Historical Posts
Colossians 03:01-17 Conforming Your Life to Christ
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Text: Colossians 3:1-17 – Scripture Reading: Romans 6:4-14
Introduction
- Conform – “to fashion, shape, outline, and contour, change one thing to bring into harmony or accordance to another.”
- If you’re a true Christian, you’re setting your eyes, mind, body, and soul on the things that are above (Spiritual, eternal) where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God – Colossians 3:1-4.
- Christians must conform to Christ, and put off their sins. Sin makes them look like and sound like, conform to, the devil instead of Jesus Christ. To conform your life to Christ, you must cut off and destroy the works of the devil which is sin – Colossians 3:5-10. When you’re in Christ, the old man of sin is dead, and a new man is raised to life with Christ – Romans 6:4-7.
Conform Your Life to Christ, the Holy Spirit Must Capture Your Mind
- You will not conform your life to Christ unless the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, convicts your mind of sin to the point where you desire to surrender all to Jesus Christ – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why not allow the power of the Word of God to convict you and your sin that you might change and be conformed to Christ – Hebrews 4:12.
- To conform your life to Christ, you must not disregard the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 simply says, “Quench not the Spirit”. In 2 Samuel Chapter 11 David King of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, was guilty of quenching the Spirit when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, and murder her husband Uriah.
- To be conformed, shaped, or changed to Christ, you must have the mind of Jesus Christ, which is the mind to humble yourself and to serve God instead of your own ambitions – Philippians 2:5-8. Your mind needs to be renewed by Jesus Christ and not be conformed to the world. To conform to Christ, your love for yourself and the world must be diminished and eliminated – 1 John 2:15-17.
One the Holy Spirit has Engage Your Mind, You Must Take Action
- The action that you must take to conform your life to Christ involves getting ride of sins out of your life – Matthew 5:29-30. For example, if you’re accustomed to spending $40 a week playing the numbers you will need to take action to eliminate the sin of covetousness out of your life – Colossians 3:5-10. Therefore, repentance is necessary to conform your life to Christ – Luke 13:3.
- To conform your life to Christ you must separate from evil associations that will lead you away from God – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. This is why God told Israel to not marry into foreign nations whom are idolatrous, because they will be lead away from following God (Deuteronomy 7). We can learn from Solomon because his wives lead him away from following God – 1 Kings 11:1-10.
- To conform your life to Christ there are some things that you must learn to put off, and some things to put on you so that your life can be conformed to Christ. You must put off the old man and sinful practices and put on the new man of truth and holiness – Ephesians 4:21-32.
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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 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 Must You 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. You should step out of darkness, because in darkness, Satan blinds you and keeps you from seeing and obeying the only Truth that can save you – 2 Corinthians 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 off the works of darkness – Romans 13:11-14.
- It is imperative that you step out of darkness and into light of Jesus because if you do not believe in Jesus, you will be eternally separated from God – John 8:24. In John 3:36, the Spirit of truth confirms, you will not have everlasting life with God, if you do not believe in Jesus. You will spend eternity wailing and gnashing your teeth in outer darkness, if you continue to walk in darkness – Mathew 13:40-42.
Why should You 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. And since Jesus is the light, those whom are unbelieving, and walking in darkness 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 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 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. If you are lost walking in darkness, why not make the decision to walk in the pathway of light, right now?
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Matthew 25:31-46 Hell is Everlasting Punishment
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- When Jesus Christ comes back again he will judge the world, all nations, according to the things we have done in our body. This will be the great day of separation. The sheep will be separated from the goats, a few will go on the right side, many others will go to the left. A few will be rewarded with the blessings of heaven and many will endure the punishment of hell – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- This evening we want to demonstrate that hell is a real place of everlasting punishment, even though few people view themselves as swimming in the lake of fire – Matthew 7:13-14.
Hell is Eternal Punishment for Those that Rebel Against God
- The word hell derives its meaning from the Hebrew (Ge-hinnnom), the Valley of Hinnom, which was a pit into which trash, defiled or filthy things were dumped to be burned. This became a technical term for unending torment.
- In the Bible hell is described as a place of outer darkness, the furnace of fire, the lake of fire, a place where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth and the fire will not be quenched. There will be everlasting destruction, and everlasting punishment in this eternal punishment. Let us make sure we are not bundle up and cast into the fire – Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43 (Wheat and Tares); Matthew 13:47-51 (Net).
- Hell is not a temporary punishment were you burn in fire for a while and go to ashes. Hell’s duration is everlasting, without end which, means in hell your body will not decay from the fire because God says your worm dies not. To avoid this terrible place of punishment, there will be a number of things we must eliminate from our lives – Mark 9:43-48.
- The everlasting fire of hell was prepared for the punishment of the devil and his angels that rebelled against God – Matthew 25:41. Hell is reserved for the devil and his angels and all those that do evil – Jude 6.
