Historical Posts
Know God, Even the Unknown God – Audio
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Text: Acts 17:22-31
Know God?
The Greeks did not know God. They sought after wisdom. Christ, the Son of God, was foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). Even so, Paul wanted them to know God!
I. Know God who made the world and everything in it.
A. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
B. God made us; we did not make ourselves (Psalm 100:3).
C. Without Christ, “nothing was made that was made (John 1:3).”
D. By Christ, all things were created in heaven and on earth (Colossians 1:16-17).
E. He is Lord of heaven and earth (Acts 17:24-25; Matthew 11:25).
II. Know God who has set our boundaries
A. He set the boundaries for the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:8).
B. He “makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and guides them (Job 12:23).”
C. God does with us according to His will (Daniel 4:35).
D. God would not allow man to build a tower to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-9).
III. Know that God who desires us to seek Him.
A. God has given us ample evidence to know he exists (Romans 1:20-23).
B. God is very near to us (Deuteronomy 4:7; Jeremiah 23:23-24).
C. God may be found (Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 7:7).
IV. Know God who commands everyone everywhere to repent.
A. If we don’t repent, we will perish (Luke 13:3,5).
B. God does not want anyone to perish, but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
C. We must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12).
V. Know God will judge the world in righteousness by Christ.
A. God ordained Christ to be Judge of the living and dead (Acts 10:42).
B. The word that Jesus has spoken will judge us in the last day (John 12:48).
C. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
Do You Know God?
If you don’t know God yet, you can start now by reading His Word and learning His will. Then, you will have to decide how to respond.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 16:16-24 – Paul and Silas in Philippi – audio
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Text: Acts 16:16-24
Introduction
A. Paul and Silas are doing mission work in Philippi.
B. Lydia and her household were baptized, and Paul and Silas were encouraged to continue the work there.
C. While going to prayer, a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met them. She made a couple of observations that need to be considered.
D. After the spirit was cast out of her, her masters made another important observation.
E. Thus, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, which led to the salvation of the jailer!
F. Let us consider three observations.
Body
I. Paul and Silas are servants of the Most High God.
A. A servant is not above, but like his master (Matthew 10:24-25; John 13:16). Jesus demonstrated this as He washed His disciples’ feet.
B. A servant will follow his master wherever he goes (John 12:26).
C. A servant of Christ does not seek to please men (Galatians 1:10).
D. A servant of the Lord must: “Not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26).”
E. A servant of God puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing good (1 Peter 2:15-16).
F. A good and faithful servant will enter into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21, 23); an unprofitable servant will be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).
II. They proclaim the way of salvation.
A. There is only one way of salvation (John 14:6).
B. Christ is the only name in which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).
C. God appointed us to salvation through Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
D. God chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
E. The Holy Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
F. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
G. Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
H. Christians are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5).
III. They teach customs that are “not lawful for…Romans…to receive or observe.”
A. Paul was considered an expert on customs and questions concerning the Jews (Acts 26:3).
B. Jesus warned Paul that some would not receive his testimony concerning Him (Acts 22:18).
C. Stephen was accused of blasphemy, and was misunderstood regarding Jesus changing customs which Moses delivered (Acts 6:14).
D. One such custom in question was that of circumcision. Some thought only the circumcised could be saved, but this was not so (Acts 15; 21:21).
E. A Christian must change his habits or lifestyle! He must receive and observe the things of God (Romans 6:4, 6). Paul even said that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation (Galatians 6:15).”
F. Some have a custom of forsaking the assembling; this must be changed (Hebrews 10:25).
Conclusion
A. Paul and Silas were effective, setting the example that Christ expected of them.
B. They were truly His servants, proclaiming the way of salvation.
1) Even when the words of Christ differed from the customs of the Romans, they continued to teach the truth.
2) It was up to them to follow Christ and not after themselves.
C. Are we true servants of God?
1) Do we proclaim the way of salvation?
2) Do we receive and observe the customs of Christ, and not hold to traditions of men (Matthew 15:3,6; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15)?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 07:37-53 Stephen’s Sermon Stings – audio
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Text: Acts 7:37-53
Introduction
Last Sunday night’s sermon helped us learn about those with hardened hearts and stiffened necks. Today we want to study about many that suffered from those symptoms, and the damage that was caused.
In fact, it is very relevant for all of us even today.
