Historical Posts
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please Him
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please Him – Hebrews 11:6
The Bible has much to say about the significance of faith.
Preachers in the churches of Christ are frequently accused of failure to recognize the importance of faith in the process of salvation. We tend to place so much emphasis upon the role of baptism in salvation, that many among the denominations get the idea that we do not believe in the worth of faith. This, however, is a mistaken impression. We preach and teach only what the Bible authorizes; and the Bible has much to say about the significance of faith.
Faith is absolutely essential to the salvation.
In Hebrews 11:6, it is written: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” If one does not have faith in God, then one can never be saved from his sins. This means that faith is absolutely essential to the salvation of every human being (John 8:24)!
But, faith is not all that is necessary for salvation.
People, however, tend to get terribly confused about faith, when they start thinking that faith is all that is necessary to effect the salvation of a living soul. Much of the modern “religious” world is under the impression that one needs only to believe in God and to ask Him for forgiveness, and salvation shall be granted. Their assertion is that there is nothing for us to “do” about our spiritual condition, be- cause God does it all for us. This notion is ridiculous, in light of what the Bible actually says about faith, works and our salvation.
Faith and works go hand in hand.
In Acts 2, when Peter was preaching to a vast multitude, the Biblical record says that, “with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40). Peter told to people to save themselves, indicating that there was something that they could “do” about their spiritual condition. In his epistle, James argued that faith and works go hand in hand. He wrote, “show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). There can be no salvation without faith in God, but salvation does not arise by faith alone. Every step in the plan of salvation must be taken to get us to where we want to go (Matthew 7:21).
Content by Russell Kline
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For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight
For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7
The human mind can so easily be tricked.
Many years ago, I visited a museum of science and industry in Columbus, Ohio, where I got to see a demonstration of optical illusions. It was amazing to me that the human mind could so easily be tricked into thinking that it is seeing one thing, when, in fact, it is seeing something else entirely. If you have ever seen a “magic” show then you know what I mean.
When we close our eyes to the truth we get into trouble.
Memories of that day always get me to thinking about 2 Corinthians 5:7, in which the apostle Paul wrote, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Some have the idea that to “walk by faith” is to close one’s eyes to all evidence to the contrary and make one’s way through the world, blindly following the Lord. But, this is simply not the case. Our Lord wants us keep our eyes open to the world, for “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1ff). It is when we close our eyes to the truth that we get into trouble (Matthew 13:15).
Eyes can be deceived, but faith cannot.
We “walk by faith,” because faith is superior to sight. Our eyes can be deceived, but our faith cannot. Remember that faith in God is supposed to be based upon substantial evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Our faith ought to be sure enough that nothing can move us away from it.
Keep focused on Jesus.
When Peter walked on the Sea of Galilee, he was able to do so only when he kept his eyes focused on Jesus, and he began to sink when he looked at the storm raging around him (Matthew 14:22-33). We must keep our eyes fixed upon the One who can lead us from Earth to Heaven, if we want to make it (Hebrews 12:1-2). If we walk by sight, rather than faith, we will surely fail.
Content by Russell Kline
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The Substance of Things Hoped For
A Leap of Faith?
Have you ever heard of somebody making a “leap of faith?” People use that term all the time, but do they really understand what it means? It is a phrase that was born of a philosophy of religion—one that makes a bold assumption. It is assumed by some that there is not enough evidence to conclusively prove that God exists. Therefore, it is necessary to make a “leap of faith” from where the evidence ends to where God begins.
The problem with this view is that it is unbiblical.
In Hebrews 11:1, the Bible says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is not the case that faith is a substitute for evidence, but that it is composed of evidence. I have faith in God, because I have plenty of evidence, which proves that He exists. My faith is not an expression of my personal desire for God to be real, but rather my faith is the result of my being absolutely convinced that He is real.
Faith is an expression of absolute certainty.
One of the greatest examples of Biblical faith is that of Job. He suffered the loss of his property, his family and finally, his health. Wracked with excruciating physical pain, he was also troubled in his spirit, because he, like his three friends who came to comfort him, believed that God had done all of these terrible things to him. In the discussions he had with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, Job tried to figure out why the Lord had afflicted him to such an extreme degree. Still, through it all, he did not give up his faith in God. In Job 19:25, he expressed his firm belief in the existence of God, when he said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” Job did not say, “I think that my redeemer lives,” or “I hope that my redeemer lives.” He said, “I know that my redeemer lives!” That is the kind of confidence called for, in the Biblical definition of faith. Only when faith is an expression of absolute certainty can it truly be “unwavering” (James 1:6).
I believe in the North Pole…
I have never been to there. I have never seen it, or touched it, or smelled it, or tasted it – but I know it’s there. I know because I have heard the testimony of eyewitnesses who have experienced it firsthand, and because of all the other evidence there is of its existence. People might scoff at the idea of one having faith in the North Pole, but it is in just the same way that I have come to have faith in God.
“For I know that my redeemer liveth…” – Job 19:25
Content by Russell Kline
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James 02:14-26 Three Kinds of Faith – audio
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Text: James 2:14-26
Introduction
1. Faith is certainly an essential element in the Christian life:
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
b. The Christian is saved by faith – Ephesians 2:8
c. The Christian is to walk (Live) by faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7
d. Whatever we do apart from faith is described as sin – Romans 14:23
2. It is important to realize, however, that there are different kinds of faith, but only one that is truly “saving faith”
3. In James 2:14-26, we find James discussing the different kinds of faith, with an emphasis upon that faith which works to the saving of the soul
Body
I. DEAD FAITH (James 2:14-17)
A. THIS KIND OF FAITH
1. Substitutes words for deeds (Consider James’ example)
a. People with this kind of faith:
1) Know the correct vocabulary for prayer and sound doctrine
2) Can even quote the right verses from the Bible
b. But their “walk” does not measure up to their “talk”!
2. Is only an INTELLECTUAL faith
a. In one’s mind, he or she knows the doctrine of salvation
b. But they have never really submitted themselves to God and trusted in Jesus for salvation
c. They know the right “words”, but they do not back up their words with their “works”!
B. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE?
1. NO! Three times in this passage, James emphasizes that “faith without works is dead” – James 2:17, 20, 26
2. Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration: A DEAD FAITH!
3. Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life
C. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH?
1. We do, if our WALK does not measure up to our TALK!
2. We do, if our WORKS do not measure up to our WORDS!
II. DEMONIC FAITH (James 2:18-19)
A. PERHAPS TO SHOCK ANY COMPLACENT READERS, JAMES REMINDS US THAT EVEN DEMONS HAVE A KIND OF FAITH!
1. They believe in God (No atheists or agnostics here!)
2. They even believe in the deity of Christ – Mark 3:11-12
3. They also believe in the existence of a place of condemnation – Luke 8:31
4. And they believe Jesus will be the Judge! – Matthew 8:28-29
B. WHAT KIND OF FAITH DO “DEMONS” HAVE?
1. We saw that the man with “dead faith” was “touched only in his intellect”
2. The demons are “touched also in their emotions” (Note that they “believe and tremble”)
3. This is one step above a “dead faith” – it involves both INTELLECT and EMOTIONS
C. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE?