- To those that are determined to be disobey, rebel, and to turn away from the truth of God’s Word, will receive their just reward of God which is separation from God in the terrible place of everlasting punishment – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8.
- If you want to avoid this terrible place you need to have spiritual surgery, and cut out those things that are in your life that are evil and displeasing in the sight of God – Matthew 18:7-9.
- Those that labor endlessly in the body of Christ should take comfort in knowing God will give comfort and rest to them that die in the Lord – Revelation 14:13. But those that do not know God, and obey the gospel of Christ will be punished in hell – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.
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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.
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1 Peter 04:17-19 What Shall Be The End of Them?
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(What shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?)
Text: Peter 4:17-19
Introduction
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, the Bible teaches judgment must begin at the House of God, and if it begins at the church, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of Christ? Where shall the ungodly & sinner appear, if the righteous are scarcely saved? 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
- This means, Christians friends, to pass the great judgment bar and enter in God’s eternal kingdom, you must be prepared and be willing to endure sufferings in the flesh and in your life, as Christ suffered in the flesh for us – 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-13.
- Members of the church must be willing to go through the fire of the sufferings, persecutions, sacrifices, and heartaches of being Christ disciple and being tried, and come out as pure gold – Matthew 5:10-12; Revelations 2:9-11.
Jesus is Coming Back Again to Judge the Quick and the Dead
- Jesus was crucified and He died. God, with His power, raised Him from the dead, and Jesus ascended back in heaven. The Bible reveals to us that the same manner in which He was taken up, He will also return – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3.
- Jesus is coming back again for the purpose of judging the world – 2 Corinthains 5:10. The standard of our accountability will be the Word of God – John 12:48. When Jesus comes back in judgment, there will be a great separation into either eternal blessing with God, or eternal punishment, separated from God which will be based on our works – Matthew 13:47-51.
- In Revelation 20:11-15, John sees a vision of the great white throne, where the small & great are standing before God to be judged (The books), the dead came from the sea, along with the souls in Hades to be judged according to their works. Those not found in the book of Life were cast into the lake of fire.
Sober, Watchful and Prayerful Living is Required
- Since judgment begins at God’s house, we must be sober, and watchful unto prayer – 1 Peter 4:7. Therefore, let us be mindful and watchful of the temptations Satan sets before us, so that we will always be ready, because the Son of man will come in an hour we do not expect – Matthew 24:36-44.
- We must not be forgetful to show love towards each other – 1 Peter 4:8-11. And let us make sure we keep God’s will first in our lives – Matthew 6:33.
- Let us be sure to devote our lives in serving the Creator no matter the circumstances whether their good, bad, indifferent, so we will be ready for judgment when it comes – 1 Peter 4:19.
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James 01:12-15 Endure Temptation to Obtain a Crown of Life
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Text: James 1:12-15
Introduction
- A temptation is a trial or test which may involve a struggle, hardships, and difficulties with a beneficial purpose and effect – Hebrews 11:17-19. If we endure through the many temptations that will come to them that love God, we will receive a great reward of God – James 1:12.
- The mark of a true servant of God is when God has enough confidence in you, to ask the devil to consider you to try/tempt, to see how much you really love God. The mature Christian will be able to endure and come out of the fire of temptation as pure gold – Job 1:1,8.
- Satan will present many trials, test, and temptations to the Christian trying to break down his faith and loyalty to God, so that he will lose his eternal reward of heaven. Christian friend don’t let anything separate from God – Romans 8:35-39. You must be watchful because the devil will come through the front door, back door, the window, friends, family, relationships, or at any of your weakness – 1 Peter 5:6-9.
To Endure Temptation You Must Learn to Trust God
- It is a joy for Christians to have the opportunity to suffer reproach by our adversary – James 1:2-4. Temptations will help us grow stronger in God’s love, so that we might be able to lay hold of that beautiful eternal home God has promised us. Did not Peter grow from his adversity of denying Christ 3 times (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75). Let fight the fight, and finish the race God has set before ud that we might obtain the crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
- It is imperative to learn to trust and rely on God’s Word for your guidance and direction in life because following your flesh and your own desires will lead you to your own destruction – Proverbs 3:5-8.
- To endure temptations you must be rooted and grounded in the Word of God. It will be more difficult for Satan to overcome you, if you always reply with “What Thus Saith The Lord?” – James 4:7. Any situation that you find yourself in, you should be able to apply and implement what God has said in your life – Colossians 3:16. Unfortunately the problem with many is that they’re not rooted and grounded in the truth of God – Colossians 2:6-8.
Don’t Allow Your Own Lusts to Draw You Away from God
- The Word of God teaches that you’re tempted, when you’re drawn away from what God says in His Holy Word, to fulfill what your own lusts and fleshly desires want. When your own fleshly desires [entice or allure] override or dominate what God says, you will commit sin which will lead to death – James 1:14-15.
