Historical Posts
Jeremiah 01:05 The Sanctity of Life – audio
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(Abortion Sermons presented in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
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Text: Jeremiah 1:5
Introduction
A. For forty years we have lived with the silent, and sometimes not so silent, holocaust in our midst as the lives of 55 million innocent and unborn children have been killed, plucked from their journey to enter this world.
1. Who were they? Who would they have become?
2. The unmarried graduate student who gave birth to hi-tech guru and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, may well have aborted this child had her pregnancy occurred in 1973 rather than 1955.
3. This past week former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, recovering victim of a crazed gunman, visited, along with her husband Mark Kelly, Newtown, Connecticut, site of the latest horrible shooting incident.
4. In their public remarks, they expressed concern that our society has become “desensitized to acts of violence.”
a. Appropriate words, I think, that certainly should be considered in the broadest possible sense in our effort to grasp our willingness to tolerate, even nurture, the open and flourishing presence of evil in our society.
b. It takes a deadening of the soul to permit this, a state of being “desensitized.”
c. We know it because when those senses are awakened, our indifference and willingness to tolerate evil is pushed back.
d. When William Wilberforce fought to abolish the slave trade in England, he moved a boatload of the elite into proximity of a slave ship to smell the stench. Their senses were awakened and a major step forward was achieved to end the horror.
e. Reformed slave trader John Newton composed “
5. If there is good news, it is that, slowly, America seems to be coming to its senses regarding destruction of unborn children.
a. A Time Magazine cover story announced “40 years ago abortion-rights activists won an epic victory with Roe v Wade: They’ve been losing ever since.”
b. But in noting that ultrasound has reduced the willingness of Americans to tolerate abortion, author of the story Kate Pickert misses the key point when she writes, “Thanks to prenatal ultrasound, Americans now understand what a fetus look like and that babies born as early as 24 weeks can now survive.”
6. Ultrasound is sensitizing a desensitized American public that has been willing to tolerate this horror over these forty years.
a. Wars are not won overnight. Victory is achieved battle by battle.
b. Wilberforce did not stop slavery, but he stopped the slave trade.
c. Lincoln’s first aspiration was not total abolition of slavery in America, but making it illegal in new entrants to the Union.
7. A battle before us now, as the American soul awakens to the evil of abortion, is to end the waste of US taxpayer funds, which now provide almost half the budget of the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood.
B. The very basic fundamentals of human life begins with Genesis
1. We are a part of God’s eternal plan – Ephesians 2:10
2. Notice what God told Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:5
Body
I. OUR PRESENT DAY HOLOCAUST
A. On September 11, 2001 over 3500 lives were extinguished do the bombing of the world trade towers in New York. In that crowd of people there were potential doctors, scientists, preachers, future leaders whose lives were taken due to evil terrorists.
B. What did not make the headlines on September 12, 2001, the very next day, was the 4000 lives that were extinguished by what is called pro-choice. It happen again on September 13, 14, 15 etc. Each day since 1973 approximately 4000 unborn babies are aborted each day, 28,000 each week, 112,000 each month, 1,460,000 each year.
1. One September 11, 2001 Terrorist killed over 3500 people, and the outcry for justice was heard around the world.
2. But, 4000 unborn babies are being taken every day, and I see no weeping, no anger, and no outcry for justice.
3. The penalty for killing an unborn eagle in this country is a fine of up to $5000 and up to five years in prison. But, the killing of an unborn baby is not considered a crime at all, as long as the mother approves.
4. One in four women have had an abortion and one in ten women in a church have an abortion.
5. AMERICAN WAR CASUALTIES
– REVOLUTIONARY WAR 25,324
– CIVIL WAR 498,332
– WORLD WAR II 407,316
– KOREAN WAR 54,246
– VIETNAM WAR 56,655
– GULF WAR 293
– WAR ON THE UNBORN 31,000,000 since abortion was legalize in 1973.
Over 6 times the number of casualties in all the wars combined.
C. Psalm 139:13-16 – For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
1. Within 21 days the baby’s backbone, spinal cord, and nervous system are forming and a small heart is present and beating.
2. At one month arms and legs are present. There is a head with rudimentary eyes, ears, mouth, and brain. The digestive system has begun. The baby is still only one-fourth of an inch long, but he is ten thousand times larger than when he began.
3. At 2 months the baby is fully formed. He reacts to stimuli such as tickling. He will try to grasp a tiny instrument with his tiny hand. He “swims” or moves about in the amniotic fluid. He has fingerprints.
4. By the end of the 3rd month, as one observer notes, “he can kick his legs, turn his feet, curl and fan his toes, makes a fist, move his thumb, bend his wrist, turn his head, squint, frown, open his mouth,” swallow, and breathe.
a. The lack of value for life today is the result of godlessness. Many of our universities and schools have taught our young people that human beings are nothing more than highly organized, animated slime.
b. Our children are taught that they are cosmic accidents, nothing more than time + chance + matter. Our society has rejected the belief that HUMANS HAVE INTRINSIC DIGNITY BECAUSE THEY ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
1. The Psalmist tells us – Psalm 127:3 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.
2. Did you know that you are God’s crowning creation?
3. Did you know that you’re the greatest thing that God every created
4. You Were Created in God’s Image.
5. Do you know why you’re so valuable to God? Because you look just like Him!
6. Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in His own image.
7. Don’t you ever convince yourself that your worthless. Don’t you ever buy into the lie that no one loves you.
8. You:
– are not an accident.
– were not mass-produced.
– are not an assembly-line product.
9. You were:
– deliberately planned.
– specifically gifted.
– lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.
10. Psalm 100:3 – Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
II. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
A. Story – “It Matters to This One”
A young man was walking along the seashore. Far ahead of him, he saw a another man walking towards him. He paused every few steps, stooped down, throwing something into the sea.
The young man hurried forward, his feet awkward in the sand, as he tried to catch up with the man. As he came closer, he saw that it was an old man, and the reason that he would stop every step or two was to pick up a starfish and fling it into the ocean. It was only then that the young man noticed the thousands of starfish that littered the beach for miles, stranded there by the tide.
The young man rather was rather curious. What the old man was doing seemed so pointless, and he couldn’t wait to catch up with him to tell him so. The young man came near the older man.
“Why are you doing this?” he gasped. “You can’t save all of these starfish! It’s useless! What does it matter?”
The old man paused for a moment, looking down at the crusty starfish he’d just picked up. He turned it over slowly, then answered. “It matters to this one,”
III. TWO POSSIBLE OPTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD FOR AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY:
A. Raise and Love the Child.
B. Adoption.
C. Neither one is a good option, but they are the only answers to a bad situation.
D. ABORTION IS MURDER (A sin to correct a sin!!!)
Conclusion
1. The good news is that you can have forgiveness.
2. The good news is you can have help from brothers and sisters in Christ
3. God loves you. Do you love God?
4. Jesus says if you love me keep my commandments – John 14:15
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 111:02 The Works of The Lord are Great – audio
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Text: Psalms 111:2
Introduction
1. Let’s begin by reading Psalms 111:1-10, noting in particular Psalms 111:2
The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
2. In the psalm, the works of the Lord are His works of redemption for Israel – Psalm 111:5-9
Body
I. HIS CREATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1
2. They declare the glory and handiwork of God, His power and deity – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM…?
1. Like David, contemplating their beauty and intelligent design? – Psalm 8:3-4
2. Viewing a starry night, an illustrious sunset, or even a single flower?
II. HIS WORD
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. David praised the value of God’s Word – Psalm 19:7-11
2. Even more so now that we have the living-giving words of Jesus! – John 6:63
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Like the truly blessed man? – Psalm 1:1-3
2. Reading that which provides comfort, hope and guidance? – Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
III. HIS SALVATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. The salvation of mankind made possible by God’s love – John 1:29; 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10
2. Saved by grace – Titus 3:4-7
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of such passages like Romans 6? – Romans 6:3-7
2. Reflecting on the consequence of such truths? – Romans 8:31-39
IV. HIS CHURCH
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. That church built by His Son, purchased with His own blood – Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28
2. Which is the kingdom of God, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit – Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of books like Acts, Ephesians, Colossians?