1. NO! A person can be enlightened in his mind and even stirred in his heart and still be lost forever!
2. True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life! – James 2:18
3. Being a Christian involves trusting Christ and living for Christ!
a. You first RECEIVE the life
b. Then you REVEAL the life!
D. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH?
1. We do, if we just BELIEVE the right things and FEEL the right things
2. We do, if our service to God does not go beyond
a. Intellectually adhering to the right doctrines
b. Emotional experiences while attending services
III. DYNAMIC FAITH (James 2:20-26)
A. WHAT KIND OF FAITH IS THIS?
1. We know from other passages that such faith is based upon the Word of God – Romans 10:17
2. Dynamic faith involves the WHOLE MAN
a. DEAD faith touches only the intellect
b. DEMONIC faith involves both the mind and the emotions
c. DYNAMIC faith involves the intellect, the emotions, AND the WILL!
1) The MIND understands the truth
2) The HEART desires and rejoices in the truth
3) The WILL acts upon the truth
3. True, saving faith, then, LEADS TO ACTION
a. It is not intellectual contemplation
b. It is not emotionalism
c. It is that which leads to obedience in doing good works
B. TO ILLUSTRATE, JAMES REFERS TO TWO WELL-KNOW PERSONS IN THE BIBLE: ABRAHAM AND RAHAB
1. You could not find two more different persons!
a. Abraham was the father of the Jews; Rahab was a Gentile!
b. Abraham was a godly man; Rahab had been a sinful woman, a harlot!
c. Abraham was the friend of God; Rahab had belonged to the enemies of God!
2. What did they have in common? Both exercised saving faith in God!
a. Abraham demonstrated his saving faith by his works – James 2:20-24
b. Rahab demonstrated her saving faith by her works – James 2:25-26
3. We learn from this passage that:
a. Faith without works is a DEAD faith – James 2:20, 26
b. That “faith only” (The only time this phrase is found in the Scriptures) cannot justify one – James 2:24
c. That PERFECT faith necessitates works – James 2:22
Conclusion
1. It is important that each professing Christian examine his or her own heart and life, and make sure that they possess true saving faith, which is a dynamic faith
2. Satan is the great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation
a. If he can convince a person that counterfeit faith is true faith
b. …then he has that person in his power!
3. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves as we examine our faith:
- Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner?
– Have I admitted this to myself?
– Have I admitted this to God? - Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come?
– Have I ever been seriously worked up over my sins? - Do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for MY sins and then rose again?
– Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself? - Did I sincerely repent of my sins, making the decision to turn from them?
– Do I now hate sin and fear God?
– Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it? - Have I trusted Christ and Him alone for my salvation by responding to the commands He has given?
– Have I confessed my faith in Christ and then been baptized for the remission of my sins as He and His apostles commanded? - Has there been a change in my life?
– Do I maintain good works, or are my good works occasional and weak?
– Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord?
– Can others tell that I have been with Jesus? - Do I have a desire to share Christ with others? Or am I ashamed of Him?
- Do I enjoy the fellowship of God’s people? Is worship a delight to me?
- Am I ready for the Lord’s return?
– Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?
4. To be sure, not every Christian has the same degree of faith; those who have had more time to grow should be stronger in faith
5. But for the most part, this spiritual inventory can assist a person in determining his or her true standing before God
6. May our prayer be similar to that of the Psalmist’s: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; “And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Can We Still Believe in Jesus?
Oh, I can’t believe that…
Around of the 19th century Bruno Baur, theologian historian, concocted the notion that Jesus lived. According to Baur, Jesus was entirely mythical. He argued that Christ was simply a mental invention of a few century drew their concepts of their “Messiah” from Greco-Roman philosophy.
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), a more recent German theologian and medical missionary, acknowledged the existence of a “Jesus,” but asserted in his book The Quest of the Historical Jesus (1906) that real Jesus of history was so different from the Christ revered Christians that the Lord Jesus of New Testament could not really be based upon historical fact.
Rudolph Augstein, publisher of the German Der Spiegel (Germany’s equivalent to our Time magazine), wrote a book titled Jesus, Son of Man in which he claimed that it is impossible to that Jesus was God the Son.
One author has noted that believers in Jesus are often saddled with the reputation of being very gullible, and that Christianity reminds some people of the scene in Alice in Wonderland when Alice asks the queen, “How old are you?” The queen responds, “I am a hundred and one, five months, and a day.” Alice shakes her head, “Oh, I can’t believe that.” The queen assures her, “Can’t you? Shut your eyes, hold your breath and try again.”
Not some blind leap into the dark
Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is not some blind leap into the dark. The identity of Jesus is based on an historically reliable document (Luke 1:1-4). We can know with certainty who He was, what He did, and what He expects of us. Our faith is not based on hearsay testimony, but on eyewitness accounts of His life, death, and resurrection (2 Peter 2:16; 1 John 1:1-3). The events and characters in question were not removed from the mainstream of life and society, but were open to the closest public examination. As Paul said to King Agrippa, “These things were not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Those who investigate Jesus are struck by His amazing appeal. He speaks to the issues that concern us. In the hospital, at the graveside, in the comfort of our own family room, the words of Jesus offer comfort and challenge to us. The alternative, disbelief, offers nothing.
We can be confident
There is not the slightest reason for us to question the biblical record concerning Jesus. We can be confident that the record is true. Our faith is not misplaced.
—Roger
AUGUST 12, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Threats of the Postmodern Culture
The sheltered environment of the past is no more
My heart goes out to the parents of young children. They face challenges I never anticipated a few years ago. Technology has made us instantly aware of events in the remotest corners of our world. Social media makes it possible to reach millions in milliseconds. Media that could be beneficial are often used in nefarious and malicious ways. They becomes avenues for bullying, gossip, character assassination, pornography, and the spread of misinformation. The sheltered environment of the past is no more!
Stars died so you can live?
What got me thinking about all of this was something I read about a former Disney star trying to shed her squeaky clean image. Miley Cyrus has been in the news a lot of late for behavior, dress, and statements completely out of character with her former image. She recently got herself in trouble with some of her fans for a tweet which included a photo of Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist, and a quotation attributed to him: “You are all stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, all the things that matter for evolution) weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in stars. So forget Jesus. Stars died so you can live.” Her tweet included the caption “Beautiful.”
Young minds are impacted in very negative ways
Ridiculing faith, advocating atheism, and defending evolution is becoming ever more popular with stars and starlets. It doesn’t matter that most of them know very little about such things. Their position gives them a platform to spout off their liberal leanings, and sadly impressionable young minds are impacted in very negative ways as a result.