- To overcome and endure trails, we need to be aware of our own lusts and weaknesses, and be willing to do something about it. This means we need to get rid of sins that will destroy us – Hebrews 12:1-2. It’s time you turn off the sources of your enticement to sin – Mark 9:43-48.
- If your working towards becoming mature in Christ, why not make the decision this evening to devote your life to Jesus – Revelation 2:10.
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John 13:01-17 Are You Service God or Self?
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Text: John 13:1-17
Introduction
- It must be determined, who’s the master, and who’s the servant? A master is one that has the ownership and authority over another – Matthew 28:18-20. Our heavenly Father, the great I AM, the one that has created us & owns all things including our souls is our master! The mark of a master is one that teaches and leads by example and action.
- It is an error in judgment, for a man or woman to conceive themselves as a master, the one that is in control. Pharaoh, the King of Egypt thought he was in control until he was confronted with the God of Israel – Exodus 5:2.
- A servant is one who expresses submission, and service to another. A servant is a sheep that follows and obeys the shepherd. You and I, God’s special creation, need to serve Him completely instead of our own desires – Psalm 100:1-5.
Being a Servant is not Belittling or Shameful
- It is commonly taught in our society that being a servant, or under the authority of another, is not desired because it restricts your freedom, and is viewed to be lowly and degrading. This is the same thought Peter had when Jesus came to wash his feet – John 13:8. Jesus came down from heaven to serve man by sacrificing His life that we might live – Matthew 20:20-28. [The mother of James and John asked Jesus to set them on His right and left hand]
- Being a servant to God in any capacity is a great blessing – Ecclesiastes 9:10. Why does the world shun being submissive to the one in authority in the family, in the church, or your employer? Why not just obey God and serve Him – Colossians 3:17-25.
- Instead of being selfish and stepping on everybody else, trying to get to the place you want to be in life, why not find ways to help one another out, so that we can all enter the gates of heaven together – John 13:12-15.
Your Mind Must Turn from Selfish Interests to God’s Ways
- To be an obedient servant of the Lord you must transform, alter, and change the way you think, behave, and live in such a way that your intellect, body and soul will become just like the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord – Romans 12:1-2. The Apostle Peter learned this – John 13:4-9.
- To be a servant of the Lord you must be willing to remove all forms of selfishness from your life. You must decide whom you will serve, God or man – Matthew 6:24. Jesus teaches if you want to save your lives, you must be will to lose it. In other word you must deny self – Matthew 16:24-26.
Are you serving God, or are you serving yourself?
Why not give up self, and submit yourself to God and serve Him with joy. Jesus is extending His arms of love to you today why not come?
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1 Corinthians 12:12-13 The Singularity of the Church
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Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:21-23
Introduction
- In our English speaking society, the word church hasn’t been adequately defined or used correctly. Many use the word incorrectly. For example, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the #1 definition for church, is “a building for public and especially Christian worship.” However, if you study the word church/assembly in its’ original Greek (Ekklesia) ek = “out of” and klesis = “a calling.” The church are people that have been called out of this world to be added to Christ’s body for deliverance of their sins – 1 Peter 2:9. [The called – Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2].
- In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, God describes the body of Jesus, the church of Christ as being one on four occasions in these two verses. Therefore, within the body of Christ (Church) there is unity, there is oneness, among the members of the one body – Ephesians 4:1-6. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul pleads with the brethren with the church at Corinth to be of one mind. [Demoninations are not members of the body of Christ] – Matthew 15:13-14].
- The singularity of the church means, it’s the only one, you have no other choices, if you want to be saved from the penalty of sin, you must be baptized in Christ – Acts 4:12.
There is Only One Builder, One Purchaser, One Head of The Church
- In Matthew 16:13-19, we learn Jesus told Peter I will build my church. Jesus is the builder of His church. Jesus laid the foundation of His church – 1 Corinthians 3:11. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” Psalm 127:1. Therefore, you must make sure the builder of the church you belong to is Jesus Christ.
- Jesus built the church, but He also purchased the church with the blood He shed on the cross to take away our sins of the world. In Acts 20:28, Paul urges the Ephesian elders to feed the flock of God which He purchased with His own blood. You must understand Jesus paid the mortgage of His church (Your sins), He paid the redemptive price which was His precious blood that has the power to save you – 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5-6.
- In Ephesians 1:21-23, the Bible teaches God has put Jesus Christ to be head over all things to the church. In Colossians 1:18, Jesus is described as the head of the body, the church. In Ephesians 5:23, God teaches us the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.
There is Only One Way, One Truth and One Church That Will Save You
- In John 14:6, Jesus clearly states that I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can get to the Father except by me. Interestingly many are refusing to be added to the body of Christ, because the way of salvation is a narrow way – Matthew 7:13-14. Don’t follow your own way because it will lead to your destruction – Proverbs 14:12.
