Historical Posts
FOF – Faith and Feeling – audio
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
Faith and Feeling
Bible Reading: John 1:1-5
Introduction
1. Feelings and emotions have a definite role to play in our lives. But they should never be substituted for facts or reality.
2. Human beings often believe things just because they feel like it, even though the evidence doesn’t quite measure up. Sometimes the consequences of doing so are serious, sometimes they are not.
3. But what are the consequences if the things we believe – or don’t believe – pertain to large issues like the existence of God, or moral issues, or relationships, or matters of life and death?
4. Assuming faith in God, a central question of life is: How is God’s will to be determined? Has God revealed His will to us objectively, or, must we rely on our own intuitions and emotions in our approach to the challenges, problems, and issues we face?
5. Everyone grapples with the question of how to determine God’s will. The temptation is strong to believe that our intuition and emotions are indicators of God’s will and purposes.
6. We wrestle with this for a couple of reasons: Because we trust our own inclinations and find it hard to admit when we’re wrong (and so pride gets in the way). And then the problem is compounded when trusted friends (and a few religious thinkers) are too quick to advise us to follow our hearts (even leaving the impression that God’s Spirit prompts us and moves us emotionally). Also, it’s just easier to follow our own inclinations.
7. So I am saying we need to be cautious. God’s Word teaches us to be cautious: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa.55:8-9). Translation: God and man don’t always think alike. We need to take great care in how we discern God’s will!
Body
I. Let’s probe this a little deeper. Our emotions and inclinations have an important role to play in our response to God.
A. First: God wants the whole human personality to belong to Him (Mark 12:30).
B. Second: Faith itself has a subjective, personal quality to it.
1. Many examples in the Scriptures of emotional responses to Jesus.
2. The message of Christ effects each of us personally and uniquely. One person may respond to the message of the death and resurrection of Christ because the historical evidence is so compelling; another person may be affected more by the thought of overwhelming Divine love. Both responses are acceptable to God.
3. Every response of faith to the gospel is a subjective response because it arises from each person’s own knowledge of God’s Word (imperfect though it is), and conviction of sin (imperfect though it is), and will (imperfect though it is).
4. One of the most important expressions of our faith occurs in our worship of God. God designed worship to be an emotional exercise!.
II. However, it remains a fact that emotions (and even heartfelt intentions) can be out of harmony with God’s will.
A. Dare we forget what happened to Eve in the garden of Eden (Gen.3)? She had an emotional response to something (the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) – an emotional response prompted by the devil – and the result was disastrous. She should have trusted what God told her (for her good)!
B. Which brings to mind an important caution: We don’t always know what prompts our emotional responses. It may be hormones, insomnia, medication, an upset stomach, prejudice, or even pride. One thing is clear: There are some feelings and desires (like lust, and bitterness, and hatred) that are completely out of harmony with God’s will (and they are detrimental to the soul). Here is an example: 1 John 2:15-17.
C. May I propose a better way? Let me direct you to 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.
1. Paul was inspired by the Spirit to speak God’s message (which he did faithfully)! But even as Paul lived and ministered the Word of God, he described how inspiration was being transferred to a Book (2 Tim.3:16-17; 1 Cor.14:37).
2. Today, God speaks to us through this collection of inspired writings we call the Bible. God has a plan for this Book. He wants it to be received by you with an open mind and an open heart.
3. When this happens there is a coming together of mind and soul (of thought and feeling) in perfect harmony. This is where God wants you to be. This is what He designed you for.
III. But is this really possible? Is it possible for the objective and the subjective to harmonize? Yes, and here’s how:
A. First: Be sure your mind (informed and trained by God’s Word) is guide to your emotions!
1. Seek to meet life on a more intellectual/reasonable basis (by a mind that has been taught of God). Think before you act. Seek wisdom. Pursue the ways of God.
2. This is not to say that intellect and reason are to be given absolute sway. Absolutely not. Your mind can mislead you as easily as your emotions. But God makes His first appeal to us by means of the intellect. We know this because He has chosen to communicate to us through words (language): Romans 10:17
3. This is one of the characteristics that separates us from the world: Ephesians 4:17-24; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2
4. Peter (in a burst of emotion) once complained that the crucifixion of Jesus should not be allowed to happen. But Jesus rebuked Peter: Matthew 16:23.
5. On the moral front, the only successful way to navigate the issues of the day is to yield ourselves to God (by understanding and obeying His Word; Heb. 5:12-14).
B. Second: Be sure that your mind (informed and trained by God’s Word) stimulates your emotions!
1. Because the truth ought to stir us! Consider: Luke 24:32; Jeremiah 20:9.
2. Do you remember what happened on the Day of Pentecost? It’s a perfect model! Peter preached the Word of God, and those who heard it were ”cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). God’s Word brought conviction to those hearts, and that led to obedience to God (Acts 2:38-47).
3. Just as we don’t want passionless preaching, so we don’t want to be guilty of passionless hearing. See Ephesians 5:14.
4. Faith without emotion is like a fire without a flame. We need to be passionate about what we believe. When we contemplate what our God has done for us – what this God has given to us – it ought to stir us.
5. When we encounter (in God’s Word) the truth of Hell, and the lostness of the Iost, and what it’s going to take to convert a cold and calloused world…. Well, it’s just not going to get done without a fervent and heartfelt regard for God’s wondrous grace!
Conclusion
1. May the Lord do some stirring today, in all of us, to make us like His Son, to worship in spirit and truth, to love God’s people with a holy love, and to seek Heaven’s gate.
2. Let me close this sermon with an earnest appeal for you to do some serious thinking (followed by heartfelt desire for the things of God and the things of life).
3. I know of no other way to invite you to be a Christian (and live the Christian life) then to remind you that God’s Son died so that you could avoid Hell and go to Heaven.
4. The gospel of Christ is appealing on every level (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and morally)! Will you come to Christ today?
Content by Brian Giselbach
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FOF – Why Should I Have Faith…? audio
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Foundations of Faith |
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
Why Should I Have Faith,
When There Is Evil And Suffering In The World?
Introduction
1. Some believe they have found a defect within Theism: It is argued that the existence of an all-loving and all-powerful God is incompatible with the reality of evil and suffering in the world.
2. Admittedly, this argument is not easily refuted. And so it is properly called “The Problem Of Evil And Suffering” or The Argument From Evil (AE).
Body
I. Before we go any further…
We have to acknowledge the fact – even apart from discussions about faith and evidences – the human mind naturally processes and seeks understanding when it comes to events involving human suffering:
A. There are five stages (levels) the mind goes through in its search for understanding:
B. We’re human beings! We need understanding! We need explanation!
C. Thankfully the Bible helps us deal with the emotional aspects of human suffering and evil: Psalm 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:4; Revelation 20:7-15; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2 Peter 3:7.
D. But some will use the tragedy and suffering as an opportunity to argue against the existence of God! This is The Argument From Evil. There are three main responses that theists can make to AE:
(1) We can point out problems with the argument.
(2) We can try to explain evil and suffering.
(3) We can offer additional arguments for the existence of God that outweigh the AE.
II. We will talk about the first two of these responses:
A. Problems with the Argument From Evil:
1. There are inconsistencies with the argument.
2. The AE uses ambiguous terms.
3. The matter of unproven and unrealistic assumptions.
B. And then: We can try to explain evil and suffering (in some rational fashion). Note: We need to exercise caution in being a know-it-all when it comes to explaining suffering. Suffering may exist for many reasons (some of which are known only to God).
1. First of all: We can explain the compatibility of God’s existence and the existence of evil by using basic Bible teaching.
2. Second: We can offer two explanations for why God allows evil to exist in the world.
3. Third: A distinction should be made between natural evil (pain, misfortune, death) and moral evil (sin).
III. So why does God allow suffering to exist in the world?
A. First: God allows suffering to exist because it keeps the world from becoming too attractive to us (1 Pet.2:11; Heb.13:14; 2 Cor.5:1, 5).
B. Second: God allows suffering to exist because suffering can bring out our best in service to others (Phil.2:1-4).
C. Third: God allows suffering to exist because suffering puts to silence the enemies of God (1 Pet.2:15; Matt.5:16).
D. Fourth: God allows suffering to exist because suffering makes us thankful (Phil.1:3-8; Acts 17:28).
E. Fifth: God allows suffering to exist because suffering teaches us that we are not in control.
F. Sixth: God allows suffering to exist because suffering purifies us (1 Pet.1:6-7; Jam.1:2-5).
G. Seventh: God allows suffering to exist because in the midst of suffering we learn how to pray.
H. Eighth: God sometimes causes suffering and difficulty! Providence allows this (Hebrews 12; James 1:2-4; Matt.5:45; 7:24-27).