2. Learning of the origin, spread, nature of and work of the church?
3. Reveling in its simplicity in contrast to the denominationalism of today?
V. HIS PROMISES
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. We can look forward to the resurrection of the dead – John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2. We can look forward to new heavens and new earth – Revelation 21:1-4
3. We can look forward to the new Jerusalem, the city whose builder and maker is God! – Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 21:2
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Pondering on how God will raise the dead? – 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
2. Looking forward to that new heavens and new earth? – 2 Peter 3:13-14
3. Reflecting on the great and precious promises? – 2 Peter 1:4
Conclusion
1. We have considered only a few of the great works of the Lord:
a. His creation
b. His Word
c. His salvation
d. His church
e. His promise
2. If you have not yet done so, study the great works of the Lord
a. Reflect on the beauty and design of God’s creation
b. Read and meditate on God’s revelation (His Word)
3. As you do so, obeying the latter, you will find great pleasure both now and in the hereafter..!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Isaiah 01:18 Jesus Paid It All – audio
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Text: Isaiah 1:18
Based on the Hymn, “Jesus Paid It All”
Introduction
A. What did Jesus pay? What was the cost?
B. It has been stated that all religious systems can be spelled with just two letters—D O. The gospel of Christ, however, is spelled with four letters—D O N E!
1. According to author K. W. Osbeck in, “Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions” this hymn text, written by a woman named Elvina Hall, speaks pointedly to this basic truth, which is the very basis of our Christian faith.
2. Mrs. Hall wrote these words one Sunday morning while seated in the choir loft of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, supposedly listening to the sermon by her pastor, the Revelation George Schrick. The pastor recalled that the church organist, John Grape, had just previously given him a copy of a new tune that he had composed, which he had titled “All to Christ I Owe.” To the amazement of all, they soon discovered that John Grape’s tune fit perfectly with Elvina Hall’s words scribbled on the flyleaf page of the hymnal.
3. Since its first published appearance in 1874, this hymn has been widely used in churches, especially for the communion services.
Body
I. LET US HEAR WHAT THE SAVIOR SAYS TO US.
A. He tells us that our strength indeed is small.
1. Paul says that when we were yet without strength Christ died for us – Romans 5:6
2. We are unable to stand against sin without God on our side – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
a. We can do all things with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. However we can do nothing without Christ – John 15:1-6
c. We have no hope without Christ – Ephesians 2:12
B. We are children of weakness, but we need to watch and pray.
1. This refers to the child of God.
a. We are to watch for the second coming – Matthew 25:13
b. We are to pray for forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 6:12
c. We are to pray that others will come to Christ – 1 John 5:16
2. Though the flesh is weak, our spirit is to be strong – Matthew 26:41
C. We are to find everything we need in Christ.
1. We do that by studying his word – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3
2. He word makes us complete and thoroughly furnishes us – 2 Timothy 3:17
D. Most people look in all the wrong places – Matthew 7:13, 14
1. Some look to the wisdom of the world – 1 Corinthians 1:19-21
2. Some look to themselves for answers – Jeremiah 10:23
3. We all need to look to Christ – Hebrew 12:2
II. LET US NOTICE THAT WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER CHRIST.
A. We are saved by God’s grace Ephesians 2:8, 9
1. This does not mean that we are saved by grace alone – James 2:24, 26
2. This does mean that God has given us an opportunity to come to him and without that opportunity we would be lost – Romans 6:17
B. Salvation is free and cannot be bought – Romans 6:23
C. We must wash ourselves in the blood of the lamb – Revelation 7:14
III. LET US NOTICE THAT WHEN WE STAND BEFORE THE THRONE.
A. We shall all appear before the throne – 2 Corinthians 5:10
1. Every tongue shall confess – Romans 14:10-12
2. Every eye shall see him – Revelation 1:7
B. We shall stand in him complete.
1. If we live as he commands we will be complete and will have salvation – 1 John 5:13
2. We won’t have to wonder where we will spend eternity – Matthew 25:34
Conclusion
A. We have seen that
1. The Savior tells us that our strength indeed is small, that we are to watch and pray and find in Him our all in all.
2. Nothing good have we that would buy his grace, we will wash our garments white in the blood of the lamb.
3. When before the throne, we will stand in Him complete; Jesus died our souls to save and our lips shall still repeat.
B. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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2 Kings 06:08-23 Open Our Eyes that We May See – audio
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Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Introduction
A. Elisha surrounded by Syrian forces; delivered by God’s power – 2 Kings 6:8-23
B. Christians must live by faith; means making choices in life to flee sin and to pursue righteousness in faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7
C. Our enemy is powerful and crafty – 1 Peter 5:8-9
D. Our God is all-powerful and all wise – 1 John 4:4
Body – Open Our Eyes that We May See:
A. The Power of God
1. To create all things – Romans 1:18-21
a. Produces faith:
1) to know Him
2) honor Him
3) thank Him
2. To save and protect His people – Exodus 14:13, 30
a. The battle against sin, Satan and the world is God’s – 2 Chronicles 20:15-18
b. God delivers and vindicates His people – Romans 8:30-39
1) Savior – v. 32
2) Intercessor – v. 34
3) Defender – v. 38-39
c. To keep our souls safe in the face of trials of faith – 2 Timothy 1:12
B. The Power of Truth – Hebrews 4:12
1. Power to convict the heart and save from sin – John 16:8
2. Power to protect us – Ephesians 6:10-17
C. The Power of Love – 1 Peter 4:8
1. Power to forbear with one another, to forgive and to bind us together – Colossians 3:12-14
2. Power to overcome evil – Romans 12:19-21
D. The Power of Unity in Christ – Colossians 3:12-17
1. Cords of love, peace, truth and divine authority bind us together with a common heart, mind, purpose and goals – 1 Corinthians 1:10
2. Contrast the weakness of division – 1 Corinthians 3:3-4
E. The Power of Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-27
1. Forgiving one another of our sins against each other is to be reflective of God’s forgiveness of us – Ephesians 4:31-32
2. Forgiveness has the power to heal offenses, strengthen relations, secure bonds of love in the home and the church
Conclusion
A. The power of God is at our disposal: To save us, to defend us, to secure us in faith
B. We must obey God in faith to have His strength in our lives – Philippians 2:12-13
C. Will you walk by faith and be powerful in God; or will you walk in the world and be Powerless and lost?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Exodus 32 Ten Lessons from a Golden Calf – audio
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Text: Exodus 32:1-35
Introduction
1. Last week we noticed that we need to learn from the past.
2. We can learn from other people’s mistakes and thereby do not have to make them ourselves to learn the relevant lessons.
3. The children Israel made many mistakes that we can learn from today.
a. 1 Corinthians 10:6 – Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
b. 1 Corinthians 10:11 – Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
4. Of course, one of the events mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10, is the episode with the golden calf – 1 Corinthians 10:7
5. Here are ten important lessons that WE can learn from a golden calf.
Body
LESSON 1 – REMEMBER, IT WAS NOT MOSES WHO BROUGHT YOU UP OUT OF EGYPT
Exodus 32:1 – Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”
A. The children Israel forgot that it wasn’t Moses who brought them out of Egypt. God had delivered them.
1. Forgetting this fact was one of the direct causes of the sinful actions that would follow.
2. If we are followers of mere men, then one man is as good as another.
3. They replaced Moses with Aaron.
B. Man has always had a propensity to follow other men rather than God.
1. We see that many years later, they still had this mentality – 2 Samuel 8:4-5
2. They forgot that they already had a King. His name was GOD – 1 Samuel 8:7
C. We have the same problem today.
1. Countless people today follow preachers rather than God!
2. This problem started early in the church – 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
a) “I am of Luther.”
b) “I am of Wesley.”
c) “I am of the Pope.”
d) “I am of Calvin.”
e) No! I am of Christ!
3. Many sacrifice their souls because they prefer the praise of men over the praise of God – John 12:42-43
LESSON 2 – REMEMBER IT WAS NOT A GOLDEN CALF THAT BROUGHT YOU UP OUT OF EGYPT.
Exodus 32:2-6 – And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!” So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
A. Aaron boldly proclaimed, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”
1. What utter nonsense!
2. What blasphemy!
3. It is easy to see how foolish this statement was.
4. It is also easy to see how foolish it was to believe that statement.
B. Yet, most people in the world today choose to worship the creation rather than the Creator.
1. God’s creation is not God – Romans 1:22-25
2. Colossians 3:5 – Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
a) Covetousness is idolatry.
b) Neither silver nor gold can save us – 1 Peter 1:18-19
c) Man must stop acting as if gold is God.
