Historical Posts
It Came to Pass
When asked what their favorite verse in the Bible was someone replied, “My favorite verses are all those passages where the words “it came to pass” are found.” The expression is actually used 453 times in 452 verses in the King James Version of the Bible.
In most cases the phrase simply expresses the elapse of time or the sequence of events leading up to some action. However, for us the expression can also mean the coming to an end of something, especially something bad. It is in that context that the expression provides the greatest comfort to Christians. No matter what terrible thing we face, what heavy burden we bear, what awful ordeal we dread, it will eventually come to pass. It will be over. Better days are ahead.
Christians operate on the premise that things work out for God’s people. The apostle Paul expressed it this way: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We do not believe we are immune from the trials and tribulations of life, but we do believe we will ultimately triumph over them.
And It Came to Pass
There is a certain sense of satisfaction and joy when we have seen something through to completion, especially if it has been physically and emotionally draining. Have you ever had to make a public speech? It is said that most Americans fear public speaking more than they fear death. Do you remember the sense of relief and perhaps euphoria you felt when it was over, when it had come to pass? Probably, what kept you going and ultimately enabled you to succeed was the realization that it would soon be over.
I am convinced we can face anything with calm assurance when we understand that it will ultimately pass. I have watched folks face terrible disease and impending death with grace and dignity because they knew the struggle was about to end and something better awaited them. Whatever it is it will come to pass. Better things are ahead. This is the confidence we have in Christ. A crown awaits (2 Timothy 4:8). Do you share that hope?
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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James 01:12-15 Endure Temptation to Obtain a Crown of Life
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Text: James 1:12-15
Introduction
- A temptation is a trial or test which may involve a struggle, hardships, and difficulties with a beneficial purpose and effect – Hebrews 11:17-19. If we endure through the many temptations that will come to them that love God, we will receive a great reward of God – James 1:12.
- The mark of a true servant of God is when God has enough confidence in you, to ask the devil to consider you to try/tempt, to see how much you really love God. The mature Christian will be able to endure and come out of the fire of temptation as pure gold – Job 1:1,8.
- Satan will present many trials, test, and temptations to the Christian trying to break down his faith and loyalty to God, so that he will lose his eternal reward of heaven. Christian friend don’t let anything separate from God – Romans 8:35-39. You must be watchful because the devil will come through the front door, back door, the window, friends, family, relationships, or at any of your weakness – 1 Peter 5:6-9.
To Endure Temptation You Must Learn to Trust God
- It is a joy for Christians to have the opportunity to suffer reproach by our adversary – James 1:2-4. Temptations will help us grow stronger in God’s love, so that we might be able to lay hold of that beautiful eternal home God has promised us. Did not Peter grow from his adversity of denying Christ 3 times (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75). Let fight the fight, and finish the race God has set before ud that we might obtain the crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
- It is imperative to learn to trust and rely on God’s Word for your guidance and direction in life because following your flesh and your own desires will lead you to your own destruction – Proverbs 3:5-8.
- To endure temptations you must be rooted and grounded in the Word of God. It will be more difficult for Satan to overcome you, if you always reply with “What Thus Saith The Lord?” – James 4:7. Any situation that you find yourself in, you should be able to apply and implement what God has said in your life – Colossians 3:16. Unfortunately the problem with many is that they’re not rooted and grounded in the truth of God – Colossians 2:6-8.
Don’t Allow Your Own Lusts to Draw You Away from God
- The Word of God teaches that you’re tempted, when you’re drawn away from what God says in His Holy Word, to fulfill what your own lusts and fleshly desires want. When your own fleshly desires [entice or allure] override or dominate what God says, you will commit sin which will lead to death – James 1:14-15.
- To overcome and endure trails, we need to be aware of our own lusts and weaknesses, and be willing to do something about it. This means we need to get rid of sins that will destroy us – Hebrews 12:1-2. It’s time you turn off the sources of your enticement to sin – Mark 9:43-48.
