Historical Posts
1 Peter 02:01-02 Christians Must Desire The Word
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(Christians Must Desire the Milk of The Word to Grow)
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-2
Introduction
- Animals, plants, and humans beings, from the time they are planted or born, are expected to grow from infancy to maturity in a specified period. In order for them to grow and mature properly they must receive and digest nutrients from various sources. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus gives the parable of the barren fig tree that produced no fruit. The vineyard owner was expecting fruit on the fig tree for 3 years and found none. As a result, he was going to cut it down, but the servant requested to work on it, and if it didn’t produce fruit afterwards then to cut it down. God is expecting us to grow as Christians. Are you like this barren fig tree? In John 15:1-2, 6, Jesus teaches, if your not bearing fruit, or growing, you will be cut off, from the vine and be burned.
- The Christian, new babe in Christ must desire and receive the sincere milk of the Word of God, along with exercising or applying what they have learn from the Word of God to grow, mature, and bear much fruit – 1 Peter 2:1-2.
God’s Word is the Necessary Food for Spiritual Growth
- In order to grow, you must have an interest and desire to go beyond the infancy stage to a mature Christian. You must cry out for the milk of the Word of God, just as a baby cries out for it’s mother for milk – John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15. It is God’s Word that causes us to increase and grow – 2 Peter 3:18.
- Sometimes new Christians do not receive enough of the sincere milk of the Word, that they might grow. This one reason why some members of the church do not grow and mature as they should and need to be re-introduced to the milk of the Word of God that they might grow – Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
- It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how mature a Christian you think you are. You always need a daily feeding of the Word of God since we can’t live without it – Matthew 4:4. The Word of God is our light in a world filled with darkness – Psalm 119:104-105.
With the Milk of the Word, Growing Christians Must Exercise Godliness
- Along with feeding on the milk of the Word, the new babe in Christ must also exercise godliness – 1 Timothy 4:7-8. New Christian’s must put into practice what they have learned from the Word of God. The new convert must learn to take time in their daily lives to be holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16.
- The challenge for new Christian’s is to not fall back into old worldly and sinful practices – 1 John 2:15-17. And to not allow worldly friendships to drown out the influence that God’s Word and fellow Christians have on them – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
- Therefore, let us feast on the Word of God and grow. The question is are you a growing branch of the vine bearing much fruit? Or are you a dead branch of the vine ready to be bundled & burned?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.
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1 Peter 01:13-16 Christians Must Be Pure And Holy
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Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Introduction
- The word pure means something that’s unmixed, free from pollutants, or foreign substances which contaminate it. If you have something that’s unpure and you want to make it 100% pure, there must be a process to remove the impurities to make it pure. You and I are like a diamond in the rough that needs refining because all have contaminated ourselves with sin – Romans 3:23. If you’re lost and defiled by sin or have fallen from God’s grace, you need to be purified by obeying the truth of the Word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23.
- When you obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are sanctified & holy. You have been separated or set apart from the world and evil and consecrated to God for His purpose. In John 17:17, Jesus teaches us we’re sanctified through the truth of the Word of God.
Saints Must be Pure, Without Spot or Wrinkle, Shining as Lights in the World
- To free yourselves from the pollutants of sin and to be pure, without spot or wrinkle, Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected for the forgiveness of your sins – John 3:16; John 3:36. This started the refining process, but you must be willing to complete the process by taking heed to God’s Word to be cleansed, and made pure – Psalm 119:9-11.
- The challenge for Christians is to live a pure life, while we are being surrounded by individuals that love evil – 3 John 11. This is why we need to increase teaching and practicing Christian morality. In James 1:27, we are admonished to visit those that do not have fathers and widows, and make sure we are unspotted from the world. In Philippians 2:12-15, we are reminded to work out your own salvation that we might be pure, shining as lights.
- Did you know that if you want to see God, you must have a pure heart? In Matthew 5:8, Jesus teaches the pure in heart shall see God. This is why we need to think and mediate on holy things that we might be about doing the holy things of God – Philippians 4:8.
