Historical Posts
Choices
Our most important choices are regarding Jesus.
A young man applied for a job on a farm. The farmer had one question for him. “Are you willing to work hard?” The young man assured the farmer that he could count on him to do an honest day’s work, so the farmer hired him.
The first morning he was put to work chopping wood. The farmer told him what he wanted done and then went off to do his own chores. He returned at noon to check on his new employee, and to his surprise, found the wood all chopped and neatly stacked. What should have been an all day job had been done in four hours.
That afternoon the young man was put to work painting the barn. That, too, went smoothly and much faster than the farmer had expected. The job was completed by the weekend.
The following Monday morning the young man was put to work sorting potatoes. Some were for market, some for the farmers’ table, and some were for planting. This involved making choices. After showing the new hand what was expected, the farmer again went off to do his own work. To his surprise, when he returned later that morning, he discovered that the young man had made no progress. “What happened?” he demanded. “You were such a good worker last week!” Embarrassed, the young man replied, “I told you I was a good worker, but I didn’t say I could make decisions.”
When it comes to faith, it seems the young man has lots of company. At Mount Carmel Elijah chided Israel: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him. But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21).
The most important choices we make are the ones regarding Jesus. Are we with Him or against Him? There is no neutral ground. There are only the two choices: we are either on His side or we side with the devil (Matthew 12:30). We have made a choice. Have we made the right one? Remember, time is running out!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Luke 10:30-35 – Samaritan Sense
Text: Luke 10:30-35
Introduction
In our text, Jesus tells a certain lawyer of a certain Samaritan that did a good deed for a man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho. This lawyer asked who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29), and Jesus showed how to be a neighbor (Luke 10:36-37). Perhaps there was something else Jesus was teaching the lawyer. One can only wonder if the lawyer needed to realize that Samaritans can be good neighbors, and he needed to be a good neighbor to Samaritans…
Body
I. Some Samaritans did not receive Jesus.
A. There was not a good relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
1) The king of Assyria placed many foreigners in Samaria who did not fear the LORD, and often served idols (2 Kings 17:24ff.).
2) As time went on, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9,27; 8:48).
B. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, He commanded them not to enter a city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5).
C. One village of the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, as He was ready to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56).
II. Some Samaritans believed Jesus.
A. A woman of Samaria was wary of Jesus when she came to draw water at Jacob’s well, but later leads many Samaritans to Him (John 4:9ff.).
B. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).
III. One Samaritan was thankful to Jesus.
A. Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-14).
B. Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to say thank you (Luke 17:15-19).
Conclusion
A. We can learn a lot from the Samaritans.
1) They are people, just like all of us.
2) They have the same opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
a) Some believed themselves and led many others to Christ.
b) Some went to Christ and were thankful, as we all should (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
c) Some were good examples of how to love their neighbor.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Why I Am a Believer
Why am I a Believer?
When it comes to the great questions of life regarding origin, purpose and destiny, each of us chooses to be a believer in one of two explanations:
- We are the product of divine intervention, or
- We owe our existence to a freak accident of nature sometime in the distant past.
It is universally accepted that our universe has not always existed. It had a beginning. Who or what began it? I am convinced that it is more reasonable and logical to be a believer in a divine Creator than to embrace the idea that life got its start by some accident of nature. I am compelled to exclaim with the Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
When it comes to life and how it ought to be lived, we must conclude either:
- Every human being is left to his own devices, or
- There is an instruction manual from the Maker to guide our steps
I am convinced that the Bible is the Creator’s instruction manual for His creation and His believers. It is often call THE GOOD BOOK. If that is an accurate portrayal, then it is fair to inquire as to who wrote it. It obviously did not write itself. I think we could all agree that a good book would not be the work of bad men. But, if it is merely the work of good men, could those men still be considered good if they attributed their work to God? That would be true only if God was the ultimate source. This is the claim the Bible makes (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The evidence supports the assertion. I am a believer!
When I look at Jesus several questions arise. Who was He? Was He a good man? Would a good man allow others to think him something he was not? As others have argued, only three possibilities exist. Each of us chooses to be a believer of one of the three:
- Jesus was a lunatic, or
- Jesus was a liar, or
- Jesus is Lord.
Peter proclaimed Him the Son of God (Matthew 16:18). The evidence supports his confession. I am a believer!
Two choices are before us.
- We are believers, or
- We are unbelievers.
If I have nothing to gain as an unbeliever, and nothing to lose as a believer, which makes the most sense? Or, if I have everything to lose as an unbeliever, and everything to gain as a believer, which choice is reasonable? I choose to believe, and the evidence supports my faith (1 Peter 3:15).
You are a believer in something. What do you choose to believe?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Do you believe everything you hear? Or do you check it out?
At the end of every episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton would say, “…But, you don’t have to take my word for it.” The kids would then give book recommendations on a common topic. Each viewer was encouraged not to believe everything you hear, but to choose a book they trusted and read for yourself.
Do you believe everything you hear in the religious world? Why? We should not just take someone’s word for it; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves! We must not rely just on the words of others; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves and go to the authority. Solomon wrote, “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps (Proverbs 14:15).”
Discovering the real truth will help us take the proper steps. Jeremiah wrote, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).” No, man does not know how to direct his own steps; he must let the LORD direct them (Proverbs 16:9).
Do not believe everything you hear. Whatever we read, hear on the radio, see on TV, or learn in Bible class or in worship, let us seek the truth from God’s Word (John 17:17) for ourselves. Let us be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
Once you hear the truth and check it out, will you believe and act on it?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Belief of Demons
Do you have the belief of demons? Not good enough!
James 2:19-20: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” The belief of demons does not lead to saving action.
Demons recognize the fact that there is one God. In fact, they admit that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 8:28-32). Demons confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Holy One of God (Luke 4:33-36).” Yet they want nothing to do with Him. They know their time will come when they will be tormented. The belief of demons is a dead belief.
Like the demons, we must confess Christ as the Son of God so He will confess us before His Father in Heaven (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32). Unlike demons who believe and just tremble, we can have nothing to fear if we take saving action. We need to show our faith by our works. Then we can receive eternal salvation. Instead of having nothing to do with Christ, we must have everything to do with Him!