Conclusion
If we take God out of the picture (if we say God does not exist), how does this improve the situation? How does it make life easier, less painful, more in control?
Additional: What do we learn from the Book of Job when it comes to the problem of evil and suffering?
A. We learn that faith does not provide an escape from suffering! Second to this, we learn that we (as men and women of faith) have to face difficult questions pertaining to suffering in the world!
B. We learn that faith in God is a source of strength when we suffer (or when others suffer)! How does faith help us? By teaching us to trust God’s wisdom and judgment; to put the matter in God’s hands.
C. We learn the proper relationship between God and man! Man has to answer to God (as difficult as that is); God does not have to answer to man. Job teaches us that it is man’s role to be submissive to God; and to respect God’s sovereignty! We need to serve/trust Him without expecting Him to explain everything to us (which is seeing, not faith).
D. We learn that God is concerned about the faithful who suffer. Furthermore: God does not allow any trial to come upon His people which is greater than they can bear (1 Cor.10:13). And God rewards those who endure their trials (Rom.8:18).
E. We learn to exercise caution in being a know-it-all when it comes to explaining suffering. We learn that suffering mayexist for many reasons (not just one reason).
F. We learn that there are several reasons as to how the presence of evil/suffering in the world is to be explained:
- Suffering tests a man’s character (Job 1:6-12; James 1:2)
- Suffering results from one’s personal sins (Job 4:7-9; John 5:14)
- Suffering purifies the sufferer (Job 23:10; Mal.3:2-3)
- Suffering chastens and humbles God’s children (Job 33:19-30; Heb.12:1-11)
1. Each of these views has something to say for itself and is true of certain cases. No one of them is a total answer. We must especially guard against seeing all suffering as punishment from God (John 9:1ff).
2. In God’s answer to Job, the point is made that man cannot under¬stand everything in his experience (Job 38:1ff).
Content by Brian Giselbach
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Vengeance Belongs to the Lord – Romans 12:14-21 – audio
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Introduction
A. It is often human nature to do to others what they did to us.
B. However, Jesus did not say that;
C. Rather, He said: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
D. Regardless of how people treat us, we should treat them as we want them to treat us.
E. What should we do when they do not treat us well? Paul said not to repay evil with evil; rather, repay evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).
Body
I. Vengeance belongs to the Lord!
A. It is not our place to pay back; it is the Lord’s (Romans 12:19; Psalm 94:1).
B. The LORD will repay in His own time (Deuteronomy 32:35-36).
II. The Lord’s vengeance will be great.
A. The LORD will judge His people, and will punish those who sin willfully (Hebrews 10:26-31).
B. Vengeance will be taken on those that do not know God nor obey the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
C. The Lord destroys unbelievers (Jude 5-9,14-15).
D. The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will have vengeance taken on them (Revelation 21:8).
E. The day of the LORD is near and will be devastating (Hebrews 10:27; Zephaniah 1:14-18).
III. What can we do so God will not take vengeance on us?
A. Do not neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. Do not fear men; rather, fear God (Luke 12:4-5).
Conclusion
A. What is your relationship with God?
B. Do you Know Him? Have you obeyed Him?
C. Will God take vengeance on you?
Content by Richard Dillon
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God is Greater than our Heart – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:19-21 (reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. As John is addressing Christians, he stresses the importance of brotherly love.
B. We must not love in words only; we must love with action (1 John 3:18).
C. When this love is accompanied by action, John says we know we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him. John first says “our hearts (1 John 3:19),” and then “our heart (1 John 3:20-21).”
D. Although we are individuals, together we are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12ff.).
E. Thus we are to be of one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32).
Body
I. God is greater than our heart.
A. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
B. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
C. The Lord will reveal the counsels of the hearts (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).
D. Jesus knows what is in the hearts of men.
1) The scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy in their hearts (Matthew 9:4; Mark 2:6-8; Luke 5:22).
2) The Pharisees had hardened hearts as they accused Jesus of doing good on the Sabbath (Mark 3:5).
3) Jesus said that God knew the hearts of the Pharisees, lovers of money (Luke 16:14-15).
4) The disciples had doubts in their hearts as they saw Jesus risen from the dead (Luke 24:38).
E. The Lord may establish our hearts blameless in holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
F. The Lord may direct our hearts into the love of God and patience of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
II. Our heart may or may not condemn us.
A. God tests our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4; Proverbs 17:3).
1) David recognized this, and prayed that Solomon would have a loyal heart (1 Chronicles 29:17-19).
2) David prayed that his own heart would be tested and proven (Psalm 26:2ff.)
3) Solomon knew the hearts of men are before the LORD (Proverbs 15:11).
4) Jeremiah said the LORD knows and tests the hearts of men (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
B. As a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7).
C. Jesus said some worship Him with their mouth and lips, but their heart is far from Him (Matthew 15:7-9).
D. We must not have bitter envy and self-seeking in our hearts (James 3:14).
E. Some have fattened their hearts by living in pleasure and luxury (James 5:5). However, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
F. If we forgive others from our heart, God will forgive us (Matthew 18:35).
G. God can comfort our hearts, and establish us in every good work and deed (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
III. We can assure our hearts before God.
A. Our hearts must be sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).
1) We purify our souls in obeying the truth, and must love our brethren with a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).
2) We purify our hearts by drawing near to God (James 4:8). We draw near to God by being obedient to the gospel!
3) In Christ we have boldness and access with confidence through faith. He will dwell in our hearts through that faith (Ephesians 3:12-17).
B. Because we are sons of God, He sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (Galatians 4:6).
C. We can let the peace of God rule our hearts (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7).
D. We must sanctify the Lord God in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15).
E. We must establish our hearts because the Lord is coming soon (James 5:8)!
F. If we abide in Him, we have confidence at His coming (1 John 2:28).
Conclusion
A. Is your heart right with God?
B. Are you confident in His coming?
C. God knows your heart; therefore, make sure it is right today!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Are You Worthy? audio
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Introduction
A. Have you ever received something good and didn’t feel like you deserved it?
B. Maybe there was a time you enjoyed something for a while, knowing it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
C. You may find yourself thinking, “I’m not worthy of this.”
Body
I. There are some who are worthy.
A. The LORD is worthy to be praised, and delivers the faithful from their enemies (2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 18:3).
B. The Lord is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power since He created all things (Revelation 4:11; 5:12).
C. Only the Lamb of God is worthy to open the scroll and loose the seven seals (Revelation 5:1-10).
II. Some may feel they are not worthy.
A. John the Baptizer was not worthy to stoop down and loose the sandals of Jesus (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27; Acts 13:25).
B. A centurion felt he was not worthy for Jesus to enter His house and encouraged Jesus to speak a word so his servant would be healed (Matthew 8:8; Luke 7:6).
C. The lost son felt he was not worthy to be called a son when he wasted his living (Luke 15:19,21).
D. Those invited to a wedding made light of it, and were not worthy to attend (Matthew 22:8).
E. Anyone who loves someone or something more than Jesus is not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37,38).
III. All can become worthy!
A. The gospel of Christ is worthy of all acceptance (1 Timothy 1:15; 4:9).
B. Those that do not defile their garments are worthy to walk with Christ (Revelation 3:4).
C. We must walk worthy of the calling with which we were called (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).
D. We must watch and pray to be counted worthy to escape the things that will pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
E. Jesus said a worker is labor for his food (Matthew 10:10), and a laborer his wages (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18).
Conclusion
A. Do you feel that you are not worthy to enter Heaven?
B. You can become worthy by being obedient to the gospel of Christ and living the faithful Christian life!
C. God is worthy to save you!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Youth’s Relationship with God
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Introduction
A. It is often said that young people are the church of tomorrow.
B. However, young people can be the church of today if we do our job of teaching them, and they do their job of following God.
C. The Bible has a lot to say to those teaching young people, and to young people willing to learn and grow.
Body
I. Each generation is responsible for teaching the younger generation.
A. The wise man wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).”
B. Paul reminded fathers to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
C. God commanded Israel to teach their children and grandchildren His commandments (Deuteronomy 4:8-10).
D. Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures since he was a babe (2 Timothy 3:14-15; 1:5).