LESSON 3 – GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD
Exodus 32:9-10 – And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! 10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”
A. Think about how close the Israelites were to true worship…
1. They desired to worship the God who had brought them out of Egypt – Exodus 32:4
2. They desired to worship Him so badly that they were willing to give of their gold – Exodus 32:3
3. They desired to worship Him at an altar – Exodus 32:5
4. They desired to hold a feast to the LORD (Jehovah) – Exodus 32:5
5. They desired to make burnt offerings and peace offerings – Exodus 32:6
B. Yet concerning their worship, God said… – Exodus 32:7-8
1. They had corrupted themselves.
2. They had turned aside quickly out of the way.
3. They have worshiped the CALF (not God).
C. As a result…
1. God was ready to destroy them and start over with Moses.
2. He had warned them about idolatry – Exodus 20:4-5
3. They had willingly entered a covenant with Him – Exodus 24:3
LESSON 4 – IT IS GOOD TO HAVE AN INTERCESSOR
Exodus 32:11-14 – Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
A. Moses pleaded with God on behalf of the people.
1. He used three arguments to change God’s mind.
a) He reminded God of all that He had already done for them – Exodus 32:11
b) The Egyptians would think that God brought them out simply to destroy them – Exodus 32:12
c) He reminded God of his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – Exodus 32:13
2. As a result of his intercession, God relented from His wrath.
a) Not because the people didn’t deserve His wrath.
b) But because Moses begged Him to spare them.
B. We too have an intercessor.
1. Like the children of Israel…
a) We are deserving of death – Romans 6:23
b) We are unable to save ourselves.
2. Jesus has interceded for us.
a) Luke 23:33-34 – And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
b) Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
c) 1 John 2:1 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
3. It is GOOD to have an Intercessor. Without Him, we would all be lost!
LESSON 5 – DON’T TRY TO BLAME YOUR SIN ON SOMEONE ELSE
Exodus 32:22 – So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
A. Aaron tries to appease Moses’ wrath by blaming his actions on the people.
1. He should have been more worried about God’s anger.
2. People often worry about how their actions affect other people…
a) And even feel guilt for their actions.
b) Without realizing that, even more important than that, is the fact that their sin has hurt God Almighty.
B. Man has always tried to deflect responsibility to others.
1. Genesis 3:12 – Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
2. They blame their parents.
3. They blame their friends. (Peer pressure)
4. They blame God.
5. The one thing they will not do is say, “My fault.”
C. Exodus 23:2 – You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.
D. Your sin is YOUR fault. Own up to it – Psalm 51:3
LESSON 6 – DON’T LIE TO TRY TO COVER UP YOUR SIN
Exodus 32:24 – And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.”
A. Aaron said, “I just threw the gold in the fire and ‘poof’ this calf came out.”
1. This was a bold faced lie.
2. Exodus 32:4 – And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf.
B. When we lie to cover a sin what we are showing by our actions is that we care more about what men think about us than what God thinks about us.
1. We can often fool man.
2. We cannot lie to God – Hebrews 4:13
LESSON 7 – PROPER WORSHIP INVOLVES RESTRAINT
Exodus 32:25 – Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
A. As we discussed earlier, they were involved in a worship service. However…
1. They were holding an unauthorized feast.
2. They were offering unauthorized sacrifices.
3. They were bowing down to an unauthorized idol.
4. They were even committing sexual immorality as a part of their worship.
5. They must have truly believed that “anything goes” when it came to worship.
B. Proper worship involves:
1. Realizing that God is the audience – John 4:23-34
2. Realizing that in order to please Him, I must worship Him according to truth.
a) 1 Samuel 13:22-23 – So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”
b) God is not obligated to receive our worship – Amos 5:21-23
3. Restraint – a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits.
a) God has set the limits on worship.
b) It is up to me to stay within those limits – 1 Corinthians 14:32-33
C. Not exercising restraint in worship results in our own shame.
LESSON 8 – YOU ARE EITHER ON THE LORD’S SIDE OR ON THE DEVIL’S SIDE
Exodus 32:26 – Then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.
A. Moses made it clear: You are either on the Lord’s side or you are not.
1. There is no middle ground.
2. There are no shades of gray.
3. They had to decide whose side they were on.
B. We too have a choice to make.
1. Jesus made it clear that there is no middle ground.
a) Matthew 12:30 – He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
b) Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
c) John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
2. Paul made it clear that there is no middle ground – Romans 6:16-18
LESSON 9 – IT PAYS TO BE ON THE LORD’S SIDE
Exodus 32:25-28 – Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
A. Many of those who had rebelled against God lost their lives as a result.
B. Those who choose not to be on the Lord’s side face an even worse fate today.
1. Matthew 10:28 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
2. Matthew 25:31-33
C. Those who choose to be on the Lord’s side:
1. Enjoy a happier life now – 1 Timothy 4:8
2. Enjoy the hope of eternal life – 1 Peter 1:3-4
LESSON 10 – WE EACH BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS
Exodus 32:32-33 – Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
A. If God would not forgive the people, Moses desired his fate to be the same as theirs.
1. Paul said something similar in Romans 9:1-3
2. Fortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
B. Each of us is responsible for our own destiny.
1. Hebrews 4:13 – And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
2. Romans 2:5-9 – But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
Delivered on: November 18, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 100 Truly Thankful – audio
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Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Introduction
Perhaps we have become too accustomed to our blessings.
Perhaps we need to be reminded as we approach Thanksgiving Day that there are some things for which we need to be truly thankful.
Psalm 100 is a Psalm of praise and Thanksgiving.
(Read Psalm 100:1-5)
Body
I find seven things in Psalm 100:3 and Psalm 100:5 for which we as Christians should truly be thankful.
I. THE LORD IS GOD – Psalm 100:3
Why should we be thankful that the Lord is God?
It is He that answers prayer.
It is He that protects.
It is He that forgives and gives eternal life through His Son.
It is He that says “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
No matter what goes wrong in your life today, the Lord is God!
No matter who is in the White House, the Kremlin, or Buckingham Palace, the Lord is God!
No matter how you feel the Lord is God!
He is always in control.
He is sovereign.
Nothing gets by Him.
Nothing takes Him by surprise!
II. THE LORD IS CREATOR – Psalm 100:3
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
My life is full of obligations, but my biggest obligation is to God.
One of the reasons that I am obligated to give thanks to God is because He is the one who has given me life.
He is my creator.
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my wonderful God who created me.
And the human body is a marvelous creation – Psalm 139:14
III. GOD IS OUR FATHER – Psalm 100:3
We are his people…
When this Psalm was written it was the children of Israel who could say We are his people…
Today God’s people are those who are His children:
Christian, your Heavenly Father loves you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father hears your prayers.
Christian, your Heavenly Father corrects you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father protects you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father is looking out for you.
Of course, this is another reason to be truly thankful!
IV. JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD – Psalm 100:3
We are his people and the sheep of His pasture.
What is the job of a shepherd?
The job of the shepherd is to take care of the sheep.
That is exactly what Jesus, the Good Shepherd does – John 10:27-28
The best description of Jesus’ activity as the Good Shepherd is found in Psalm 23:1-5.
V. THE LORD IS GOOD – Psalm 100:5
The Lord is good.
· You have a home in Heaven. The Lord is good.
· You receive an answer to prayer. The Lord is good.
· You get a raise in pay. The Lord is good.
· A friend finds Christ as Savior. The Lord is good.
· You have a faithful and loving husband or wife. The Lord is good.
· You have great parents and/or kids and grandchildren. The Lord is good.
· You lose your job. The Lord is good.
· You are sick. The Lord is good.
· You lose a loved one. The Lord is good.
· Your spouse divorces you, your parents and children despise you. The Lord is good.
The Lord is good no matter what happens to you.
He does not stop being good.
He continues working all things together for good in our lives, even the bad things! – Romans 8:28
VI. THE LORD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING – Psalm 100:5
When it comes to God’s mercy, His loving kindness, there is no limit.
God’s mercy or loving-kindness is at work in my life:
· When potential problems are solved God shows his loving-kindness.
· When He provides guidance God shows his loving-kindness.
· When He provides His peace God shows his loving-kindness.
It excites me to think that this loving-kindness to me is everlasting.
VII. THE LORD’S TRUTH ENDURES TO EVERY GENERATION
Sometimes we get concerned for our children and our grandchildren because of the increase in wickedness and danger in our society.