By having a belief in Jesus as the Son of God, confessing Him before men, and putting Him on in baptism, we then no longer live for ourselves. When we take these actions we begin to allow Christ to live in us. We do so by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). We must have far more than a dead belief, like the belief of demons. We must have a belief that drives us to take the saving actions that God has told us to take in His Word.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Go and Tell John – audio
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Text: Luke 7:18-23
At Nain, Jesus had raised the son of a widow from the dead. Word about Him quickly spread throughout the region, and ultimately came to John. John then sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the coming one. John knew the prophets foretold about God’s Messenger that would come (Malachi 3:1-3), and he wanted to know if Jesus indeed was that Messenger.
As the disciples came to Jesus, they directly asked Him if He was the Coming One. Jesus did not answer them by word of mouth; instead, He performed miracles for them to see. He then said, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me (Luke 7:22-23).”
John’s disciples were able to return to him as direct witnesses of Jesus; they were not relaying hearsay. It was up to them to believe Jesus based upon what they had seen with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. It was up to them to go and tell John about it. It was then up to John to accept it and respond accordingly.
The same is true for us today. Those like John’s disciples are telling us what they saw and heard themselves. He writes, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24).” He wrote those things that he had seen and heard so we may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing, we can have life through Christ (John 20:31).
Now, it is up to us. Do we believe in what the Bible has to say? Are we willing to go and tell others what we have learned about Christ? The gospel has the power to save us all (Romans 1:16).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Many Believed
Many believed when they examine the evidence with a fair and open mind.
As Peter and John made their way to the temple one afternoon, they encountered a lame beggar. The apostles had no money that day, but they had something much better. Peter said to him, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Instantly the man was healed. Soon a large crowd had gathered. To them the gospel was proclaimed and many believed.
When the Jewish authorities discovered what had taken place, Peter and John were arrested. But, as a result of what had happened, and what the apostles had taught, “many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). What led to their faith? Why was it many believed?
First, it was undeniable that a miracle had taken place. The hand of God was clearly at work that day. Even the enemies of Christ acknowledged “that indeed a notable miracle” had been done (Acts 4:16). It was clear that forces beyond the powers of mere mortals were at work that day. Obviously, Peter and John deserved a hearing.
Second, Peter and John conducted themselves, both at the temple, and in jail in an exemplary fashion. Their accusers marveled at their knowledge and boldness, and acknowledged that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). They not only proclaimed their faith in Jesus, they lived it!
Thirdly, they did not hesitate to plainly and forcefully proclaim the truth. To those who gathered that day to hear them preach, Peter leveled the following charge: “ye delivered up, and denied…the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead” (Acts 3:13-15). And, it was true! They could not deny it.
It was an irresistible combination, and many believed. The appeal is just as valid today. Examine the evidence with a fair and open mind, and I am convinced you will be a believer, too!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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1 John 05:01-05 – Three Tests of Authentic Christianity – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:1-5 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. As we began our study of First John, it was noted that it had a different objective than the Gospel of John
a. John wrote his gospel in order that one might have eternal life – John 20:30-31
b. His epistle was written so that one might know they have eternal life – 1 John 5:13
2. Throughout his epistle, then, John has mentioned the kind of things that provide evidence that one is truly a child of God, possessing fellowship with the Father and the Son – 1 John 3:10
3. There are actually several tests that John has been applying by which we can know that we have eternal life, and in the text for our study (1 John 5:1-5), they are mentioned together
Body
I. THE TEST OF BELIEF
A. IN PARTICULAR, BELIEF IN JESUS
1. As the Christ – 1 John 5:1a
2. As the Son of God – 1 John 5:5b
3. Who has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
B. TO DENY JESUS AS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD
1. Makes one a liar and antichrist – 1 John 2:22
2. Makes fellowship with the Father and the Son impossible – 1 John 2:22-23
C. THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH FAITH IN JESUS
1. Necessary for one to be born of God – 1 John 5:1a
a. Just as faith in God is necessary to please Him – Hebrews 11:6
b. So faith in Jesus is necessary to experience eternal life – John 8:24
2. Necessary for one to overcome the world – 1 John 5:4-5
a. We can overcome the world only through the One who lives in us – 1 John 4:4
b. But with such strength, we can do anything God desires of us – Philippians 4:13
II. THE TEST OF LOVE
A. JESUS HAD MADE BROTHERLY LOVE
1. A mark of discipleship – John 13:34-35
2. A commandment to prove we are His friends – John 15:12-14, 17
B. JOHN HAD STRESSED BROTHERLY LOVE
1. As evidence of abiding in the light – 1 John 2:10
2. As evidence of being a child of God – 1 John 3:10
3. As evidence of having passed from death to live – 1 John 3:14
4. As evidence of knowing God and being born of God – 1 John 4:7-8
C. AND NOW, IN DISCUSSING BROTHERLY LOVE
1. John describes it as a necessary corollary to loving God – 1 John 5:1a
a. If you love God who brings forth children
b. …then you must love those children who have come from Him!
2. John reveals how we can be sure that we love God’s children by loving God and keeping His commandments – 1 John 5:2
a. I may claim to love my brethren
b. But if I do not love God and keep His commandments, my claim is a shallow one!
III. THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE
A. JOHN HAD EMPHASIZED THIS TEST EARLIER
1. As essential to having fellowship with the Father – 1 John 1:6-7
2. As essential to knowing Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
3. As essential to loving God – 1 John 2:5
4. As essential to abiding in Jesus – 1 John 2:6
5. As essential to being a child of God – 1 John 3:10
6. As essential to having our prayers answered – 1 John 3:22
B. NOW HE STRESSES THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO
1. Loving the children of God – 1 John 5:2
2. Loving God Himself – 1 John 5:3a
C. TO JOHN, HOWEVER, THIS TEST IS NOT A BURDEN
1. The commandments of God are not burdensome – 1 John 5:3b
2. Though he had served the Lord for many years (possibly 50 or more), he had not found the commandments grievous
3. His attitude toward commandment-keeping was like that of David’s – Psalms 19:7-11
Conclusion
1. In these three areas, then, we find the proof of authentic Christianity:
a. Belief in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh
b. Love for the brethren
c. Obedience in keeping the commandments of God
2. It is interesting that today
a. Many people do not have any problem with the first two (belief and love)
b. But will often balk when told they need to be obedient to the commands of Jesus Christ (Oh, you are just being legalistic!)