E. Older men teach younger men, and older women teach younger women (Titus 2).
II. Young people must:
A. Remember their creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
B. Rejoice, but remember God will bring them into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).
C. Work and take responsibility (Lamentations 3:27).
D. Submit to their elders (1 Peter 5:5).
E. Flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).
F. Be an example to believers, not despising their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
G. Allow the word of God to abide in them, and overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:12-14).
III. Consider notable examples of young people.
A. Josiah did what was right in the sight of the LORD since he was 8 years old (2 Chronicles 34:1-3).
B. The rich young ruler kept the commandments since his youth, but still lacked something (Matthew 19:16-22).
C. Some admitted sin in their youth:
1) David (Psalm 25:7)
2) Job (Job 13:26)
3) Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3:25)
Conclusion
A. Whether we are young or just young at heart, we can learn a lot from the instructions and examples in the Scriptures.
B. Let us set the examples for younger people, teach them, and help them get to heaven.
C. If we are still young, let us always follow the commandments of God.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Heaven is Open – audio
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Introduction
A. The Bible describes Heaven as a beautiful place.
B. Have you ever wondered just what you would see if it were opened?
C. Tonight we will take a peek, and see what appears as Heaven is opened for us.
D. It may not be what you expect!
Body
I. Physical things come out of Heaven.
A. The first time we are told that Heaven is opened, God sends rain upon the earth (Genesis 7:10-12; 8:1-3).
1) The lives of Noah and seven others are saved because he found grace in the eyes of God.
2) Everyone else perished because their thoughts were only evil continually.
B. Asaph tells of the time that God opened the doors of Heaven, and sent manna and quail to feed the children of Israel after they left the land of Egypt (Psalm 78:23-30; Exodus 16; Numbers 11).
II. Spiritual things come out of Heaven.
A. The prophet Malachi records the words of the LORD regarding His blessings pouring out of the windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10-12).
III. Visions can be seen when Heaven is opened.
A. The prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God as the heavens were opened (Ezekiel 1:1). He went on to share to those of Israel what would happen if they would not repent.
B. John had visions of things that would shortly come to pass as the door opened in Heaven (Revelation 4:1; 19:11).
C. Peter saw Heaven opened, and an object like a great sheet descending to him full of unclean animals (Acts 10:11ff.).
D. Jesus told Nathanael he would see Heaven open, and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:49-51).
IV. God can be seen as Heaven is open. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one (1 John 5:7; John 1:1,14).
A. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him and His Father spoke good of Him (Matthew 3:16-17).
B. As Stephen preached the gospel, he was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God as the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-60).
Conclusion
A. If Heaven were to open right now, what would you see?
B. Would you want to be there forever with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and others?
C. There is only one way to get there, and that is through Christ (John 14:6).
D. Heaven is open for you; won’t you come in?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Psalm 139:13-17 The Gift of Life – audio
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Text: Psalm 139:13-17 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Introduction
The body is a masterpiece of exquisite design. Beautifully “engineered,” it is governed by several hundred systems of control each interacting with and affecting the other. The brain has 10 billion nerve cells to record what it sees and hears. Our skin has more than 2 million tiny sweat glands about 3000 per square inch all part of the intricate system which keeps the body at an even temperature. A “pump” in our chest makes the blood travel 168 million miles a day equivalent of 6720 times around the world! The lining of the stomach contains 35 million glands secreting juices which aid the process of digestion.
These are but a few of the involved processes and chemical wonders which operate to sustain this wonderful and fearfully made life. A young student had been impressed with the fact that most new products have some “bugs” that must be ironed out before they can operate efficiently. As he stood gazing at a chart showing the organs, nerves, arteries, and glands in the human body, he suddenly exclaimed, “Just think, the first time God put it together, it worked!”
In honor of the unborn that have needlessly been murdered at the hands of abortionists, I would like to talk about the wonderful gift of life we have been given by God our Creator and the battle that ensues for that very life. Let’s give honor to God the Father who is the creator of all things, including each one of us!
As we look at the gift of life, I want to take the time to look at the whole panorama of our lives from the moment of conception in the womb till the time we return to the earth. I want us to see the battle that goes on between God and the devil for our lives from the moment we are conceived till the time we die. It is a battle for life!
Job 5:6-12 For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. “But as for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause; Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields. He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
Body
I. God’s Involvement In The Creation Of Life.
1. We Are Fearfully And Wonderfully Made By Our Creator.
Psalms 139:13-17 For You have formed my inward parts; Yaiah ou have 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. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself…
As we see from these passages of scripture, even though life comes as a result of a man and a woman coming together in sexual unity, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, God of the Universe. As a result we should praise and honor Him for the wonderful work He does in creating us. We should be eternally grateful.
2. The Beginning of Life in the Womb.
There has been much discussion and debate as to when life really begins, but David makes it clear that his life as well as ours began in the womb, because God is the God of the living.
Psalms 22:10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.
- The 20th Day after conception – In the watery world of the womb, the developing child is a complex, dynamic and rapidly growing individual. By the 20th day the foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system have been established. The heart begins to beat in irregular patterns by 21 days and in smooth rhythmic contractions a week later.
- The end of the first month – through the 8th week – By the end of the first month, the child will have grown ten thousand times his or her original size, and by birth the child’s weight will have increased six billion times. Lines in the hands and fingerprints begin to be etched by the 8th week, and these will remain a distinctive feature of the individual throughout his or her life.
- After eight weeks – After eight weeks, the child bears all the external features and internal organs of a full-term baby. From now until fully grown, generally around 25 years of age, the body will change mainly in terms of size and gradual refinements.
- The third month – In the third month, the child becomes very active. If the womb had windows we would see graceful and fluid motions as the child sleeps and wakes, makes fists, sucks his thumb, fans her toes, and seeks positions of comfort. During the remaining months in the womb, the child continues to develop activities, and even to learn, in preparation for the day of birth.
- The most dangerous stage – You would think that in this state of life the child would be relatively safe, but this is one of the most dangerous battles for life that this person will ever face. It’s ironic that in the child’s most innocent stage of life there is a fierce battle raging for the life of this tiny unborn infant.
Psalms 10:8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
Satan has been trying to destroy God’s creative beings since the beginning of time, when he first tried to destroy Adam & Eve, God’s first created beings His lust for blood and revenge has continued throughout the ages to the degree that he has been successful in the slaughtering of millions and millions of unborn babies, who are in the secret place of their mother’s womb fixed in a helpless condition against the forces of evil.
II. Abortion Is A Ploy Of Satan To Thwart God’s Plan.
Satan attacks and destroys God’s creative works with any weapon he can conceive. He has now been successful at using our own laws of the land as an effective weapon of destruction. He has infiltrated our society, feeding on the selfishness and greed of man to legalize his pattern of destruction and killing; convincing us that the killing of unborn children is a woman’s choice.
- Those of us who stand against this tide of violence and killing are considered politically incorrect. We have truly fallen prey to the times that God warned us about when “evil is called good and good is called evil.”
- What does God’s Word say about the killing of unborn children? Does a woman or a man have a right before God to make this critical choice concerning someone God has created?
Deuteronomy 32:39 Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. - Only God has the right to bring the innocent home to Himself. Only God has the right to open or close wombs, but man has taken matters into his own hands. Mothers with their selfish excuses and doctors with their sharp instruments are playing God!
Exodus 23:7 Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.
Exodus 21:22-23 “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no lasting harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. “But if any lasting harm follows, then you shall give life for life…” - If abortion happens unintentionally through unnecessary roughness it is wrong – how much more so when it happens willfully.
My shining feet will never run on early morning lawn;
my feet were crushed before they had a chance to greet the dawn.
My fingers now will never stretch to touch the winning tape;
my race was done before I learned the smallest steps to take.
My growing height will never be recorded on the wall;
my growth was stopped when I was still unseen, and very small.
My lips and tongue will never taste the good fruits of the earth;
for I myself was judged to be a fruit of little worth.
My eyes will never scan the sky for my high flying kite;
for when still blind, destroyed were they in the black womb of night.
I’ll never stand upon a hill Spring’s winds in my hair;
aborted winds of thought closed in on Motherhood’s despair.
I’ll never walk the shores of life or know the tides of time;
for I was coming but unloved, and that my only crime.
Nameless am I, a grain of sand, one of the countless dead;
but the deed that made me ashen grey floats on seas of red.
(Fay Clayton, Christian Crusade Weekly, Jan. 18, 1976)
- What should be the battle plan against the slaughter of unborn children?
Proverbs 24:11-12 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? he who keeps your soul, does He not know it? and will He not render to each man according to his deeds? - We can take a stand for truth and speak with conviction what our convictions are to friends, letters to editors etc.
- We can pray fervently in this area, wrestling against the rulers of darkness and the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly realms.
- We can offer all the help and support we can to insure mothers to carry their child to full term.
