Historical Posts
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.
Return to the Home Page
Making the Right Choice – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Introduction
Have you ever been faced with a decision of two options, one having a reward now and consequence later, and the other one with consequence now and reward later?
For example, go into a restaurant and look at the menu. “If I eat junk food now, I’ll pay for it later; on the other hand, if I eat this salad that I don’t like, it will help me get healthier.”
Body
I. Text: Hebrews 11:24-26.
Moses had a choice to enjoy all the pleasures of Egypt, and could have even grown up to rule over it. Instead, he chose to suffer with the children of Israel.
Why? He “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Moses did make a mistake, though. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own brethren. When he learned the matter was known, he fled from Pharaoh (who sought to kill him) to Midian (Exodus 2:11-15).
II. Moses valued the reproach of Christ.
Moses understood what it meant to suffer. Even though it may be difficult to endure, it is well worth it for the cause of Christ. Later the Hebrew writer says, “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come (Hebrews 13:13-14).”
The apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).”
Paul also said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (1 Corinthians 12:10).”
Peter links the sufferings of Christ to the glories that would follow (1 Peter 1:11), and encourages Christians in this way: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified (1 Peter 4:14).”
III. The reward outweighs the sufferings.
As Moses understood, Paul explained: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).”
Just imagine how sin has its pleasures, yet eternal consequences.
The sufferings of Christ may seem like suffering, yet has eternal rewards.
Conclusion
We are faced with spiritual choices every day.
What will we decide – to enjoy something sinful and pay for it eternally, or stand up for Christ and enjoy eternity?
Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
A Date That Will Live in Infamy – Psalm 139:13-16
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
(Abortion Sermons presented in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
Text: Psalm 139:13-16
Introduction
1. “December 7, 1941. A date which will live in infamy.” The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
2. 9/11/2001 is a date which will live in infamy.
3. January 22, 1973. A date which will live in infamy.
a. Why this date?
b. What is significant about it?
Body
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
A. Roe v. Wade.
1. In 1970, attorneys Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington filed suit in a U.S. District Court in Texas on behalf of Norma L. McCorvey (“Jane Roe”).
a) McCorvey claimed her pregnancy was the result of rape.
b) The defendant in the case was Dallas County District Attorney Henry Wade, representing the State of Texas.
c) The purpose of this suit was to challenge Texas’ anti-abortion laws.
2. After three years, the case was heard by the Supreme Court.
3. On January 22, 1973, the Court issued its decision.
a) On the virtue of a 7-2 vote, the court voted to strike down Texas’ anti-abortion laws.
b) The Opinion of the Roe Court was written by Justice Harry Blackmun.
c) The basis for their decision was that to prohibit a woman from terminating her pregnancy was to violate her “right to privacy” under the 14th Amendment.
d) In the Opinion, he stated that a fetus does not qualify as a “person” under the 14th Amendment.
(1) The relevant part of the 14th Amendment states, “…nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
(2) In the opinion he stated that the Court’s decision decided that the original intent of the Constitution did not include the unborn.
e) The court ruled that the State cannot restrict a woman’s right to an abortion in her first trimester.
f) The State was permitted by the decision to restrict abortions in the second and third trimesters.
B. Since that day…
1. Nearly 22% of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) have ended in abortion.
2. Over 45,000,000 babies have been aborted.
a) That amounts to 3315 abortions per day.
b) 2,388 men and women died at Pearl Harbor.
c) 2,998 men and women died on 9/11.
3. That is more than the number of people who have died in every war this country has ever fought.
a) Revolutionary War: 25,000.
b) Civil War: 498,000.
c) WWI: 116,000
d) WWII: 545,000
e) Korean: 54,000
f) Vietnam: 56,000.
II. IS A FETUS A PERSON?
A. Abortion proponents refuse to call a baby in the womb a “baby.”
1. Instead, they use the term “fetus.”
2. Fetus = An unborn vertebrate. So scientifically, the term is applicable.
3. But have you ever heard someone say, “What are you going to name the fetus?” OR “I just felt the fetus kick.”
4. The real reason that the term “fetus” is used is in order to take away the baby’s humanity.
5. It is easier for people to kill a fetus than it is to kill a baby.
B. By looking at the development of baby in the womb we can see that it is a distinct human being from the very point of conception.
