Historical Posts
Dust You Are
“…For dust you are, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19).”
These words were said to Adam after he sinned before God. Earlier, God had “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man had become a living being (Genesis 2:7).” Truly, dust you are because dust came to life by the breath of God.
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).” David wrote these words, reminding us of his repentance and God’s forgiveness. David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11); Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God is the one who said, “…dust you are…”, and He knows where we all come from, and where all we will eventually go.
The wise man reminds us, “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all return to dust (Ecclesiastes 3:20).” “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).” Job also concurred that man would return to dust (Job 34:15). Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, through Christ, our sins can be taken away and we can be reconciled to God!
Before we return to dust, we must become less like Adam and more like Christ! Paul wrote, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).”
Our bodies may return to dust, but our souls can live forever in heaven with God if we obey Christ!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Are You Ready to Die?
“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Approximately every twenty-two seconds someone in this country dies. In the time it will take you to read this brief message more than two hundred deaths will have occurred worldwide.
Death is one appointment we will all keep – we will all die.
There will be no cancellations. We’re going to die, and it could happen at any time. It could be soon, or it could be years away, but one thing is sure, there will be no escape! Yet, most of us live as though death will always be something that happens to others, but never us. Death is not just a possibility, it is a certainty. Our preparation for it should be the highest priority of life. As a matter of fact, we cannot really begin to live until we are ready to die.
However, there are skeptics who would have us believe that this life is all there is.
Their philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” is followed by millions. They bow at the altar of evolution and worship the god’s of humanism and modernism. They would have us believe that this is it. “You only go around once, so you better grab all the gusto you can get!” Those who subscribe to this philosophy live for themselves and they die without hope.
Jesus Christ came to offer something better.
He came that “we might have life” and that we “might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He came to show us the way to God (John 14:6). He came to tell us that there is life after life, that God’s gift is eternal life through Him (Romans 6:23). He offers salvation to all them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). He gives us a reason to live, and hope in death. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Are you ready to die?
Death is certain, but so is eternal, life for all who are ready to die (2 John 2:25). Study God’s word! Believe it! Obey it! Live it every day!
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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And He Died…
He died…
“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died” (Genesis 5:5).
Seven times in the fifth chapter of Genesis we read the words “and he died.” Someday the same will be said of each of us. Therefore, some observations are in order.
Death is certain.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away” (1 Peter 1:24). One man reportedly had these words inscribed on his tomb stone: “Remember this as you pass by, where you are now so once was I. Where I am now so soon you’ll be. Prepare for death and follow me!” The man was right. We will all die.
Death is uncertain.
As Isaac said to Esau, “I know not the day of my death” (Genesis 27:2). None of us know when we will die. Nothing in life is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the time of dying. Life can end in an instant. Borrowing from the words of King David, “there is but a step between us and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). In that regard, I would remind you that it is not how long we live, but how we live that really matters. Are you prepared for death? If not, it’s time to get ready (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Death is no respecter of persons.
Of the grave Job said, “The small and the great are there” (Job 3:19). “One event happeneth to them all…one event to the righteous, and to the wicked…” (Ecclesiastes 2:14; 9:2). There is no escape. “It is appointed unto me once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Death is final.
Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). This life offers the only opportunity we will have to prepare for death and judgment. We cannot afford to face death unprepared.
Someday it will be said of each of us “and he died!” Are you ready for that day?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Life and Death
The Bible Sheds Light on Life and Death
Hebrews 9:27 reads, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Sooner or later, every human being experiences death. Death is the inevitable end of life. Whenever someone we love dies, we are vividly reminded of our own mortality, and of the fact that we shall die also, unless we are alive when the Lord returns to the Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Life on Earth is overcast by the looming shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), and many live in abject terror of facing the end of life. We all face life and death.