God has Called You to be Holy Because He is Holy
- In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter exhorts the dispersed Christians to be holy. However, many people may perceive in their heart that it’s impossible to be holy.
- Holiness is not dependant upon being morally perfect. Being holy or sanctified is based on your obedience to God to be saved and to be set apart or separated from the world, to be consecrated or dedicated to God for His purpose – 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
- Being holy means being separated from evil. A Christian cannot be holy or sanctified if they’re trying to blend in with being politically correct or in that gray area. A line has to be drawn. You must stand with God for the truth – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the Bible describes Christian’s as the temple of God which is holy. Did you know, Christian’s are to give their lives as a sacrifice to God which is to be holy – Romans 12:1.
- Taking time to be holy will make your life better (Husbands, Wives, employee’s and employer’s) – Colossians 3:18-25. In conclusion, God is holy ( 1 Peter 1:16); God’s son Jesus is holy (Mark 1:24); God’s Spirit is holy (John 14:26); When Jesus comes back, will you be found holy in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
1 Peter 02:11-12 Faith in the Workplace
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Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12
Introduction
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development – 1 Peter 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world – 1 Peter 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is the work place
a. Places of employment where we work
b. Relationships we maintain with those with whom we work
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the workforce?
a. What effect should it have on us as laborers or managers?
b. Should the workplace become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians living in this world
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
Body
I. The Christian as a laborer
A. Scriptural passages for laborers
1. From the epistles of Paul – Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-3; Titus 2:9-10
2. From the epistle of Peter – 1 Peter 2:18-20
3. Instructions to servants can be easily applied by Christian laborers today
B. Scriptural guidelines for laborers
1. Obey those who are over you (unless they ask you to do that which is unethical or illegal)
2. Work with proper respect and good will toward your boss
3. Labor sincerely and heartily, as to the Lord and not to men
4. Do not work only when the boss is watching, or just to please those over you
5. Demonstrate that you can be trusted with responsibility
6. Offer such service, not just to good employers, but even to those who are unfair
7. In so doing, you are adorning the doctrine of God our Savior!
8. Proverbs 12:24; 22:29 and other passages are also helpfully in understanding God’s will for laborers. Those who follow theses guidelines will be pleasing to ‘God likely very successful in their work
II. The Christian as manager
A. Scriptural passages for managers
1. From the epistles of Paul – Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1
2. From the Old Testament – Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Proverbs 22:16; Jeremiah 22:13-17; Malachi 3:5
3. From both Testaments there are principles to guide the Christian manager
B. Scriptural guidelines for managers.
1. Remember that you have a Boss in heaven!
2. Treat employees with justice and fairness
3. Do not oppress or exploit those who are under you
4. Don’t resort to threatening (seek positive motivation instead)
5. Applying the golden rule (Matthew 7:12) will go a long way to managing properly
C. Managers who so govern will likely be highly esteemed, both by those they manage and those under whom they serve. Yet as Christians, our goal is not just to provide honorable service, but to encourage people to glorify God
III. The Christian as evangelist
A. Concerns to consider
1. As Christians, we are to seek and save the lost – Mark 16:15-16
2. As workers, honorable service demands a proper day’s work for a day’s wage
3. Adorning the doctrine of Christ requires that we not steal (including time) – Titus 2:10
4. The challenge is to properly balance our efforts to save and our duty to work
B. Guidelines to govern
1. Don’t forget the power of a good example – 2 Peter 2:12; 3:1-2
2. Don’t let your speech betray your profession as a Christian – Ephesians 4:29; 5:4; Colossians 4:6
3. Wisely consider the best use of one’s time on the job – Colossians 4:5
a. Circumstances at work are rarely conducive to substantive spiritual discussions
b. Seek to turn casual conversations related to spiritual subjects into opportunities for home Bible studies
4. Spiritual zeal is no excuse for cheating those who have hired us
Conclusion
1. Involvement in the workplace is a wonderful opportunity
a. To be able to provide for one’s self and family
b. To be able to serve the Lord through making a positive impact on others
2. Let your faith in the workplace be an opportunity
a. To demonstrate the value of a vibrant faith in Christ!
b. To reach others for Jesus Christ!