- There is only one truth. It is the Word of God – John 17:17. In John 1:17, we learn grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. The truth brings us the message of salvation in Jesus and His church.
- If you want to be delivered from the consequences of sin, you only have one choice, Jesus and His Church. Just like in the days of Noah, the people had one way of salvation, and that was the one ark Noah built that saved his family. Today the ark of salvation is the one church Jesus built. Why not answer God’s call to become on of His saints?
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Mark 15:01-39 Necessity of the Cross
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Text: Mark 15:1-39
Introduction
- The cross of Jesus Christ is essential to every soul. It has even more importance than food, shelter, and love have on you and I. Without the cross of Calvary, we would be lifeless, hopeless and in despair – Ephesians 2:16.
- The cross of Calvary is the most significant event in human history that has changed the outlook and well being of nations and peoples that have embraced the power of God to save man – Romans 1:16-17. The cross of Jesus Christ overshadows all tragedies that mankind has seen because through the cross of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection one can be saved & be reconciled with God – Romans 5:8-10.
The Preaching of the Cross is Necessary to Save the Lost
- Men, women, boys, and girls will never have true love, joy, peace, and unity with their Creator until the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is planted in the minds of the lost – Romans 10:14-15.
- Christians should feel the necessity of teaching the message of God because it is our ministry – 2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:16. Without faithful servants of Jehovah teaching the gospel the world will be lost because only the preaching of the cross will save those that will believe – 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21.
- Examples of those confronted with the cross of Jesus Christ: Acts 2:36-41 (Day of Pentecost); Acts 8:26-39 (Ethiopian Eunuch); Acts 16:19-33 (Philippian Jailer). There will be two responses when one is confronted with the cross of Calvary – Obedience or Rejection
The Cross of Jesus is Necessary for Eternal Happiness
- It is through the cross of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection that Christians can look forward to being resurrected in that Great Day – John 6:40. Without the cross of Jesus Christ we would be forever separated from God. Without the cross there would be no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, no peace, no hope, only condemnation for all, no possibility of eternity in heaven, and we would always be at enmity with God. Therefore let us be thankful for the cross!
- The cross of Calvary is so necessary to us because without it, the preaching of the gospel would be meaningless. We could not enjoy and rejoice in some of the songs we sing such as “The Old Rugged Cross”; “Lead Me To Calvary”; “Lift Him Up” Your faith in God would be without strength & value, and we would live in constant misery – 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
- Jesus Christ the only begotten of the Father has bore the pain, agony, and shame of sin on the cross. Why not make a decision today to follow Jesus, to take up your cross and follow him. Why not come obeying today?
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Romans 05:06-11 Sin Separates From God, Jesus Reconciles
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(Sin Separates Man from God, but Through Jesus Man can be Reconciled to God)
Text: Romans 5:6-11
Introduction
- According to 1 John 3:4, God defines sin as the transgression of the law. Anytime you miss God’s mark, or decide to rebel against His commandments, you have sinned, and as a result the relationship between you and God has been cut off or severed – Isaiah 59:1-2. The text even points out God will hide His face from you and not hear you because of sin – John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12.
- Being separated from God because of your sins leaves you in a lost, unsaved, unfruitful, and dead state because being alienated from God means you have been severed from God, the Creator, the source of physical and eternal life – John 15:4-6. In Romans 6:23, God teaches us the end result of sin is death, but through Jesus there is eternal life.
God has Shown His Love Toward Us After We Sinned
- After man had sinned, and was separated from God, God extended His love to us, in that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so that we could escape His wrath reserved for the children of disobedience – Romans 5:8-9. Therefore, we should be encouraged to love God because He first loved us – 1 John 4:9-10.
- In Ephesians 2:4-6 the Holy Scriptures show us the great love God had for us. While we were dead in sins, He made us alive through Jesus Christ. God has a special love for us that we sometimes overlook. This love for us is so great. He was willing to give His only begotten Son to save us – John 3:16-17.
- It is God’s desire that all men would be saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9.
- In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul declares that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. But the question remains: will you believe on Jesus Christ, the Son of God? John 3:36.
Why not Change Your Relationship with God and be Reconciled?
- In regard to the relationship man has with God, the word reconcile denotes an action to change from enmity to friendship. Therefore, something had to happen on both sides to change the separation of God and man because of sin, because man could not do it himself. In Romans 5:6-10, the Bible teaches us the action by God to reconcile is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a sacrifice for man’s sins to give man life – Ephesians 2:13-16.
- Reconciliation or making peace between God and man comes only through Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus did on the cross, the giving of His life and the shedding of His blood. In Colossians 1:20-23, the Spirit of truth teaches all things are reconciled by Jesus – Hebrews 2:17.