- If your working towards becoming mature in Christ, why not make the decision this evening to devote your life to Jesus – Revelation 2:10.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Suffering – 2 Timothy 3:12 – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:12
Introduction
- How many remember when you were baptized into Christ, when all of your sins were washed away?
- Was it not a time of rejoicing and happiness?
- Just as it was when Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:38-39.
- It was said of him “… and he went on his way rejoicing.” – Acts 8:39
- And truly the time of one’s conversion is great occasion because “… old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- And then one day you come to Bible study excited, until you learn about what is written on the board:
- “SUFFERING”
All Christians Will Experience and Endure Suffering
- The express will of God says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
- Suffering for Christ, is like taking all the necessary classes, doing all the readings, reports, and tests to get your degree.
- When we are partakers in Jesus sufferings, we’re also partaker in His blessings – 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-16
- Our sufferings in the Lord will be an everlasting blessing, if we endure to the end – James 5:10-11
- There is a great reward in heaven for those who will suffer for the name of Christ – Matthew 5:10-12
Conclusion
- Consider what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
- Therefore, let all of us be encouraged and not be afraid to suffer for Jesus that you might have life.
Hear Believe Repent Confess Baptism Live Faithfully to Death
(Invitation – Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ 8-22-2012 by bro. Harry D. Anderson, Jr.)
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James 01:12-18 The Christian and Temptation – powerpoint
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James-01-12-18-The-Christian-and-Temptations.pdf
James-01-12-18-The-Christian-and-Temptations.pptx
Text: James 1:12-18
Introduction:
1. One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with temptations
a. For it can be frustrating to know that your sins have been forgiven
b. …only to find yourself bombarded by temptations to continue in your sins
2. James 1:12-18: we find helpful words for the Christian in the form of:
a. A PROMISE to those who endure temptations
b. A CAUTION not to wrongfully blame God
c. AN UNDERSTANDING of how sin develops
Body
I. THE PROMISE – James 1:12
A. THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION WILL BE BLESSED
1. The Greek word for blessed is makarios
2. Which means happy, blessed
3. The nature of the happiness enjoyed is described as the verse continues
B. FOR AFTER HE HAS BEEN PROVED HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE
1. The promise is that of eternal life
2. The promise is given by Him Who cannot lie – Titus 1:2
3. The promise is given to those who demonstrate their love for God by their endurance of the temptations – James 1:3
II. THE CAUTION – James 1:13, James 1:16-18
A. LET NO ONE SAY THEY ARE TEMPTED BY GOD! – James 1:13
1. That is, to blame God for their temptations
2. For God is so HOLY:
a. He cannot be tempted by evil
b. Nor does He tempt anyone to do evil
B. SO DON’T BE DECEIVED INTO SUCH THINKING – James 1:16-18
1. God is the source of GOOD, not evil!
2. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him!
3. As an example, it was of His Own Will that He brought us forth
a. Which He did by the word of truth – 1 Peter 1:22-23
b. So we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures
III. THE UNDERSTANDING – James 1:14-15
A. HOW SIN DEVELOPS
1. The first stage is TEMPTATION – James 1:14
a. This stage involves two things:
1) DESIRES – a strong desire for something
2) ENTICEMENT – an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the desire
b. Put into a mathematical formula: Temptation = Desire + Opportunity
c. For example: a small boy is TEMPTED to steal some cookies when he WANTS them and has a good chance to get them and not be seen
d. But remember, it is NOT a sin to be TEMPTED – Hebrews 4:15
2. The second stage in the development of sin is SIN ITSELF – James 1:15
a. Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it
b. Sin therefore requires the added step of ACTION
c. Putting it again in mathematical terms: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action
3. The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: DEATH – James 1:15
a. This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the wages of sin – Romans 6:23
b. Ultimately such death involves eternal punishment – Revelation 21:8
c. Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment!
B. HOW TO OVERCOME SIN
1. CHANGE OUR DESIRES
a. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best place for us to begin
b. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change our desires – Romans 12:1-2
c. How do we change our desires?