But God has given us His promise:
He will be faithful to the next generation of believers
As he has been to this generation
And to all the generations in the past
Conclusion
Psalm 100 has given us 7 reasons to be truly thankful:
1. THE LORD IS GOD – Psalm 100:3
2. THE LORD IS CREATOR – Psalm 100:3
3. GOD IS OUR FATHER – Psalm 100:3
4. JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD – Psalm 100:3
5. THE LORD IS GOOD – Psalm 100:5
6. THE LORD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING – Psalm 100:5
7. THE LORD’S TRUTH ENDURES TO EVERY GENERATION – Psalm 100:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Isaiah 53:04-06 Jesus Bore it all that You Might Live – audio
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Text: Isaiah 53:4-6
Introduction
You and I have a great burden, load, or weight, something in which is very heavy, we can not bear alone.
This burden that needs lifted from our shoulders is the deadly weight of sin – 1 John 3:4
All of us have this weight on our shoulders – Romans 3:10, 23
Jesus bore all the weight of our sin on the cross that we might live. We stood condemned to die, but Jesus freely took our place that we might live – 1 Peter 2:24
Body
- Before Jesus went to the cross, He bore mockings of the solders whom stripped Him of His clothes and platted a crown of thorns on His head, saying “Hail King of the Jews – Matthew 27:27-31. Jesus, bore the physical pain and shame of crucifixion, He bore the cruel mockings of the Jews – Matthew 27:39-43. He also bore ridicule of one of the malefactors crucified with Him – Luke 23:39.
- Why did Jesus have to bear it all for the sins of the world? Because, almost all things, by the law, are purged by shedding blood – Hebrews 9:22. And that the animal sacrifices of the Law of Moses were not sufficient to take away sins – Hebrews 10:1-4. This is why Jesus offered himself once for the sins of the world because, He is the perfect sacrifice for sin – Hebrews 9:28.
- Jesus bore it all to break the chains/bonds of sin and to set the captives free. Jesus bore it all to conquer sin and death, so those that would believe and obey Jesus Christ would be saved – John 3:16.
- The Holy Spirit along with Jesus is pleading with you to come that you might live – Revelation 22:17.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Exodus 18:21 Some Verses to Vote by – audio
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Text: Exodus 18:21
Introduction
1. The time is almost here again.
2. It is time to select the man who is going to lead our country for the next four years.
3. We are blessed to live in a country where we have a say, in who our leaders are going to be.
4. This is not true everywhere in the world.
5. As Christians, we need to give serious thought to who it is that we think will steer this country in the direction which God wants.
6. Let me say before we start…
a. I am not a preacher for the Republican Party.
b. I am not a preacher for the Democratic Party.
c. I am not a preacher for the Independents.
d. I am a preacher for Christ.
7. Proverbs 14:34. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
8. Psalm 119:172. My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.
9. “God bless America…”
10. If we want God to continue to bless America, we had better show Him that we DESERVE to be blessed.
11. As a Christian, what do I need to look for in a candidate?
12. Here are some verses to vote by.
Body
I. EXODUS 18:21. Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
A. Able men.
1. There are many moral people in the world who are not able to lead.
2. There are also many “able” leaders (men or women who are good at leading others) who are not fit to lead because they do not fear God and love truth.
3. History is full of “able” men who led their respective countries to disaster because of their own wickedness and immorality.
B. Hating Covetousness.
1. Proverbs 28:16. A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
2. Proverbs 29:4. The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
3. Our leader needs to serve for reasons other than money.
4. His decisions need to be based on what is right and not what will earn him the most donations.
5. In choosing a President, we need a man who puts morals over money and we, ourselves need to put morals over money.
a) Sadly, many base their vote solely on who they think will make them the wealthiest.
b) The economy is not the number one issue in an election for a Christian.
c) Proverbs 16:8. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice.
d) Consider the wealth in Solomon’s day:
(1) 1 Kings 4:20. Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing.
(2) 1 Kings 4:24-25. For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace on every side all around him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
(3) 1 Kings 10:27. The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar trees as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.
(4) Yet during his reign, he and Israel became corrupt. As such, God removed him from office. 1 Kings 11:9-11. So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the Lord had commanded. Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.
C. Fear God / Men of Truth.
1. Proverbs 16:12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.
2. Proverbs 29:12. If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.
3. Every political party has had problems with liars.
4. We need men in office who care about the truth.
5. Especially THE TRUTH. John 17:17. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
II. PROVERBS 6:16-17. These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A. We need a President who will fight to save innocent babies from murder.
B. Since Roe vs Wade, over 40,000,000 babies have been legally murdered in our country (see abortion).
C. Psalm 139:13-16. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
1. If I were to place before you a woman who was 2 months pregnant, a woman who was 9 months pregnant, a woman with a 1 year old child, and a woman with a 2 year old… which one of those children are done developing? Obviously, none of them… Yet many try to justify abortion by saying that the baby in the womb is not fully developed.
2. God sees no difference between the babe in the womb and the babe out of the womb.
a) Luke 1:44. For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
b) Luke 2:12. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
D. How can a Christian cast a vote for any person who vows to let the atrocity of abortion continue?
III. Matthew 19:4-5. And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
A. We need to elect a man who respects God’s plan for the home.
B. Leviticus 18:22. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.
C. The Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin and that marriage is a union between one man and one woman.
D. What has this country come to that a person cannot express his belief in God’s word in regard to design for the home without being branded a bigot or worse? (Chik-fil-a)
E. We must realize that the downfall of the home is a prelude to the downfall of a nation. What will our vote say?
Conclusion
1. When you walk into the voting booth in a few weeks remember…
a. It was not a Republican who died for you.
b. It was not a Democrat who died for you.
c. Neither a Republican or Democrat will be sitting on the Judgment Seat on the day of judgment.
2. Place your allegiance in Christ and not any certain political party.
3. As Christians, when there is a clear and discernible moral divide, vote on the basis of Christianity.
4. Do not4 worry about the letter that is after the name.
5. Illustration: If you could choose your neighbor…
6. I cannot vote for anyone who openly ridicules righteousness.
7. When I know God opposes something, I cannot vote for someone who blatantly promotes it.
Delivered on: October 28, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 119:101 Self-Control – audio
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Text: Psalms 119:101
Introduction
1. Definition: Self-discipline; Temperance; To hold one’s self in
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Proverbs 25:28; 16:32
Body
1. Self-control is needed to keep God’s word – Psalms 119:101
A. Thinking – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
B. Seeing – Job 31:1
C. Hearing – 2 Peter 2:7-8
D. Talking – 1 Peter 3:10
E. Behavior – 1 Corinthians 9:27
2. Biblical knowledge is needed to have self-control – Psalms 119:11
A. Thinking – Philippians 4:8
B. Seeing – Psalms 101:3
C. Hearing – James 1:22-25
D. Talking – Ephesians 4:29
E. Behavior – Romans 12:1-2
3. Notice how biblical knowledge precedes self-control – 2 Peter 1:5-6
Conclusion
Therefore, with more biblical knowledge is more self-control.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 021:01-07 Blessed – Part 3
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 21:1-7
Introduction
1. God wants His people to be happy.
2. As we have seen, the Psalms have much to say about happiness.
3. We have seen that we can be happy when our sins are forgiven / covered.
4. We have seen that we are blessed when we allow the Lord to teach us.
5. We have seen that we are blessed when we keep godly company.
6. Notice these passages:
a. Psalm 21:6-7. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
b. Psalm 2:12. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
c. Psalm 34:8. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
d. Psalm 84:5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
e. Psalm 84:12. O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
7. We will be blessed / happy when we put our trust in God.
8. What does it mean to trust in the Lord?
9. In order to answer that question, let’s look to for examples of such trust.
Body
I. ABRAHAM TRUSTED GOD.
A. In leaving his homeland.
Hebrews 11:8-10. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
B. In having a child.
Genesis 15:5-6. Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
C. In his willingness to sacrifice that child.
Genesis 22:7-8. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
II. JOSHUA AND CALEB TRUSTED GOD.
A. The Spies (Except for Joshua and Caleb) felt there was no possible way to take the land.
Numbers 13:26-33. Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (The descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
B. Their lack of trust in God infected others.
Numbers 14:1-5. So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
C. Joshua and Caleb tried to persuade them to trust in God.
Numbers 14:6-9. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”
D. Another example of Caleb’s trust.
Joshua 14:10-13. And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.