- In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). As long as you are in Christ and abiding in His Word, God is not imputing your trespasses to you (2 Corinthians 5:19). And God has given us the ministry of reconciliation to call sinner’s to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). This means the sinner, man, must do something to be reconciled to God. God did His part, have you done your part? Acts 2:38, 41.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“Ice Breaker”
Consider these thoughts about the man (or woman) that hath not God:
- The man that hath not God has no fellowship with the Lord.
- The man that hath not God is walking in darkness because he has turned from the light (Jesus).
- The man that hath not God is transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.
- The man that hath not God has nothing of true value. He is separated from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – 2 John 9.
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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
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Matthew 25:31-46 Judgment Is Coming, Will You Be Ready?
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- Jesus Christ came into this world for the express purpose of saving sinners like you and me, so we would not experience the wrath of God on the children of disobedience – 1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:16. Jesus accomplished this when He went to the cross and bore the transgressions the people – John 19:30 (It is finished) [burial and resurrection].
- After God had resurrected Jesus from the grave to life, He appeared to his Apostles and proved to them of His bodily resurrection – Acts 1:1-3. Jesus ascended to heaven. The Bible reveals to us the same manner in which He was taken up, shall so He come in like manner – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3 .
- Jesus is coming back again to judge the world in righteousness, He is coming to separate the just from the unjust for eternity (Heaven / Hell) – Acts 17:30-31. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves, that we may be found in Him without spot or wrinkle, when Jesus comes back again.
Judgment Day is Coming. Will You Be Ready?
Don’t Delay! Now is the Time to Get Ready for Jesus!
- It’s urgent to prepare for Jesus return because, it is not known the time, hour, day, or year when Jesus Christ will return – Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Therefore, you cannot afford to procrastinate, or remain in sin because you don’t know when Jesus is coming back – Matthew 24:44. Look what happened to the unprepared in the days of Noah – Matthew 24:37-39.
- You should prepare yourself for the great Day of Judgment because it’s an appointment everybody has with Jesus to give account of your life to God – Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36-37. This appointment with Jesus you cannot postpone, even if you try – Hebrews 9:27. That’s why it’s best to be prepared to appear before the judgment seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, we learn that judgment must begin at the house of God. Therefore it’s imperative that members of Jesus body take heed to themselves and the doctrine of Christ that we might be saved in that great Day – 1 Timothy 4:16.
What Can You Expect to Happen at the Day of Judgment?
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect Jesus to descend from heaven with a shout and triumph of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first to meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forevermore – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Jesus will change the bodies of those that are dead in Christ to be like His – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57; Philippians 3:20-21.
- On the Day of Judgment you can expect Jesus Christ to separate the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left for eternity – Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46. As Jesus expounds on the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30), you get the “big picture” about this great day of separation – Matthew 13:40-43.
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect the atmosphere around the earth, and the earth itself to be burned up with fire – 2 Peter 3:3-13.
- If you have examined yourself today, and have found yourself unprepared for the Day of Judgment, God is extending His everlasting arms of love to you to come to Him today in obedience. Why not, respond to the Savior’s invitation today and prepare yourself for the Day of Judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“It’s Gonna Rain”
It’s gonna rain, It’s gonna rain, You better get ready and bare this in mind
God showed Noah, the rainbow sign, it won’t be water but fire next time.
Way back in the bible days, God told Noah it’s gonna rain, but when Noah told the people they paid him no mind and when it happen they were left behind,
They tell me when the water begin to pour, they knocked on the windows, they
knocked on the doors. They did know exactly what to do now you don’t want this to happen to you
Noah told the people, I’m sorry my friends God’s got the keys and you can’t get in if
something don’t happen to the hearts of man the same thing is gonna happen again.
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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
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James 03:01-18 Is Your Tongue Under Control?
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Text: James 3:1-18
Introduction
- The tongue can be used to destroy the mind. But when used wisely it can encourage, uplift, and motivate a soul to obey the gospel of Christ.
- The Word teaches in many things we offend by words, therefore, it’s important to learn how to bridle, tame, or control the tongue – James 3:2-5. The speech that comes from ours mouths will either justify you or condemn you – Matthew 12:36-37; Matthew 15:16-20.
- Some lose control of their tongue by using deception & dishonesty to their advantage, but God clearly forbids us to lie or bear false witness – Proverbs 6:16-19; Proverbs 19:5, 9; Revelation 21:8.
Make Sure Your Tongue Is Not Destructive
- An uncontrolled tongue is like a fire out of control, it destroys everything in sight. It’s like a flame thrower that burns everything in sight. Is your tongue like this? In James 3:6-8, the Bible teaches the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body. The untamed tongue is full of deadly poison, so let us learn to refrain ourselves from evil words – 1 Peter 3:10-11.