3. What kind of laborers and managers are we?
4. Do we encourage others to glorify God?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:15-16 Take Time to be Holy
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Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16
Introduction
1. Our songs in worship are designed to instruct as well as praise
a. For in them we teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
b. By them the Word of Christ can dwell in us richly – Colossians 3:16
2. A familiar song with an important message is “Take Time to be Holy”.
a. Words written by W.D. Longstaff
b. Music composed by GeorgeC. Stebbins
3. Certainly the children of God are to be holy
a. We are to be holy in our conduct – 1 Peter 1:15
b. Even as our Father who calls us is holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16
4. Indeed, holiness is to be pursued, for without it one will not see the Lord – Hebrews 12:14
Body
I. THE NEED TO TAKE TIME
A. THE WORLD RUSHES ON
1. As expressed in the beginning of the second verse
2. Our lives are certainly hectic and fast-paced
3. Filled with activities that consume our time
4. And our lives are but a vapor – James 4:13-14
5. Before we know it, time will have slipped by
B. IT TAKES TIME TO BE HOLY
1. The key presumption upon which this song is based
2. Holiness must be pursued – Hebrews 12:14
3. Holiness is the fruit of service to God – Romans 6:22
4. Holiness must be perfected – 2 Corinthians 7:1
5. If we are not careful, time to develop holiness will be gone
II. THE WAY TO TAKE TIME
A. SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD
1. The song encourages us to:
a. “Abide in Him always”
b. “Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone”
2. The means to do so involve:
a. Prayer, as suggested by the song
1) “Speak oft with thy Lord”
2) “Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek”
b. The Word of God (“Feed on His Word”)
3. Do we take time to be with the Lord?
a. Through prayer, where the Lord is ready to intercede? – Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25
b. Through the Word, which testifies of our gracious Lord? – John 5:39; 1 Peter 2:2-3
4. I cannot overestimate the importance of finding time to be with the Lord alone through prayer and the Word!
B. SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS
1. This includes fellowship with other Christians (“Make friends of God’s children”)
a. Which the early Christians continued in steadfastly – Acts 2:42
b. Which helps to ensure faithfulness and steadfastness – Hebrews 3:12-14
c. Which includes the idea of frequent assembling – Hebrews 10:24-25
2. This includes service to our fellowman (“Help those who are weak”)
a. A duty enjoined upon Christians – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Acts 20:35
b. Service toward all, but especially our brethren – Galatians 6:10
c. Ministering our abilities to one another – 1 Peter 4:10-11
3. We must not be so busy that we don’t have time to be with brethren and to help others as we have opportunity!
III. THE BENEFITS OF TAKING TIME
A. YOU WILL BE BLESSED
1. With inner peace and happiness (“Be calm in thy soul”)
a. Through frequent prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
b. Through frequent meditation upon the Word – Psalms 1:1-3; 119:165
2. With renewed strength (“Each thought and each motive beneath His control”)
a. Through your relationship with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. Through the indwelling of the Spirit – Romans 8:12-13 Ephesians 3:16, 20-21
3. With increasing realization of God’s love (“Led by His Spirit to fountains of love”)
a. A manifestation of the Spirit in our lives – Romans 5:5
b. Whose fruit produces love – Galatians 5:22
4. Is this not sufficient motivation to “take time to be holy”?
B. YOU WILL BE MORE CHRIST-LIKE
1. The ultimate goal of discipleship (“Like Him thou shalt be”)
a. As explained by Jesus – Luke 6:40
b. As foreordained by God – Romans 8:29
2. A transformation noticed by others (“Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see”)
a. The result of spending time with Jesus – e.g., Peter and John, Acts 4:13
b. The result of giving yourself to such things as Timothy did, 1 Timothy 4:15
3. Prepared for greater service (“Thou soon shall be fitted for service above”)
a. For we will serve God in heaven, and in the new Jerusalem – Revelation 7:15; 22:3
b. Indeed, we will reign with Christ and God forever! – Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12
4. Is this not even more motivation to “take time to be holy”?
Conclusion
1. Remember the need to take time
a. The world rushes on, and would carry us along with it
b. Our time in this life is short, we must have our priorities straight
2. Are you taking time, indeed, making time?
a. To spend time alone with God, in prayer and the Word?
b. To spend time with others, in fellowship and service?