Body
I. Stephen preached about Moses.
A. Many years earlier, Moses told the children of Israel that God would raise up for them a Prophet like him (Acts 7:37). The Old Testament records when Moses spoke these words (Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19).
Naturally, that Prophet was Jesus Christ! Jesus would later appear with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, and it was made clear that we should no longer hear Moses or the prophets, but rather Christ (Matthew 17:4-5).
B. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and later gave them God’s commandments from Mt. Sinai (Exodus 12-20).
Stephen said their fathers rejected those commandments (Acts 7:38-39). John also testified that Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
C. The people denied Moses and turned back to Egypt in their hearts (Acts 7:40-43). They also began to serve idolatry (Exodus 32, Deuteronomy 9:16).
II. Stephen preached about Christ.
A. Just as their fathers rejected Moses, the people rejected Christ who Moses spoke about (Acts 7:51-53).
1) The LORD taught Samuel that Israel had rejected Him from reigning over them (1 Samuel 8:7).
2) The LORD sent prophets, and as Stephen said, they were all killed (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
3) Stephen’s audience was stung by hearing they were betrayers and murderers (Acts 7:52-53). Maybe some heard something similar by Peter (Acts 2:22-24,36; 3:13-15,18).
B. Moses was the lawgiver until Christ came (Galatians 3:19). When Christ arrived, He is the Mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24).
C. The common factor between the people of Moses’ day and Christ’s day is they both resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).
1) The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14).
2) We should not grieve the Holy Spirit as Stephen knew they were doing (Ephesians 4:30).
3) God gives us the Holy Spirit, and by rejecting Him we reject God (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16).
4) God reveals the hidden things through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:16-21).
Conclusion
Jesus taught that people would not always listen to Him, and they will not always listen to us.
Jesus says that when people hear us, they hear Him; if they reject us, they reject Him (Luke 16:10; John 13:20).
Jesus also knew that as He was persecuted, we will also (John 15:20). Stephen was then persecuted, even to death (Acts 7:54ff.).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 02:26-35 – The Ethiopian Eunuch – audio
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Text: Acts 2:26-35
Introduction
An Ethiopian eunuch was returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship. On his way he had begun to read from Isaiah.
Whether he was reviewing what he heard in Jerusalem, picked up a scroll there, or for some other reason, we do not know. What we do know is that he had an opportunity to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” and he did.
Body
I. The eunuch was increasing his faith (Acts 8:27-28).
As he was traveling, he was reading from Isaiah. Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah says to “search from the book of the LORD, and read (Isaiah 34:16)…” He was indeed searching something, and by the providence of God would later find it.
One thing he would find by searching the Scriptures is faith. After all, faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Without it, one cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Our faith must grow, and one thing we add to our faith is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-7). The eunuch obviously wanted to know more about what he was reading (as we’ll see shortly). As those were in Berea, so was the eunuch. He “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
II. The eunuch sought to understand the Scriptures (Acts 8:30-34).
It is not enough o only hear the Word of God; one must do it (James 1:22). In order to do what God commands, we must understand what He says!
Jesus commands us to understand (Matthew 15:10), as Matthew encourages his readers to understand his gospel (Matthew 24:15). On one occasion, Jesus opened the understanding of some to help them comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). This would be done to the eunuch through Philip.
It is God’s plan that everyone will understand His will (Romans 15:20-21)! Our understanding is only beneficial when we receive it with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-2), as the eunuch did.
A. Not understanding God’s Word will have its consequences. When Jesus taught the parable of the sower, He explained that those that do not understand the word had it snatched away by the wicked one (Matthew 13:19).
B. Understanding God’s Word will have its benefits.
1) Understanding God’s Word will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:23).
2) We may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
3) This gives us wisdom (Ephesians 5:17).
4) We can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:9-10).
5) Our hearts are encouraged and we have full assurance of God’s promises (Colossians 2:2).
6) It is a blessing to understand all things, and others are praying for us as Paul did for Timothy(2 Timothy 2:7).
7) We can come to know God and Jesus, and be in Him. This gives us eternal life (1 John 5:20; Ephesians 1:3).
III. Philip preached Christ to Him (Acts 8:35).
Jesus commanded us to preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16), as Philip was doing.
Even Paul said he determined not to know anything but “Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).”