Indoctrinating our kids at an earlier and earlier age
Entertainers, educators, judges, and politicians with a liberal and postmodern mindset also want to undermine the moral fabric of our nation with their anti-christian, pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-marriage agenda. And, they are seeking to do this by indoctrinating our kids at an earlier and earlier age. Children raised in a Christian environment who believe that homosexuality is sinful are accused of hate speech and bullying for expressing their views. Judges arbitrarily set aside laws which restrict marriage to a man and a woman, and protect the life of the unborn. This is done with total disregard for the will of the people!
Faith is always under assault
Christians are subject to frequent ridicule. We are often labeled as uneducated, unenlightened, superstitious people out of step with the times. As Christians this shouldn’t surprise us. It is how the devil works. Faith is always under assault. We must prepare ourselves and our kids to meet those attacks head on. In the end, truth will always triumphant over error. We must bring our children up in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), and prepare them to face this postmodern assault with an unswerving faith in God, Christ and the Bible.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Estate Planning
Useless disagreement
One of the saddest events in the ministry of Jesus is recorded in Luke 15:13-15. It has to do with a family disagreement over how the inheritance was to be divided. One came to Jesus with the following request: “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus responded, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?” Then He warned: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). To further impress this truth upon His hearers, Jesus told the story of a certain rich man whose harvest had been so bountiful that he did not have room for it all. He determined to tear down his barns and build greater ones. Then he would sit back, take it easy, and enjoy the good life. But it would not happen. That night he died. All he had was left to others.
Important items are not found in the accumulation of things
It really isn’t any different today. Many spend their lives accumulating things, only to die and leave them behind for others to fight over. Happiness, joy, peace, and contentment aren’t found in the accumulation of things. They are the byproducts of living for Christ.
Leave behind real value
Sadly, most of us have seen this story acted out too many times in the lives of friends and associates. Families have been ripped apart as brothers and sisters fought over who got what. Homes have been destroyed because mothers and fathers gave their children every “thing,” but failed to provide a foundation for life centered in Jesus.
Parents, if you want to leave your children with something of real value, leave them the memory of a mother and father faithful to God. Provide them with an example of faith, love, devotion, and commitment to truth that will live on in their hearts long after you are gone. The really valuable estates aren’t measured in dollars and cents, but in faith, love, and service to God!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Words or Deeds
In the ninth century before Christ, the Syrian army, under Benhadad, invaded Israel. Benhadad demanded of Israel’s king all of his silver and gold, as well as the best of the king’s wives and children (1 Kings 20:5). Believe it or not, King Ahab agreed.
The next day Benhadad increased his demands. He would send his representatives into Samaria. They would search the palace of the king and houses of the leading men of the city. Anything of value would become the property of the Syrian king. This was more than Ahab could stomach. He refused.
Benhadad was enraged. When he was done with Samaria it would be so thoroughly destroyed that it would not be possible to give each of his men a handful of the dust from the ruble of the city. It was then that Ahab replied, “Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off'” (1 Kings 20:11). Sure enough, Benhadad would have to eat his words. With God’s help, Israel defeated the Syrian army. Only Benhadad and a few of his officers managed to escape on horseback.
Actions speak louder than words
It is easy to boast, but it can be very difficult to perform as promised. Actions speak louder than words. One does not prove his valor in time of war with words, but with deeds of heroism. One does not establish himself on the field of competition with words, but by deeds. It’s not the one who talks the best game, but the one who plays the best game that comes out on top.
It is not enough to just declare our love
There is a spiritual application. It is not enough to declare our love. Love, to be validated, must be demonstrated by deeds. John admonished his readers: “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). The real proof of our love is not in what we say but what we do!
It is also not enough to say, “I believe!”
James asked, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds? Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17).
What about our relationship with God?
Remember, words without deeds are worthless.
— Roger
MARCH 18, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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What Then…
The day of the Lord will come like a thief
Peter wrote: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:8-10).
Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933), commenting on the words of Peter, observed: “With God one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day, which is to say that there is no calendar and no timepiece in the divine experience, no aging, no getting away from the beginning, nor approaching toward the end.” We, however, are time bound creatures. We are born. We age. We die. It is unavoidable, inescapable, absolutely certain. The time of our death is unknown, but the reality of it is undeniable (Hebrews 9:27).
Yes, God is eternal, but we are not
He has always been, and He will always be. We, on the other hand, are different. We had a beginning. We were born into this world, and we will someday be taken out of it. Yet, we are destined for an eternity of our choice. God’s desire is our salvation. He longs for us to be with Him, but He will not force Himself upon us. He yearns for all men to come to a knowledge of the truth that they might be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The depth of His desire is demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16).
Life is all about choosing
No clear thinking man would choose to be lost eternally, but we operate under the false premise that we will always have tomorrow to prepare. If the Bible teaches one thing with absolute certainty about life, it is the uncertainty of it all. Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow may never come, today is all we have. If we fail to use it, we may never get another chance.
When it’s over, what then?
When it’s over, and that day is coming for all of us, what awaits on the other side. For Christians there is nothing frightening, foreboding, or final about the grave. “For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Do you have that hope, and if not, would you like to have it? Remember, the clock is ticking, time is running out, eternity is just around the corner. What then?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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We Can Be Sure!
Jesus is not fantasy or fiction
“Once upon a time in a land far, far away…” may be an appropriate introduction to a fairy tale, but not to the life of Christ. The story of Jesus is not fantasy, and it is not fiction. It is fact! Luke’s gospel begins with these words: “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).
I know that Jesus lived, died, and rose the third day
It is not speculation, wishful thinking, or blind faith upon which I make that statement, but the facts concerning his life and death! Faith rests on the testimony of eyewitnesses (1 John 1:1-4). Peter stated it plainly when he wrote: “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).
Not done in a corner
In Paul’s defense of Christianity before Agrippa, regarding the death and resurrection of Christ, he said: “This thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). His ministry had been public, his miracles open to close scrutiny, his death a public spectacle, and his resurrection a verifiable fact! Not one valid charge can be leveled against the New Testament record. There had been no deception, and no effort was made to exclude the multitudes from a close examination of all that he taught and did. There was no misrepresentation, and no scandal to mar the record. We can have the utmost confidence in the biblical narrative.
Will we accept the facts?
There is not one valid reason for a man to reject the truthfulness of the Bible concerning Christ, or any other matter. “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12), do you?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Why Can’t We Agree?
Division is condemned
Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much disagreement among professed believers? Will believers ever be united? Unity is desirable. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united (John 17:20-21). Division was condemned in the church at Corinth. Paul pleaded with them to speak the same thing and to be perfectly joined together in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is said of the early church at Jerusalem that they were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).
What can we do?
Can we understand the Bible? Is unity possible? Where have we gone wrong? What can we do?
We need unity
First, we must acknowledge the need for unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:22-28). When division occurs, believers become so involved in fighting each other that the real enemy, Satan, goes unchallenged. He (the devil) is, therefore, the greatest advocate of division. Only the devil rejoices when brethren fight. All of us should long for common ground upon which we can stand together.