3. But if we really love God and His children, if we really believe in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh and died for our sins, then the commandments of the Lord will not be grievous
a. If you love Me, keep My commandments. – John 14:15
4. Are we passing the tests of authentic Christianity?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 04:01-06 – Test the Spirits – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:1-6
Introduction
1. So far in this epistle, John has discussed what our relationship should be in regards to:
a. God – 1 John 1:5-6
b. Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
c. The things in the world – 1 John 2:15
d. Sin – 1 John 3:4-5
e. Our brethren – 1 John 3:11
2. As chapter four begins, we find John exhorting us concerning a very real danger: false prophets! – 1 John 4:1-6
Body
I. TEST THE SPIRITS!
A. “DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT”
1. For example, don’t believe everything you hear, or everyone who claims to be from God
2. How foolish it would be to do so should be obvious:
a. We would be in a constant state of confusion (believing one thing one moment, and another thing the next)
b. We would be easily misled by those teaching error
B. “TEST THE SPIRITS, WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD”
1. The word “test” (“try”, KJV) means:
a. To examine, prove scrutinize (Thayer)
b. To see whether a thing is genuine or not
2. So don’t just accept what some teacher or preacher is saying; examine what is being taught
3. Those who have this attitude are highly commended in the Scriptures:
a. The Bereans – Acts 17:11
b. The Ephesians – Revelation 2:2
C. “BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD”
1. This is the reason we must “test the spirits”
2. Others have also warned us of this fact
a. Jesus – Matthew 7:15
b. Peter – 2 Peter 2:1-3
c. Paul – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. So we must examine, prove, and scrutinize those who would teach us!
a. Even though some teachers might consider it insubordinate
b. Even though some might not like the possible controversy can cause
4. Whether one teaches in our classes, pulpits, radio, web, etc., we must “test the spirits!”
D. But HOW shall we test the spirits?
II. THE TESTS
A. DO THEY CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH?
1. 1 John 4:2-3 are best understood in light of the Gnostic-like errors that were prevalent at that time
a. In which some denied Jesus Christ actually came in the flesh – 2 John 1:7
b. Whose doctrine was leading many astray, possibly because the false teachers claimed inspiration by the Spirit
2. But those who would teach such falsehood are not led by the Spirit of God, but possess the spirit of the Antichrist! – 2 John 1:7
B. DO THEY LISTEN TO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST?
1. 1 John 4:6 reveals how we can distinguish between “the spirit of truth” and “the spirit of error”
a. Those who truly know God listen to the apostles
b. Those who are not of God will reject them
2. For example, does the teaching agree with what the apostles teach?
a. For Jesus taught that to receive them was to receive Him and God – John 13:20
b. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
c. For they recognized their words as the commands of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
d. And even the apostles recognized their fellow-apostles’ writings as equivalent to inspired scriptures – 2 Peter 3:15-16
e. Therefore, those who are of God will heed the apostles, and agree with their teaching!
3. This is a test that we can easily apply today on virtually every issue!
a. But it implies knowledge and understanding of the apostles’ doctrine on our part
b. Yet that should not be a problem if we follow the example of the first church in Jerusalem – Acts 2:42
C. THOUGH NOT MENTIONED BY JOHN, HERE ARE TWO MORE “TESTS”
1. The test of Deuteronomy 18:21-22
a. To be used when a person claims to be a prophet of God
b. If their prophecy fails, they are shown to be a false prophet
2. The test of Deuteronomy 13:1-4
a. To be used when wonders are performed, and prophecies seem to be fulfilled
b. If their doctrine contradicts what God has already revealed, they are to be rejected
Conclusion
1. In the midst of these warnings to “test the spirits”, John provides some comforting words in 1 John 4:4-5
a. By being of God (because they have heeded the words of His apostles)
1) They can overcome the false prophets
2) For the One in them is greater than he who is in the world
b. Don’t be surprised to see the world following after the false prophets
1) For the false prophets are of the world and speak in a way as to appeal to the world
2) Therefore don’t be deterred by the “apparent success” of the false teachers (size and numbers are not a proper measure of truth!)
2. In view of the proliferation of religions and various doctrines bombarding us today, all in the name of Christ and the Spirit of God, the exhortation of John is very relevant and important for us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God”
3. Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine so you can properly apply the test?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Do You Believe God?
Many people make promises they cannot keep.
Often we hear of how someone is going to do something, but they either do not do it at all, or do it in an unexpected way. After so many times of expectations being shattered, we no longer believe them.
When God tells us something, do we believe Him?
He told Paul, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).” As Paul journeyed from Jerusalem to Rome, he went through various difficult times.
During a dangerous voyage, many of his shipmates became afraid. However, he assured them of what the Lord told him: “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you (Acts 27:24).” He then expresses his confidence in Him: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me (Acts 27:25).”
Paul is not the only one to have this confidence.
The Virgin Mary was told she would have a Son [Jesus], and she believed (Luke 1:30-31,45).
God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants even his old age, and he believed Him (Genesis 17:17; Romans 4:20-21) because he knew He was able to perform it.
Paul assured Timothy: “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (2 Timothy 1:12).”
We often sing the aforementioned words, but do we believe God?