IV. The eunuch understood what Isaiah meant (Acts 8:36-39).
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus and His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7-8). He was silent as He appeared before His accusers (Matthew 26:61-63; 27:12-14; John 19:9). He endured the suffering because of our transgressions. The eunuch realized Christ died for him, and readily obeyed the gospel.
Conclusion
Just as the eunuch understood he needed to become a Christian, so do we! Like the eunuch, we need to:
A. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) to get faith.
B. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 16:30-34; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10; John 8:24).
C. Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38).
D. Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
E. Be baptized for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 01:01-11 Jesus Ascension – audio
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Text: Acts 1:1-11
Introduction
1. Jesus lived
2. Jesus died
3. Jesus rose
4. Jesus left for Heaven
5. Many sermons will be preached today on the first three, but not on the last one
6. Jesus knew it was time for Him to go to the Father – John 13:1
Body
I. We can go home
A. Jesus went to prepare a place for us – John 14:1-4
B. For us to die is gain – Philippians 1:21-23
II. Jesus mediates for us to God
A. What a blessing it is to have a mediator who knows us – I Tim 2:3-6
B. A mediator of a better covenant established on better promises – Hebrews 8:6
III. My King is where He belongs
A. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father – Hebrews 1:1-4
B. Because He was obedient God exalted Him to the glory of the Father – Phil 2:8-11
Conclusion
1. Jesus lived, died, arose and now reigns forever!
a. If we want to go home to be with Him
b. If we want Him to mediate for us to God
c. If we recognize Him as king
2. If we love Him we must obey Him – John 14:15
3. His commandments are not burdensome – I John 5:3
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 18:24-28 Criticism, Give and Take – audio
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Text: Acts 18:24-28
Introduction
1. Criticize – To consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly; To find fault with; to point out the faults of.
2. I think that if we are honest, we will admit that none of us like to be criticized.
3. If someone criticizes us, it means that they have found, or at least think they have found, a fault in us.
4. None of us like to admit that we have faults.
5. However, regardless of whether we like it or not, we will all face criticism at some point in our lives.
6. Also, at some point, we will find ourselves being the ones who have to do the criticizing.
7. Much heartache and strife has resulted from people either not receiving criticism properly or not giving it properly.
8. Today, let’s think about Criticism – Give and Take.
Body
I. GIVE.
Acts 18:24-26. Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
A. In order to give criticism in a godly manner, we must have the right attitude.
1. Remember our purpose: To help people to draw closer to God so that they will ultimately be saved.
2. Offer constructive criticism only.
3. Constructive – Serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.
a) If it is not going to help the person in some way, keep your mouth shut.
b) Simply telling someone how bad they are without offering them advice or help in some way, will do them no good.
4. Put yourself in the shoes of the one you are about to criticize and ask, “If I were in his shoes, how would I want to hear this?” Matthew 7:12. Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
B. We must offer criticism in the right way.
1. Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside to talk to him.
a) When someone is confronted in front of others he often feels the need to stubbornly defend himself even if he knows that he is wrong, for pride’s sake.
b) By taking Apollos aside, Aquila and Priscilla were able to talk to him in a much more effective way.
2. Point out the good as well as the bad.
a) Acts 17:22. Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious”
b) Jesus did it in His letters to the seven churches:
(1) Ephesus: Revelation 2:4. “Nevertheless, I have this against you…“
(2) Pergamos: Revelation 2:14. “But I have a few things against you…“
(3) Thyatira: Revelation 2:20. “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you…“
(4) Sardis: Revelation 3:1. “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
3. Do it with tears. 2 Corinthians 2:3-4. And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
II. TAKE.
A. People respond to criticism in different ways.
1. Anger.
a) This is often the first reaction.
b) Sometimes we react with anger before we really stop to think.
c) Give your first thought a second look.
d) Anger usually comes about from pride. We feel insulted when we are criticized.
2. Feel sorry for themselves.
a) Some view criticism as an attack. (Sometimes it may be.)
b) Rather than using the criticism to better themselves, they throw a pity party.
3. Criticize the critic.
a) People often try to rationalize the criticism away by saying, “Well, that person is always criticizing…”
b) This is obviously not a good response.
c) Regardless of who does the criticism, we must look at the criticism for what it is.
4. Become blind to our own self. Harden our hearts.
a) People will often make excuses in order to justify their selves.
b) They often just brush off criticism and simply do not care.
c) Matthew 13:15. For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.