1. From the moment of conception, 46 chromosomes with 30,000 genes combine to determine all of the baby’s physical characteristics: sex, facial features; body type; color of hair; eyes and skin. All the genetic material for the baby is present at this point. Now, all that is needed is time and nutrients for the baby to grow.
2. The heart starts to beat at 18 days. The baby has its own blood supply independent of its mother. The blood of the baby passes along the umbilical cord, runs through the placenta and approaches the maternal blood vessels found in the womb. Across the dividing wall, the two blood supplies exchange their gaseous loads; the baby passes to its mother it’s carbon dioxide waste and she passes to her baby oxygen and nutrients.
3. Brain waves have been recorded as early as 40 days. The baby has become sensitive and responds to touch.
4. The baby starts making spontaneous movements at about seven weeks.
5. By the eighth week, all of the baby’s organs are now present.
C. We know that God considers an unborn baby to be a person.
1. Psalms 139:13-16. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 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.
a) My frame was not hidden from you.
b) Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
2. The Holy Spirit used the same word to describe the child in the womb and out of the womb.
a) Luke 1:41. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
b) Luke 2:12. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
c) In both cases, the term <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1025″>brephos</a> is used. It has two meanings: an unborn child, and a new-born child.
d) There is no distinction with God.
3. God hates the hands that shed innocent blood. Proverbs 6:16-17. These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
D. It is interesting to note that Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) has become a Pro-Life advocate.
1. She wrote in her book, Won by Love, “I was sitting in O.R.’s offices when I noticed a fetal development poster. The progression was so obvious, the eyes were so sweet. It hurt my heart, just looking at them. I ran outside and finally, it dawned on me. “Norma,” I said to myself, “They’re right.” I had worked with pregnant women for years. I had been through three pregnancies and deliveries myself. I should have known. Yet something in that poster made me lose my breath. I kept seeing the picture of that tiny, 10-week-old embryo, and I said to myself, that’s a baby! It’s as if blinders just fell off my eyes and I suddenly understood the truth–that’s a baby! I felt “crushed” under the truth of this realization. I had to face up to the awful reality. Abortion wasn’t about ‘products of conception.’ It wasn’t about ‘missed periods.’ It was about children being killed in their mother’s wombs. All those years I was wrong. Signing that affidavit, I was wrong. Working in an abortion clinic, I was wrong. No more of this first trimester, second trimester, third trimester stuff. Abortion–at any point–was wrong. It was so clear. Painfully clear.”
2. In 2005, she petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 decision, arguing that the case should be heard again in light of evidence that the procedure may harm women, but this petition was denied.
III. WHAT CAN CHRISTIANS DO?
A. Pray.
1. Pray for government officials. 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
a) Proverbs 14:34. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
b) Proverbs 29:2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
2. Pray for women with difficult pregnancies.
a) Most aborting moms are panicked, uninformed, and desperate.
b) Some are pressured by boyfriends or even parents.
3. Pray for abortionists. Matthew 5:44. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
B. Vote.
1. We are blessed to live in a country where we ARE the government. It is a government Of the People, By the People, For the People.
2. As Christians we are told to be the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
3. We are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
4. Our Christianity follows us even into the voting booth. HWJV
5. We should not put party loyalties or any other value before the preservation of the lives of unborn babies.
6. In the 1990’s congress passed (on two different occasions) a ban on partial birth abortion which was promptly vetoed by the sitting president.
a) Congress then tried to override his veto.
b) They failed by THREE votes.
7. In 2003, the current administration approved a ban on partial birth abortions.
a) It was immediately challenged and three different U.S. District Courts declared the law unconstitutional.
b) However, in April of 2007, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision upheld the ban stating that it does not violate the constitution.
c) While, as Christians, we would like to see all abortion banned, we realize that this is at least a step in the right direction.
8. We can make a difference in the voting booth.
9. We need to know where our candidates stand on this issue.
C. Teach.
1. Teach and practice Biblical sexual morality. Hebrews 13:4. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
a) All sexual relations outside of marriage are wrong
b) Prevent unwanted pregnancies through abstinence!
2. Teach the biblical view of human life.
a) Genesis 1:27. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
b) Matthew 7:12. Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
3. Teach the facts about abortion.
a) You may be surprised at how little people know about abortion.
b) We can be sure that Pro-Choice people are teaching their position.