It will be just as He told us. We can live forever in Heaven with Him if we do His will!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 11:6 Does It Make a Difference? audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. Religious world is divided
1. Different beliefs
2. Different doctrines
3. Different practices
4. Different churches
B. Does it make any difference about any of that?
C. Does it make any difference what one believes?
Body
I. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE BELIEVES
A. That popular concept will not work in other areas:
1. Business – If you invest in a business, believe it to be a good investment, you may easily lose all your money!
2. Health – If you drink a glass liquid, believe it to be water, you may die if it is really poison!
B. If one must believe anything, then it makes a difference
1. God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Christ – John 8:24
3. Truth – John 8:32; Galatians 1:6-9
C. An objective standard, a fixed standard makes a difference what we believe
1. What is written – 2 Corinthians 4:13
2. Oracles of God – 1 Peter 4:11
3. Commandments – 1 Corinthians 14:37
4. Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
5. Inspired Scriptures – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
D. The difference it makes – John 8:24
1. Believes in Christ = Sins forgiven = Heaven
2. Does not believe in Christ = Die in sin = Cannot go to Heaven
E. Not loving the truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
1. Lie = Deceived – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
2. Not love truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
3. Deluded – 2 Thessalonians 2:11
4. Believe lie – 2 Thessalonians 2: 11
5. Not believe truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:12
6. Pleasure in unrighteousness (v 12) = Condemned (v 12)
F. Believing a lie – 1 Kings 13:7-10; 19-26
1. Do not drink water; Do not return the same way
2. Lie: Bring him back to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water
II. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE PRACTICES
A. If not – Can do anything!
1. Handle snakes as worship
2. Immoral acts as worship
B. Our practice must be authorized in the Word of God
1. According to the pattern – Hebrews 8:5
2. In the name of the Lord – Colossians 3:17
3. Within the doctrine of Christ – 2 John 9
C. The difference it makes our practice affects our:
1. Fellowship with God – 2 John 9
2. Eternal salvation – Matthew 7:22-23
Conclusion
A. If it does not make any difference
1. Does not matter whether one believes or not
2. Does not make any difference whether one believes the Bible
3. What Bible says – unimportant
4. What God says – unimportant
B. If it does make a difference
1. I need to know the truth – John 8:32
2. I need to study and examine what I am taught – Acts 17:11
3. I need to obey the truth – 1 Peter 1:22
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Decision Tree – Truly Believe
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Refusing to repent is really an indication that you don’t truly believe. If you really believe that God is your creator and wants what is best for you, why would you reject His instruction to be baptized? Remember, just having an intellectual “belief” will do you no good. Your sin continues to separate you from God and you need a belief that will lead to action to take your sin out of the way.
James 2:17-24 expounds on how works complete faith, resulting in true belief. James 2:26 sums it up this way, “or as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also“.
Now, be honest and decide if you believe what in God says.
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Decision Tree – Truly Believe
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Just having an intellectual “belief” will do you no good.
Your sin continues to separate you from God and you need a belief that will lead to action to take your sin out of the way.
James 2:17-24 expounds on how works complete faith, resulting in true belief. James 2:26 sums it up this way, “or as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also“.
Now, be honest and decide if you believe in God and believe His Word.
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Decision Tree – Believe
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
It is great that you have decided to listen to God’s instruction, but just listening is not enough because your sin continues to separate you from God. Now that you understand your dire situation, you need to act on the instruction God is providing.
You are now learning of God’s plan to save us from our sin.
Jesus left Heaven and lived among us, performing miracles to provide evidence that He is the Son of God (John 20:30-31).
He has told us that He is the only way for us to return to the Father (John 14:6).
He also says there is a consequence of rejecting Him. John 8:24 Jesus tells us, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
Will you Believe in God and Believe His Word?
- Disbelieve that Jesus is God’s Son.
- Believe that there is a God and go on with your life.
- Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and desire to obey.
More on belief and faith:
- Why I Believe I Believe in Jesus Christ
- Christian “4-H”
- Without Faith it is Impossible to Please Him
- Three Kinds of Faith
- Can We Still Believe in Jesus
- Increasing our Faith
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Questions and Answers 2010-07-25 – audio
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I. Question One – “Is it okay to listen to Christian music with instruments?”
A. Philippians 2:12.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
B. We know that instrumental music is wrong in a worship service.
C. Therefore, the question is really, “What constitutes worship?”
D. There are varying opinions:
1. Some say, “When I am listening to music on the radio, I am not worshipping. It is only for entertainment. Therefore, it isn’t wrong.”
2. On the other hand some feel, “If I am listening to a spiritual song that gets me thinking about God and even praising God, then, by definition, I am worshiping.”
E. I choose not to listen to spiritual songs that have instrumental accompaniment.
F. Others see nothing wrong with it.
G. One thing is sure… Romans 14:22-24.
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
H. This is not an issue where we should draw lines of fellowship.
II. Question Two – “Please explain Matthew 12:31-32. Is there an unforgivable sin?”
A. Matthew 12:31-32.
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
B. In order to understand the passage properly, we have to consider the context. After all, it starts with the word, “Therefore…”
1. Matthew 12:22-35.
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
2. Jesus had just performed an undeniable miracle.
a) Biblical miracles were always undeniable.
b) It wasn’t like supposed miracle workers today who leave people in doubt.
3. In the face of this undeniable miracle, some were willing to ascribe the miracle to Satan.
a) This is much like what we read in Acts 4:16. Saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
b) Question: If one witnesses an undeniable miracle performed by the power of the Holy Spirit and then gives Satan the credit for that miracle; Is there anything that will convince that person? No!
4. Jesus was dealing with people whose hearts were hard! Matthew 12:34.
C. Is it possible to commit this sin today?
1. It is impossible to recreate the same circumstances today.
2. None of us have or will witness a genuine miracle.
3. So technically, it is not possible to commit this sin today.
4. However, even though there is no such thing as an unforgivable sin today; there is such a thing as unforgiven sin. The end result is the same!
III. Question Three – “When someone in the Bible believed and all his household; was it a matter of what the man said or were they doing what they were told?”
A. Acts 16:31-33.
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
B. In the above example…
1. The jailer was told that if he believed, he would be saved.
2. He was told that if his family believed, they would be saved in the same way.
3. Each individual member of the household was accountable for their own actions.
4. They were not saved by the actions of the jailer but as a result of their own faith and obedience.
5. Notice, all the household heard the word preached and all the household was baptized.
C. If there were ever a case where the head of the house was baptized and then commanded the rest of the family to be baptized whether they believed or not, then that would be wrong.
D. There is no reason to believe that this is what happened in Acts 16.
IV. Question Four – What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
“As parents we are to discipline our children. At times, when they get older, they try and challenge authority (of the parent). What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
A. Ephesians 6:4.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
B. It helps us to understand the meaning of the word “wrath.”
1. There are two main words used in the New Testament to mean wrath. Thumos & Orge. Both mean wrath but there is a difference.