What is death? It may surprise you to know that doctors, lawyers and philosophers find that a very difficult question to answer. Is death the cessation of the beating of one’s heart? Not necessarily. The definitions of life and death can be difficult. Some life-saving surgical procedures require the patient’s heart to be stopped for long periods of time. Some people’s hearts have stopped beating for several minutes at a time, only to be restarted by doctors. Is death the cessation of respiratory function? Not necessarily. The human body can survive for several minutes at a time without breathing, under certain conditions. There are many documented cases of people who were fully revived, even after their breathing had stopped for much longer than anyone had ever thought possible. Is death the cessation of brain function? Not necessarily. There are cases of people whose brain functions ceased for months, or even years at a time, and yet they were able to completely recover. Questions like these, about life and death, are debated in our courts, halls of medicine, and halls of academia, with no easy answers forthcoming.
Can the Bible shed some light on questions about the definition of death? As a matter of fact, the Bible offers us its own definition of death, in James 2:26. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Some have argued that the word, “spirit” ought to be translated, “breath,” since that is the primary meaning of the Greek word, in the text. But, the secondary meaning is “spirit,” and that is the translation that is called for, in the context (as in John 4:24). Besides, we have already pointed out that, just because someone has stopped breathing, it does not necessarily mean that they are dead.
Once the spirit leaves the body, the body begins to decay (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Only God can restore life to such a dead body (John 3:2). Only God has made something living out of something that is not living (Genesis 2:7). People who are truly dead (according to the Biblical definition) cannot be brought back to life by any natural means. This is why I am convinced that people who claim to have died and come back to life probably did not, in reality, experience the death that they claim to have experienced.
For most people, life and death are a great mystery. People speculate about life and death and whether there is any such thing as life after death. Some argue that, in death, the souls sleeps until it is awakened by resurrection. Others say that, in death, one simply ceases to exist. But, the Bible says that, while death may be the end of life on Earth, it is not the end of life, altogether. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus gives us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, demonstrating life and death. Both of these men died, and both of them continued to live on, after physical death. The rich man experienced the best that life had to offer, in this world, but he then experienced the worst that life has to offer, in eternity. Lazarus’ experience was just the opposite of the rich man. From this parable, we learn many things; not the least of which is that, faithfulness to God, in this life, results in an eternal reward, in Heaven (Luke 16:25).
When we think of life and death, we often think of death as being final, and absolute. But, the truth of the matter is that death is not a permanent condition. Instead, death is a transition from life in this physical world to life in the spiritual world. The time is coming, when death shall no longer exist (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). When God shall destroy this world and we shall exist only the spirit world, where death has no dominion (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). At that time, death shall be destroyed, and the faithful shall live eternally – without the shadow of death looming (Revelation 20:14).
Now is the time for us to prepare ourselves for what lies beyond life in this world. We all ought to learn from death that we shall not live in this world forever (Hebrews 9:27). Here and now is the only time and place to prepare for what lies beyond (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Content by Russell Kline
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A Time to Die?
There will be a time to die for each of us.
None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing when that day will come. Death is both certain and uncertain. In a way, I am glad that is the case.
The Bible simply states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Regarding the brevity of life the Psalmist wrote: “…we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). We will all come to our time to die.
I enjoy life. It’s great to be alive. But, as a Christian, I should not be afraid of my time to die. Death is not foreboding, frightening, or final. Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). In another of his letters he observed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). No, for the Christian, death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. The time to die offers release from the shackles of the body and freedom to soar into the presence of the Almighty. Heaven awaits the redeemed.
But, if we are not Christians, death and not knowing our time to die are the most frightening thoughts our minds can entertain. Apart from Christ there is no hope beyond the grave, only the certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:26-31).
The good news is that Jesus died for all men. We can all be prepared for death and eternity. We can be ready when it is time to die. We can escape hell and enjoy heaven, but we must prepare. It matters little whether our life is long or short as men measure things. What matters is whether or not we have made preparation for death and judgment. Have you accepted salvation in Christ? Are you ready to face your time to die?
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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A Matter of Life and Death
What could be more important than a matter of life and death? How about eternal life and eternal death?
Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874-October 31, 1926) was considered to be one of the world’s greatest magicians. He performed many escape acts, and even intended to perform one final escape act, a matter of life and death, namely his own. His widow, Bess, kept a candle burning in the window for 10 years after his death. She claimed that she hoped to communicate with him through a séance, but never could. Finally, on the tenth anniversary of his death, his wife blew out the candle realizing he could not return from the grave.
The Bible states: “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave (Psalm 89:48)?” Houdini could not deliver his life from the power of the grave, and neither can we. The Bible further states, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)…” We cannot return to this earth after death; rather, we will face judgment.
Heaven awaits those who have obeyed the gospel and have lived the faithful Christian life; Hell awaits those who have not. We have one lifetime to make the right choices, and then we will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12-15). What will we choose? What have you chosen so far? Do you need to make an informed change? Remember, this choice is, spiritually, a matter of life and death.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus Our Savior
We are all drowning spiritually. And, there is a Savior. But sadly, most reject his help. It makes no sense.
Have you ever been lost? It’s a frightening thing to be lost and alone and need a savior! Maybe as a child you were separated from your mother in a larger department store. Perhaps you were a hunter on new terrain. Unfamiliar with the topography, you became disoriented. Or, you took the wrong exit on the freeway and ended up in unfamiliar surroundings. Whatever the situation, we have all been there and needed help.
- The heart races.
- The palms sweat.
- Panic sets in.
- An overwhelming sense of helplessness and despair fills the soul.
- It seems hopeless.
- Something terrible is bound to follow.
Do you remember how relieved you were when a clerk calmly reassured you that everything would be all right and helped you locate you mother (or child)? Or, you saw a familiar landmark and found the path back to camp? Or, you saw a sign pointing you in the right direction, and were soon on track again? Whoever, or whatever the savior, there was a deep sense of relief and gratitude.
Now, imagine something even more frightening. Your boat has capsized in the middle of the Ohio river. You neglected to wear your life jacket, and you are a mediocre swimmer at best. You can stay afloat for a few minutes, but if help does not come soon, it will be over. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a boat pulls alongside and offers assistance. How would you respond? No right thinking person would reject such an offer, would they?
The fact is, we are all drowning spiritually. And, there is a Savior. But sadly, most reject his help. It makes no sense. He is the only Savior (Acts 4:12). Reject Him, and there is no hope. Death is inevitable without His help. Again, you would think no one would reject his offer, but they do. Millions do!
Let me urge you not to make the mistake of turning your back on the only Savior there is. John Rowe wrote: “I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.”
Jesus came to rescue all of us, but He can only save those who reach out to Him. Do you believe (John 8:24)? Have you repented (Luke 13:3)? Have you been baptized (Acts 2:38)? Is He your Savior?
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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Freedom
The Human Heart Longs for Freedom
Every 4th of July our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other environment. It is the longing of the human heart to be free.
But, there is a freedom even more precious than that we know as citizens of the United States. It is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Apart from Christ, all men are enslaved to sin. Sin is the great burden of man’s heart. We are helpless to remove it. We are condemned by it. Its consequences are both immediate and eternal. Paul cried out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). And then he proclaimed, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).
Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Christians will gather around the world to remember His sacrifice and the freedom it made possible — freedom from the condemnation of sin. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1, 2).
The cost of freedom is never cheap. The blood of many a native son has been shed to provide and maintain our freedom. Even now our young men and women in uniform are putting themselves in harms way and giving their lives that we might be free. Yet, to secure our deliverance from sin required an even greater sacrifice — the blood of God’s own Son.
The freedom we enjoy as citizens is ours by birth. The freedom we have in Christ is ours by choice. It is truth, believed and acted upon, which secures for us the freedom Christ provides. Have you been set free from the bondage of sin? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God? Have you repented of your sins? Will you confess His blessed name? Will you be born again (baptized)?
As the bells of freedom ring throughout our land may they also remind us of the greater freedom we have through Christ.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Agur’s Last Request
What would you want as a last request?