1) Notice that the WORD OF GOD has always been instrumental in helping people overcome sin – Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:3-10
2) To see how the Word of God can change our desires0
a) As we read of God’s love, longsuffering and mercy, we desire to serve Him – Psalm 116:12-14
b) As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come to hate it! – Psalm 119:104
d. So the more we study God’s Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by nipping it in the bud!
e. But changing our desires takes time; while engaged in the process of changing our desires, what else can we do?
2. LIMIT OUR OPPORTUNITIES
a. Remember, we are tempted only when there is BOTH desire and opportunity
b. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires
c. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught – Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41
d. We can cooperate with God by:
1) Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires
a) Following the example of David – Psalm 101:3-4
b) And the example of Job – Job 31:1
2) Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them
a) Again, David sets a good example – Psalm 101:6-7
b) Paul also adds his warning – 1 Corinthians 15:33
e. But we will unlikely remove EVERY desire and opportunity to sin in this life, what then?
3. EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL
a. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to ACTION in fulfilling our sinful desires
b. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin!
c. How does the Christian exercise self-control?
1) Self-control is but one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
2) Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to put to death the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13
3) As Paul said: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
d. It is through faith in God’s Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help – Ephesians 3:20
1) It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians – Ephesians 3:16
2) But equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God’s will – Philippians 2:12-13
3) As an exercise commercial once said: JUST DO IT!
e. The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
f. But there may be times when we don’t take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?
4. OBTAIN FORGIVENESS
a. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment
b. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! – 1 John 2:1-2
c. Yes, Christ is truly the propitiation for our sins!
1) By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in BAPTISM – Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5
2) By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we REPENT, PRAY, and CONFESS our sins to God – Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9
d. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!
Conclusion
1. Indeed, we can overcome sin by stopping its development at ANY one of the four stages leading to the final punishment!
2. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!
a. God helps us to control our desires by providing His WORD to renew our minds
b. God helps us to limit the opportunities through His PROVIDENCE as we pray for such
c. God helps us to exercise self-control over our actions through His SPIRIT strengthening the inner man
d. God helps us to obtain forgiveness through the blood of his son as we repent and pray
3. So how could anyone say that God would tempt us to sin?
a. Certainly He is the giver of every good and perfect gift! – James 1:17
b. Even as Paul wrote, in 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. Have you taken advantage of God’s way of escape for the sins you have committed?
5. If not, why not do so by obeying the gospel, the Word of Truth, and become one of the firstfruits of His creatures?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:01-03 Running the Race of Faith – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Introduction:
1. Throughout our study, we have noted the emphasis on being steadfast in our faith
a. The warning against developing unbelief – Hebrews 3:12-15
b. The need for a faith that endures – Hebrews 6:11-12; Hebrews 10:36-39
c. In chapter eleven, we were reminded of many who had this kind of faith
2. This emphasis continues, with our own life of faith described as a race
a. In which we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses – Hebrews 12:1
1) The cloud of witnesses refers to those mentioned in the previous chapter
2) Those Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, etc.
b. In what way are they witnesses?
1) While the word can mean spectator, it is not likely so used here
a) That would suggest they are now looking down on us from heaven
b) But there is no indication the dead know what is going on earth
c) While they may have memory of what happened (Luke 16:28), their attention is focused
upon their present condition – Revelation 7:9-17
2) The word can also refer to those who bear witness
a) By their lives, they have borne witness to the value of faith – Hebrews 11:1-40
b) By their exemplary lives, they encourage us in running the race of faith!
c. As we seek to follow in the footsteps of others who have successfully run the race of faith, there are three things necessary as presented in our text.
Body
I. WE NEED TO LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE (Hebrews 12:1)
A. NOTE THE COMPARISON TO RUNNING
1. The runner who seeks to win:
a. Loses as much weight as possible without hurting performance
b. Wears clothing that is light and allows freedom of movement
2. Excess weight, chafing clothing, etc., can be the difference between victory and defeat!
B. WE TOO MUST LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE
1. Every weight
a. I.e., things which slow down our spiritual progress
1) Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life – Luke 21:34-36
2) Also, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language – Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1-2
b. Such things make running the race of faith difficult, if not impossible!