- We can work with pro-life candidates, helping them to get elected into office. It’s a shame to live in a country that has legislated murder.
- We must continue to spread the life changing gospel – that’s when lives are really changed.
- Melody Green writes, “Abortion is not an issue that you can remain “neutral” on. You are either for it or against it. What would you do if you were walking down the street, and looking up, you saw a woman about to throw her three-month-old baby out the window? Would you turn and walk away saying, `Well, I wouldn’t do that, but I won’t interfere. It’s her decision – that baby’s probably messing up her life anyway.'”
III. The Battle For Life After Birth.
The battle for man’s soul begins in the womb and continues from birth; throughout his life. As soon as a person is born the sparks begin to fly.
But Satan will be there every step of the way to lead try and lead us in his destructive paths.
1. Satan Tried To Destroy Jesus After His Birth.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Satan shows his total disregard for life when he influenced Herod to have all the male children in Bethlehem and its districts, who were born around the time of Jesus to be put to death. He tried to destroy the giver of eternal life, the only one who has the power to save our souls from eternal corruption. Jesus came to give us life abundant, but Satan came to kill, destroy and steal.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2. As parents, God sets you as guardians over your children.
You are to watch out and protect them, just as Joseph and Mary did for Jesus. They escaped from the hand of the enemy into Egypt.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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The Godhead, a Closer Look – audio
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Continued from “The Godhead”
I. DIFFERENCES.
A. Authority.
1. All authority belongs to the Father.
a) Wait a second… Didn’t Jesus say that all authority belonged to Him. Matthew 28:18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
(1) Note carefully, that Jesus said that all authority had been GIVEN to Him.
(2) Who did the giving?
(3) The answer is: the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
(4) This passage teaches that the One who put all things under Jesus’ feet (The Father) is not, Himself, under Jesus’ feet (Or authority).
(5) Or, in other words, the one who bestows authority on another is not Himself under that authority.
b) Before His incarnation, Jesus was on an equal footing in terms of authority with the Father.
(1) Philippians 2:5-6. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God
(2) John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(3) Nowhere in the Old Testament do we see any hint of Jesus being in subjection to the Father.
c) However, that all changed when Jesus put on flesh. Philippians 2:7-8. But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
(1) Notice that it was a voluntary submission to the Father.
(2) Jesus willingly gave up equality with the Father to become a man.
d) Hence, the statement by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:3. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(1) Man being the head of woman does not imply that…
(a) The woman is not human.
(b) The woman is inferior to the man.
(2) In the same way, the Father being the Head of Christ does not imply that…
(a) Jesus is not God.
(b) Jesus is inferior to the Father in any way.
e) This relationship is further illustrated by Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand.
(1) Acts 7:55-56. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
(2) Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
(3) Philippians 2:9-11. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
f) In saying that Jesus is subject to the Father, we are not degrading Him in any way.
(1) Indeed, we are really glorifying Him as He deserves to be glorified.
(2) What an amazing thing He did when He took on flesh!
(3) What a sacrifice He made for us.
(4) 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
(5) 2 Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. (With the exception noted above.)
a) All of the physical creation is under His authority. Colossians 1:15-18. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
b) The angels are under Jesus’ authority.
(1) Hebrews 1:6-7. But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.”
(2) Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?
3. The Holy Spirit is under the authority of both the Father and the Son.
a) While the Scriptures do not come right out and say it, several passages in the New Testament imply this fact.
b) If all authority in HEAVEN and earth was given to Jesus, and only the Father is excepted, then the Holy Spirit is under the authority of Jesus.
c) Notice the following passages:
(1) John 14:26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
(2) John 15:26. “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
(3) John 16:13-15. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
B. Roles played in the past.
1. In creation. Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
a) God created the heavens and the earth.
b) But is this God, the Father, God, the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.
c) As a matter of fact, it was all three of Them.
(1) The Father made all things through Jesus. Ephesians 3:9. And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ (Also see Colossians 1:15-18)
(2) The Holy Spirit was there as well. Genesis 1:2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
d) It has been said that, in regard to their roles: The Father wills it; the Son accomplishes it; and the Holy Spirit creates order.
2. In the scheme of redemption. 1 Peter 1:2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
a) The Father wills it. 1 Timothy 2:3-4. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1) It was the Father who sent Jesus. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(2) It was the Father who sent the Holy Spirit. John 14:26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
b) The Son brings it into being. Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
c) The Holy Spirit created order.
(1) 2 Peter 1:19-21. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
(2) 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Content by Ralph Price
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The Godhead – audio
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Continued in “The Godhead – A Closer Look”
Text: Romans 1:18-20
Introduction
1. What does the term “Godhead” mean?
2. Is there one God or two or three?
3. If there are three Persons of the Godhead, what is our relationship to each One?
4. Do we pray to all three or just one or two?
5. Did the Father die for our sins or did Jesus?
6. We all need to have an adequate understanding of the Godhead.
7. It deals with the very nature of the God that we all serve.
8. While it is fundamental and essential, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily easy to grasp.
9. As with any Biblical topic, when studying about the Godhead we must be sure to look at all of the relevant passages.
10. We must make sure not to have “made up our minds” ahead of time.
11. We must be aware that there are many false teachings in regard to the Godhead floating around out there.
12. My goal is not to look at each of these false theories but to see what the truth is as revealed by the word of God.
Body
I. A DEFINITION
A. Godhead – Theiotes – divinity or divine nature.
1. Divinity – the quality of being divine.
2. Divine – being a deity.
3. Deity – Supreme being.
B. The word “Godhead” is used three times in the Scriptures.
1. Romans 1:20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
a) Referring to the divine nature of the Creator.
b) His limitless power and infinite wisdom that are demonstrated in His creation.
2. Acts 17:29. Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.
a) Obviously, the NKJV renders the word “Divine Nature” here. Which is the true meaning.
b) It could also be translated “the Deity.”
c) A perfect way to distinguish between the one True God and the conflicting gods of paganism.
3. Colossians 2:9. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
a) The Divine Nature is manifest in Jesus Christ.
b) Here, the term means “deity” or “divinity.”
II. WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE GODHEAD, WE MUST REALIZE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THREE DISTINCT BEINGS.
A. We see this first illustrated for us in Genesis 1.
1. In Genesis 1:1, the Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim.”
a) “Elohim” comes from the Hebrew root meaning “strength” or “power.”
b) The “im” on the end makes it plural.
c) However, all of the verbs in the text are singular.
d) Thus, “Elohim” is a plural noun with a singular nature.
e) The Godhead is made up of three beings with a singular nature!
2. Genesis 1:26. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
a) Who was God talking to?
b) Here we have one member of the Godhead talking to the other two.
c) The Holy Spirit was present at the creation. Genesis 1:2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
d) Jesus was present at the creation. John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
B. The following passages show that the Godhead is made up of three distinct beings.
1. Matthew 3:16-17. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
2. John 14:16-17. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
3. 1 Corinthians 13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
4. Romans 15:30. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.
5. 1 Peter 1:2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
III. JESUS IS PART OF THE GODHEAD.
A. Matthew 1:22-23. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
B. John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
C. John 8:58. Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
1. One of the names for God in the Old Testament was “Yahweh.”
2. In the Hebrew it was “YHVH” also known as the tetragrammaton.
3. It is the word translated “LORD” in the Old Testament.
4. It is the word from which we get “Jehovah.”
5. It simply means “to be.”
6. It is used to portray the eternal nature of God.
7. Exodus 3:14-15. And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’
8. In John 8:58, Jesus identifies Himself as Jehovah!
9. Isaiah 40:3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ” Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.
a) This passage is referring to John the Baptist’s preparation for Jesus.
b) Matthew 3:3.
10. Micah 5:2. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
D. Philippians 2:5-6. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.
IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD.
A. Acts 5:3-4. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
B. The Holy Spirit is not an “it” but an “He.”
1. John 15:26. “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
2. He is not some nebulous energy sent out from the Father.
3. He is not puppet controlled by misguided men on earth.
4. He is not some mysterious mystical force that is totally incomprehensible to the human mind.
V. WHAT ABOUT PASSAGES THAT TEACH THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD?
A. There are many passages that point out that there is only one God.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
2. Isaiah 45:5. I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
3. 1 Timothy 2:5. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
B. As we have already seen, the Godhead is made up of three beings who are of one Divine Nature.
1. One can not throw out the doctrine of the Godhead and still have a Bible that makes any sense.
2. It is plain that the Bible teaches that there are three Persons in the Godhead.
3. Therefore, the passages that refer to there being only one God are referring to their Divine Nature or Deity.
C. Three everyday examples.
1. The Cleveland Browns are one team.
a) That team is made up of different people.
b) Yet they are all Browns.
c) They are all one team.
d) “Godhead” is much like a team name.