People often make a last request. Often, it is recorded in their last will and testament. They want certain things to happen after they die. Also, they may have goals to reach before they die. If someone finds out they do not have much time left on this earth, he may make one last request. What would you want as a last request?
Consider two things requested of God by Agur: “Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die): remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches – feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God (Proverbs 30:7-9).”
His first request is to remove falsehood and lies far from him. Lying is something that God is not pleased with. In fact, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).” We all need to be forgiven of the sin of lying, and that is the truth.
His second request is to receive neither poverty nor riches. If he has too little, he may be tempted to steal and profane the name of God. This would, of course, break one of God’s original commandments (Exodus 20:15). If he has too much, he may deny the LORD. Jesus said that if we deny Him, He will deny us (Matthew 10:33). Consider the apostle Paul: he knew what it was like to be without, and he knew what it was like to have too much. In all things, he was content (Philippians 4:11-12).
What would your last request of God be? Would your last request, your desire, be for salvation and acceptance by God?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Peter 01:03-09 – Peter’s Comfort and Encouragement
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Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Introduction
A. Over the past week or so, several members of our congregation have experienced the death of a loved one.
B. A passage is often read at the funeral to give us words of comfort and encouragement. Today, we will let the apostle Peter speak inspired words of God to us.
C. Let us reflect on the promises that we have in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Body
I. Christians have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
A. Christ is risen from the dead, and is thus the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
B. If Christ had not risen, our faith would be futile and we would only have a limited hope (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
C. We can comfort one another with the words of hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
II. Christians have an inheritance.
A. By becoming children of God, we become His heirs and are joint heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:29-4:7).
B. Our inheritance is:
1) incorruptible (immortal, imperishable, and lasting).
2) undefiled (pure and unstained).
3) not fading away (permanent).
4) reserved in heaven (Colossians 1:3-6; John 14:1-4).
III. Christians are kept by the power of God.
A. Jesus tells us that we are very secure in the grasp of God’s hand (John 10:27-29).
B. Christ lives by the power of God, and so can we (2 Corinthians 13:4).
C. God’s power is effective through faith for salvation (Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17; James 2:17,20; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 4:16).
D. God’s power is ready to be revealed in the last time (Revelation 12:10-12; 19:1; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:25-28).
IV. Christians rejoice, eagerly awaiting the reward in heaven.
A. Paul told Christians to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).
B. Jesus said to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12).”
C. Paul told the Corinthians that the eternal benefits outweigh the temporary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
D. James says to rejoice in various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience (James 1:2-4).
E. Jesus said that if we are faithful until death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
V. Christians will receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls.
A. Paul said that now abide faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
B. The end of all things is at hand (1 Peter 4:7).
C. We must redeem the time, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).
Conclusion
A. It is great to be a Christian!
B. It is also great to know and love fellow Christians.
C. Let us remain faithful to God so that we may receive the many blessings He has promised us.
D. Brethren, comfort one another with these words.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Do You Ever Wonder Why?
In my work I spend a lot time dealing with grieving families. Death is always sad. There is a natural sense of loss and sorrow connected with death. Even our Lord wept when he went to the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus (John 11:35). There is no shame in shedding tears.
But, from time to time I encounter families which are clearly not prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one. For them life seems unbearable. How can they possibly go on? Life is no longer meaningful. Their grief is overwhelming. They enter into a state of depression that can last for months and sometimes years.
How is it that some are able to handle the loss of a loved one so well, while others struggle to regain any sense of normalcy in their lives?
I think the answer can be found in a brief passage in one of Paul’s letters. He wrote:
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him…the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Christians do not see death as defeat. It is not the end.
We know our loss is only temporary. We will be reunited. Death is victory, not defeat (1 Corinthians 15:57). It is that knowledge which bolsters the spirit and lifts the heart in the hour of grief. When a Christian dies there is sorrow, but not like the world experiences. Our sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that awaiting us is “a building of God, an eternal house in heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
What legacy will we leave to our loved ones?