III. DAVID TRUSTED GOD.
A. A certain giant was defying God’s people.
1 Samuel 17:4-11. And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
B. Only David trusted God enough to face Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:45-47. Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
IV. IN ALL OF THESE CASES:
A. God’s people were challenged.
1. There were faced with problems that seemed too big or too difficult to handle.
a) Abraham was told to sacrifice a son.
b) Israel was told to take a land that was occupied by a people stronger than they.
c) David had to face a giant.
2. There were naysayers.
a) In the case of Joshua and Caleb, Israel was going to stone them. Numbers 14:10. And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.
b) In David’s case:
(1) The people were dismayed and afraid. 1 Samuel 7:11. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
(2) His brothers derided him. 1 Samuel 17:28. Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”
(3) Saul felt it was impossible. 1 Samuel 17:33. And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
(4) Goliath ridiculed him. 1 Samuel 17:43-44. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
B. These people remembered God’s past faithfulness.
1. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son because God had never failed him. Hebrews 11:17-19. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
2. Undoubtedly, Joshua and Caleb’s trust in God came from remembering God’s previous deliverance of the nation of Israel.
3. David’s confidence was based on previous experiences as well. 1 Samuel 17:34-37. But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!
C. They trusted in God to deliver them in their current distress.
1. Even though the odds were against them…
2. Even though worldly wisdom said there was no chance…
3. Even though everyone else thought they were crazy…
4. They trusted in God!
5. A side-note:
a) Why did David take five stones?
b) I believe the answer to this question is very important.
c) We are to trust God to deliver us and then we are to prepare to do our part.
d) For all David knew, God would let him miss a couple of times.
e) He did not tempt, or test, God by only taking one stone. Matthew 4:5-7. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
f) He also had his staff just in case the stones did not work.
g) A lot of times, we trust God but we do not really know what His will is.
h) Therefore, like David, we have to prepare, do the best we can, and trust God to work it all out in the end.
V. WE ALL FACE CHALLENGES IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.
A. Do we trust in God? It’s on our money.
1. There will be naysayers.
2. We must remember God’s past faithfulness.
a) With us personally.
b) With others. Romans 15:4. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
3. We must trust God to help us.
a) Matthew 6:31-34. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
b) Matthew 7:7-11. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
B. Can God trust in us?
Conclusion
1. God wants you to be blessed.
2. We will be blessed by trusting in Him.
Delivered on: February 19, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 040:01-04 Blessed – Part 2 – audio
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 40:1-4
Introduction
1. As Christians, we live in the world be we are not to be OF the world.
2. We will associate with people who are not Christians.
a. Family.
b. Friends.
c. Co-workers.
d. Fellow students.
3. The Bible warns us over and over again about the company we choose to keep.
4. Continuing our study on what the Psalms tell us about how to live blessed lives; notice what they say about the company that we keep.
Body
I. A PLETHORA OF PASSAGES.
A. Psalm 1:1-2. Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
B. Psalm 40:4. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
C. Proverbs 1:10-15. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse” – My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path;
D. Proverbs 4:14-15. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.
E. Proverbs 13:20. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
F. Proverbs 14:7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
G. Proverbs 16:29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.
H. Proverbs 20:19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
I. Proverbs 22:24-25. Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, 25 Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
J. Proverbs 23:6. Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies;
K. Proverbs 23:20. Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
L. Proverbs 24:1-2. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.
M. Proverbs 28:7. Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
N. 1 Corinthians 15:33. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
II. WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE MENTIONED IN THESE PASSAGES?
A. Ungodly / Wicked / Evil.
1. One who does that which is wrong.
2. A guilty person.
3. One who is immoral.
B. Sinners.
1. An offender.
2. One accounted guilty.
3. Sinful.
C. Scornful.
1. A scoffer.
2. One who mocks.
D. Proud.
1. Insolent.
2. Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
a) For God.
b) For the church.
c) For those in authority.
E. Those who turn aside to lies.
1. This is referring to those who turn aside to idolatry.
2. Romans 1:24-25. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
F. Foolish.
1. A dullard.
2. Simpleton.
3. Stupid fellow.
4. Arrogant one.
5. Biblically, a fool is one who does not hear and heed the word of God – Matthew 7:26
G. Violent.
1. Cruel.
2. Unjust.
3. Immoral.
H. Talebearers and Flatterers.
1. Talebearer – slanderer, informer.
2. Flatterer – one who flatters, deceives for personal gain.
I. Miser.
1. Disagreeable.
2. Unpleasant.
3. Malignant.
4. Bad.
J. Winebibbers and Gluttonous.
1. Winebibbers – drinkers of wine.
2. Gluttonous – vile, riotous eater.
III. IN REGARD TO THESE PEOPLE: HOW ARE WE TO INTERACT WITH THEM?
A. We are not to allow them to entice us.
1. They will try to get us to do that which we know is wrong.
2. We cannot allow them to cause us to sin against God.
B. We are not to enter their path or walk in their ways.
C. We are not to be companions with them.
1. To be a special friend.
2. To associate with someone.
D. We are not to associate with them.
1. To have fellowship with; to share.
2. Ephesians 5:11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
3. We are to “make no friendship with” them.
4. We are not to eat their bread.
5. We are not to mix with them.
E. We are not to envy them nor desire to be with them.
F. We are not suggesting that it is wrong to have friends who are not Christians.
1. All of us have family and friends who are not Christians.
2. What these passages are telling us is that we are not to be partners with them.
3. We are to show love and kindness to all – Galatians 6:10
4. But we are also to remain a separate people – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
5. An important question: Given the opportunity to spend time with your brothers and sisters in Christ or to spend time with your worldly friends, whom do you choose?
6. Your answer to that question tells much about your spiritual maturity.
IV. WHY IS IT SUCH A BIG DEAL?
A. Why is God so concerned with whom we choose to spend our time?
B. Because God wants us to be happy and He knows us.
1. Psalm 106:34-35. They did not destroy the peoples, Concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, But they mingled with the Gentiles And learned their works;
2. He knows that if His people intermingle with the world, they will learn the works of the world.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
4. Do we really want to put ourselves in this situation?
a) Wanting to “fit in” with friends who care nothing about what God wants from us.
b) This will eventually lead to unhappiness and discontent on our part.
c) God wants us to be blessed – happy.
5. Like any good parent, God wants to protect us from those things which will harm us.
a) Even though we may not see the danger.
b) Are we going to trust His judgment in this matter.
C. Unfortunately, we often act like stubborn children.
1. Stubbornly insisting that we know best.
2. Insisting that we can “handle” any temptations placed before us.
V. OUR JOB AS PARENTS.
A. We have to remember these things as parents.
1. We are responsible for bringing our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. We are to look out for their spiritual well-being.
3. Part of that is making sure that they are not associating too closely with people who will pull them away from Christ.
B. We should instill in them at a very young age that when they grow up, they need to marry a Christian.
1. When one chooses a spouse, he is choosing to attach himself to a certain person for the rest of his life.
2. Steve Higginbotham kept records for 21 years at a particular congregation regarding mixed marriages.
a) 76 youth married non-Christians and 57 of them ended up leaving the faith (75%).
b) 24 of the 76 who married non-Christians ended up divorced (32%).
c) 4 of the 76 were able to convert their spouse (5%).
d) 13 youth married Christians and only 3 left the faith (23%).
e) 3 of the 13 who married Christians have divorced (23%).
Conclusion.
1. God wants us to be happy.
2. Associating too closely with sinful, worldly people will only bring trouble and heartache.
3. Let us have the attitude of David – Psalm 84:10
Delivered on: February 12, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 001:01-03 Blessed – Part 1 – audio
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 1:1-3
Introduction
1. Happiness…
2. People are constantly in pursuit of it.
3. God desires us to be happy individuals as well.
4. As a matter of fact, He tells us how to accomplish it.
5. The word “blessed” means happy.
6. In the Hebrew, it comes from a word that literally means “to go, walk straight on; signifies to be happy.” In other words, the way in which we go (Live) shows what the end will be.
7. One can derive happiness from life by going the right way in this life.
8. Let us start a short series on what the book of Psalms tells us about how to live a blessed life.
I. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE SINS ARE FORGIVEN.