2. Marriage.
a) Made up of two individuals.
b) Yet they are described by God as one flesh. Genesis 2:24. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
c) Two individuals but one flesh.
3. An egg.
a) When we think of an egg, we think of a shell.
b) But the egg is actually composed of the shell, the yoke, and the whites.
c) But it is still one egg.
d) Without the yolk or the whites, it would not be a complete egg.
Conclusion
1. The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2. All three persons of the Godhead want YOU to be saved.
3. All three have worked toward that end.
4. Are you saved?
Continued in “The Godhead – A Closer Look”
Delivered on: December 9, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Abraham’s Faith… And Ours
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I. Abraham’s faith was tested.
A. It took faith to leave all behind and follow God – Genesis 12:1-7
B. Abraham had faith that he would have a son – Genesis 15:1-7
C. God established His covenant to him and his generations – Genesis 17:1-9
D. Sarah was told she would have a son in Genesis 18:10-15, and it came to pass as God said – Genesis 21:1-7
E. Abraham was later asked to sacrifice the son of promise on Mount Moriah – Genesis 22:1-19
II. Abraham’s faith relates to our faith – Romans 4:16-25
A. God’s promise is of faith that it may be of grace – Romans 4:16
1. We are saved by grace through faith – Ephesians 2:5-8
2. Also, we become of Abraham’s seed through Jesus Christ – Galatians 3:16, 22-29
B. God has power
1. To give life – Romans 4:17; 8:11
2. To cause things to happen that otherwise could not – Isaiah 51:2
C. Abraham was well aware of this – Romans 4:18
D. He did not consider his own body as dead – Romans 4:19; Genesis 17:15-21
E. Sarah, too, trusted God – Hebrews 11:11-12
F. Abraham’s faith was unwavering – Romans 4:20; James 1:5-8
G. God is able to do everything, and Abraham believed that – Romans 4:21; Hebrews 11:17-19; Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 19:26
H. It was accounted to Abraham for righteousness because he believed God – Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:6
I. These things were written for our benefit, as well as that of Abraham – Romans 4:23-24
J. If Abraham believed that God could raise up Isaac, we need to believe that God raised Jesus Christ – Romans 4:25
1. This is what was preached on Pentecost – Acts 2:23-24; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4-5
2. It is still preached today
III. Our faith is proven
A. God kept the promise to Abraham
1. He reminded Isaac – Genesis 26:4-5
2. He reminded Jacob – Genesis 28:14
B. God will keep His promise to us if we remain faithful to Him (Revelation 2:10)!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hope – audio
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As Christians, for what do we hope?
Salvation
1 Thessalonians 5:8; Titus 3:7
Jesus’ Return
Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2‐3
Resurrection
Acts 23:6
Door
Hosea 2:15; Joshua 6:20; Joshua 7:2-9; Joshua 7:10-11; Joshua 7:25-27; Joshua 8:24; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13
Anchor
Hebrews 6:18-19; 1 John 3:2-3; Colossians 1:3-5; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Corinthians 3:12
Helmet
1 Thessalonians 5:8; Romans 8:23-25
As Christians, our hope is in Christ
1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:3
Without Christ, there is no hope
Ephesians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Delivered on: July 29, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Questions and Answers 2012-09-30 – audio
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I. Question One – WHY DID GOD ALLOW CONCUBINES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT? WHY CAN’T WE HAVE MORE THAN ONE WIFE?
A. As to the first question… Why did God allow concubines?
1. God allows us to make our own decisions.
2. That does not mean that He approves of those decisions.
3. To my knowledge, there is no hint anywhere in the Scriptures that God approved of polygamy.
4. The only argument that could be made to suggest that God approved of polygamy would be that so many men whom are presented as being righteous had multiple wives and God never openly rebuked them.
a) That, however, does not prove that God approved of polygamy.
b) These men undoubtedly had other sin in their lives where there is no account of God openly rebuking them.
c) For example… Noah’s drunkenness after the flood.
5. Perhaps also, this is a sin that God “overlooked” because of the way that women were treated in that day. Acts 17:30. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.
B. Why can’t we have more than one wife today?
1. Matthew 19:4-6. And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 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’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
a) Male and female. Not male and females.
b) Man shall be joined to his wife. Not, “Man shall be joined to his wives.”
c) Two shall become one flesh. Not three, four, five, 701 shall become one flesh.
2. Romans 7:3. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.
a) This passage tells us that a woman who marries another man while her previous husband is still alive is to be called an adulteress.
b) Would not the same be true for the husband marrying another wife?
c) Absolutely!
II. Question Two – CAN WE VISIT OTHER CHURCHES OF CHRIST? IS THIS GOOD OR BAD?
A. There is nothing wrong with visiting other churches of Christ.
1. It can be a very good thing.
2. Some congregations are struggling and appreciate the encouragement.
3. It doesn’t have be a Sunday service.
a) Sings.
b) Gospel Meetings.
B. A few words of caution…
1. A “Church of Christ” sign out front does not necessarily mean that a congregation is sound.
a) Sometimes, when we are travelling, we may go visit a place because it calls itself a church of Christ but then be utterly shocked when we get into the service.
b) It is wise to do a little research about a congregation if you are not sure where they stand.
c) People do that all the time with us. I receive calls regularly from members of the church who are going to be coming to the area and are looking for a place to worship.
2. Don’t forget that your home congregation needs you too.
a) Some people just like to wander around to various congregations and never really settle down.
b) There are many advantages to having a home congregation.
(1) An eldership to look out for you. (Unfortunately, this is why some like to wander around. They don’t want an eldership looking out for them.)
(2) Stronger relationships with brethren who know you and know your needs.
(3) More opportunities for involvement.
c) Those who are constantly (weekly) visiting other congregations are missing out on many of the blessings of having a home congregation.
III. Question Three – IF SOMEONE COMES TO CHURCH BUT THEIR HEART ISN’T IN IT… WHAT TO DO TO CHANGE THIS ACTION.
A. What do we mean by “their heart isn’t in it” ???
1. Do we mean that their emotions are not stirred?
2. Do we mean that they don’t get anything out of worship?
3. Do we mean that they don’t want to be there?
4. I am going to assume, for this question, that it is a combination of all three of these things.
B. If the someone is yourself…
1. We are all human.
2. There are going to be days when it is all we can do to make it to services.
a) Sickness.
b) Emotional issues.
c) Etc.
d) During such times, we might not even remember the topic of the sermon or what songs were sung.
e) It is all we can do to be present.
3. But what if this is a weekly occurrence?
a) This has to be a lack of focus!
b) First of all – prepare for services by:
(1) Remember what you are about to do and why.
(a) You are about to worship (pay your respects to) your Creator, Sustainer, and Savior!
(b) You do this because you are grateful for what God has done for you.
(c) If we can’t get our heart into this then there is something wrong with us! Psalm 122:1. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
(d) (I see this every week from the pulpit.)
(2) Getting a good night’s sleep.
(3) Getting up early enough to get to services on time without rushing around frantically.
c) Focus in on the acts of worship.
(1) Listen to the songs we sing. Colossians 3:16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(2) Consider the death of Christ during the Communion service.
(3) Pay attention to the sermon which is God speaking to you through His word.
(4) Pray along with the one leading the prayer.
(5) Give cheerfully thinking of all that God has given to you.
4. Don’t quit coming! We begin to appreciate worship more as we mature.
C. If the someone is someone else…
1. We cannot make someone else actively participate in worship.
2. We cannot make someone else appreciate what Jesus did for them.
3. What we can do:
a) If we are talking about our children…
(1) Educate them by continuing to bring them to services.
(2) Teach them at home.
(3) Show them that we love the Lord.
(4) If your child sees you missing worship for just any reason, what are they going to think about the importance of worship?
b) If we are talking about a spouse…
(1) Again, try to help them realize the importance and purpose of worship.
(2) Set the right example. 1 Peter 3:1-2. Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
c) If we are talking about anyone else. – Same as above.
IV. WHAT IS THE “JIHAD?” WHO IS ALLAH?
A. Both of these terms are related to the religion of Islam.
1. Islam – to surrender to the will of Allah.
2. Muslim – One who surrenders.
B. Allah.
1. It is an Arabic word that means “the God.”
2. Muslims claim that this is the God of the Bible.
3. However, their view of Allah and the God of the Bible are very different.
a) They don’t view God as a Father. Yet Jesus did. Matthew 6:9. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
b) There is no grace in Islam. Salvation is solely by works. Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
c) They believe that God is arbitrary and causes both good and evil. “Allah leads astray whom he pleases and guides whom he pleases and no one knows the host of the Lord save himself. And every man’s destiny have we fastened upon his neck.”