2. The sin which so easily ensnares us
a. Any and all sins should be laid aside
b. From the context, I understand the sin to be the sin of unbelief
1) The epistle was written to encourage faithfulness to Christ and His covenant
2) We’ve seen warnings against unbelief – Hebrews 3:12-13
3) When one no longer believes, the race is lost! – Hebrews 10:26-39
3. With a full assurance of faith, and with every hindrance laid aside, we can run the race of faith as God intended. But as we comprehend the true nature of the course set before us, we can appreciate the need for the element of endurance
II. WE NEED TO HAVE ENDURANCE (Hebrews 12:1)
A. THE RACE OF FAITH IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
1. It does not require one quick burst of energy, in which the race is soon over
2. This race requires a sustained effort over a long period of time
B. ENDURANCE IS A NECESSARY QUALITY
1. Jesus often taught His disciples concerning the need for endurance (i.e., patience)
a. In the parable of The Sower – Luke 8:13
b. In preparing the disciples for the Limited Commission – Matthew 10:22
c. In His discourse on the Mount of Olives – Matthew 24:13
2. The writer to the Hebrews had stressed this virtue earlier
a. In which he appealed to the example of Abraham – Hebrews 6:11-15
b. In which he quoted from Habakkuk – Hebrews 10:36-39
3. We can develop such patience with the help of the Scriptures – Romans 15:4
a. As we read of the faithfulness of God Who fulfills His promises
b. As we read of the ultimate end of those persevered in faithfulness
4. Paul wrote that eternal life would be given to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (Ro 2:7). Therefore, endurance is required for successfully running this race of faith!
III. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON JESUS (Hebrews 12:2-3)
A. WE MUST LOOK UNTO JESUS
1. Our focus must be upon the Lord as we run the race
a. We might glance at others (Hebrews 11)
b. But we are to look upon the Lord Savior
c. As suggested by this formula for spiritual success:
1) If you want to be distressed — look within
2) If you want to be defeated — look back
3) If you want to be distracted — look around
4) If you want to be dismayed — look ahead
5) If you want to be delivered — look up! – Colossians 3:1-2
2. For Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith – Hebrews 2:10
a. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 1:8-11
b. He has blazed the trail for us
1) By having run the race Himself
a) As a forerunner He has entered the heavenly sanctuary – Hebrews 6:19-20
b) He has opened a new and living way for us – Hebrews 10:20
2) And now He helps us to finish it ourselves – Hebrews 7:25
3. He succeeded in running the race by looking at the joy set before Him
a. The joy that inspired Him was likely that privilege of being seated at God’s right hand – Psalm 16:9-11; Acts 2:25-31
b. With the anticipation of such joy, Jesus
1) endured the cross (the physical pain)
2) despised the shame (the emotional and spiritual agony)
4. Just as Jesus looked at the joy set before Him, so we must look to Jesus!
B. WE MUST CONSIDER HIM
1. We must consider how He endured, not only on the cross, but even before!
a. How He endured such hostility from sinners against himself
b. This hostility is something He experienced frequently – Luke 4:28-29; Luke 11:15-16, Luke 11:53-54
2. Meditating upon our Lord will prevent us from becoming weary and discouraged
a. We cannot run with endurance if we become weary and discouraged
b. But as we consider the Lord and His example (in itself a form of waiting upon the Lord), we shall not grow weary nor faint – Isaiah 40:31
Conclusion
1. Running The Race Of Faith requires both negative and positive elements
a. Negatively, we must lay aside things which would hinder us
b. Positively, we must keep our focus on Jesus who has made our salvation possible
2. In both cases, the Word of God (the Bible) is crucial
a. For in it we learn what sort of things we must lay aside
b. For in it we learn about our Lord, what He endured, how His example should inspire us
3. Have you lost your endurance? Have you grown weary in running the race of faith?
a. Let the Bible help you examine what baggage should be left aside!
b. Let the Bible help you learn about Jesus whose own example can encourage you to continue on with perseverance!
4. Remember what we read earlier: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the Promise” – Hebrews 10:36
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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