2. Thumos – More emotional than Orge. It is an outburst of wrath from inward indignation. Hot, spur of the moment anger.
3. Orge – suggests a more settled or abiding condition. It is less sudden in it’s rise but also lasts longer than Thumos. It means to exasperate.
4. The word in Ephesians 6:4 is parogidzo. It means literally “to anger alongside.”
a) It is a form of the noun orge.
b) Hence, it is the longer lasting, deep seated anger.
C. As parents we are to discipline our children.
1. When we discipline them we must do it in the correct way.
2. As fathers, we are to discipline them in such a way that they know we have their best interests at heart.
3. We should be calm, and communicative when we discipline.
4. “This is why I am upset with you. This is why I have to punish you. I don’t like having to punish you. Please, let’s try to get this straightened out so I don’t have to do it again.”
5. When we discipline them in anger, we often will incite anger in them as well.
6. The punishment needs to be fair.
7. If done correctly, our children will not resent us when we discipline them.
8. Certainly, they will not enjoy the punishment. But they will not hate us for trying to help them to be the type of person that they know they ought to be.
V. Question Five – “I was thinking about the catacombs and wondered; Do Christians have to be buried?”
A. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that a Christian has to be buried.
B. John 5:28-29.
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
1. I have heard of some who believe that the above passage (and other like it) mean that we have to be buried in order to be resurrected.
2. As such they would not want to be cremated.
C. Consider this…
1. A body that has been buried for thousands of years basically just returns to dust.
2. In the first century, many Christians were burned at the stake because of the faith in Christ.
3. Other Christians over the years may have died in explosions.
4. Others may have died in shipwreck or been buried at sea.
D. Certainly, God will be able to handle such problems.
1. The bodies with which we will be raised, will be spiritual bodies anyway. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
VI. Question Six – “Denominations participate in fasting. Why do we not?”
A. Notice the following passages:
1. Matthew 6:16-18. “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
2. 1 Corinthians 7:5. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
3. Luke 5:35. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.
B. Though no fasts are commanded, the New Testament seems to take it for granted that children of God would see the need to fast occasionally.
1. Fasting can be beneficial in times of sorrow.
2. Fasting often accompanied repentance as an outward sign of genuine sorrow.
3. Fasting often accompanied important spiritual events.
a) Matthew 4:2.
b) Acts 13:2-3.
C. “Why do we not?”
1. If we are scripturally practicing fasting, you would not know it.
2. Matthew 6:17-18. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
D. Fasting is strictly a personal and voluntary action.
VII. Question Seven – “When Adam and Eve sinned, why didn’t God destroy them?”
A. God is our Creator.
1. He knew before He even created man that they would sin. 1 Peter 1:18-20. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
2. It wouldn’t make any sense for Him to create man only to turn around and destroy him the first time He sinned.
3. Rather, He treated Adam and Eve like a Father.
B. He warned them of the consequences if they disobeyed. Genesis 2:17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
C. Then He carried through with the punishment (Genesis 3:14-19).
Content by Ralph Price
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Why I Believe in Jesus Christ
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Introduction
1. The greatest story ever told is that of Jesus Christ
a. The Son of God becoming flesh, dwelling among men
b. His life, His miracles, His teachings, His death, His resurrection and ascension to heaven
c. How He shed His blood to provide atonement for the sins of the world!
2. It is a story that calls for faith
a. For those willing to believe, eternal life is possible – John 3:16
b. For those choosing not to believe, there is condemnation – John 3:18
3. Why do I believe in Jesus Christ? For two reasons mainly, both of which were stressed in the preaching of the apostles of Christ.
Body
I. FULFILLED PROPHECY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to produce faith in Jesus
a. Peter in his second sermon at Jerusalem – Acts 3:18
b. Paul in Thessalonica, as was his custom – Acts 17:1-3
2. Some examples of Messianic prophecies
a. The conflict between the serpent and the seed of woman – Genesis 3:15
b. The blessing upon all nations through the seed of Abraham – Genesis 12:3; 22:18
c. The prophet to come who would be like Moses – Deuteronomy 18:15,17-19
d. Who would be born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
e. The forerunner who would prepare the way of the Lord – Isaiah 40:3
f. The suffering Servant who would bear our iniquities – Isaiah 53:4-12
g. His resurrection from the dead – Psalm 16:8-11
h. His ascension into heaven – Daniel 7:13-14
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. They help to identify the One who is truly the Messiah, God’s “Anointed One”
a. The Old Testament has approximately 330 prophecies concerning the Messiah
b. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one!
2. The mathematical probability of it being a coincidence is astounding!
a. The probability of any man who has lived fulfilling just eight prophecies has been calculated as 1 in 10 to 17th power (100,000,000,000,000,000)!
b. To illustrate how large this number is, Stoner gave this illustration:
Suppose that we take that many silver Dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state.
Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one.
What chance would he have of getting the right one?
Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote them in their own wisdom.
c. The probability of fulfilling just 48 prophecies is one in 10 to 157th power!
1) Counting at the rate of 250 units per minute
2) …it would take 19 million x 19 million x 19 millions years to count to 10 to the 157th power!
3. Jesus fulfilled not 8, not 48, but over 300 prophecies! It is easy to see why the apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to prove that Jesus was the Christ.
II. APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles claimed to be eyewitnesses
a. As professed by Peter – Acts 10:39-42; 2 Peter 1:16-18
b. As professed by John – 1 John 1:1-3
2. The apostles by their testimony force us to make a decision
a. Were they truly eyewitnesses, or false witnesses? – 1 Corinthians 15:14-15
b. Was their testimony based on truth, or cunningly devised fables? – 2 Peter 1:16-18
3. We cannot say they were sincerely deceived or mistaken
a. Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus
1) They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards -Ac 10:39-41
2) They claim they saw and touched Him – 1 John 1:1-3
b. They leave no room for saying they were mistaken or deceived
1) Some skeptics have tried to offer this as an alternative
2) That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion they hallucinated or saw grief-inspired visions
3) But hallucinations and visions are highly individualistic experiences
4) The resurrection appearances of Jesus were often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion) – 1 Corinthians 15:4-8
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. If the apostolic testimony is false
a. The New Testament is a carefully orchestrated lie!
b. The apostles suffered extreme hardship for what they knew was a lie! – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
c. Those martyred (all but one) knew they were dying for a lie!
d. They went against everything Jesus and they themselves taught! – 1 Peter 2:1
e. The greatest book ever written (as per Charles Dickens) with its high standards and lofty goals was composed by liars, frauds and deceivers!