C. Jihad.
1. The most basic definition is – “struggle.”
2. Muslims believe in three types of Jihad.
a) The believer’s internal struggle to serve Allah.
b) The struggle to build a good Muslim society.
c) Holy War – the struggle to defend Islam, with force if necessary.
3. Muslims argue that the Koran only authorizes Holy War in a defensive fashion.
4. Unfortunately, some Muslims see the traditions of the West and Christianity as a clear threat to Islam and consider any attack they make to be defensive in nature.
5. Surah 9:29. And Fight those who have not faith in God, nor in the Hereafter, and (who) forbid not what God and His Prophet have forbidden and (who) are not committed to the religion of truth, of those who have been brought the Book, until they pay tribute by hand, and they are the low.
V. WHO WAS THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE BIBLE?
A. Methuselah.
B. Genesis 5:27. So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died.
Delivered on: September 30, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Questions and Answers 2012-07-29 – audio
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I. Question One – Is it ok to wear shorts “to church”?
A. To a large extent, it is a matter of preference.
1. The way members dress is often determined by climate and culture.
2. In the churches I attended in Tennessee, you would NEVER see someone wear shorts to worship.
3. However, in other places (I am told Florida is one case) shorts are common.
4. At church camp, I attended worship services in shorts because of the heat.
B. We need to be modest.
1. We looked at this in detail just recently.
2. No matter where we are (In worship or out) we need to be modest.
3. Short shorts are not modest.
4. A good guideline would be knee length.
C. We need to be respectful.
1. We must show respect toward God.
a) When we come to worship we are coming to pay homage to our Creator and Savior.
b) We ought to show proper respect.
c) Can we do that in shorts?
(1) Some would say, “No.”
(2) Some would say, “Sure.”
d) Other than modesty and respect, no dress code is given.
2. We must show respect toward our brethren.
a) Some brethren may have a problem with shorts.
b) Especially for men who may be leading in part of the service… shorts could be distracting.
(1) Many of you know that at our church picnics I always wear pants when I preach.
(2) At church camp, if I am speaking or leading in the service in some other way, I wear pants.
c) When I was younger, attending a small church in Gahanna, I use to wear shorts even when leading in the service. No one ever said a word to me about it but one day, at a men’s business meeting, I asked if my shorts were appropriate and one of the men spoke up and said that he didn’t like it. I never have worn shorts to service since.
d) 1 Corinthians 8:13. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
II. Question Two – What about other non-denominations?
A. This question was put into the box after the sermon a couple of weeks ago on the exclusivity of the church.
1. In that sermon we noticed that the “Church of Christ” is the church that we read about in the Bible and that it is NOT made up of various worldly denominations.
2. We noticed six identifying marks of the church of the Bible.
a) Authority.
b) Music.
c) One church.
d) Organization.
e) Titles.
f) Baptism.
B. The question is asking if “non-denominational” churches are the church of Christ.
1. The answer to that is that there are so many different non-denominational groups out there that you have to look at each one individually.
2. I chose one “non-denominational” church from the area and looked at their website.
3. It is the “Church in Aurora.”
4. Here is what I found.
a) Authority – believe that the Holy Spirit is still leading in a miraculous way and is even responsible for the division that exists among various religious bodies.
b) Organization – They have a Senior Pastor instead of a scriptural plurality of pastors.
(1) A picture of their Pastor shows him in his full ceremonial attire.
(2) “Representing Community Churches he is: a voting delegate to the National Council of Churches, a Judicatory Executive with the Ohio Council of Churches and the Treasurer for the Aurora Clergy Association.”
(3) Under “Governing Body” it says this. “Voting membership of the Church Board shall include the Moderator, Associate Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer; one member from each of the Elders, Trustees, Stewardship Directors, Christian Education Committee, Fellowship Committee, Membership Committee, Mission Directors, Endowment Fund Directors, and Women’s Guild; and two members from Deacons, one man and one woman. The Associate Treasurer shall vote in the absence of the Treasurer. Each committee shall select its representative(S) to the Board.”
(4) Looking at a list of their elders, three women are listed.
c) Music.
(1) They have instrumental music.
(2) They have choirs.
d) Baptism is “in the mode desired” by the one being baptized. In other words, it could be sprinkling or pouring.
e) Communion is to be taken when the leadership decides to take it.
C. It is obvious, that just because a church calls itself non-denominational… that does not mean that it is the church we read about in the Bible.
III. Question Three – Are there really three levels of hell?
A. The simple answer to this question is, “No.”
B. I’m not sure where the number “3” comes from.
C. Dante’s Inferno, a part of a 14th century epic poem was written by Dante Alighieri.
1. In this poem, Dante is led through on a journey through Hell by a Roman poet named Virgil.
2. In it, there is said to be nine levels of hell.
3. Basically, the lower you go, the worse it gets; with the Devil being at the center of the earth in the 9th level.
D. The Bible does not speak of levels of hell but it does hint at levels of punishment.
1. Luke 12:47-48. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
2. 2 Peter 2:20-21. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
IV. Question Four – If Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot would betray Him, why did He choose Him as an apostle in the first place?
A. Some things we are just not told – Deuteronomy 29:29
B. However, let me suggest two possibilities…
1. In order to be tempted in all points like as we are, He had to be betrayed by a friend – Hebrews 4:15
2. Ultimately, He came to earth to be put to death. Judas’ betrayal was part of that plan.
a) Don’t forget… Jesus’ betrayal was prophesied beforehand.
b) Psalm 41:9. Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.
c) John 13:18. “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’
V. Question Five – Can you go to heaven and in heaven can you go to hell?
(Not Discussed)
VI. Question Six – “Psalm 139:16. God knows our number of days before there was any… How can we possibly say – when a young person dies, or in fact anyone dies, that it is not God’s will?”
A. 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.
B. Definitions.
1. Will – the thing that one desires or ordains.
2. Ordain – to order or decree something officially.
C. Two important questions.
1. Does foreknowledge of an event mean that one approves of that event?
2. Does the decision to not intervene to prevent an event mean that one approves of that event?
D. God’s foreknowledge of events does not mean that He desires it or has ordered it.
1. He foreknew that Adam and Eve would sin. 1 Peter 1:20. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
2. His will in this case was for them to be obedient and stay in fellowship with Him.
3. 2 Peter 3:9. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
4. 1 Timothy 2:4. Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth
E. Does God’s failure to intervene mean that He desires that particular event to happen?
1. We need to understand God’s permissive will.
2. God made the decision before He ever created man that He would allow man the freedom to choose for Himself.
3. As a result, sin came into the world and death because of sin.
4. Sin and death are not God’s will.
5. To some extent, we even do this with our own children.
6. We step aside and allow them to do things that we know they are going to regret.
7. A good example of this is the story of Joseph.
a) Ultimately, everything that happened in Joseph’s life fulfilled God’s purpose.
b) But that doesn’t mean that God approved of the way that Joseph’s brothers treated him.
c) Neither did God approve of Potiphar’s wife’s deception.
d) However, God was able to use these bad things to bring about something good.
Delivered on: July 29, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Christian “4-H” – powerpoint – audio
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Head – Christianity is a Religion of the Mind – God Expects Us to Think Clearly
- Isaiah 1:18
- Acts 18:28
- Matthew 11:3-5
- 1 Peter 3:15
- Acts 17:11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- John 20:30-31
- 2 Peter 2:20
Heart – Christianity is a Religion of the Heart – God Wants Us to Connect Emotionally
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
- John 3:16
- 1 John 4:19
- Romans 6:17
- John 4:24
Hands – Christianity is a Religion of the Service – God Wants Us to Work Actively
- James 1:27
- Galatians 5:13
- Mark 10:43-45
- Matthew 25:34-40
Health – Christianity is a Religion of the Balance – To be a Healthy Christian, One Must Have Balance
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
- James 2:19-20
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
- 1 John 3:18
- John 14:15
- 1 Corinthians 13:3
- Colossians 3:17
- Matthew 7:21-23
- Romans 10:1-3
Delivered on: September 23, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Requirements for Baptism – audio
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Introduction
1. One of the Devil’s greatest tools is misinformation.
2. After all, he is the Father of lies – John 8:44
3. If he can convince people that they are saved when they really are not, then he has won.
4. One way that he accomplishes this is by “muddying” the waters in regard to baptism.
5. Today, let us notice some of the requirements for Scriptural baptism.
6. Before we get started, let me say that I have no one in mind in delivering this lesson.
7. Looking back at my life, I wish I had heard a sermon like this.
Body
I. BELIEF IS REQUIRED.
A. Mark 16:15-16 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
1. Jesus puts belief on an equal footing with baptism.
2. That which we are to believe is the gospel.
3. The gospel is the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – Romans 15:1-4
B. How does the devil use this to lead people astray?
1. Put simply, many are baptized who are not capable of believing.
2. We are talking about infant baptism.
3. These children grow up hearing about the necessity of baptism and feel that they are ok.
4. Without belief, baptism is meaningless.
C. Nowhere in the Scriptures do we have an example of infant baptism.
1. No infants are mentioned in Lydia’s household – Acts 16:15
2. No infants in the jailer’s house were baptized – Acts 16:33-34
II. REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1. Speaking to people who had come to believe the gospel, Peter told them that they needed to repent and be baptized.