Will they come to our graveside with hearts filled with hope or despair? May God help us to live right and die ready so that our loved ones will “sorrow not as others which have no hope.“
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Fight to the Death – audio
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We’re in a fight to the death
It’s easy to become spiritually complacent, to get comfortable where we are, to forget what’s at stake.
Suppose you’re fighting a battle in the middle of a great war, completely surrounded by the advancing enemy. What would you do? Kick off your boots and enjoy a latté while you read the morning newspaper? It’s a ludicrous picture, but it’s something many of us do.
We’re tempted to live our lives as if there’s not this huge cosmic struggle going on. Just do our jobs, manage our to-do lists, pay our bills, and act like there’s no Satan, no “spiritual forces of evil,” as Paul puts it. That’s a deadly approach.
C.S. Lewis said that we make two mistakes when we think about Satan and his demons. Some of us respond with superstition… We might overstate Satan’s power. Superstitious folks see Satan everywhere they look. Others respond with what Lewis calls “substition”, which understates Satan’s role in today’s world.
I think most of the folks I know (including myself) fall into this camp. Blinded by our modern understanding of reason, we’re more likely to believe that everything has a rational, physical explanation. People do bad things because they make bad choices, had a rough upbringing, inherited bad genes, or have a mental illness.
Is it also possible that they fell under the sway of Satan and let him take over their lives? I think so. Peter’s warning still applies: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
I think we need to be more aware of what Satan is doing in the world, and particularly what he’s doing in our lives.
- If you’re a Mom or Dad, he’s after your kids. He’ll do anything to win their hearts.
- If you’re married, he’s after your marriage. He’s trying to drive a wedge between you and your spouse.
- If you’re single, he’s trying to undermine your relationships so that they pull you away from God.
Regardless of where you are, he’s after you, and he’ll pull every trick in the book to convince you that your relationship to Jesus really isn’t that important.
Don’t let him intimidate you – he can’t overpower God, of course – but don’t underestimate him either.
We’re in a fight to the death, and eternity hangs in the balance.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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I’m Dead
Yes, the words, “I’m dead!”, can be spoken by a living person. For example:
- A student may say this upon taking a test not studied for
- A player may say this when the opposing team looks bigger and stronger
In most cases, these words are used in a negative sense.
When a person does wrong or is not heard from, he may be considered “dead”. The prodigal son of Luke 15 went out and lost everything he received. Upon his return, his father said, “my son was dead and is alive again (Luke 15:24, 32)…” His father was very glad when he became alive again.
On the other hand, the words “I’m dead!” may be a good thing!
- Paul says we are to be dead unto sin (Romans 6:2, 11)
- He tells the Galatians that he is dead to the law but alive unto God (Galatians 2:19).
- Peter states, “…we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)…”
Just as the prodigal son was dead and then came alive when he returned home, God wants us to be alive at home with Him in Heaven.
Only by remaining dead to sin are we spiritually alive and able to be at home in Heaven with Him!
How are you dead, spiritually or to sin?
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Christian View of Death
For most people, nothing is more frightening than the thought of dying.
Is it the end? Does it hurt? What about eternity? Do we cease to be? What happens when we die? These and a myriad of other questions flood our minds when we contemplate death. Are there answers? The Christian argues that there are. We turn to the Bible for the answers to our most pressing questions. Here we find both comfort and hope.
According to the Bible, death is not frightening.
The Psalmist described it as a “precious” event (Psalm 116:15). God’s people do not face death alone. David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). The journey is made easier because we do not make it alone. It’s a new road for us, but we travel it with someone who knows the way.
Death, for the Christian, is not foreboding.
It is not a portent of evil. The New Testament speaks of death as victory, not defeat (1 Corinthians 15:57). It is not loss, but gain (Philippians 1:21). It brings rest from our labors and relief from our pain (Revelation 14:13). It is the gateway to a better place (Revelation 22:1-6).
Death is not final.