Authority of Scripture is the answer
Second, not only is unity desirable, it is attainable. But, for unity to occur we must acknowledge the authority of Scripture, and willing submit to it. Here is where the problems arise. The difficulty is not in understanding what the Scriptures say, but in accepting what they say. Far too often, our actions are based, not on what the Bible teaches, but on what we think, feel, or believe! Everything is subjective, and the absolute standard of God’s word is ignored. There can be no unity where truth is ignored. Faith and practice must derive from Scripture (1 Peter 4:11).
Unity in faith
The pioneer preachers of the Restoration Movement made a valid plea when they proclaimed: “In matter of faith, unity! In matters of opinion, liberty! And, in all things, charity (love)!”
Cannot compromise principles
We desire unity, but we cannot compromise principles to achieve it!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Culture Wars
The devil is very real
He is determined to do anything and everything he can to make discipleship just as difficult as possible. He has always operated that way. First century Christians were misunderstood, maligned, and frequently mistreated, yet they held their ground, refused to compromise, and ultimately were triumphant. Will twenty-first century Christians fare as well?
Christian principles are at odds with modern culture
A war is raging against the institution of marriage. An effort is presently underway to redefine marriage. Some states have already legalized same sex marriages. Divorce has reached epidemic proportions. A hundred years ago divorce was almost unheard of, but because of the scope of the problem now, many are abandoning the teaching of Jesus on this subject (Matthew 19:1-12). Jesus is at odds with modern cultural practices, so what He said about marriage, divorce, and remarriage is undergoing change to meet cultural demands. This is the inevitable outcome of allowing culture to overrule Scripture.
Christian principles are at odds with modern sexual mores
Free love, casual or recreational sex, and “friends with benefits” all describe the loose attitude toward human sexuality which pervades modern society. In an effort to defend homosexuality culture now frames the discussion in terms of the civil rights movement and away from the moral precepts of the Bible where adultery, fornication and homosexuality are all declared to be sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Many of the problems we presently face as a society can be directly tied to our failure to respect the sanctity of marriage and God’s laws governing sexuality. Christian principles are at odds with the modern perception of the sanctity of life. It has been said that the most dangerous place in the world for a baby is in its mother’s womb. Over three thousand abortions are performed each day in America. At the other end of the spectrum, the aged have just as much to fear. At what age is it no longer cost-effective to provide medical care? A society which has no regard for the unborn will easily transition to the same calloused approach to the elderly. To do so, however, one must again sacrifice Christian principles for cultural dictates (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Be Loyal to the Lord and the Truth
Loyalty to the Lord and truth still leads to Christians being misunderstood, maligned, and mistreated, but that is a small price to pay compared to the consequences of surrendering to culture. The demands of the Lord are clear (Romans 12:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). With faith in Him, may we stand shoulder to shoulder against all who would compromise truth to please people!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Increasing Our Faith
A man brought his son to Jesus, knowing that he could heal him of his mute spirit.
Jesus told him that anything was possible to him who believes, and he replied “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:17-24). After seeing this man’s faith, Jesus healed his son. There was a desire in this man to build his faith.
The apostles, likewise, said to the Lord “increase our faith.” Jesus then showed them that if they had faith as a mustard seed, they could tell the mulberry tree to be moved and it would happen (Luke 17:5-6).
One day when Jesus was walking on the water, Simon Peter was not sure if he was seeing the Lord.
Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” When Jesus told him to come, he walked on the water until he took his eyes of Jesus and began to sink. Jesus caught him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:22-31)
Simon Peter did allow his little faith to grow.
He told Christians that being very diligent, we should add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), and must work or else it is dead (James 2:20).
The book of Hebrews gives us the importance of faith.
It is defined as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Without it, one cannot please God because we must believe that He is, and He rewards those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
We must remain faithful until death to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), all the while looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Do you have Faith in Jesus?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Why I Believe in Jesus Christ
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Introduction
1. The greatest story ever told is that of Jesus Christ
a. The Son of God becoming flesh, dwelling among men
b. His life, His miracles, His teachings, His death, His resurrection and ascension to heaven
c. How He shed His blood to provide atonement for the sins of the world!
2. It is a story that calls for faith
a. For those willing to believe, eternal life is possible – John 3:16
b. For those choosing not to believe, there is condemnation – John 3:18
3. Why do I believe in Jesus Christ? For two reasons mainly, both of which were stressed in the preaching of the apostles of Christ.
Body
I. FULFILLED PROPHECY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to produce faith in Jesus
a. Peter in his second sermon at Jerusalem – Acts 3:18
b. Paul in Thessalonica, as was his custom – Acts 17:1-3
2. Some examples of Messianic prophecies
a. The conflict between the serpent and the seed of woman – Genesis 3:15
b. The blessing upon all nations through the seed of Abraham – Genesis 12:3; 22:18
c. The prophet to come who would be like Moses – Deuteronomy 18:15,17-19
d. Who would be born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
e. The forerunner who would prepare the way of the Lord – Isaiah 40:3
f. The suffering Servant who would bear our iniquities – Isaiah 53:4-12
g. His resurrection from the dead – Psalm 16:8-11
h. His ascension into heaven – Daniel 7:13-14
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. They help to identify the One who is truly the Messiah, God’s “Anointed One”
a. The Old Testament has approximately 330 prophecies concerning the Messiah
b. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one!
2. The mathematical probability of it being a coincidence is astounding!
a. The probability of any man who has lived fulfilling just eight prophecies has been calculated as 1 in 10 to 17th power (100,000,000,000,000,000)!
b. To illustrate how large this number is, Stoner gave this illustration:
Suppose that we take that many silver Dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state.
Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one.
What chance would he have of getting the right one?
Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote them in their own wisdom.
c. The probability of fulfilling just 48 prophecies is one in 10 to 157th power!
1) Counting at the rate of 250 units per minute
2) …it would take 19 million x 19 million x 19 millions years to count to 10 to the 157th power!
3. Jesus fulfilled not 8, not 48, but over 300 prophecies! It is easy to see why the apostles appealed to Messianic prophecies to prove that Jesus was the Christ.
II. APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY
A. EXPLANATION
1. The apostles claimed to be eyewitnesses
a. As professed by Peter – Acts 10:39-42; 2 Peter 1:16-18
b. As professed by John – 1 John 1:1-3
2. The apostles by their testimony force us to make a decision
a. Were they truly eyewitnesses, or false witnesses? – 1 Corinthians 15:14-15
b. Was their testimony based on truth, or cunningly devised fables? – 2 Peter 1:16-18
3. We cannot say they were sincerely deceived or mistaken
a. Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus
1) They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards -Ac 10:39-41
2) They claim they saw and touched Him – 1 John 1:1-3
b. They leave no room for saying they were mistaken or deceived
1) Some skeptics have tried to offer this as an alternative
2) That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion they hallucinated or saw grief-inspired visions
3) But hallucinations and visions are highly individualistic experiences
4) The resurrection appearances of Jesus were often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion) – 1 Corinthians 15:4-8
B. SIGNIFICANCE
1. If the apostolic testimony is false
a. The New Testament is a carefully orchestrated lie!
b. The apostles suffered extreme hardship for what they knew was a lie! – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
c. Those martyred (all but one) knew they were dying for a lie!
d. They went against everything Jesus and they themselves taught! – 1 Peter 2:1
e. The greatest book ever written (as per Charles Dickens) with its high standards and lofty goals was composed by liars, frauds and deceivers!