Psalm 32:1-2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
A. Do you realize the consequences of your iniquities?
1. They cause you to be separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. They cause you to be deserving of eternal separation from God – Romans 6:23
3. Unforgiven sin causes you to be an enemy of God – Matthew 12:30
4. Hebrews 10:28-31 – Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
B. Indeed, it ought to bring us great joy t4o know that our sins are forgiven and covered.
1. Forgiveness is described as our sins being covered.
a) In Old Testament times, when a debt was owed, it was carved into the face of a stone.
b) When the debt was paid in full, the engraving was filled in with wax.
c) Sin is a debt that we owe.
d) It is covered by the blood of Jesus.
2. Isaiah 1:18. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, ” Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
a) Here, sin is shown as a stain that is removed.
b) Hence, that stone of debt is not only filled in, it is scrubbed clean as if there never was a debt owed.
3. Isaiah 38:17. Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
a) Sin is cast behind the back of God.
b) He throws that rock behind his back!
4. Isaiah 44:21-22. “Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
a) Sins are blotted out like a thick cloud.
b) A thick cloud arises between God and stone which He threw behind His back.
5. Micah 7:18-19. Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.
a) God casts our sins into the depths of the sea.
b) He throws that rock into the deepest part of the ocean; never to be seen again.
II. HOW DO WE ATTAIN THIS FORGIVENESS?? BLESSED ARE THE UNDEFILED IN THE WAY.
A. Psalm 119:1-2. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
1. Those who are undefiled are blessed. The passage goes on to tell us how to be undefiled.
2. The undefiled are those who walk in the law of the Lord.
3. The undefiled are those who keep God’s testimonies.
4. The undefiled are the ones who seek God with their whole heart.
5. We attain forgiveness by seeking God with our WHOLE heart.
a) With an open mind.
b) With a ready mind (Ready to obey).
c) With a hunger – Matthew 5:6
6. Once we seek Him, we must be willing to walk in His Law and keep His testimonies.
a) We must be obedient.
b) Belief alone is not (And never has been) enough.
B. We must allow ourselves to be instructed by God – Psalm 94:12
1. Let’s emphasize here that it is God’s instruction that will lead to our salvation and ultimate happiness.
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
3. Only two possible sources of spiritual authority – Matthew 21:23-25
4. Man’s doctrine will not profit us.
III. TAKING DELIGHT IN GOD’S LAW BRINGS HAPPINESS!
A. Psalm 1:1-2. Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
1. Do you delight in the Law of God?
2. We delight in…
a) Watching sports…
b) Reading good books…
c) Gardening…
d) Exercising…
e) Reading the Bible???
B. Psalm 112:1. Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
1. Do you GREATLY delight in God’s law?
2. Whether or not you delight in God’s law depends largely on how you view it.
a) Do you simply view it as a rule book?
(1) Do this.
(2) Don’t do that.
(3) The Bible is a rule book, however, if this is the primary way you see the Bible, you are probably not going to take much pleasure in it.
b) A better way to view the Bible:
(1) A book in which I can see the very mind of my Creator.
(2) A book that reveals my Creator’s great love for me.
(3) A book in which I can learn how to better please my Creator and live in a right relationship with Him. Thus giving me great peace / happiness.
(4) A book that teaches me how to be a better:
(a) Neighbor.
(b) Friend.
(c) Spouse.
(d) Parent.
(e) Brother / Sister.
(5) A book that gives me hope.
(6) Viewing the Bible in these ways will help me to DELIGHT in it.
Delivered on: February 5, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Joshua 01:09 Moral Courage – audio
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Text: Joshua 1:9
Introduction
A. The most interesting stories in Reader’s Digest are those of the heroism of “average” people in life threatening situations.
B. Most people have more physical courage than they realize.
C. But the man who would not hesitate to risk bodily harm to save someone’s life will often be unwilling to risk ridicule to save someone’s soul.
D. Moral courage is rarer than physical courage — but it is much more important.
Body
I. MORAL COURAGE SOMETIMES REQUIRES PHYSICAL COURAGE.
A. True and deep commitment to the Lord is not without its physical dangers – Hebrews 11:32-38
B. Our very lives may be required of us – Revelation 12:11
C. Paul’s attitude serves as a good example – Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-14
D. It is not impossible that such courage might be required of us today.
II. MORE OFTEN, THOUGH, WE ARE THREATENED BY INTANGIBLE DANGERS
A. Peter, the physically courageous, shows that it is possible for a person to have considerable physical courage and still lack moral courage – Matthew 26:33; John 18:10
1. Peter denied the Lord three times – John 18:15-18, 25-27.
2. And years later, he showed a similar lack of courage in the Gentile controversy – Galatians 2:11-16
B. Satan knows very well the kinds of things we are most afraid of:
1. Embarrassment
2. Being “labeled”
3. Unfriendliness
4. Minority status
5. Loss of social esteem
6. Rejection
7. Hostility
C. Knowing our personal fears, Satan threatens us at those points, knowing that we will do nearly anything he says to avoid suffering those things.
D. If we give in to such pressure and deny Christ, we place ourselves among those who confess Christ only when little is at stake.
1. But Christ asks us to lead a life, in word and deed, which confesses Him regardless of the danger – Luke 12:8-9
2. We are not to hide the truth about our identity any more than He did – John 18:3-9
3. To be ashamed of Christ is to be lost – Mark 8:38
III. THE COURAGE WE CAN HAVE IS GROUNDED IN THE TRIUMPH OF GOD OVER EVERY EVIL
A. It is through Christ, and only through Him, that we can “do all things” – Philippians 4:13
1. John 14:27-28
2. John 16:33
B. There is no need for fear – 2 Timothy 1:7
C. It is a victorious Savior whom we follow – Revelation 19:11-16
Conclusion
A. It is the overcomer through Christ who will enjoy heaven – Revelation 21:1-7
B. But cowardice can damn our very souls – Revelation 21:1-8
C. If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31; 35-39
D. We are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us”- Romans 8:35-39
E. There is more joy in one moment of integrity and moral courage than there is in a lifetime of bowing to the pressure of evil.
F. The softest pillow upon which we may rest our heads at night is that of a courageous conscience.
G. What is there in your life today that requires courage?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 1:4 Daniel, A Man Ready for Life’s Challenges – audio
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Text: Daniel 1:4
Introduction
A. Daniel
1. Daniel was taken into captivity (1st group) – 606 BC.
2. Was a young man (Perhaps 18-20 years old).
3. Lived in Babylon for duration of the captivity.
B. Daniel’s Test As A Captive.
1. Daniel and Friends Selected For Special Training – Daniel 1:1-7
2. Daniel Refuses To Defile Himself – Daniel 1:8-16
3. God Rewards His Faithful Servants – Daniel 1:17-21
C. One can survive and thrive! One can live godly in an ungodly environment. Daniel was a Man ready for life’s challenges. He was ready because of his commitment to God!
Body
I. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS EARLY – Daniel 1:4
A. A Young Man Who Remembered His Creator – Ecclesiastes 12:1
1. Like Joseph before him – Genesis 39
2. Like Timothy after him – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15
B. A Young Man Who Stood By His Godly Convictions – Daniel 1:8-16
1. Did not leave God when left home
2. Did not try to blend in with Babylonian lifestyle – Romans 12:1-2
C. A Young Man With A Decided Advantage Over Late Starters
1. Fewer wasted years to regret
2. More time to develop spiritual strength
II. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS COMPLETE – Daniel 1:8
A. Reflected in All of His Outward Conduct – Proverbs 4:23-27; 23:7
1. Deeper motive than to merely impress other young men
2. Deeper motive than to merely show defiance to captors
B. Reflected by Being Unmoved by Pomp and Power of Royal Palace
1. Never compromised for temporary advantage or ease
2. Always aware of a Greater Presence – Daniel 2:28
C. Reflected by Accepting Risks of Not Conforming
1. Risked special treatment that select group had
2. Risked life (Life was cheap to Pagan kings)
III. DANIEL’S COMMITMENT WAS LASTING – Daniel 1:21
A. As an Old Man (About 90) Still Faithful & Strong
1. Years of struggle had not worn him down
2. Years of service prepared him for lion’s den – Daniel 1:6
3. Test off the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6
a. Jealousy of the wise men and the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:1-9
b. Daniel gave thanks before his God – Daniel 6:10-15
c. Daniel is delivered from the mouth of the lions – Daniel 6:16-24
d. The decree of Darius praises the living God – Daniel 6:25-28
B. As an Old Man He Could Look Back Over a Life of Spiritual Growth
1. By the time needed to refuse king’s food – had the character needed.
2. By the time needed to interpret Neb. Dream – had the wisdom needed
3. By the time needed to interpret handwriting on wall – had gained the Reputation needed – Daniel 5:10-12
4. By the time needed to face the lion’s den – had the fortitude needed
5. By the time needed to help deliver the Jews (During Cyrus reign) – had the influence needed
Conclusion
A. Daniel: A Man Ready For Life’s Challenges
1. Daniel’s Commitment Was Early
2. Daniel’s Commitment Was Complete
3. Daniel’s Commitment Was Lasting
B. Are you ready for life’s challenges?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Jonah 01:01-17 Are You Running From God?