We do not cease to be when we die. Paul wrote, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). We are made in the image of our eternal Creator. At death the body returns to the dust from whence it came, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). In fact, for the Christian, it is not the end but the beginning of a richer, fuller life where all the burdens of life have been lifted and all the obstacles have been removed from our path. It is the beginning of life with God.
I must caution, only as a Christian can we look at death this way.
For those outside of Christ it is both frightening and foreboding. The good news is that you can prepare for death and the life which is to come. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Will you repent of your sins and be baptized that your sins might be washed away by His blood? Will you live for Him daily?
Are you ready to die?
–Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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No Cancellations
“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Approximately every twenty-two seconds someone in this country dies. In the time it will take you to read this brief article more than two hundred deaths will have occurred worldwide.
Death is one appointment we will all keep. There will be no cancellations.
We are going to die, and it could happen at any time. It could be soon, or it could be years from now, but one thing is sure, there will be no escape. Yet, most of us live as though death only happens to others.
Death is not just a possibility, it is a certainty.
Our preparation for it should be of the highest priority. As a matter of fact, there isn’t anything more important than our preparation for death. There is a sense in which we cannot really live and enjoy life until we are ready to die.
What the skeptics believe
However, the skeptics would have us believe that this life is all there is. Their philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” is followed by millions. They bow at the altar of evolution and worship the gods of humanism and modernism. They would have us believe that this is it. “You only live once, so you better grab all the gusto you can get!” Those who subscribe to this philosophy live for themselves and die without hope.
Jesus Christ came to offer something better.
He came that “we might have life” and that we “might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He came to show us the way to God (John 14:6). He came to tell us that there is life after life, that God’s gift is eternal life through Him (Romans 6:23). He offers salvation to all them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). He gives us a reason to live, and hope in death. With Paul, we can say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Are you ready to die?
Death is certain, but so is eternal life for all who are prepared. Study God’s word! Believe it! Obey it! Live it! Death has no hold on those who are ready to die.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Rescue the Perishing
Does God want anyone to perish?
He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
Will anyone perish with Christ?
Christ is the good shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. The sheep hear His voice and follow Him, and He gives them eternal life. Thus, they will never perish, nor will be snatched from His hand (John 10:27-29).
Can one Christian cause another to perish?
Paul taught the church at Corinth that we do have certain liberties in Christ; however, a liberty to one may cause a stumbling block to get in another’s way. Should this happen, Paul said it may cause one to perish! Therefore, for the sake of unity, we should never abuse liberty and hinder another (1 Corinthians 8:7-13; 1 Corinthians 1:10).
Can we cause ourselves to perish?
Certainly! All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)! Peter agrees that the unjust shall perish in their own corruption (2 Peter 2:9-14).
How does Christ help us not to perish?
God sent Jesus to the world, and whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)!
What can we do so that we may not perish?
First, we must believe in Him (John 3:16), and then we must do what He says. Jesus said we must repent, or else we will perish (Luke 13:3-5).
How can both work together?
God helps us triumph in Christ, and we proclaim our knowledge of Him by living faithfully. Therefore, others can see our example and be brought to Christ, thus avoiding eternal perishing (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Bereavement
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:32-36).
Times of bereavement are among the most traumatic and stressful of our lives.
It is then that we really need the love and support of friends. Yet, often it is during these difficult times of bereavement that many feel most alone. It is not that others don’t care, it is the simple fact that many folks don’t know what to say or do so they stay away. The following suggestions are offered in the hope that they will be helpful.
- First, it is important just to be there during a time of bereavement. Your presence will mean a lot. It is not necessary to say anything. A warm embrace, a loving touch, a gentle tear will say it all.
- Second, avoid saying the wrong things. It is best to simply say, “I’m sorry.” Don’t offer explanations. Especially don’t blame God. Those who have lost a loved one find little comfort in such things as “God always takes the best first,” or “He needed another angel in heaven.” There is also little comfort in hearing, “I know just how you feel.” Since folks deal with grief and bereavement in different ways, seldom, if ever, do we know how another feels.