2. But if the apostolic testimony is true
a. Then Jesus is everything they taught He claimed to be!
1) He is the Son of God – Romans 1:4
2) He truly has all authority in heaven and earth – Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36
b. Then everything they testified concerning what He taught is true!
1) He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father – John 8:28-29
2) No one can come to the Father but through Him – John 14:6
3) His blood was shed for the remission of sins – Matthew 26:28
4) He came to offer abundant life – John 10:10
5) He went to prepare a place for us – John 14:2
6) He shall come again – John 14:3
7) There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment – John 5:28-29; 12:48
Conclusion
1. We have good reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…
a. The testimony of Scripture, in the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies
b. The testimony of eyewitnesses, in the credible account of the apostles
2. For those willing to obey Jesus, there is yet another reason To believe
a. In keeping His word, they will come to know He has spoken from God – John 7:16-17
b. “He shall have evidence, in the very attempt to do the will of God, of the truth of the doctrine.” – Barnes
c. “He who in his heart says, ‘Thy will be done, give me light and I will walk in it,’ will find that Christ is just the teacher demanded by his soul, and that the gospel meets his soul’s want. Jesus will so meet the wants of his soul that he will be satisfied and will know the doctrine, that it comes from him who made the soul.” -B. W. Johnson
Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, not only because of the Messianic prophecies He fulfilled and the eyewitness testimony of His apostles, but because I have tried Him and not found Him wanting!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 01:09-11 I Stand Amazed
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Text: Acts 1:9-11
Introduction
1. There are many events in the life of Christ that testify to his extraordinary character.
2. In a day and age when people were looking for the Messiah, they didn’t have to look very hard or far if they were truly seeking.
3. The historical record of Jesus’ life provides for us a reliable and believable testimony of his deity.
Body
I. The Transfiguration – Luke 9:27-36
A. Jesus is changed before the very eyes of Peter, James, and John.
B. Two other figures suddenly appear.
C. A cloud encompasses them and a voice speaks to them out of the cloud.
II. The Feeding Of The 5000 – John 6:1-14
A. The multitude following Jesus needed to be fed, but they only had five loaves and two fish.
B. Jesus divided this among his disciples and asked them to distribute it to the crowd.
C. Somehow, the food kept multiplying.
D. So much so, that there were 12 baskets of fragments taken up after everyone had eaten.
III. Jesus Walked On Water – John 6:15-21
A. The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when they saw that they thought to be a ghost approaching them.
B. The disciples begin to scream in fear.
C. However, Jesus informs them that there was no reason to be afraid.
IV. The Resurrection Of Lazarus – John 11:1-44
A. Lazarus has been dead for four days and had already been buried.
B. Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, and he did, still bound in his grave clothes.
C. Just imagine the reaction.
V. John 20:1-10; 19-29
A. When Peter entered the tomb, he found the grave clothes still in tact, and the handkerchief that had been around his head was laying separate.
B. When appearing to His disciples, Jesus just suddenly appeared through a locked door.
VI. Acts 1:9-11
A. The disciples witness Jesus ascend into heaven; out of their sight.
Conclusion:
1. John 20:30-31
2. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” – John 20:29
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Would We Have Believed Them?
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Introduction
1. I have often wondered…
a. How many of us living today, had we been living in the first century…
b. Would have been receptive to the preaching of those like:
1) John the Baptist?
2) Peter?
3) Paul?
2. Most of us would probably say, “Of course, for we receive them now!”
a. But maybe that is because what they taught has become socially acceptable…
b. And more often than not, their teaching is presented to us in a non-offensive manner
3. But how was the truth originally presented?
a. By what manner of men?
b. If we had been there, would we have believed them?
4. I hope in this lesson to challenge our thinking along these lines…
Body
I. THE HARSH HERMIT?
A. JOHN THE BAPTIST, WHO…
1. Did his preaching in the wilderness, forcing people to come out to hear him? – Matthew 3:1-2
2. Dressed himself in camel’s hair and a leather girdle, eating a diet of locusts and wild honey? – Matthew 3:4
3. Called religious people coming to be baptized a “brood of vipers”? – Matthew 3:5-7
B. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT WE WOULD…
1. IF we balk at having to travel some distance to study God’s Word!
a. As is sometimes the case today (e.g., going twice on Sundays, etc.)
b. But consider what Jesus taught in Matthew 12:42
2. IF we tend to judge people by the clothes they wear!
a. It is easy to be affected by the “Dress For Success” philosophy
b. But we need to remember God’s perspective – 1 Sa 16:7; James 2:1-4
3. IF we get upset or offended when a preacher points out our faults!
a. Some would have preachers never preach “negative” sermons
b. But even Jesus demonstrated that sometimes the occasion calls for strong measures – Matthew 23:13-15
[Or how about the…]
II. THE HILLBILLY HYPOCRITE?
A. THE APOSTLE PETER, A MAN…
1. Whose “country ways” demonstrated his lack of formal religious training? – Acts 4:13
2. Who denied Jesus three times? – Matthew 26:69-75
3. Whose hypocrisy on one occasion split a church? – Galatians 2:11-13
B. IT IS UNLIKELY…
1. IF we expect a man to be formerly educated before we would want him as a preacher!
a. In some churches, a preacher is required to have a degree to be considered acceptable
b. But the wrong kind of learning can be a dangerous thing – 1 Corinthians 1:18-29
2. IF we aren’t willing to give others another chance who fail us, especially more than once!
a. If Peter had been treated like we sometimes treat fallen preachers today, would he have remained an apostle?