2. But if the apostolic testimony is true
a. Then Jesus is everything they taught He claimed to be!
1) He is the Son of God – Romans 1:4
2) He truly has all authority in heaven and earth – Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36
b. Then everything they testified concerning what He taught is true!
1) He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father – John 8:28-29
2) No one can come to the Father but through Him – John 14:6
3) His blood was shed for the remission of sins – Matthew 26:28
4) He came to offer abundant life – John 10:10
5) He went to prepare a place for us – John 14:2
6) He shall come again – John 14:3
7) There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment – John 5:28-29; 12:48
Conclusion
1. We have good reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…
a. The testimony of Scripture, in the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies
b. The testimony of eyewitnesses, in the credible account of the apostles
2. For those willing to obey Jesus, there is yet another reason To believe
a. In keeping His word, they will come to know He has spoken from God – John 7:16-17
b. “He shall have evidence, in the very attempt to do the will of God, of the truth of the doctrine.” – Barnes
c. “He who in his heart says, ‘Thy will be done, give me light and I will walk in it,’ will find that Christ is just the teacher demanded by his soul, and that the gospel meets his soul’s want. Jesus will so meet the wants of his soul that he will be satisfied and will know the doctrine, that it comes from him who made the soul.” -B. W. Johnson
Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, not only because of the Messianic prophecies He fulfilled and the eyewitness testimony of His apostles, but because I have tried Him and not found Him wanting!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 01:09-11 I Stand Amazed
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Text: Acts 1:9-11
Introduction
1. There are many events in the life of Christ that testify to his extraordinary character.
2. In a day and age when people were looking for the Messiah, they didn’t have to look very hard or far if they were truly seeking.
3. The historical record of Jesus’ life provides for us a reliable and believable testimony of his deity.
Body
I. The Transfiguration – Luke 9:27-36
A. Jesus is changed before the very eyes of Peter, James, and John.
B. Two other figures suddenly appear.
C. A cloud encompasses them and a voice speaks to them out of the cloud.
II. The Feeding Of The 5000 – John 6:1-14
A. The multitude following Jesus needed to be fed, but they only had five loaves and two fish.
B. Jesus divided this among his disciples and asked them to distribute it to the crowd.
C. Somehow, the food kept multiplying.
D. So much so, that there were 12 baskets of fragments taken up after everyone had eaten.
III. Jesus Walked On Water – John 6:15-21
A. The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when they saw that they thought to be a ghost approaching them.
B. The disciples begin to scream in fear.
C. However, Jesus informs them that there was no reason to be afraid.
IV. The Resurrection Of Lazarus – John 11:1-44
A. Lazarus has been dead for four days and had already been buried.
B. Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, and he did, still bound in his grave clothes.
C. Just imagine the reaction.
V. John 20:1-10; 19-29
A. When Peter entered the tomb, he found the grave clothes still in tact, and the handkerchief that had been around his head was laying separate.
B. When appearing to His disciples, Jesus just suddenly appeared through a locked door.
VI. Acts 1:9-11
A. The disciples witness Jesus ascend into heaven; out of their sight.
Conclusion:
1. John 20:30-31
2. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” – John 20:29
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 02:01-49 The Kingdom that Shall Never be Destroyed
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Text: Daniel 2:1-49
Introduction
1. In Daniel chapter 2, we read about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation…
a. Nebuchadnezzar challenges his magicians, sorcerers, et al, to tell him both the dream and its interpretation, and they are unable – Daniel 2:1-13
b. God reveals the secret of the dream to Daniel in a night vision – Daniel 2:14-23
c. Daniel approaches the king and explains that God has made known to him both the dream and its interpretation – Daniel 2:24-30
d. Daniel then tells the dream, and gives the interpretation of it, to the amazement of Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:31-49 (read)
1) The king had seen a great image
a) With head of gold
b) With chest and arms of silver
c) With belly and thighs of bronze
d) With legs of iron, and feet mixed with iron and clay
2) The great image was destroyed by a small stone made without hands
a) The image representing the rise and fall of four world empires
b) The stone representing a kingdom that God would set up
3) The king praises God, and exalts Daniel along with his three friends
2. There are certainly two key thoughts expressed in this chapter…
a. God is a revealer of secrets – Daniel 2:19, 22, 28-29, 47
b. God can make know the future and bring it pass – Daniel 2:28-29, 21
3. But of particular interest to us ought to be the “kingdom” in verse 44…
a. Which the God of heaven Himself shall set up
b. Which shall never be destroyed, but consume other kingdoms and stand forever
4. Several questions naturally come to mind concerning this “kingdom”…
a. When would God set it up?
b. Has it been set up as foretold?
c. If it has, and if it shall never be destroyed…
1) Where is it now?
2) What is the future of this kingdom?
3) Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?
Body
I. THE PREPARATION FOR THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. “IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS…” (Daniel 2:44)
1. Daniel describes the image as depicting four kingdoms which shall rise and fall
2. The first one is definitely Babylon – Daniel 2:37-38
3. With Babylon as the starting point, world history confirms that the next three kingdoms would be:
a. The Medo-Persian empire, represented by the chest and arms of silver
b. The Grecian empire, represented by the belly and thighs of bronze
c. The Roman empire, represented by the legs of iron, with feet mixed with iron and clay
4. Thus one could look for the establishment of the “indestructible kingdom” in the days of the Roman empire
B. WHEN “THE TIME IS FULFILLED”…
1. Notice what John the Baptist began preaching during the days of the Roman Empire (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand”) – Matthew 3:1-2
2. Jesus proclaimed this also, adding “the time is fulfilled” – Mark 1:14-15
a. What “time” was fulfilled?
b. The time described by Daniel!
II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. DURING JESUS’ EARTHLY MINISTRY, IT WAS “AT HAND”…
1. This is what both John and Jesus proclaimed – Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:14-15
2. Yet after Jesus’ death, there were those who were still waiting for the kingdom – Joseph of Arimathea, Luke 23:50-51
B. BUT FOLLOWING THE ASCENSION OF JESUS…
1. He is far above all principality, power, might, dominion – Ephesians 1:20-21
2. All has been made subject to Him – 1 Peter 3:22
3. He is ruler over the kings of the earth – Revelation 1:5
4. He rules the nations with a rod of iron – Revelation 2:26-27
5. He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth! – cf. Matthew 28:18
C. THIS SUPPORTS WHAT IS REVEALED LATER IN DANIEL…
1. Consider Daniel 7:13-14
a. Where one like the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days (God)
b. And is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom which shall not be destroyed
2. Compare this with Acts 1:9
a. Daniel describes the ascension from a heavenly perspective
b. Whereas Luke describes it from an earthly perspective!