- Third, don’t be afraid to mourn and enter into bereavement yourself. Even Jesus wept as he made his way to Lazarus’ tomb. Tears are therapeutic. As the scriptures teach, it is appropriate to weep with those that weep (Romans 12:15).
- Fourth, be a good listener. People need talk about their feelings, their fears, and even their future. Again, it is not necessary to offer answers. A listening ear is all that is needed.
- Fifth, do something helpful. Bake a pie, mow the lawn, wash the car, or run the vacuum. Don’t ask, just fill the need yo see. When someone dies, these things still have to be done. Actions always speak louder than words. Love not only in word but also in deed (1 John 3:18).
- Finally, make a special effort to stay in touch following the memorial service. Some have a much more difficult time accepting and adjusting to their loss than others and the time of bereavement continues. Friends and family can be very helpful during this time. Depending on the individual, the period of mourning may run from a few weeks to many months. There will always be days that are more difficult. Holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries are especially sad. A cheerful card, an invitation to lunch, or an inexpensive gift will mean much.
Death is a part of life.
The loss of a loved one is made easier when we are surrounded by others who care and share our sorrow.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Luke 4:16-21 Jesus Delivers Us from Death to Life
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Text: Luke 4:16-21
Introduction
- Deliver means “to save by rescuing from evil or danger. It means to release, to set free, to rescue & preserve from eminent danger or death.
- Have you have ever found yourself in the “claws” of disparity, where there was danger all around you, perhaps a medical crisis, or accident, and all you could think of was getting help or calling 911 because danger or death was emanate?
- There’s a greater danger, we face, that our world is becoming more blind to, it’s spiritual death, separated from God, the everlasting punishment for our sins, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched in hell according to (Mark 9:43-48). This is why you need to obey Jesus to be saved. Let us learn how Jesus has delivered us from death to life.
Jesus Delivers Us from Sin by Offering Himself as the Perfect Sacrifice
- According to the law in order to have atonement for your soul there must be the shedding of blood of a fleshly sacrifice – Leviticus 17:11. In Hebrews 9:22, the Word of God declares that without the shedding of blood is no remission. The blood of bulls & goats were not able to take away sins – Hebrews 10:4. The only sacrifice that will take away our sins is the offering of Jesus body – Hebrews 10:10-14.
- Jesus was able to be the perfect sacrifice for man’s sins because He was both God and man in flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; (Luke 1:26-35). He overcame the temptations of Satan – Matthew 4:3-4. Jesus was the only sacrifice without blemish or without sin that could take away our sins – Hebrews 4:15. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Bible teaches Jesus knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness through Him.
- Jesus delivered us from death to life because He was willing to give His life for the sheep – John 10:10-11. Jesus laid His life down for the sheep (John 10:18), and endured the pains of the cross that we might live – Luke 23:46
God Raised Jesus to Deliver Us from Death to Life
- When God raised Jesus to life from the grave, and when Jesus ascended to heaven to be at the right hand of God, the Bible teaches in Psalm 68:18-19, Jesus led captivity captive. Which means Jesus led away, the enemy which captured us (Sin, death & Satan), Jesus has subdued, and overcome, through His death, burial, and resurrection. This is why we can sing the song Victory in Jesus – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
- In John 5:24, the Bible teaches, Jesus will deliver the faithful in Christ from death to life – John 6:40. This will occur at His second coming, which will be the great Day of Judgment (Resurrection day) when the just will be resurrected to life and the unjust will be resurrected to damnation – John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
- Jesus has delivered us from death to life. The question you must answer for yourself is will you be ready when He comes – Matthew 11:28-30. Why not be delivered from your sins today and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
2 Peter 1:12-15 Lord, Remind Me – audio
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Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15
Introduction.