b. Fortunately, the early church took to heart what Jesus taught Peter about forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4
[And then, what about…]
III. THE NOTORIOUS NERD?
A. THE APOSTLE PAUL, WHO…
1. Had been a blasphemer, persecutor of the church? – 1 Timothy 1:13
2. Was not a fluent speaker? – 1 Corinthians 2:3-4
3. Had a physical appearance described as “weak”? – 2 Corinthians 10:10
B. I DOUBT WE WOULD HAVE KINDLY RECEIVED PAUL…
1. IF we hold a person’s pre-Christian life against them!
a. Such people must not believe in the power of the gospel to transform lives
b. But consider what it did for the people of Corinth – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
2. IF we don’t care to hear preachers whose sermon presentation lacks “polish”!
a. Many people will not go to hear preachers who may be young, inexperienced, or who are not eloquent
b. Yet “smooth words and flattering speech” can oftentimes be used to deceive – Romans 16:17-18
3. IF we tend to judge people by their physical appearance (size, weight, etc.)!
a. So people first judged Abraham Lincoln
b. Again, we need to remember God’s perspective on things – 1 Samuel 16:7
Conclusion
1. What I am suggesting is that how we receive people today is a strong indication as to whether we would have received such as John, Peter, Paul and even Jesus! – cf. Matthew 13:54-58
2. While we would like to think we would have been quick to listen and believe their message, perhaps we might have acted differently!
3. I hope that we appreciate the importance of looking beyond the messenger and how his message might be presented, to the message itself
4. But there is another way to determine if we would have believed them back then: HAVE WE OBEYED THEM TODAY?
a. It may be speculation on our part to say we would have believed these men back in the first century…
b. But one thing is sure…if we are unwilling to obey them today, we certainly would not have done it then!
5. How about you…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Believe in Jesus Christ – John 3:13-18
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(Why I Believe in Jesus Christ)
Text: John 3:13-18
Introduction
1. The greatest story ever told is that of Jesus Christ
a. The Son of God becoming flesh, dwelling among men
b. His life, His miracles, His teachings, His death, His resurrection and ascension to heaven
c. How He shed His blood to provide atonement for the sins of the world!
2. It is a story that calls for faith
a. For those willing to believe, eternal life is possible – John 3:16
b. For those choosing not to believe, there is condemnation – John 3:18
3. Why do I believe in Jesus Christ? There are two reasons, both of which were stressed in the reaching of the apostles of Christ.
Body
I. FULFILLED PROPHECY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to produce faith in Jesus
a. Peter in his second sermon at Jerusalem – Acts 3:18
b. Paul in Thessalonica, as was his custom – Acts 17:1-3
2. Some examples of Messianic prophecies
a. The conflict between the serpent and the seed of woman – Genesis 3:15
b. The blessing upon all nations through the seed of Abraham – Genesis 12:3; 22:18
c. The prophet to come who would be like Moses – Deuteronomy 18:15, 17-19
d. Who would be born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
e. The forerunner who would prepare the way of the Lord – Isaiah 40:3
f. The suffering Servant who would bear our iniquities – Isaiah 53:4-12
g. His resurrection from the dead – Psalm 16:8-11
h. His ascension into heaven – Daniel 7:13-14
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. They help to identify the One who is truly the Messiah, God’s “Anointed One”
a. The Old Testament has approximately 330 prophecies concerning the Messiah
b. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one!
2. The mathematical probability of it being a coincidence is astounding!
a. The probability of any man who has lived fulfilling just eight prophecies has been calculated as 1 in 10 to 17th power (100,000,000,000,000,000)! – Peter Stoner
b. To illustrate how large this number is, Stoner gave this illustration:
Suppose that we take that many silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote them in their own wisdom.
c. The probability of fulfilling just 48 prophecies is one in 10 to 157th power!
1) Counting at the rate of 250 units per minute
2) …it would take 19 million x 19 million x 19 millions years to count to 10 to the 157th power!
3. Jesus fulfilled not 8, not 48, but over 300 prophecies! It is easy to see why the apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to prove that Jesus was the Christ. But they also appealed to their own
II. APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles claimed to be eyewitnesses
a. As professed by Peter – Acts 10:39-42; 2 Peter 1:16-18
b. As professed by John – 1 John 1:1-3
2. The apostles by their testimony force us to make a decision
a. Were they truly eyewitnesses, or false witnesses? – 1 Corinthians 15:14-15
b. Was their testimony based on truth, or cunningly devised fables? – 2 Peter 1:16-18
3. We cannot say they were sincerely deceived or mistaken
a. Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus
1) They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards – Acts 10:39-41
2) They claim they saw and touched Him – 1 John 1:1-3
b. They leave no room for saying they were mistaken or deceived
1) Some skeptics have tried to offer this as an alternative
2) That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion they hallucinated or saw grief-inspired visions
3) But hallucinations and visions are highly individualistic experiences
4) The resurrection appearances of Jesus were often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion) – 1 Corinthians 15:4-8
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. If the apostolic testimony is false
a. The New Testament is a carefully orchestrated lie!
b. The apostles suffered extreme hardship for what they knew was a lie! – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
c. Those martyred (all but one) knew they were dying for a lie!
d. They went against everything Jesus and they themselves taught! – 1 Peter 2:1
e. The greatest book ever written (as per Charles Dickens) with its high standards and lofty goals was composed by liars, frauds and deceivers!
2. But if the apostolic testimony is true
a. Then Jesus is everything they taught He claimed to be!
1) He is the Son of God – Romans 1:4
2) He truly has all authority in heaven and earth – Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36
b. Then everything they testified concerning what He taught is true!
1) He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father – John 8:28-29
2) No one can come to the Father but through Him – John 14:6
3) His blood was shed for the remission of sins – Matthew 26:28
4) He came to offer abundant life – John 10:10
5) He went to prepare a place for us – John 14:2
6) He shall come again – John 14:3
7) There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment – John 5:28-29; 12:48
Conclusion
1. We have good reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
a. The testimony of Scripture, in the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies
b. The testimony of eyewitnesses, in the credible account of the apostles
2. For those willing to obey Jesus, there is yet another reason to believe
a. In keeping His word, they will come to know He has spoken from God – John 7:16-17
b. “He shall have evidence, in the very attempt to do the will of God, of the truth of the doctrine.”
c. “He who in his heart says, ‘Thy will be done, give me light and I will walk in it,’ will find that Christ is just the teacher demanded by his soul, and that the gospel meets his soul’s want. Jesus will so meet the wants of his soul that he will be satisfied and will know the doctrine, that it comes from him who made the soul.”
3. Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, not only because of the Messianic prophecies He fulfilled and the eyewitness testimony of His apostles, but because I have tried Him and not found Him wanting…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Believe in God – Hebrews 11:01-06
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(Why I Believe in God)
Text: Hebrews 11:1-6
Introduction
1. I am happy to profess that I believe in God
a. Such faith is a source of great comfort – cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
b. And according to the Bible, necessary to pleasing God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Why do I believe in God?
a. I cannot see Him
b. I have never heard His voice
c. Yet I believe it is more reasonable to believe in God than to not believe
3. What reasons are there for believing in God? While not exhaustive, there are several reasons, the first commonly referred to as the teleological argument for God
Body
I. THE EVIDENCE OF DESIGN IN THE UNIVERSE
A. EXPLANATION
1. Orderly movement of heavenly bodies, making space travel possible
2. Animal instinct, such as the migration patterns of birds, eels, and salmon
3. The human body itself, e.g., the eye
B. IMPLICATION
1. Design suggests a “designer”
2. Design suggests a Being with intelligence possessing purposea.
a. A watch shows design, and implies a watchmaker
b. To credit such intricate and precise workmanship to blind chance is unreasonable
3. Contemplating on the universe and the human body rightfully produces awe, and points man to his Creator – cf. Psalm 19:1-2;139:14; Romans 1:19-20
C. Another reason to believe in God is called the moral or anthropological argument for God, or
II. THE UNIVERSAL SENSE OF OUGHT
A. EXPLANATION
1. Everywhere people have a sense of ought
2. That in certain circumstances, certain things should be done
3. People are concerned
a. That people should act a certain way
b. That people do not often act the way they should
4. Even atheists and agnostics have a sense of justice, and are angered when it is violated (as in the case of rape and murder)
B. IMPLICATION
1. This moral nature in man suggests a Moral Being as the Original Cause
2. If there is no God, there is no right or wrong, good or evil
3. If there is no God, no atheist can object on moral grounds if I want to kill them
C. A similar reason to believe in God is called the general argument
III. THE UNIVERSAL RELIGIOUS INSTINCT AND BELIEF IN GOD
A. EXPLANATION
1. Men in all the world, and throughout all time, not only believe in deity, but also engage in acts of worship and devotion.
2. The religious principle is extremely potent in all nations, dominating their thought and history.
3. Everywhere the human heart has a craving for God. There will be exceptions as individuals, but the exceptions do not invalidate the rule. The atheist is an exception in every society!
B. IMPLICATION
1. For every deepest longing of man, there is something that satisfies it
a. E.g., food satisfies man’s hunger
b. E.g., water satisfies man’s thirst
2. There must be a reality (i.e., God) that complements and meets the universal craving for a Supreme Being
3. Paul says this longing for God was placed in man by God Himself – Acts 17:26-27
C. Then there is the cosmological argument for believing in God
IV. THAT EVERY EFFECT MUST HAVE A CAUSE
A. EXPLANATION
1. This is also called the argument from first cause
2. It is based upon the premise that every effect must have a cause
B. IMPLICATION
1. The cosmos (universe) is an effect that has adequate cause
2. The Bible reveals that adequate cause: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
3. A common objection is often raised: “Who created God?”
a. The law which states every effect has a cause applies to things that are “physical”
b. God by definition is not physical, and therefore not bound by laws which we may discern to apply to physical things
1) God is a spiritual being – cf. John 4:24
2) His omnipresence is an example of how He defies laws of nature – cf. Jeremiah 23:23-24
c. So the argument does not apply to Him; Hebrews is the Uncaused Cause of all things!
C. There is also the esthetical argument for believing in God
V. THE PRESENCE OF BEAUTY AND SUBLIMITY
A. EXPLANATION
1. This argument is based upon the presence of beauty and sublimity in the universe
2. It observes that you have both
a. The presence of beauty in nature itself, and in art produced by man
b. The response of man to such beauty (appreciation and awe)
B. IMPLICATION
1. How did this “beauty”, and the “ability to appreciate” it, develop?
2. Were both the result of blind chance?
3. Or did it come from a Supreme Being, who is:
a. Intelligent (an argument from design)
b. Moral (an argument from our sense of ought)
c. Artistic (an argument from beauty and our sense of it) – cf. Psalm 96:4-6
Conclusion
1. These arguments are philosophical arguments, but they are based upon what the Bible itself says can be learned about God from nature – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
2. Other arguments can be offered to support the existence of God
a. Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
b. Scientific foreknowledge of the Scriptures
c. Uniformity of the Scriptures
d. Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
— We shall examine these when we talk about believing in the Bible, Jesus, etc.
3. Do you believe in God?
a. Faith in God is a choice that we make between two alternatives.
1) The river of evidence for God’s reality runs strong and deep, but its current is not irresistible.
2) Many people do swim against it, at least for awhile.
b. Choosing to believe that God exists is a voluntary act of trust.
1) We believe not because we think the reality of God is absolutely unequivocal, but because we judge the evidence to be greatly in its favor.
2) After careful thought, faith puts its trust and confidence in a premise that is seen to be supported by the weight of the evidence.
3) Faced with the ultimate fork in the road, faith understands that a decision must be made, and it responsibly chooses one alternative.
c. But the decision to believe isn’t merely the adoption of an intellectual position.
1) It’s the courageous taking of a stand. Like all ideas, the idea of God has consequences, and faith dares to accept those consequences.
2) It says: “I have considered the matter and am prepared to make my choice.
3) What I have seen has taught me to trust this thing which I can’t see, the reality of God.
4) I not only believe, I am prepared to follow my faith wherever it leads. – Diligently Seeking God
4. Are you willing to make the decision to believe in God?
a. The time is coming, however, when the reality of God will no longer be a matter of faith.
b. It will be an overwhelming fact, impossible to deny and terrifying in its implications for those who have tried to deny it.
c. “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” – Romans 14:11
5. Only a fool would suppress the evidence for the existence of God that is out there
“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,” – Romans 1:20
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” – Psalm 14:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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