3. It is clear, then, that the King (Jesus) has received a kingdom, that the indestructible kingdom was set up when He returned to heaven! But one might naturally ask: Where is it now?
III. THE NATURE OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS KINGDOM…
1. It was described by Daniel as a “stone cut…without hands which became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” – Daniel 2:34-35
a. “without hands” suggests it is not your ordinary kingdom
b. Also, it would start small and then grow larger
2. Compare this with what Jesus taught about the nature of His kingdom
a. His kingdom is not of this world – John 18:36; cf. Romans 14:17
b. It would start small, and grow to encompass the earth – Matthew 13:31-33
3. Thus this “indestructible kingdom” would start small, and would be spiritual in nature
B. THIS KINGDOM THEREFORE INVOLVES THOSE IN THE CHURCH…
1. The Christians at Colosse were in the kingdom – Colossians 1:12-13
2. Those at Thessalonica likewise – 1 Thessalonians 2:12
3. Along with the seven churches in Asia – Revelation 1:6,9
4. Indeed, all Christians receive their part in this “indestructible kingdom” – Hebrews 12:28
a. Including us gathered here this day!
b. Fulfilling the statement that this kingdom would fill the whole earth!
c. For here we are, on the other side of the planet from Jerusalem, yet citizens of this kingdom foretold in Daniel!
d. Whoever is willing to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15) can be a part of the kingdom Jesus established when He sat down at the right hand of God following His ascension to heaven.
IV. THE FUTURE OF THIS INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM
A. IT WILL LAST FOREVER…
1. As Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:44
a. “which shall never be destroyed”
b. “it shall stand forever”
2. As the writer to the Hebrews stated: “a kingdom which cannot be shaken” – He 12:28
3. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary: “of His kingdom there will be no end” – Lk 1:31-33
B. AT CHRIST’S COMING, IT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE FATHER…
1. As taught by Paul to the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 15:23-26
a. When Christ comes, He shall deliver the kingdom to God the Father, having put an end to all rule, authority and power
b. Until then, Christ shall reign until all enemies are placed under His feet, the last enemy being death
2. As Jesus taught in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:40-43
a. At the end of the age, His angels will gather out of the kingdom those that offend and practice lawlessness
b. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father
Conclusion
1. And so this kingdom…
a. Foretold by Daniel, proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself
b. Was begun in the days of the Roman empire, with Christ as its king and His disciples as its citizens
2. It is an indestructible kingdom…
a. That continues on, ever growing
b. With the hope of a glorious future in eternity
3. But let us not forget the last question raised in our introduction: Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?
a. Yes! For Jesus and His apostles tell us how
1) We must be born again of water and the Spirit – John 3:5; cf. Titus 3:5
2) An allusion to baptism, commanded of penitent believers – Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
b. But beware, some in the kingdom may one day be cast out!
1) As Jesus warned in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:41-43
2) Telling us later of the necessity of an enduring faith – Revelation 2:10
4.Therefore, once we have been obedient to the gospel (cf. Romans 6:17-18) we must remain diligent in our faith, if we wish to experience the futur e glories of…”The Kingdom Which Shall Never Be Destroyed!”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 02:04-10 Salvation by Grace Through Faith
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Text: Ephesians 2:4-10
Introduction
1. In the previous lesson we saw our true condition outside of Christ:
a. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1
b. Walking with world and the devil – Ephesians 2:2
c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind – Ephesians 2:3
d. Truly we were “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath”!
2. At the close of the previous lesson, I asked, “How can such ‘sons of disobedience’ and ‘children of wrath’ ever become…”
a. “Holy and without blame”?
b. “Receive the adoption as sons”?
c. “Accepted” by God?
3. In the text for this study (Ephesians 2:4-10) we find our answer, where we learn that salvation by grace through faith involves many elements besides just grace and faith to begin with, salvation by grace through faith:
Body
I. INVOLVES THE “GREAT LOVE” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. THIS IS THE BEGINNING POINT OF SALVATION…
1. From this, all else flows
2. What mercy, grace, etc., that God shows mankind is founded upon the fact that God has a great love for us – cf. John 3:16
B. THIS LOVE IS NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT WHO GOD IS…
1. God did not love us because we were lovable, but because God is loving!
2. As John wrote in an effort to inspire his brethren to love one another, God is love, and that moved Him to offer His Son – 1 John 4:7-10
II. INVOLVES THE “RICH MERCY” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. DEFINING MERCY…
1. The word “eleos” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary as the outward manifestation of pity”
2. Mercy, then, is compassion that one has for those in trouble
B. GOD’S “GREAT LOVE” MAKES HIM “RICH IN MERCY”…
1. His great love for sinners enables God to be filled with compassion toward them
2. The riches of His mercy seek to reach out to all who will accept it – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9
III. INVOLVES BEING “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:5)
A. HERE IS WHERE “GRACE” REALLY ENTERS IN…
1. For notice that Paul says “WHEN we were dead…(God) made us alive”
2. While STILL “dead in trespasses” God has somehow made us alive together with Christ!
3. Though not fully explained in this passage how (and when) this happened, it occurred because of God’s “unmerited favor” (the definition of “grace”)
B. HOW (AND WHEN) WE WERE “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST” IS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE…
1. Especially in Colossians 2:11-13
2. Where we learn that it is in baptism…
a. We are buried with Christ and then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12; cf. Romans 6:3-6
b. We, who were “dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”, were thus “made alive together with Him (Christ)” – Colossians 2:13
c. Our trespasses were all forgiven – Colossians 2:13; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16
IV. INVOLVES BEING “RAISED UP TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:6-7)
A. WE SAW IN Ephesians 1:20
1. Where Christ was raised from the dead
2. And then was seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places
B. NOW WE LEARN FROM Ephesians 2:6-7
1. That we too are raised up and made to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places!
a. This speaks of our present condition in the “spiritual realm” (heavenly places)
b. Because of our union with Christ, we enjoy an exalted position together with Him
c. Which union serves as the basis for our wonderful spiritual blessings – cf. Ephesians 1:3
2. But our present condition, and the blessings it entails, are only the beginning!
a. There is more “in the ages to come”
b. There are “exceeding riches of His grace in kindness” yet to be shown in Christ Jesus!