4. Teach the plan of salvation.
a) Unless we do this, we are just treating the symptoms.
b) The cause must be removed and then the symptoms will be gone for good.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
Return to the Home Page
Spiritual Growth is a Choice
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
Introduction
1. The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only redemption, but renewal
a. We undergo a “washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” in baptism – Titus 3:5
b. From baptism, we rise to “walk in newness of life” – Romans 6:4
2. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of spiritual growth
a. Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth
b. So a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth
3. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually
a. Many have been Christians for years, with little change or improvement
b. They are no more, often less; useful to the Lord than when they first became Christians
c. Failing to grow, they become stagnant, like a pool of water
4. That is because Spiritual Growth Is A Choice
a. It doesn’t happen by default (unlike physical growth)
b. Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only when we choose to grow
5. If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be no spiritual growth!
Body
I. COMMANDED BY GOD
A. IMPLICITLY STATED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
1. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20
2. Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples
a. Baptizing them
b. Teaching them to observe all things He commanded
c. Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would be obedient learners
B. EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE APOSTOLIC EPISTLES
1. Peter ends his second epistle with a command to grow – 2 Peter 3:18
a. We are to grow in grace
b. We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
2. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to grow – 2 Peter 1:5-8
a. Adding to your faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc.
b. Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, this implies growth
3. Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked – Hebrews 5:12-6:1
4. Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow
II. REQUIRES DILIGENT EFFORT
A. UNLIKE PHYSICAL GROWTH
1. People grow physically by default (unless there is some disorder)
2. No effort is required on our part; we mature physically whether we want to or not
3. Don’t think that just because you grow older, you are growing spiritually!
B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES CONCENTRATED EFFORT
1. Jesus said it requires labor – cf. John 6:27
2. Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on – Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that it requires diligence – cf. 2 Peter 1:5, 10
4. Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular exercise – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
5. Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
III. ASSISTED BY GOD
A. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS
1. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – Philippians 2:12-13
2. Just as He was with us in producing our new birth – Titus 3:5
3. God desires to complete the work He started when He saved us – Philippians 1:6
B. WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY GOD IN OUR EFFORTS
1. He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man – Ephesians 3:16
2. He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us – Ephesians 3:20
3. He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of His might – Ephesians 6:10-11
4. There is no excuse not to grow, for Christ strengthens us! – Philippians 4:13
5. With God as our aid, spiritual growth is possible. And not mediocre growth, but spiritual growth beyond what limits we might think hinder us!
IV. BLESSED BY GOD
A. THE BLESSINGS BEGIN IN THIS LIFE
1. As we grow in grace – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of the grace in which we stand
b. Such as peace with God, rejoicing in hope – cf. Romans 5:1-2
2. As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to our faith
b. Such as a victorious life, in which we do not stumble so as to fall – 2 Peter 1:10
3. Indeed, it is spiritual growth that ensures the “abundant life” now that Jesus promised! – cf. John 10:10
B. THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE INTO THE LIFE TO COME
1. We will experience an “abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom – 2 Peter 1:11
2. In some way, our works do follow us – cf. Revelation 14:13
3. At the very least, we know that our labors will not be in vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Conclusion
1. We have been talking about growth; but not just any growth, for not all growth is good
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Matthew 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Matthew 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Ephesians 4:22
e. There is danger of growing wanton against Christ – cf. 1 Timothy 5:11
f. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – 2 Timothy 3:13
g. Like the growth of cancerous cells, the wrong growth can be deadly!
2. We have been talking about spiritual growth, the kind of growth that is:
a. Commanded by God
b. Requires diligent effort
c. Assisted by God
d. Blessed by God
e. It is this kind of growth that Peter enjoined as he closed his epistle – 2 Peter 3:18
3. What kind of growth is taking place in our spiritual lives?
a. Is it a deadly kind of growth, creating dull hearts, love that is cold, weariness in doing good, even moral corruption?
b. Or is it a vibrant kind of growth in which we are abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and fruitful in our service to Jesus Christ?
4. The one kind of growth is often the result of neglect, the other kind of growth comes only when we make the right choice! If we desire to experience the blessings of the right kind of growth, then never forget that “Spiritual Growth Is A Choice”! Are we making the right choice today and every day…?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Content by Donald W. Treadway
Return to the Home Page