3. We must take time, if we desire to:
a. Experience the blessed life Jesus offers
b. Become more Christ-like in our conduct
4. May this song (“Take Time To Be Holy”) always remind us of the need to slow down, and to do those things so crucial to our spiritual growth and happiness!
5. Have you taken the time to respond to the gospel of Christ…? – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 05:08 Satan’s Work in the World – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 5:8
Introduction
- The Bible describes Satan as the enemy, adversary, murderer, tempter, and the wicked one (1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31-32). Because Satan & those angels that followed him rebelled against God, they were cast out of their heavenly habitation (Luke 10:18; Jude 6).
- The devil and his angels have no hope of redemption. The blood that was shed in Jesus death, that washes away our sins when we believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16), cannot save Satan and his angels. The devil and his angels have a place reserved for them (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4).
- Since Satan, and his host of angels that followed him, will never enjoy the beauties and splendor of heaven again, Satan is determined to destroy man, and make sure heaven is not his eternal home.
Satan Uses Deceit to Destroy Souls
- If Satan and his angels are able to convenience you to believe and live a lie, instead of obeying the living truth of God’s Word, he has you captured and placed you in the bondage of sin which will lead to eternal damnation, if you don’t turn from error to the truth (Genesis 3:1-7).
- Satan has an arsenal of weapons to deceive you with such as:
– Covetousness (Matthew 19:16-22)
– Lust of the flesh (2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba)
– An unforgiving heart (Matthew 6:14-15) - Therefore, you must take heed to the deceiving power of Satan so that you won’t fall into sin and death (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
- Satan uses the lack of Biblical knowledge (Hosea 4:6) to deceive, lie, and ultimately damn souls with rebellious angels. A number of people today believe aborting an unborn child’s life is acceptable behavior, others contend that their nothing wrong with fornication, or sodomy, but Satan has greatly deceived many – (2 Timothy 3:13).
Satan Accuses Christ Causing People to Turn From Truth
- A proper name for Satan is the devil which denotes, “an accuser, a slander.”
- In Matthew 4:4-10, the devil tempts Jesus to sin by challenging Jesus Divinity. After each temptation Jesus directs the devil to the written Word of God.
- There will be people that are led by the spirit of Satan who will falsely accuse the character and faith of Christians, because it’s the work of Satan to turn people from the truth (Galatians 1:6-8; Acts 13:6-10).
- For example many believe the lie that the devil has espoused in the religious world that water baptism is not necessary for your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- God loved us and sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. God raised Him from the dead, giving victory to those that obey Him over Satan, sin, and death. Why not come and be free today (John 8:36).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
1 Peter 02:09-10 Out of Darkness into Light
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Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Introduction
- There is sin everywhere and the world is lying in wickedness (1 John 5:19). The world outside of Christ, is dead in trespasses and sins. They’re walking aimlessly in darkness toward destruction. This is why you need to step out of darkness and death and into the light of Jesus. Because He (Jesus) has made us alive through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-5).
- Jesus came to earth to heal the brokenhearted, to send the message of deliverance to the captives that they might be free, and to recover the sight of the blind that they would see and obey the truth of God (Acts 26:16-18). Jesus came to deliver us out of darkness in his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9-10).
Why Step Out of Darkness?
- You must step of darkness because it will cause you to stumble and go in the wrong direction (John 11:9-10).
- Men and women do not have the ability to direct their own way successfully (Jeremiah 10:23). The Word will guide you (Psalm 119:105).
- In darkness Satan blinds you and keeps you from seeing and obeying the truth that saves you (2Corinthians 4:3-4).