2. Peter puts repentance on an equal footing with baptism.
B. But what is repentance?
1. It is a change of behavior based upon a change of heart – 2 Corinthians 7:10
2. A wonderful example of repentance is given in Matthew 21:28-31.
C. Baptism without repentance does us no good.
1. There must be a mental decision on a person’s part to turn and serve God.
2. Granted… a new Christian does not know everything there is to know when he or she is baptized.
3. There are often things they are doing that they don’t even realize are sin.
4. But when God’s word convicts them of a sin in their life, they have already made the mental decision to turn from it.
III. PROPER UNDERSTANDING IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 19:1-5
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. – Acts 19:1-5
1. These individuals had been baptized.
2. Yet for some reason, they felt compelled to be immersed again.
3. What was that reason?
4. They had been taught incorrectly.
a) They had been taught by Apollos who knew only the baptism of John when he had passed through that area.
b) He had (At that point) not heard of Christ’s baptism.
B. How does the devil use this tool today?
1. Many, many people have been baptized but have been taught incorrectly.
2. I was brought up in the Church of Christ in Christian Union.
a) I was taught that baptism was an outward sign of an inward grace.
b) I was taught that baptism was simply a means of showing the world that I was already a Christian.
3. The Baptist church teaches that one is saved and then baptized to become a member of the Baptist church.
a) “Baptism is not essential to salvation for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of baptismal regeneration”; but it is essential to obedience, since Christ commanded it. It is also essential to membership in the church which is his body” – Standard Manual for Baptist Churches. Pg.21.
b) Hence, it is easier to get to heaven than it is to get into the Baptist church.
c) Many Baptists don’t even realize that this is what their church teaches.
d) Yet many of these same Baptists convince their selves that (Despite being a member of a church that teaches otherwise) they were baptized for the right reason.
C. You cannot be taught incorrectly about baptism and be baptized correctly.
IV. IMMERSION IS REQUIRED.
A. Some Greek Definitions.
1. Baptidzo.
a) Thayer: To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge.
b) Vines: Consisting of the process of immersion. To dip. Was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc.
c) Therefore, we see that baptism is an immersion.
d) The New Testament describes it as a burial.
(1) Colossians 2:12 – Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
(2) Romans 6:4 – Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2. Sprinkling is not baptism.
a) Greek as a word that means sprinkle.
b) Rhantizo : to sprinkle.
c) Hebrews 9:19-21 – For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.
d) If God wanted us to be sprinkled, He could have used this word.
3. Pouring is not baptism.
a) Greek has a word that means to pour.
b) Eckchuno : To pour forth.
c) Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
d) If God wanted us to have water poured over our heads, He could have used this word.
4. Sprinkling and pouring were not the original modes of New Testament baptism.
a) The first instance of its use was in 251 A.D.
b) A sick man by the name of Novatian who feared dying unbaptized had his friends lay bed sheets all around him and they poured water all over him in a attempt to baptize him.
c) This came to be called clinical baptism.
d) In 753 A.D., pope Stephen II legislated that in “cases of necessity” pouring water on the head was acceptable.
e) In 1311, a council of bishops meeting in Ravenna, Italy voted that either sprinkling or immersion was acceptable.
B. Someone who has been sprinkled on or poured on has NOT been baptized.
1. Yet, so many religious groups allow or even force people to forego immersion in favor of sprinkling or pouring.
2. These people will often tell you that they have been baptized when, indeed, they have not.
3. Once again, the Devil convinces them they are saved when they are not.
Conclusion
1. Have you met the above requirements?
2. Have you been SCRIPTURALLY baptized?
3. If not (Or if you are not sure)… don’t gamble with your soul.
4. Contact Us for assistance – Do it right and KNOW that you are saved.
Delivered on: August 5, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Gossip – audio
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Introduction
1. I maim without killing.
2. I break hearts and ruin lives.
3. I am cruel and malicious and gather strength with age.
4. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
5. I flourish at every level of society.
6. My victims are helpless.
a. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.
b. To track me down is impossible.
c. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
7. I’m nobody’s friend.
8. I topple governments and ruin marriages.
9. I destroy careers, cause heartache and many sleepless nights.
10. I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
11. I make innocent people cry into their pillows at night.
12. I am gossip.
Body
I. WHAT IS GOSSIP?
A. A Definition.
1. Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
2. Chiefly derogatory, a person who likes talking about other people’s lives.
B. Four Words. These four words give us some insight into the nature of what gossip really entails.
1. Talebearer / Whisperer.
a) Proverbs 11:13.
b) A talebearer is one who likes to reveal secrets.
c) He does this in whispers.
2. Backbiter.
a) 2 Corinthians 12:20.
b) Literally: one who speaks against or speaks back.
c) Brings with it the idea of speaking secretly about someone behind their back.
d) As a result, the one being spoken of has no opportunity to defend himself.
3. Busybody.
a) 2 Thessalonians 3:11.
(1) From a compound verb meaning to work around.
(2) In other words, to be busy in other people’s affairs.
b) 1 Peter 4:15.
(1) From two words: That which belongs to another, and overseer.
(2) So busybodies are people who think they are overseers over other people’s business.
(3) Also, notice that being a busybody is listed right along with being a murderer, thief, and evildoer.
c) Busybodies are “peeping Toms.” Always peeping into other people’s lives.
4. Slanderer.
a) 2 Timothy 3:1-3.
b) Slander – to accuse.
c) The Greek word for slanderer is “diabolos” or devil.
d) Psalm 101:5.
e) Psalm 140:11.
C. What is gossip?
1. Being busy in other people’s affairs.
2. Telling tales about others.
3. Telling these tales behind their backs.
4. Accusing others of things without giving them the chance to defend themselves.
D. An important note.
1. If you become aware of a brother or sister not behaving properly…
2. Matthew 18:15-17.
3. First go to that brother or sister and…
a) Confirm the truthfulness or untruthfulness of the facts.
b) If that brother or sister is guilty of sin, encourage them to repent.
4. If they won’t repent, take one or two witnesses with you that every word may be established.
5. If there is still no repentance, reveal it to the church.
6. This is not gossip. Gossip is speaking of others with no intention of helping them.
II. WHY IS GOSSIP SUCH A PROBLEM?
A. People enjoy it. Proverbs 18:8.
1. Gossip is like an all-you-can-eat buffet with a dessert bar.
2. Gossip is like a hot fudge peanut butter sundae made with chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
B. Why is gossip so tasty?
1. I am convinced that there is a part of us that likes to hear about the misdeeds / weaknesses of others because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
2. We have a bit of the Pharisee in us. Luke 18:9-12.
III. GOSSIP CAUSES GREAT HARM.
A. James 3:5-8.
1. Gossip is a wildfire gone out of control.
2. We may try to put it out but it has a life of it’s own.
3. It is full of deadly poison (v.8).
B. Gossip can destroy friendships. Proverbs 16:28.
C. Gossip causes division and strife. Proverbs 26:20.
D. Gossip causes fierce anger. Proverbs 25:23.
E. Often, gossip spreads falsehood. Ephesians 4:25.
F. Being a Gossip / Busybody / Talebearer / Whisperer / Backbiter will cause you to be lost. Romans 1:29-32.
IV. THE REMEDY FOR GOSSIP.
A. Repent! Don’t listen to gossip.
1. Proverbs 20:19.
2. If the gossip has no one to talk to, he will cease.
3. Put a stop it by saying:
a) Brother, this sounds a lot like gossip and I can’t take part in that. Or…
b) Brother, this is serious business. Let’s go and talk to brother ____ and see if this is true.