V. INVOLVES “FAITH”, AND NOT MERITORIOUS WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A. SALVATION IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, BY “GRACE”…
1. Up to this point, Paul has said nothing about man’s part in the process of salvation
a. It was GOD’S mercy, love, and grace which made salvation possible
b. It was GOD’s working that made us alive, raised us up, made us sit together with Christ
2. Truly, salvation is…
a. “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”
1) Some understand this phrase to refer to “faith”
2) But I understand Paul to be referring to salvation
b. “not of works, lest anyone should boast”
1) We are not saved by works of merit, whereby we earn salvation
2) But as Paul told Titus “according to His mercy He saved us…” – Titus 3:5
B. NEVERTHELESS, SALVATION IS BY GRACE “THROUGH FAITH”…
1. “Faith”, together with the “working of God”, is how we were “raised with Christ” in baptism – cf. Colossians 2:12
2. In other words, it is an obedient faith that receives the salvation in Christ – cf. Hebrews 5:9
3. So when a person in faith is being baptized…
a. They are not “earning” their salvation
b. Rather, they are “receiving” their salvation which is by God’s grace and God’s working, for in baptism they are receiving Jesus Christ and all He accomplished by His death and resurrection! – cf. Galatians 3:27
VI. INVOLVES BEING “CREATED…FOR GOOD WORKS” (Ephesians 2:10)
A. IN CHRIST, WE ARE “HIS WORKMANSHIP”…
1. As Paul intimated in his discussion of baptism in Co 2:12 (“the working of God”)
2. Through God’s “working” in which He…
a. “made us alive”
b. “raised us up”
c. “made us sit together in the heavenly places”
d. we have truly become “a new creation”! – cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17
B. THE GOAL OF THIS “WORKMANSHIP”: CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS…
1. Though not saved by good works, we are to do good works!
2. God “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”
a. It is part of His predetermined plan
b. Not just to save, but to create a people diligent in good works! – cf. Titus 2:11-14
3. Therefore, the people of God should…
a. “be ready for every good work” – Titus 3:1
b. “be careful to maintain good works” – Titus 3:8
c. “learn to maintain good works” – Titus 3:14
Conclusion
1. So it is “by grace through faith” that…
a. “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”!
b. “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as sons” of God!
c. We can be “accepted” by God!
2. Because “Salvation By Grace Through Faith” involves:
a. God’s great love
b. God’s rich mercy
c. God making us alive together with Christ
d. God raising us up together with Christ to sit with Him in the heavenly places
e. An obedient faith that trusts in God’s workmanship, not one’s own works
f. A new creature that is diligent in doing good works to the glory of God
3. How can one receive this wonderful salvation? Let Jesus and His apostles show you the way, for it is when we in faith submit to the Lord’s command to be baptized that we enjoy the blessings of God’s love, mercy, and workmanship… – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 05:05 Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope
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Text: Galatians 5:5
Introduction
1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking
a. What is your hope as a Christian?
b. How strong is that hope?
c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?
2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope
a. How real that hope is to us
b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope
c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience
3. Paul writes concerning his hope – Galatians 5:5
a. What he was waiting for
b. How he was eagerly waiting for it
4. From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR
A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. The hope of justification
a. Paul had been writing about justification – Galatians 5:4
b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek word
c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not guilty of sin
2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the Redeemer
a. This was Paul’s hope expressed to the Philippians – Philippians 3:9
b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest hours – 2 Timothy 4:8
3. We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin
B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN
1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:7
2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven – Philippians 3:20
3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation – Hebrews 9:28
4. We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!
C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR Body
1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our bodies – Romans 8:23
2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection – Acts 23:6; 24:15
3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 48-54
4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ! – Philippians 3:20-21
5. We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!
D. Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly: Our justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from the dead!
II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT
A. BY FAITH
1. This is our part
a. We are to have faith – ESV “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait…” – Galatians 5:5 ESV
b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming
2. A faith that is Bible-based
a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus – Hebrews 11:1; John 3:36
b. Which comes through the Word of God-Rom 10:17;John 20:30-31
c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness – Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree of faith we have
B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT
1. This is God’s part
a. Strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law insures to us.
b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His Spirit – Romans 15:13
2. We receive the Spirit’s aid as we:
a. Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word) – Romans 8:5-6
c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) – Ephesians 3:16,21
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the strength we receive from the Spirit
Conclusion
1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian? It should include
a. The hope of righteousness (justification)
b. The Savior’s revelation from heaven
c. The glorious resurrection from the dead
2. How strong is your hope? It all depends
a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?
b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?
3. If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and expect to see…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 02:20-21 The Life Which I Now Live
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Text: Galatians 2:20-21
Introduction
1. Much that we know of the Christian life is dependent upon the apostle Paul
a. Who wrote half the books of the New Testament?
b. His conduct and attitudes are set before us as an example – 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17
c. But what principles governed Paul’s life as a Christian?
2. In our text we find Paul expressing some of the principles – Galatians 2:20-21
a. That guided his life as a disciple of Christ
b. As he speaks of “the life which I now live in the flesh”
3. What kind of life was that? Are we governed by the same principles?
4. Notice first of all that Paul says his life which he lived in the flesh was
Body
I. A LIFE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST (Galatians 2:20a)
A. HOW IS “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” POSSIBLE…?
1. We can’t go back in time and join Christ on the cross!
2. But we can be united with Christ in His death when we are baptized! – Romans 6:3-8
3. Note that baptism into Christ is
a. A baptism into His death – Romans 6:3-4
b. Being united together in the likeness of His death – Romans 6:5
c. Crucifying our old man with Christ – Romans 6:6
d. Dying together with Christ – Romans 6:8
4. If we have been baptized into Christ, we can say together with Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ”
B. WHAT DOES “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” MEAN…?
1. For some it means a death “to the Law” – Galatians 2:19
a. Paul wrote of himself as a Jew who was at one time under the Law of Moses
b. Those who have been crucified with Christ have died to the Law – Romans 7:1-6
2. For all it means a death “to self” – Galatians 2:20
a. “It is no longer I who live”
b. As Jesus taught, we must be willing to deny self to follow Him – Luke 9:23-24
3. For all it means we have crucified “the flesh” – Galatians 5:24
a. Which occurred in principle at our baptism – Romans 6:6, 11-14
b. Which occurs in practice as we continue to “put to death” the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5- 9
4. For all it means we have been crucified “to the world” – Galatians 6:14
a. Before our obedience to Christ, we were in bondage to the rudiments of the world – Galatians 4:3, 9
b. But now, Christ is our rule and authority in life – Colossians 2:8-10, 20-22; 3:17
5. Any external (Law, world) or internal (self, flesh) controls have now surrendered to the authority of Christ
6. One who has been baptized into Christ and is letting Jesus be his or her authority in all things is living a “life crucified with Christ”. But note that Paul also wrote “the life which I now live” is:
II. A LIFE IN WHICH CHRIST LIVES IN ME (Galatians 2:20b)
A. HOW DOES CHRIST LIVE IN ME…?
1. It is like electricity
a. I may not comprehend how it works
b. But I know how to get it working!