1. Recently, at one of the Friday Night Sings, we sang a song that really spoke to me.
2. The title is Remind Me, Dear Lord. By Dottie Rambo.
The things that I love and hold dear to my heart Are just borrowed,
they’re not mine at all; Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life,
So remind me, remind me, dear Lord
(Chorus)
Roll back the curtain of mem’ry now and then,
Show me where you brought me from and where I could have been;
Just Remember I’m a human and humans forget –
so remind me, remind me, dear Lord
Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own son,
I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands; Yet he chose the road to
Calv’ry to die in my stead – Why he loved me, I can’t understand
3. We so often need reminded!
4. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
5. Thankfully, we have a God who knows us and knows that we need reminded so often!
6. What are some of the things of which we need reminded?
Body
I. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO GIVE UP, REMIND ME THAT YOU NEVER GAVE UP ON ME.
A. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to hang it up.
1. The parable of the sower teaches us that two out of three who obey the gospel will not remain faithful.
2. What are the causes of their falling away?
3. Matthew 13:20-22.
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
a) Persecution – which comes in many forms.
b) The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.
4. There are other things that make us want to throw in the towel.
a) Disappointment in ourselves.
b) Disappointment in others.
B. When you are tempted to give up, remember that Jesus didn’t give up on you!
1. He endured mocking and ridicule for you. Matthew 27:27-29.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
2. He was beaten for you. Matthew 27:26. Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
3. He carried that cross until He couldn’t carry it anymore. Matthew 27:32. Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
4. He was crucified for you.
5. My precious Savior suffered pain and agony, He bore it all, that I might live.
C. Lord, when I am tempted to give up, remind me that what I am going through is NOTHING compared to what you went through for me!
II. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF, REMIND ME OF MY BLESSINGS.
A. We all get sad from time to time.
1. Jesus did. John 11:35. Jesus wept.
2. Many things cause us to be sad.
a) Seeing sin in the world.
b) Disappointment in others.
c) Death of a loved one.
d) Troubles at work or school.
e) Troubles in relationships.
f) Financial problems.
g) Health problems.
3. It has been said that all of us are either just getting out of a trial, just getting into a trial, or we are in a trial right now!
B. What happens, though, is we often go from feeling sad to feeling sorry for ourselves.
1. A person who feels sorry for himself is one who starts to think that he has it worse than anyone else.
2. He focuses inward on his pain and sorrow rather than outward.
3. He starts to get a little angry with the world and maybe even God.
C. When we start to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to remember our blessings!
1. I don’t care who you are and what problems your having, if you are in Christ, YOU ARE BLESSED!
2. Spiritually we are blessed. Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
3. Physically we are blessed. Matthew 6:33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
a) Are you going hungry? Many in the world are.
b) Do you have a roof over your head. Many in the world don’t.
c) Do you have warm clothes for the cold weather that is coming. Some don’t.
4. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost…Count your many blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
D. Lord, remind me of my blessings.
III. LORD, WHEN I GET ANGRY WITH OTHERS, REMIND ME THAT I AM NOT PERFECT EITHER.
A. It is not a sin to get angry.
1. Jesus got angry. Mark 3:1-5.
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
2. We are told to be angry. Ephesians 4:26. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
B. We are to be angry without sin. We are not to let the sun go down on our wrath.
1. It is one thing to be angry about sin and another thing to hold a personal grudge.
2. Maybe it would help us to be more forgiving if we remember, we are not perfect either.
3. Matthew 18:21-35.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
C. Lord, remind me that I am not perfect either.
IV. LORD, WHEN I PUT THINGS OFF, REMIND ME THAT LIFE IS SHORT.
A. Procrastination is a universal problem.
1. We put off things, intending to do them later.
2. We put off…
a) Work around the house.
b) Getting into shape.
c) Working on our relationships.
d) Obedience to the gospel.
e) Talking to others about Jesus.
B. Lord, remind us that we may not have a tomorrow.
1. James 4:13-14.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
2. Life is too short to procrastinate!
3. None of us is guaranteed another day.
Conclusion
1. Lord, remind me…
2. When I am tempted to give up, remind me that you never gave up on me.
3. When I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, remind me of my blessings.
4. When I get angry with others, remind me that I am not perfect either.
5. When I procrastinate, remind me that life is short.
Delivered on: September 16, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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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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