- Is it not unnatural for a fruit tree to produce ripe and rotten fruits at the same time? This is hypocritical behavior, and is not consistent with keeping God’s commandments – James 3:9-13.
- If there is bitterness, envying, in your speech & life don’t deceive yourselves into believing everything is alright, while there is confusion & evil working in your life Recognize God’s pure wisdom & receive peace – James 3:14-18.
Your Controlled Tongue Can Edify and Encourage
- The Bible teaches us to use our speech and communication to express truthfulness and righteousness instead of evil – Matthew 5:37; Colossians 4:6. Our conversations and interactions should convey the love of God, and the truth of His Son Jesus Christ – Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29
- The Bible teaches that it is wise to have a quiet spirit and work with your own hands that you might have a good report of them that are without – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
- When your tongue is under control, your speech and behavior can communicate the good news that Jesus Christ has tasted death for every man through His sacrifice & resurrection – Titus 2:6-8; James 1:26-27
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
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John 14:06 There Is Only One Way To Salvation
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Text: John 14:6
Introduction
- In John 14:6, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declares, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In Acts 4:12 and John 3:16, the Bible teaches salvation comes by no other name than Jesus.
- On June 24, 2008, The Columbus Dispatch, published on the front page an article entitled “U.S. Believers Open-Minded Most See Several Paths To Heaven” According to a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life 70% said that many religions-not just their own-can lead to eternal life.
- The world’s Burger King Religion (You Can Have It Your Way) will lead us to destruction. In Proverbs 14:12, the Word of God teaches the way that seems right to us will destroy us – Proverbs 16:2. The problem is we have abandoned the Bible and God’s commandments – Jeremiah 6:16; Acts 17:11.
Enter at the Door Because You Can’t Climb in Some Other Way
- Many will try to enter the sheepfold by a way God has not authorized, and will be prevented – John 10:1-2. You must enter the door of Jesus to be saved, because only He sacrificed His life that you might live – John 10:7-11; John 20:30-31
- There are two ways (2 doors) in which you can attempt to enter. One way goes where you want and will lead you to life, the other only leads to death. Your decision will primarily be based on whether you’re carnally or spiritually minded – Romans 8:5-8. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches many will choose the broad way of destruction, and few will choose the narrow way to life – Luke 13:24 and 1 Peter 3:20
- Religious groups and denominations are the wrong way because they replace the Word of God with their own traditions and doctrines of men. They’re trying to climb up into the kingdom by some other way – Mark 7:5-13; Matthew 7:21-23.
The One Way is the Church Jesus Purchased with His Blood
- In John 14:6, Jesus says “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one church, one body, that God has called us out of darkness into the Light of Christ – 1 Peter 2:9-10. The Bible teaches the church, the body of Christ is one – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18
- This is the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood – Acts 20:28. After Peter, confesses Jesus divinity, Jesus said I will build my church – Matthew 16:13-19. The church is Jesus Christ body where sinners can be added & reconciled to God in one body by the cross – Ephesians 2:13-16
- If you’ve been driving the wrong way, God wants you to turn to His Son Jesus Christ, that has made a way for you – John 8:36
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at the Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 7-12-2008
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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
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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
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2 Peter 1:12-15 Lord, Remind Me – audio
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Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15
Introduction.
1. Recently, at one of the Friday Night Sings, we sang a song that really spoke to me.
2. The title is Remind Me, Dear Lord. By Dottie Rambo.
The things that I love and hold dear to my heart Are just borrowed,
they’re not mine at all; Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life,
So remind me, remind me, dear Lord
(Chorus)
Roll back the curtain of mem’ry now and then,
Show me where you brought me from and where I could have been;
Just Remember I’m a human and humans forget –
so remind me, remind me, dear Lord
Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own son,
I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands; Yet he chose the road to
Calv’ry to die in my stead – Why he loved me, I can’t understand
3. We so often need reminded!
4. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
5. Thankfully, we have a God who knows us and knows that we need reminded so often!
6. What are some of the things of which we need reminded?
Body
I. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO GIVE UP, REMIND ME THAT YOU NEVER GAVE UP ON ME.
A. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to hang it up.
1. The parable of the sower teaches us that two out of three who obey the gospel will not remain faithful.
2. What are the causes of their falling away?
3. Matthew 13:20-22.
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
a) Persecution – which comes in many forms.
b) The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.
4. There are other things that make us want to throw in the towel.
a) Disappointment in ourselves.
b) Disappointment in others.
B. When you are tempted to give up, remember that Jesus didn’t give up on you!
1. He endured mocking and ridicule for you. Matthew 27:27-29.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
2. He was beaten for you. Matthew 27:26. Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
3. He carried that cross until He couldn’t carry it anymore. Matthew 27:32. Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
4. He was crucified for you.
5. My precious Savior suffered pain and agony, He bore it all, that I might live.
C. Lord, when I am tempted to give up, remind me that what I am going through is NOTHING compared to what you went through for me!
II. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF, REMIND ME OF MY BLESSINGS.
A. We all get sad from time to time.
1. Jesus did. John 11:35. Jesus wept.
2. Many things cause us to be sad.
a) Seeing sin in the world.
b) Disappointment in others.
c) Death of a loved one.
d) Troubles at work or school.
e) Troubles in relationships.
f) Financial problems.
g) Health problems.
3. It has been said that all of us are either just getting out of a trial, just getting into a trial, or we are in a trial right now!
B. What happens, though, is we often go from feeling sad to feeling sorry for ourselves.
1. A person who feels sorry for himself is one who starts to think that he has it worse than anyone else.
2. He focuses inward on his pain and sorrow rather than outward.
3. He starts to get a little angry with the world and maybe even God.
C. When we start to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to remember our blessings!
1. I don’t care who you are and what problems your having, if you are in Christ, YOU ARE BLESSED!
2. Spiritually we are blessed. Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
3. Physically we are blessed. Matthew 6:33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
a) Are you going hungry? Many in the world are.
b) Do you have a roof over your head. Many in the world don’t.
c) Do you have warm clothes for the cold weather that is coming. Some don’t.
4. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost…Count your many blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
D. Lord, remind me of my blessings.
III. LORD, WHEN I GET ANGRY WITH OTHERS, REMIND ME THAT I AM NOT PERFECT EITHER.
A. It is not a sin to get angry.
1. Jesus got angry. Mark 3:1-5.
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
2. We are told to be angry. Ephesians 4:26. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
B. We are to be angry without sin. We are not to let the sun go down on our wrath.
1. It is one thing to be angry about sin and another thing to hold a personal grudge.
2. Maybe it would help us to be more forgiving if we remember, we are not perfect either.
3. Matthew 18:21-35.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
C. Lord, remind me that I am not perfect either.
IV. LORD, WHEN I PUT THINGS OFF, REMIND ME THAT LIFE IS SHORT.
A. Procrastination is a universal problem.
1. We put off things, intending to do them later.
2. We put off…
a) Work around the house.
b) Getting into shape.
c) Working on our relationships.
d) Obedience to the gospel.
e) Talking to others about Jesus.
B. Lord, remind us that we may not have a tomorrow.
1. James 4:13-14.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
2. Life is too short to procrastinate!
3. None of us is guaranteed another day.
Conclusion
1. Lord, remind me…
2. When I am tempted to give up, remind me that you never gave up on me.
3. When I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, remind me of my blessings.
4. When I get angry with others, remind me that I am not perfect either.
5. When I procrastinate, remind me that life is short.
Delivered on: September 16, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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1 Corinthians 13:12 Then I Shall Know. . . – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 13
Introduction
1. Recently, a question was asked in regard to 1 Corinthians 13:12.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
2. This verse is one part of a much larger context.
3. In this larger context (Chapters 12-14), Paul is dealing with the use and abuse of spiritual gifts.
4. Let us come to a better understanding of 1 Corinthians 13:12 by looking at the larger context of the passage.
a. We will see the need for spiritual gifts.
b. We will note the abuse of spiritual gifts.
c. We will discover the nature of spiritual gifts.
Body
I. THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. Paul did not want the Corinthians to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:1.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
1. He wanted them to understand that there were many different gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-10.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
2. He wanted them to realize that all of these gifts came from the same source. 1 Corinthians 12:11.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
3. He wanted them to understand that all Christians are members of the same body working together. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
4. He wanted them to understand the true purpose of the gifts was for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
B. Ephesians 4:11-15.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
1. Spiritual gifts were for the equipping of the saints.
2. Spiritual gifts were meant for the purpose of helping the church to reach maturity.
3. Spiritual gifts were for the purpose of keeping the saints from being “children, tossed to and fro” by every wind of doctrine.
C. How did these gifts help the church to reach maturity?
1. God’s will was miraculously revealed to them.
2. They had the ability to speak in other languages.
3. Several gifts served as signs to the hearer that the speaker had God’s approval. Mark 16:17-20.
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
a) Prophesying of future events (assuming those events came to pass in the hearer’s lifetime).
b) Healing.
c) Even tongues could be a sign.
(1) 1 Corinthians 14:22. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
(2) Acts 2:4-7.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
II. THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. The Christians at Corinth were carnal. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
B. They were using their gifts to “show off.” 1 Corinthians 14:6-9.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
C. Their worship assemblies had become a confused mess. 1 Corinthians 14:31-33.
For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
D. So, rather than using these gifts to edify the church, the Corinthians were by their abuse of them actually causing division and strife.