2. We are taught how to make sure that He will abide in us
a. By Jesus Himself – John 14:21-23; 15:9-10
b. By His beloved disciple John – 1 John 3:24
3. As we keep the commandments of Christ, we are assured that He lives in us!
B. WHAT BENEFITS COME FROM CHRIST LIVING IN US…?
1. The wonderful love of the Father and the Son – John 14:21
2. There is fullness of joy – John 15:11
3. There is peace, even in the midst of tribulation – John 16:33
4. There is the hope of being with Jesus and beholding His glory – John 17:24
5. These are just a few of the many blessings of a life in which Christ lives in us!
III. A LIFE LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST (Galatians 2:20c)
A. WHAT IS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST…?
1. The word ‘faith’ implies trust
2. Living by faith in Christ means constantly trusting in Jesus
a. E.g., for the forgiveness of our sins
1) Trusting in His blood to cleanse us from our sins – 1 John 1:7, 9
2) Trusting in Him as our Advocate – 1 John 2:1
3) Trusting in Him as our Propitiation – 1 John 2:4
b. E.g., that His words will provide a solid foundation for our lives – Mathew 7:24-25
c. E.g., that He will never forsake us – Mathew 28:20
3. Trusting in Jesus, not in self, not in the Law, not in the world!
B. WHY SHOULD WE SO TRUST JESUS…?
1. Because He loves us! – cf. Galatians 2:20
2. Because He gave Himself for us! – Galatians 2:20
3. Shall He not do more if we continue to trust Him? – Romans 8:34-39
4. Such love naturally compels one to live a life of faith in Him – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
5. Does such love should compel us to trust in Jesus, living by faith in Him?
IV. A LIFE WHICH DOES NOT SET ASIDE GOD’S GRACE (Galatians 2:21)
A. WE MUST DILIGENTLY KEEP JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS
1. As a true indication of our love for Him – John 14:15
2. As a true indication that we really know Him – 1 John 2:3
3. One cannot ignore the commandments of the Lord
B. YET WITHOUT GOD’S GRACE, ALL IS VAIN
1. We cannot nor dare not try to earn or merit our salvation – Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9
2. After all is said and done, we are still unworthy servants – Luke 17:10
3. If not for the grace of God:
a. Our faith would be useless
b. Our repentance would meaningless
c. Our baptism would be fruitless
d. Our salvation would be impossible!
4. And so, from beginning to end
a. We must look to God and the Word of His grace
b. We must trust in His mercy offered through Jesus
c. We are totally dependent upon Jesus and His death on the cross for any degree of true righteousness
5. If we think we have earned or merited salvation on our own, Christ died in vain!
Conclusion
1. Such was the life Paul lived in the flesh
a. A life crucified with Christ
b. A life in which Christ lived in Him
c. A life living by faith in Christ
d. A life that did not set aside the grace of God
2. Can the same be said of us…?
a. Have we been crucified with Christ (in baptism)?
b. Is Christ living in us (manifested by keeping His commandments)?
c. Are you living by faith in Christ (trusting His blood, His Word)?
d. Are you always trusting in the grace of God (not your own goodness or obedience)?
3. May the words of Paul move us to live the kind of lives becoming of those who call themselves Christians!
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:06-10 Perversions of the Gospel
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Text: Galatians 1:6-10
Introduction
1. As soon as Paul began his epistle to the Galatians, he expressed concern
a. Marveling they were turning so soon to a different gospel – Galatians 1:6
b. Letting themselves be troubled by some perverting the gospel of Christ – Galatians 1:7
2. It is important to know the difference between the pure gospel and perverted gospels
a. To accept a different gospel is to be accursed – Galatians 1:8-9
b. To not obey the true gospel is to face condemnation – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
3. Today we need to be just as concerned about “Perversions of the Gospel”. Are we aware of how some have perverted the gospel of Christ?
Body
I. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH PLUS THE LAW
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ was the problem Paul faced in his day
2. Some Jewish Christians demanded that Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses as well as obey the gospel of Christ – Acts 15:1-5; Galatians 2:1-5
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. At the council in Jerusalem – Acts 15:22-31
2. In the epistle to the Galatians – Galatians 5:1-6
3. In other epistles of Paul (e.g., Romans, Colossians)
4. Note carefully that those who seek to be justified by the Law fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). This illustrates the danger of accepting a perverted gospel.
II. THE GOSPEL OF WORKS WITHOUT FAITH
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ developed later in the course of church history
2. It exalted the efficacy of certain ordinances to the exclusion of faith
3. Thus some believed you could baptize others without the need of faith
a. Such as infant baptism
b. Such as infidel baptism (e.g., at the point of a sword)
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Faith is essential to pleasing God and our salvation – Hebrews 11:6
2. Repentance of sins and faith in Christ are prerequisites to baptism – Acts 2:38; 8:35-37
3. It is faith in the working of God that results in rising to a new life – Colossians 2:12-13
III. THE GOSPEL OF GOOD WORKS ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. Many have the idea that as long as you are a basically ‘good person’, you will be saved
2. Especially if your ‘good deeds’ outnumber or outweigh your ‘bad deeds’
3. Thus a good moral person, especially if religious, is assumed to be saved
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Good moral people, even devout, are in need of salvation
a. Cornelius was a good, moral, devout man – Acts 10:1-6
b. Yet he needed to be saved – Acts 11:14
2. Many examples of conversion in Acts involved religiously devout people
a. The 3000 on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:5
b. The Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:27
c. Lydia of Thyatira – Acts 16:14
d. Paul – Acts 22:3
3. We cannot be saved by our good works – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
IV. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ proclaims that one is saved by “faith only”
2. I.e., no obedience is required, especially not baptism
3. An overreaction to salvation by works without faith, or to the gospel of good works
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. The gospel of Christ requires obedience
a. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
b. Paul proclaimed what he called “the obedience of faith” – Romans 1:5; 16:25-26
c. Paul and Peter warned of those who obeyed not the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17
d. We are not saved by “faith only” – cf. James 2:17,20,24,26
2. Many fail to distinguish between different kinds of works
a. Works of the Law (of Moses), by which one is not justified – Galatians 2:16
b. Meritorious works, done to earn salvation, which is impossible – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
c. Works of God, commanded of us to please Him – John 6:28-29
3. Works of God are done, not to earn salvation
a. Faith in Jesus is a work of God – John 6:29
b. Repentance of sins is a work of God – Acts 17:30
c. Confessing Jesus is a a work of God – Romans 10:9-10
d. Such works in of themselves do not save us – Luke 17:10
4. So baptism is a work of God, not a work of man
a. Commanded by Jesus and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16
b. In which God does the work of saving – Colossians 2:11-12; Titus 3:5
c. In which we put on Christ – Galatians 3:26-27
d. Which, when obeyed, causes others to thank God – Romans 6:17-18; 6:3-7
Conclusion
1. There have been other perverted gospels
a. Such as Gnosticism, which denied Jesus coming in the flesh
b. Such as Mormonism, which proclaims a different gospel based upon ‘angelic revelation’
2. We need to be careful to receive the gospel preached by the apostles
a. Even angelic revelations are to be rejected if different from what the apostles’ preached
b. Otherwise we will be accursed
3. The pure gospel of Christ may not be popular, but who are we trying to please?
a. If it is men, then we are not true servants of Christ – Galatians 1:10
b. If it is the majority, we are on the wrong path – Matthew 7:13-14
4. Is the gospel you heard, received, and obeyed, the same gospel proclaimed by the apostles of Jesus Christ? – Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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