B. Watch your tongue carefully.
1. Ephesians 4:29.
2. If our words tear people down rather than build them up, we must keep quiet.
C. Realize that you will have to give an account of all your words. Matthew 12:36-37.
D. Pray as David did: Psalm 141:3-4.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Confession of Sin – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.
Introduction
1. The Bible tells us that we are to confess our sins.
2. 1 John 1:9.
3. James 5:16.
4. But how does this work?
a. Are we to confess our sins to a priest?
b. Are we to confess our sins publicly? If so, how often should one do this?
c. Are we to confess our sins only to God?
5. Tonight, let us consider what it means to confess our sins and how we should go about doing it.
Body
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONFESS SIN?
A. Simply put, confession of sin means that one acknowledges sin in their lives. Psalm 51:3.
B. Confessing sin in our lives is the first step toward repentance.
1. Certainly, one who does not admit sin in his life will never repent of it.
2. This is a common problem. John 9:39-41
3. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.
C. But to whom do we confess our sins?
1. Genesis 39:8-9.
2. Ultimately, all sin is against God, so obviously we must acknowledge our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
3. Are we to confess our sins to men?
a) Yes and No.
b) The answer to this question depends upon the nature of the sin being confessed.
c) Generally speaking, the sin needs to be confessed (acknowledged) as widely as it is known.
d) However, there is also James 5:16 to consider.
(1) This tells us that it is good to confess our faults / sins / shortcomings to one another so that we can pray for one another.
(2) There are times that all of us need the prayers of the church.
(3) Those prayers are effective.
II. CONFESSION OF PRIVATE SIN.
A. Private sin is sin that is only known by you and God.
1. As such, it needs only be confessed to God.
2. It need go no further.
B. Ultimately, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
1. The idea of having to have a human mediator in order to deal with God is foreign to Scripture.
2. Jesus is our Mediator. As such, we can approach God through Him.
C. However, there may be times when our private sin is getting the best of us.
1. Sins like: drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gluttony, etc.
2. We may need to seek the prayers of the church for strength to overcome these sins and “be healed.” James 5:16.
3. Please remember though, those confessing sins need to be willing to do their part in repenting of those sins as well.
III. CONFESSION OF SEMI-PRIVATE SIN.
A. By “Semi-private,” I am referring to sins that are not public but that are known to at least one other than yourself.
B. Perhaps, you have sinned against a brother or a brother has sinned against you.
1. A sin such as this needs to be taken care of as widely as it is known.
2. Note Matthew 18:15-17
a) The ultimate goal is to make peace.
b) Between the brethren and if a sin has indeed been committed and it is not just a misunderstanding…
c) To make the offending brother / sister right with God.
3. Every attempt has to be made to keep this sin as private as possible. 1 Peter 4:8.
4. All too often, what happens is brethren confess their brother’s faults with us.
5. As seen from the passage above… sometimes this type of sin might become public knowledge if there is no repentance on the part of the guilty party.
C. Sometimes, we may sin against an individual who is not a member of the church.
1. In doing this we have hurt not only our influence but the influence of Christ and His church.
2. When this happens we must repent of our sin and make restitution (as much as is possible) with the one we sinned against.
IV. CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SIN.
A. Sometimes, our sins are committed in a very public way.
1. Perhaps our actions have brought reproach on the church.
2. Perhaps our actions have led others astray. i.e. Doing drugs and leading others to think that it is ok to do such.
B. Public sin needs to be taken care of in a public way.
1. Acts 5:1-5.
2. Galatians 2:11-14.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.
C. Public sins are also sins against the church.
1. When we sin in such a way, we must seek the church’s forgiveness.
2. The church (if it is what is should be) is all too willing to forgive, they just need to know that forgiveness is sought.
3. We offer this opportunity when we give the invitation.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Salvation Comes From Obeying God’s Truth
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(Eternal salvation comes from God only by obeying the truth)
Introduction
- The source of man’s eternal salvation is Jesus Christ – Hebrews 5:8-9. Since God showered His love upon us, by giving us a perfect substitute sacrifice, for ours sins – John 3:16.
- God has provided the means by which man can be saved (Grace) – Ephesians 2:4-5. But man must be willing to obey Jesus for their eternal salvation – Matthew 7:21. Obedience means that man must also continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain their eternal salvation – John 8:31-32. Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation, by departing from the faith and returning to disobedience – Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
- There is a false doctrine rooted in Calvinism, called “Perseverance Of The Saints”, that erroneously asserts the impossibility of apostasy; the unconditional security of the believer in Jesus Christ. Also called once saved always saved. Therefore, let us make sure we are abiding in the true doctrine of Christ that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son – 2 John 9-11.
Eternal Salvation is Made Available to All by God’s Grace
- It is through God’s love and mercy that He has prepared a way, through Jesus, that all sinners might avoid the wages of sin (Death) and be saved – John 1:17. This favor bestowed upon us without merit on our part is God’s wonderful grace – 1 John 3:1.
- In Titus 2:11-14, the Bible emphatically teaches the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everybody. This does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that all humanity has the opportunity to access the benefits of God’s grace through His divine plan of redemption (By faith) – Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
- Before one can access the blessings of God’s grace, one must be first taught of God through His Word – John 6:45. God’s grace is not dispensed apart from instruction (Teaching) and obedience of His Word (Taught religion). Once this is done, it produces faith – Romans 10:17.
Eternal Salvation is Conditional Based of Your Faithfulness
- To have eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God. Faith in God will require you to obey the works of obedience which God has commanded – James 2:17-24. If you do not do these things you will not be saved. These are condition required for salvation – Mark 16:16.
- God admonishes repeatedly to overcome all things, that we might obtain the crown of life that He, the Lord, will give us – 1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21-22. In 2 Peter 1:5-11, it is clear a Christian must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (We access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make their calling and election sure.
- If an individual disciple of Christ stops being faithful to God, they have departed from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1. They need to repent of the sins that caused them to depart from the faith to be reconciled back to God – 1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:1. In Acts 8:12-13, 18-24, Simon had been baptized and erred from the truth and was then admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Have You Surrendered All To Jesus?
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Introduction
- To surrender, to submit, or to be subject to, means: to yield your will, power, or control, to the will or authority of another. The Bible teaches us to be subject:
– Church subject to Christ – Ephesians 5:24
– Higher powers / government – Romans 13:1-2
– Masters (Employer) – 1 Peter 2:18
– Wife subject to their own husbands – Colossians 3:18
– Christians to the shepherds of the flock – Hebrews 13:17
The world views submission to God as a weakness, but Jesus shows us and the Bible teaches it’s a strength – Matthew 26:39. - There are a number of things that can prevent one from surrendering all to Jesus, such as covetousness, greed, materialism, pride, and selfishness. In our society, one device in Satan’s arsenal to prevent one from surrendering all to Jesus is “radical feminism”, which attacks the institutions of God, marriage, and the church.
- When a person decides to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, they have resolved to yield or surrender their life to Jesus in every way. A person who thinks he can only give a very small part to the Lord, and the rest to the world or family, has not learned the meaning of “surrendering to God” – Joshua 24:15; Matthew 6:24. When you have been washed in the blood of Jesus, you have surrendered your life with Jesus Christ on the cross – Galations 2:20.
You Must Surrender Your Personal Affections to Jesus
- The things that are of great value to you, which are precious in your sight, such as family, education, accomplishments, career, clothes, and entertainment, you must surrender to Jesus, if you want eternal life – Matthew 19:16-22.
- To surrender all to Jesus, you must be willing to forsake all worldly pleasures (Hebrews 11:24-25 “Moses”). Because in James 4:4, the Word of God teaches, the friendship with the world is enmity with God. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God.
- In order for you to surrender all to God, your love and devotion to God must be greater and superior than your love for your personal desires, and interests. Are you willing to surrender all to Jesus to become His disciple? Luke 14:25-27, 33.
Are You Ready to Surrender Your Life to Jesus?
- There are a number of people doing good things in this life. However they have not surrendered their life to Jesus, and are lost. In Romans 10:1-3, Paul’s earnest desire and prayer for Israel is that they might be saved, because they had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. They established their own righteousness and ignored God righteousness.
- How many of you are willing and ready to offer your body, talents, time, and resources as a living sacrifice to God? Paul beseeched the brethren to surrender their lives to Jesus as a living sacrifice – Romans 12:1. If you really love God, you will surrender your life to Him – John 14:15; John 15:14.
- Jesus died on the cruel rugged cross and God raised Him to life that you might live. If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, why not come obeying Jesus today?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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