5. Receive it gracefully. Acts 18:26-28. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
a) Don’t get angry.
b) Don’t feel sorry for yourself.
c) Don’t criticize the critic.
d) Don’t brush it off.
e) Thank the critic (Whether their criticism is valid or not).
f) If the criticism is valid, swallow your pride and use it to improve yourself.
g) If the criticism is invalid it may be necessary to arrange a time in private to talk to the individual who made the criticism and explain the matter to them.
B. Jesus and Criticism.
1. Jesus is the only Person who ever lived who can truthfully say that He deserved no criticism.
a) Yet His enemies criticized Him.
b) His friends sometimes criticized Him. Matthew 26:8-9. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
c) He was criticized by His siblings. John 7:3-5. His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
d) He was criticized by people who were ignorant. John 7:41-42. Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”
e) He was criticized by people who should have known better. John 9:28-29. Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”
2. Sometimes He addressed criticism with truth. John 8:48-49. Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
3. Sometimes He remains silent. (Hard to know when to keep our mouth shut.)
(1) Jesus knew the heart of the individual speaking; so He knew whether an answer would serve any good purpose.
(2) Matthew 26:62-64. And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
(3) Proverbs 26:4-5. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
(4) We must know the critic. Sometimes an answer will be necessary and sometimes not.
C. Remember what is really important.
1. Am I so interested in being right that I am not worried about doing right?
2. My objective is to bring people closer to Christ. My example and how I handle criticism will have an effect on them.
3. Many times we can win the argument but lose the soul.
Conclusion.
1. At some point, all of us will have to give and take criticism.
2. How are we going to give it?
3. How are we going to take it?
4. The answer to those two questions will tell a lot about your character.
Delivered on: May 1, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Acts 01:09-11 I Stand Amazed
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Text: Acts 1:9-11
Introduction
1. There are many events in the life of Christ that testify to his extraordinary character.
2. In a day and age when people were looking for the Messiah, they didn’t have to look very hard or far if they were truly seeking.
3. The historical record of Jesus’ life provides for us a reliable and believable testimony of his deity.
Body
I. The Transfiguration – Luke 9:27-36
A. Jesus is changed before the very eyes of Peter, James, and John.
B. Two other figures suddenly appear.
C. A cloud encompasses them and a voice speaks to them out of the cloud.
II. The Feeding Of The 5000 – John 6:1-14
A. The multitude following Jesus needed to be fed, but they only had five loaves and two fish.
B. Jesus divided this among his disciples and asked them to distribute it to the crowd.
C. Somehow, the food kept multiplying.
D. So much so, that there were 12 baskets of fragments taken up after everyone had eaten.
III. Jesus Walked On Water – John 6:15-21
A. The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when they saw that they thought to be a ghost approaching them.
B. The disciples begin to scream in fear.
C. However, Jesus informs them that there was no reason to be afraid.
IV. The Resurrection Of Lazarus – John 11:1-44
A. Lazarus has been dead for four days and had already been buried.
B. Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, and he did, still bound in his grave clothes.
C. Just imagine the reaction.
V. John 20:1-10; 19-29
A. When Peter entered the tomb, he found the grave clothes still in tact, and the handkerchief that had been around his head was laying separate.
B. When appearing to His disciples, Jesus just suddenly appeared through a locked door.
VI. Acts 1:9-11
A. The disciples witness Jesus ascend into heaven; out of their sight.
Conclusion:
1. John 20:30-31
2. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” – John 20:29
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 08:30-39 What it Means to Preach Jesus
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Text: Acts 8:30-39
Introduction
1. It is not uncommon today to hear people say just preach Jesus!
a. Often in response to those who preach and teach on baptism
b. Which many modern preachers rarely mention in their preaching
2. But what does it mean to preach Jesus?
a. Should it include baptism?
b. If so, what else should be included?
3. In Acts 8, we read of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch
a. Who on his return from Jerusalem was met by Philip the evangelist – Acts 8:26-29
b. Who invited Philip to explain a passage from the book of Isaiah – Acts 8:30-34
c. Beginning with the passage (Isaiah 53:7-8), note that Philip preached Jesus to him – Acts 8:35
4. We can learn what it means to preach Jesus from what is written regarding the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch!