- It is necessary to step out of darkness because remaining in darkness will lead you to hating your brother instead of walking in the light of love (1 John 2:9-11).
- Therefore, let us cast of the works of darkness (Romans 13:11-14).
- It is imperative; we each step out of darkness and into light of Jesus because if we do not believe in Jesus, we will be eternally separated from God (John 8:24). In John 3:36, the Spirit of truth confirms, there is no everlasting life with God, without belief in Jesus. That means spending eternity wailing and gnashing your teeth in outer darkness, if you continue to walk in darkness (Mathew 13:40-42).
Should We Walk into the Light of Jesus Christ?
- You should walk into the light of Jesus to get out of darkness, because Jesus came into the world to be the light of the world (John 8:12).
- Since Jesus is the light, those who are unbelieving are walking in darkness and are condemned.
- (Do know why people hate Christians?) They hate the light because Jesus exposes who they are (John 3:18-21). In John 1:5 the Bible declares “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
- You must step out of darkness and into the light of Jesus because by the power of God you can overcome sin and darkness through Jesus. In Colossians 1:12-14, the Sword of the Spirit declares that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. We must abide in Jesus so darkness will not abide in us (John 12:46).
- Therefore, let those of us that were in darkness make sure we continue to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-11). To those who are lost, walking in darkness, why not make the decision to walk in the pathway of light.
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
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1 Peter 03:15 Why Do You Believe in Jesus?
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Text: 1 Peter 3:15
Introduction
1. In 1 Peter 3:15, all Christians are commanded to be ready to make a”defense” for the reason of their hope in Christ
a. The word “defense” is from apologia, which means “a speech in defense of what one has done, or of truth which one believes”
b. The formal use of this word is used by Paul in Acts 22:1; 1 Corinthians 9:3
2. Peter, however, uses the word in the context of an informal inquiry by a friend or neighbor.
a. Someone asking “Why are you a Christian?”
b. To such Peter says that we should be ready to give reasons why we believe
3. In this series of lessons on “CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS”, we shall examine some of the evidence that exists for placing one’s faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God
4. In doing so, I hope to accomplish two objectives:
a. To STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH in Jesus Christ
b. To HELP PREPARE OURSELVES to be able to do the thing required by Peter in 1 Peter 3:15
Body
I. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS “AN INTELLIGENT, RATIONAL FAITH”
A. IT APPEALS TO THE “MIND” AS WELL AS TO THE “HEART”
1. God expects us to use our minds – Matthew 22:36-38; John 8:32
a. I.e., we do not have to commit “INTELLECTUAL SUICIDE” in order to have faith!
b. More than one person said, My heart cannot rejoice in what my mind rejects
1) A “WEAK FAITH” may be the result of the heart trying to believe in something the mind cannot accept
2) But the “STRONG FAITH” God requires involves both the mind and the heart
2. So it is important that we present reasons why we believe in an INTELLIGENT and RATIONAL manner
B. DOES THIS MEAN WE CAN OFFER 100% PROOF?
1. No, but there is virtually nothing of which we can be 100% sure, who our parents are
2. Yet, we often make 100% commitments with less than 100% proof; flying
a. We cannot be 100% certain that we will have a safe journey
b. But the statistical evidence is strong enough to convince us that we will
c. So though we may not have 100% certainty of arriving safely, when we step on the plane we make a 100% commitment!
3. So the question becomes: IS THERE ENOUGH EVIDENCE OR PROOF TO WARRANT MAKING A 100% COMMITMENT TO CHRIST?
a. There is certainly enough evidence to commit myself 100% FOR HIM, rather than be 100% AGAINST HIM!
b. There is no other alternative – Matthew 12:30
c. Jesus is like an airplane; either we get on board totally, or we get left behind!
C. So the Christian faith is to be an INTELLIGENT, RATIONAL FAITH.
II. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS “A HISTORICAL, FACTUAL FAITH”
A. CHRISTIANITY APPEALS TO HISTORY, AND THE FACTS OF HISTORY
1. The facts backing the Christian claim are not a special kind of ‘religious’ fact. They are the cognitive, informational facts upon which all historical, legal, and ordinary decisions are based.
