cleaning the Inside
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Text: Luke 11:37-41
Introduction
1. People are often concerned about appearances
a. Especially that they are viewed as moral and upright
b. Even when deep down they are not moral and upright
2. Jesus warned of cleaning the outside without cleaning the inside – Luke 11:37-41
a. Of which the Pharisees were often guilty – Matthew 23:25-26
b. Appearing righteous, but full of hypocrisy and lawlessness – Matthew 23:27-28
Body
I. THROUGH CONVERSION
A. BY BEING BORN AGAIN
1. Jesus taught the necessity of a “new birth” – John 3:3-8
2. This new birth involves the Spirit and water – John 3:5; Titus 3:5
3. It also involves the Word of God – James 1:18, 21; 1 Peter 1:22-23
B. BY OBEYING THE GOSPEL
1. The Word which causes rebirth is proclaimed in the gospel – 1 Peter 1:24-25
2. The good news Jesus which Jesus wanted everyone to hear – Mark 16:15-16
3. A message including faith, repentance, baptism – Acts 2:37-38
4. When one obeys the gospel in faith, repentance, and baptism, their sins are washed away through the blood of Christ – Acts 22:16
That is truly “cleaning the inside”! But the cleansing continues:
II. THROUGH SANCTIFICATION
A. PUTTING OFF THE OLD MAN
1. Sanctification involves becoming “holy”, “set apart”
2. This requires seriously addressing those things which defile a man – Mark 7:21-23
3. This is an ongoing process for Christians, putting off the old man – Colossians 3:5-11
B. PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN
1. It is not enough to get rid of the old; we must replace it – Matthew 12:43-45
2. Replacing the old man by putting on the new man – Colossians 3:12-17
3. Producing the fruit of the Spirit instead of works of the flesh – Galatians 5:19-23
Conclusion
1. Are we clean on the outside while dirty on the inside?
2. Look to Jesus for true conversion and sanctification, or remain as whited sepulchers!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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