E. These abuses were what led Paul (through the Spirit) to pen these instructions.
III. THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
A. Miraculous gifts were temporary by design.
1. Notice again, Ephesians 4:11-15.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
2. Notice that in Ephesians 4:13, the word “till” is used.
3. Miraculous gifts would be needed till…
a) We come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.
b) We become a perfect (complete) man.
4. Now lets look at 1 Corinthians 13.
B. 1 Corinthians 13.
1. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
a) 1 Corinthians 13:8.
(1) Prophecies would fail – cease to be uttered.
(2) Tongues would cease.
(3) Knowledge (the miraculous revealing of knowledge) would vanish away.
b) 1 Corinthians 13:9.
(1) What did Paul mean by “We know in part and we prophesy in part.”
(2) He did not mean that they did not have all the truth. John 16:13. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
(3) What he meant was that they received the truth in parts. 1 Corinthians 14:26. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
(4) We can see how that would not be an ideal system.
c) 1 Corinthians 13:10.
(1) When that which is perfect has come, that which is in part will be done away.
(2) “That which is in part” is referring to the system of getting knowledge in pieces and parts from inspired teachers.
(3) That system was going to be done away when “that which is perfect” came.
(4) What is “that which is perfect?”
(a) It is not talking about Jesus! He is not a “that.”
(b) Paul is talking about the “perfect law of liberty.” James 1:25. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
(c) What is the “perfect law of liberty?” – The word. Mark 16:20. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
(5) So, 1 Corinthians 13:10 is saying that when the Word came (the written Word of God), then the “part system” (miraculous gifts) would be done away with.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
a) 1 Corinthians 13:11.
(1) Paul uses an illustration to emphasize the point he just made.
(2) When he was a child, he behaved as a child but when he grew up, he put away childish things.
(3) In the same way, in it’s infancy, the church needed spiritual gifts but when it grew up, those gifts would not be needed and thus would be put away.
(4) The church would “grow up” when that which is perfect came (the word) and they were no longer tossed to and fro as children with every wind of doctrine.
b) 1 Corinthians 13:12.
(1) Now Paul uses a second illustration. The idea of seeing one’s face dimly in a mirror (this represented the “part system of revelation).
(2) “But then face to face” – Once the word was complete, God’s will would be made perfectly clear to all who look into it. James 1:25.
(3) With the word, a Christian need no longer to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.
(4) Then Paul says, “Now I know in part but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
(a) “I know” – ginosko – to know.
(b) “I shall know” – epiginosko – to know fully.
(c) In other words, “Now I know, but then I will really know.” – Just as I also am known.
(d) He is saying in yet another way that when the Word was completed, our knowledge of God’s will would come to completion.
Delivered on: January 8, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Philippians 04-11:13 Contentment – audio
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Text: Philippians 4:11-13
Introduction
A. Illustrations on contentment:
1. “Lazy Fisherman” – Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
“Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked.
“Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman.
“Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?” the rich man asked.
“What would I do with them?”
“You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon
nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.”
The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?”
“You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist.
“What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied.
2. Benjamin Franklin said, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
3. A typical supermarket in the US in 1976 stocked 9,000 articles; in 1994 it had grown to 30,000; in 2006 it is estimated to be 45,000.
B. Define contentment. The word does not mean that Christians should not continually seek to improve themselves. As someone said, “Be content with what you have, never with what you are.”
Body
I. PHILIPPIANS 4:11-12
A. Contentment is something to be learned, sought after and gained. It is not given automatically or miraculously to the Christian.
B. We can learn contentment by following the example of Paul.
1. He counted everything as loss in order to gain Christ – Philippians 3:7-8
2. He knew that all things work together for good to them who love God – Romans 8:28
3. He knew that there is nothing permanent here – 2 Corinthians 4:18
4. He knew that God is able to keep that which is committed unto Him – 2 Timothy 1:12
5. Paul was able to learn contentment because his heart was first and foremost focused on God.
C. Paul’s example of contentment is uplifting and serves as a wonderful example.
1. He knew how to be abased, to hunger, and to suffer need – 1 Corinthians 4:11- 13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 11:21-28
a. At times he was without physical health – Galatians 4:13-15; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
b. Many times he was without freedom – Philippians 1:12-13
c. He was often without the admiration and approval of brethren – 2 Timothy 4:16-17
2. Also, he knew how to abound and to be full – Philippians 4:12, 15-18
a. For some, knowing how to abound is more difficult than being content in want.
b. With some, the more they get, the more they want – Ecclesiastes 5:10
c. It is not easy to go from poverty to plenty or from plenty to poverty.
d. Listen to Solomon – Proverbs 30:8-9
D. Christians, as Paul, must learn contentment through Christ – Philippians 4:13
1. We must rely on the Lord for all things; Hebrews will abundantly bless – Philippians 4:6, 7; Matthew 7:7
Conclusion
A. Let us be content with what we have.
B. And serve the Lord with a true heart.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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