2. It will be my purpose in future lessons:
a. To present these HISTORICAL FACTS
b. Then demonstrate that the Christian interpretation is more logical than any other
B. TO BRIEFLY ILLUSTRATE THAT CHRISTIANITY IS BASED UPON HISTORICAL FACTS
1. Consider Luke 2:1-5; Luke 3:1-2
2. Notice the appeal to time, places, people and events that actually existed in history
C. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, THEREFORE, IS A HISTORICAL FAITH THAT APPEALS TO CERTAIN FACTS OF HISTORICAL OCCURENCE
1. Not a PHILOSOPHICAL faith appealing to philosophies of men
2. Not a faith based upon MYTHS and LEGENDS
III. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS “AN OBJECTIVE FAITH”
A. IT IS A FAITH IN AN “OBJECT”: JESUS OF NAZARETH!
1. Faith in WHO He was: The Christ, the Son of God
2. Faith in WHAT He did: He rose from the dead on the third day
B. IT “DOES” MAKE A DIFFERENCE “WHAT” WE BELIEVE!
1. The old cliche “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you believe in something” is inconsistent with the Christian faith
2. Consider John 8:24; Romans 10:9
a. Note that it is not faith IN OF ITSELF that is important
b. But IN WHOM (the object) our faith is based!
IV. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS “BASED ON PRINCIPLES OF TRUTH”
A. SUCH AS “TRUTH IS ALWAYS OPEN TO EXAMINATION”
1. So is the Christian faith
a. Acts 2:22 – Peter appealed to the crowd to examine what they themselves knew
b. Acts 26:24-26 – Paul invited Agrippa to examine the evidence
2. Unlike some religions (esp. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and the “Mormons”), the CHRISTIAN FAITH is open to honest examination
B. SUCH AS “TRUTH IS ALWAYS OPEN TO NON-TRUTH (FALSIFICATION)”
1. That is, it is open to be proven wrong
2. To illustrate, if you don’t believe Jesus was raised from the dead
a. Use the evidence that is available, and…
b. Attempt to prove by it that He wasn’t!
c. Do this and then we shall see which interpretation of the facts is more logical (intelligent and rational)
V. WHY PEOPLE REJECT CHRIST
A. AS IN THE DAYS OF CHRIST, IT IS USUALLY DUE TO ONE OF THREE REASONS:
1. IGNORANCE – John 7:40-43
a. Some rejected Jesus as the Christ because they were ignorant of the historical facts concerning His birth
b. So many do today for a similar reason: LACK OF ACCURATE INFORMATION!
2. PRIDE – John 12:42-43
a. Pride in wanting to be approved kept them from confessing Jesus as the Christ
b. Today, many do not want the RIDICULE or REJECTION one might face for following Christ
3. MORAL PROBLEM – John 3:19-20
a. Some people reject the evidence because it would mean having to change their LIFESTYLE
b. Today, many people in efforts to justify their immorality
1) Accept only that evidence which supports theories which allows them to continue their lifestyle
2) Reject any evidence which may support a doctrine which would condemn their behavior and require a change
B. WHAT IT OFTEN BOILS DOWN TO IS THIS
1. The rejection of Christ
a. Is not so much a problem of the “MIND” but of the “WILL”!
b. Is not so much “I CAN’T” but “I WON’T”!
2. There is enough evidence to convince the honest and sincere seeker
3. But there is not enough evidence to force a man against his will when he is determined to reject it!
Conclusion
1. It is with these “BASICS” in mind that I shall endeavor to give evidence that warrants faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, the Son of God
2. I shall not attempt to prove anything “beyond a shadow of a doubt,” for that is not possible
3. But I shall try to show that it is more logical to believe in Jesus, than for one not to!
4. And we shall begin by examining the evidence that demonstrates Jesus to be a true, historical figure, a person who actually lived!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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