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Text: Jonah 1:1-17 – Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-14
Introduction
- In life, a number of us may have the tendency to run away from following God’s commandments and precepts. In (Romans 13:1) God instructs us to be subject to the higher powers (Rulers, government, etc.). In (Matthew 5:44), Jesus teaches us to love, bless and pray for our enemies. In (Ephesians 5:22-25), God says husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. In (Matthew 28:19-20), Christians are charged with teaching the gospel of Christ to the world.
- For some reason, we have conceived in our hearts that we can get away with, running away from God and not performing our duty to God without God punishing us for it. In (Genesis 3:1-21), we find Adam and Eve trying to hide themselves (In the trees of the garden) from the presence of the Lord.
Why Do We Flee in Disobedience When God Commands Us?
- In Jonah 1:1-2, God commands Jonah the prophet to cry against, or preach repentance, to the city of Nineveh because of their sin. The question, we must ask ourselves is, what type of reasoning or thought process in Jonah’s mind lead him to flee from the presence of the Lord and disobey God?
- Jonah, had an improper attitude toward God and His will. We know this to be true because when God delivered him from the fish’s belly (Jonah 2) and commanded him to preach to Nineveh, the response to Jonah’s preaching was the people repented with sackcloth so that God changed His mind about what He thought to punish them with (Jonah 3). Now the natural response to this should be joy – Luke 15:10. But Jonah’s response was the opposite, he was displeased and angry – Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:1-3.
- This is why it’s important to learn how to make our will conform to God’s will. This means we must submit ourselves totally to God. Peter, and the disciples of Jesus learned this lesson in Matthew 16:21-24. Our attitude needs to be like Jesus attitude when he prayed in the garden, “… nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39).
God is Merciful Concerning Our Disobedience If We Return to Him
- When Jonah, disobeyed God, God did not write him off, He was patient and merciful to him. And caused events to happen in his life to help him understand it’s best to obey God – Psalm 103:8.
- Even after Jonah preached to Nineveh and after they repented, after God changed His mind about the punishment he thought to do to them. And after Jonah was angry with God for saving them, God extended his patience and mercy to him in trying to get him to understand he should not be angry, using the illustration of the gourd – Jonah 4:4-11.
- When we disobey God, or run away from Him, He has a way of turning us around to see the need for us to do what He has said. Let us be encouraged and stop running from God as Jonah did because, God has provided us His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God raised Him up to life conquering sin in the flesh. Why not come to Him today in obedience?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Ezekiel 33:01-05 Heed God’s Warnings
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Text: Ezekiel 33:1-5
Introduction
Oftentimes, when traveling to Bible study or worship, I’ve noticed a number of traffic signals that are designed to give notice and warn drivers of impending road hazards, so drivers can properly maneuver their vehicles, to avoid possible harm to themselves and their vehicles (Deer Xing, 35 MPH Speed Limit, Curvy Road).- In, the Holy Scriptures, God has placed warnings, we must take heed to, if we expect to avoid the dangers and hazards, the devil places on the pilgrimage from this earth to Heaven – Ezekiel 33:1-5.
Heed God’s Warnings About Satan and His Devices
- You and I must take heed to God’s warning about our enemy Satan because he is actively trying to make sure our souls are separated from God – 1 Peter 5:8-9. This is why we must strive and work hard at resisting him – James 4:7-8.
- Preacher, what will happen, if I ignore God’s warning? In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus teaches if you decide not to do what God says, you will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand and storm & floods came and destroyed it.
- One of Satan’s devices, he uses to destroy us, is deception, which is an attempt to mislead one into error – Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 11:3. God exhorts us not to allow our hearts to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin in departing from Him – Hebrews 3:12-13. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we are given notice, the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- You must also heed God’s warning about false prophets & teachers, which is another device of Satan to lead astray & destroy – 2 Peter 2:1. A false prophet or teacher is one who proclaims a deceptive message, a lie, and claims it is from God. In 1 John 4:1, God warns us not to believe everybody, but to test them to see if they are of God. God warn us not to take heed to the commandments of men – Matthew 15:8-9.
Heed God’s Warnings About Yourself
- Sometimes, we become so, preoccupied with others and the world, we forget to check our own lives to make sure we’re in the faith, and not become reprobates – 2 Corinthians 13:5. We need to make our calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:10-11. We need to be watchful of ourselves that we might be able to stand before Jesus at the judgment – Luke 21:34-36.
- God also wants us to be aware, we must discipline ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul teaches he had to discipline his body to remain faithful to the Lord. In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus tells us to take heed to yourselves, and when your brother trespass against you to rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. God further instructs us not to avenge ourselves – Romans 12:19-21.
- God wants to make sure you take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that you continue in them that you will both save yourself and those that hear you – 1 Timothy 4:16.
- In conclusion, if you have heard God’s trumpet of warning about Satan’s devices and our own weaknesses, have you responded and made preparations to avoid the dangers and hazards of the wrath that will come on the children of disobedience? If not, why not?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Nehemiah 02:17-20 Christians Must Never Give Up
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Text: Nehemiah 2:17-20
Introduction
- Christian’s must never give up the struggle, the contention, or the fight to enter into the joy of the eternal kingdom that God has prepared for those that love Him – Revelations 3:21. When disappointment occurs, we must try again. When we are knocked out for the count, we must get back up, when we fall down in the race we must get back up and continue the race to obtain the prize – 1 Corinthians 9:24.
- Unfortunately, some of us have quit the race and forfeited the prize – 1 Timothy 4:1. We must make sure we take heed to the Word of God – Hebrews 2:1-3. It is essential that we believe in Christ, the son of the living God – John 3:36 and Romans 15:4.
When You Obey God There Will Be Opposition
- In our lesson text, Nehemiah began the great work of rebuilding the broken down walls and gates of the temple in Jerusalem. God was with him and provided means for him for this great work. However, Nehemiah had some opposition to the work, one that would have this great work hindered and stopped (Sanballat) – 1 Peter 5:8.
- In Nehemiah 4:7-9, Nehemiah’s opposition, Sanballat & Tobiah began to conspire to fight against Jerusalem and hinder the work. But they prayed to God and set a watch. They didn’t let the fear of the enemy scare them because they feared God – Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 10:28.
- In Nehemiah 6:1-4, the opposition, Sanballat & Tobiah sent out messengers on 4 occasions to meet them in one of the villages in an attempt to divert Nehemiah from the work, but Nehemiah had a great work to do. In Nehemiah 6:5-9, Sanballat sent false letters to try to scare Nehemiah and the Jews from ceasing the work.
Your Faith Must Not Waver When Opposition Comes
- No matter how tall your opposition is, you must resist the devil and not waiver in your service to God – James 4:7. Nehemiah’s opposition was great but he trusted and prayed to God and He protected him – Psalm 18:2. Your faith in God must not waiver. When opposition comes your way, what will you do?
- When opposition and temptation come in our lives, instead of looking to ourselves or others for safety, we should look to God – Psalm 121:1-8.
- When it is time for you and I to meet the Lord, may we all be able to say the words of the Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. If you have not rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ, what are you waiting for? God has provided His mercy, grace, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, Jesus Christ. Why not come to Him in obedience and be raise to life as God raised His Son from the dead. Respond to the gospel today!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at the Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 6-13-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Psalm 01:01-06 Are You Living the Blessed Life?
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Text: Psalm 1:1-6
Introduction
- Is your life as joyous and happy as you would like it to be? Does your life find real meaning & purpose to it? If not, it may be because, your not following the Biblical standard for the blessed life. To live the blessed life, you must be willing to love God more than the pleasures, riches, and fame this world can offer – Hebrews 11:24-26. If you think the Christian lifestyle is too boring and restrictive for you, you will miss out on living the blessed life.