Body
I. Isaiah’s quotation
A. Jesus died for our sins
1. The passage from Isaiah reveals the reason for the Messiah’s suffering – Isaiah 53:4-6,10-11
2. Christ’s death for our sins was fundamental to the gospel Paul preached – 1 Corinthians 15:1-3
3. Preaching Jesus therefore proclaims His death for our sins
B. Jesus has been exalted
1. Isaiah’s prophecy begins and ends with the exaltation of the Messiah – Isaiah 52:13; 53:12
2. The theme of Jesus’ exaltation permeated Peter’s preaching – Acts 2:36; 5:30-31
3. Preaching Jesus therefore pronounces that He has been exalted by God
II. The eunuch’s question
A. The importance of baptism
1. Notice the first question asked by the eunuch – Acts 8:36
a. “See, here is water. What hinders me from being Baptized?”
b. Preaching Jesus clearly included preaching on baptism!
2. Indeed, baptism was important to Jesus and His apostles
a. Jesus commanded it in giving the great commission – Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16
b. The apostles commanded it in their preaching – Acts 2:38; 10:47-48
c. The apostles also wrote of its value in their epistles – Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21
3. Preaching Jesus therefore includes preaching baptism!
B. The immediacy of baptism
1. The Ethiopian was anxious to obey; Philip was willing to accommodate him – Acts 8:38
a. Why the urgency? Why not wait until they got to town, or to a church?
b. Others were baptized immediately, even after midnight Acts 16:30-33
2. The reason for such urgency is clearly taught elsewhere
a. Baptism is for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38; 22:16
b. We experience the working of God, and put on Christ – Colossians 2:12-13; Galatians 3:27
3. Preaching Jesus therefore calls upon people to be baptized quickly!
III. Philip’s qualification
A. The necessity of faith
1. Philip’s response to the eunuch’s question qualified who should be baptized – Acts 8:37
a. “If you believe…you may”
b. Faith is a necessary prerequisite to baptism, which precludes infant baptism
2. Indeed faith is necessary to salvation – John 8:24
a. Through faith we can have life in His name – John 20:30- 31
b. Baptism is a working of God when our faith is present – Colossians 2:12
3. Preaching Jesus therefore demands faith in Jesus before baptism!
B. The necessity of heartiness
1. Philip required a wholehearted faith – Acts 8:37
a. “If you believe with all your heart, you may”
b. Baptism without such faith renders one simply wet!
2. The sort of hearty sincerity God has always required
a. By the children of Israel under the Law – Matthew 22:37
b. By the partakers of Christ today – Hebrews 3:12-14
3. Preaching Jesus therefore requires more than just mental assent before baptism!
Conclusion
1. Preaching Jesus certainly involves more, including
a. Preaching repentance, though such is not mentioned in our text – Luke 24:46-47
b. Preaching the resurrection of Christ, though such is not mentioned – Acts 17:30-31
2. Yet from the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, preaching Jesus must include
a. Preaching about the suffering and exaltation of Christ
b. Preaching the necessity and immediacy of baptism by a sincere believer
3. Today, many do not preach Jesus as Philip and the apostles did
a. They ignore baptism altogether, or render it insignificant
b. They call upon people to pray, when apostolic preaching called for people to be baptized
4. Has Jesus truly been preached to you, as Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch? – Acts 2:36-38; 22:16
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 08:14-25 God’s Second Law of Pardon
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Text: Acts 8:14-25
Introduction
1. The Scriptures reveal different instructions on how to obtain forgiveness
a. To alien sinners outside of Christ
1) 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)
2) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ (Acts 22:16)
b. To erring Christians guilty of sin
1) Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. The difference has been described by some as God’s Two Laws Of Pardon
a. For the alien sinner, there is God’s first law of pardon
1) Hear the gospel
2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ, who died for our sins
3) Repent of sins
4) Confess faith in Christ
5) Be baptized for the remission of sins
b. For the erring Christian, there is God’s second law of pardon
1) Repent of sins
2) Pray to God
3) Confess sins to God
3. As we evangelize, we often spend much time explaining the first law. As Christians seeking to maintain our relationship with God, we should be equally concerned with the second law. So let’s take a closer look at God’s second law of pardon
Body
I. WHAT CHRISTIANS MUST DO
A. WE MUST REPENT OF SINS
1. Note that repentance is required in both laws of pardon
2. What does it mean to repent? Literally, it means “a change of mind”
a. “signifies to change one’s mind or purpose” – Vine
b. a change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God
3. Thus it involves making a decision to stop sinning
a. Just as the alien sinner is called to do so in becoming a Christian
b. So the erring Christian must do to return to the Lord
4. Repentance is produced by “godly sorrow”
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
a. A sorrow for having sinned against God
Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. (Psalms 51:4)