- To live the blessed life you must get rid of self, and submit yourselves totally to God – Matthew 16:24-26. Instead of laying up treasures for yourself, your must lay up treasures in heaven – Matthew 6:19-21.
- The Bible is the pattern to live the blessed life. These are blessings that can only come by obeying God. In Psalm 1:1-6, God gives us instructions how to live the blessed life. Let us consider them.
We Must Avoid Certain Things to Have the Blessed Life – Psalm 1:1
- The Word of God teaches you must avoid & abstain yourself from things & people in order to live the blessed life. People that have impure thoughts, those that don’t respect authority, those that dress & behave themselves in a shameful manner must be avoided & any that will give you bad advise – Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:14-15.
- To live the blessed life, the Christian must shun & keep away from the bombardment of the devils destructive messages through magazines, music lyrics, radio, television, and internet. Don’t be deceived these mediums are teaching many the way of destruction – 1 Corinthians 15:33.
- The blessed life requires one to avoid the lifestyles of the worldly & ungodly persons (Abortion, co-habitation, homosexuality, bi-sexual). You cannot have the blessed life, if you engage and love worldly activities because they’re the contrary to Gods – James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17.
The Blessed Life Requires That You Delight in the Law of The Lord – Psalm 1:2
- To enjoy the blessed life, it is required that you love the Word of God. We should take the attitude of Job concerning the words that proceed from God – Job 23:12; Psalm 119:72; Psalm 119:127; Proverbs 23:23
- Studying the Word of God, and meditating on it day & night is necessary to enjoy the blessed life just as eating daily meals are necessary to sustain our physical life – Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:11. It involves applying the principals, precepts, and commandments of God to your life which requires study & application of the Word in your life – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- Are you living the blessed life? If not, why not? God has made the way for you to get back home through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-28-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
1 Kings 21:01-16 Thou Shalt Not Steal
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Text: 1 Kings 21:1-16 – Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:15
Introduction
- The word steal comes from a Greek word (Klepto) in which we derive the English word “kleptomania” which denotes a persons obsessive need to steal, or those known to have “sticky fingers”. One is guilty of stealing when they seize the property of another unlawfully, and appropriate it to one’s own use or purpose.
- The Bible teaches you that stealing is a transgression of the law, it is disobeying God and one sin that can lead to your eternal destruction – Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28.
- Many in the world today do not believe or conceptualize stealing as a harmful wrong done against God and mankind, but it is a deadly poison, it will prevent you from inheriting the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Stealing Originates from Coveting and Greed – 1 Kings 21:1-4
- The spirit of stealing begins when your desire to have something that does not belong to you, trigger thoughts, strategies, and ways to obtain something in an unlawful, deceptive, or conniving way – Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:10.
- The Word proclaims when Ahab told his wife Jezebel, Naboth would not sell him his vineyard, Jezebel proceeded to obtain this land for her husband by wicked means – 1 Kings 21:5-14. She set up two false witnesses against Naboth to say he blasphemed God and the king, and he was stoned – 1 Kings 21:11-14.
- After Naboth was stoned to death, Jezebel told Ahab to take the vineyard for a possession. But Elijah the Prophet told Ahab that evil would come to him and his house and his wife Jezebel would be destroyed – 1 Kings 21:17-24.
Instead of Stealing, Trust God to Supply Your Need
- Jehovah God let’s us know He owns the earth and everything in it – Psalm 24:1-2; Psalm 50:10. Therefore you and I need not to worry about things we need in life or feel we need to steal something that belongs to someone else. Because in Philippians 4:19 God says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- When you commit your life to God, you must learn to live in whatsoever state God places you in, whether it be luxurious/modern or poor/primative – Philippians 4:11-13. If you’re in Christ what reason do you have to steal, since you already have all spiritual blessing which are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3.
- If you’re a Christian and are a truly godly person you already have salvation, joy, peace, longsuffering, and love which is great gain because God own everything and has give us all things to live a godly life – 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Daniel 01:08-21; 06:01-10 Children Today
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Text: Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10
Introduction
1. The Bible is filled with accounts of many godly men and women who are worthy of our emulation
2. One such person is Daniel, a man who obtained preeminence and power in his lifetime.
a. He started out preeminent among the children of Israel – Daniel 1:3-6
b. He gained preeminence among the wise of men of Babylon – Daniel 1:17-20
c. He was given power over all of Babylon – Daniel 2:48-49; 5:29
d. He received similar power over the Medo-Persian empire – Daniel 6:1-3, 28
3. How was Daniel able to reach these positions of power and influence without compromising his position as a godly man?
4. A close look at the book of Daniel reveals his secret, and shows how we too can be successful without selling our souls
Body
I. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURPOSE
A. DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART… – Daniel 1:8
1. A young boy in a strange land, Daniel was immediately faced with a challenge to violate God’s law by eating the king’s food
2. Despite his youth and the obvious pressures to conform, Daniel purposed in his heart to uphold the law of God, no matter the cost
3. Because of his willingness to put God first, God granted Daniel favor in the sight of others – Daniel 1:9
a. How God did this is not explained, but it happened in the case of Joseph also – Genesis 39:1-4; 21-23
b. By putting God first, God blessed Joseph in such a way that favorably impressed others
B. EVERY CHILD OF GOD NEEDS TO BE A PERSON OF PURPOSE
1. No one respects a wishy-washy person, someone with no direction in their lives
2. Whereas a strong sense of purpose often breeds respect and admiration in others
3. What should be the purpose of the Christian?
a. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:33
b. to seek the will of God and fulfill it in our lives, no matter the circumstances
4. As Jesus promised, this will guarantee God’s favor toward us and in turn likely gain us favor in the eyes of those around us
II. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
A. HE REFUSED TO COMPROMISE HIS CONVICTIONS
1. As a young man, by refusing to eat the king’s meat or drink his wine – Daniel 1:8
2. As an old man, by refusing the gifts of Belshazzar – Daniel 5:13-17
3. Under the threat of persecution, by refusing to obey the decree of Darius – Daniel 6:10
B. PEOPLE ADMIRE PERSONS OF PRINCIPLE
1. Outwardly they may ridicule them, but inwardly they wish they had the same intestinal fortitude
2. And when they need someone that can be trusted, and depended upon to carry through with an assigned task, who do you think they will turn to?
3. God also admires individuals who will stand by their principles, and by their words – Psalm 15:1-5
III. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PURITY
A. HIS OPPONENTS COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT
1. He was faultless when it came to management of his business affairs – Daniel 6:1-4
2. This would help to explain his rise to positions of great responsibility and power
3. Of course, his purity in business affairs was related to
a. His overall purpose to please God first
b. And the fact that as a man of principle he could be trusted
B. THE CHRISTIAN IS ALSO TO MAINTAIN PURITY OF CONDUCT
1. Whether young or old – 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:6-8
2. Whether slave or free – Titus 2:9-10
3. People who maintain purity in their dealings with others are often given positions of great responsibility and privilege, because they can be trusted to use them wisely
IV. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF PRAYER
A. A GLIMPSE OF HIS PRAYER LIFE – Daniel 6:10
1. He knelt in prayer, a demonstration of his humility
2. He prayed three times daily, a demonstration of his continual dependence upon God
3. He gave thanks in the midst of persecution, a demonstration of his gratitude and the fact that he had not lost sight of God’s blessings
4. His prayers were a custom since early days, demonstrating his persistence and faithfulness in his service to God
5. Is it not likely that his custom to pray so diligently helped him to remain a man of purpose, principle and purity, despite his rise to power and preeminence over the empire?
B. CHRISTIANS WOULD DO WELL TO FOLLOW DANIEL’S EXAMPLE
1. “Let us learn the lesson that the finest of God’s servants must maintain regular and fixed prayer habits in order to continue steadfast in devotion to the Lord.” (Strauss)
2. As Christians, we too are to pray often – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Colossians 4:2
3. If our efforts to live purposeful, principled, and pure lives are not what they should be, could an undisciplined prayer life be the reason?
4. Are we willing to Dare To Be A Daniel in regards to prayer?
Conclusion
1. There is a false assumption that to “get ahead” in this world one must conform to the sinful practices of the world
2. But even today there are many Christians who demonstrate that when one dares to be a Daniel they can succeed in the affairs of men without selling their souls to the world
3. How about you? Will you Dare To Be A Daniel by becoming a person of:
a. PURPOSE?
b. PRINCIPLE?
c. PURITY?
d. PRAYER?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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