b. As opposed to worldly sorrow for getting caught or being exposed
5. Repentance is also prompted by God’s goodness
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
a. Awareness of God’s grace and kindness should lead us to repent
b. Frequent meditation on the Word of God will help in this regard
6. Repentance will be manifested by a remarkable change
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
a. Such as diligence and zeal to do right
b. Such as indignation for our sins and a desire to make right
7. So the first step for erring Christians is to repent of their sins!
B. WE MUST PRAY
1. So Peter told Simon when he sinned after having believed and was baptized
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Baptism is an act of faith, in which we make an appeal
There is also an antitype which now saves us baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)
b. Prayer is also an act of faith, as we appeal for forgiveness
c. Yet alien sinners are commanded to repent and be baptized
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)
d. While erring Christians are commanded to repent and pray
3. The difference is understandable
a. Before baptism, one is not a child of God
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)
b. After baptism, prayer is a privilege for those who are God’s children
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:6-7)
4. Praying is effective for the Christian because of our two intercessors
a. Jesus, who understands our feelings
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)
b. The Holy Spirit, who communicates our feelings
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
5. As we pray, we must do so with humility
a. Compare the difference between the Pharisee and the publican
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other menextortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
b. God favors the humble and contrite in spirit
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18)
Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)
6. Having repented, the erring Christian humbly needs to pray!
C. WE MUST CONFESS
1. So John wrote to Christians, to experience God’s forgiveness
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Where confession is commanded, but not confession of sins
b. Instead, confession is made concerning Jesus Christ
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
3. Understanding the word “confess”
a. Comes from the Greek word homologeo
b. “lit., to speak the same thing; to agree with, admit” – Vine
c. In regards to sin, it means to openly and honestly admit sin without hiding it or offering excuses for it
And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:4-6)
4. Confession of sins should be made
a. Continuously – for John literally wrote “If we keep confessing our sins…”
b. For both known and unknown sins
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. (Psalms 19:12)
c. Always to God, sometimes to each other
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
5. So as the erring Christian prays, confession of sins should be made!
[Simple is God’s second law of pardon: to repent and pray, confessing our sins! To encourage us to be diligent in taking advantage of this wonderful grace, consider now…]
II. WHAT GOD WILL DO
A. GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be true to His promise
3. What promise? The promise found in the prophecy of the New Covenant!
a. Found in Jeremiah, repeated in Hebrews
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “BEHOLD, THE DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH NOT ACCORDING TO THE COVENANT THAT I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS IN THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DISREGARDED THEM, SAYS THE LORD. FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS IN THEIR MIND AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. NONE OF THEM SHALL TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, AND NONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” In that He says, “A NEW COVENANT,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. (Hebrews 8:7-13)
b. Thus we have the assurance of God’s response!
B. GOD WILL BE JUST
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be righteous in forgiving our sins
3. How can this be? By virtue of the cleansing blood of Jesus!
a. A cleansing alluded to earlier
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
b. So God can be both just and justifier of those who have faith in Christ
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)
c. Thus we have the basis for God’s response!
C. GOD WILL FORGIVE AND CLEANSE
1. He will “forgive us our sins”
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
a. The word ‘forgive’ describes the act of canceling a debt and the restoration of the debtor
b. No longer will the guilt of our sins be held against us!
2. He will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – 1 John 1:9
a. “The word ‘cleanse’ refers to making the forgiven sinner holy so that he is able to have fellowship with God”
b. The word “all” is reassuring; no sin is beyond God’s ability to forgive the penitent Christian who confesses their sin!
3. Thus we have blessedness of God’s response!
Conclusion
1. With God’s second law of pardon, the Christian who repents, prays, and confesses will
a. Experience the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
b. Enjoy the blessedness of knowing your sins are forgiven!
2. Why would any Christian hesitate to obey God’s second law of pardon…?
a. You can have the same joy of salvation as when you were baptized into Christ!
b. For you rise from prayer as cleansed from sin as when you arose from the watery grave!
If you want to have the same joy, the same assurance of salvation, as that new babe in Christ who comes forth to a new life, then take advantage of “God’s Second Law Of Pardon”…!
Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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