Historical Posts
Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth
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“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is a phrase that describes a very unpleasant place. People who are unhappy and uncomfortable are there. Who will be there specifically and why? On five different occasions, Jesus describes different groups of people who will be in such a place as this:
- Sons of the kingdom without faith
- Not properly attired
- Evil servants
- Fearful and unprofitable
- Workers of iniquity, unknown by Jesus
Let’s look at each of these in more detail so that we may not be numbered among them.
1. Sons of the kingdom without faith – Matthew 8:5-13
a. Jesus commended a centurion for his faith (Matthew 8:10).
b. Jesus said many would come in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11).
c. The sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). Esau was a son, but sold his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).
2. Not properly attired – Matthew 22:1-14
a. Jesus told a parable of a king who arranged a marriage feast for his son, and sent out servants to call those invited to the wedding (Matthew 22:1-4).
b. Some were disrespectful and unwilling to come, others went about their business, and still others killed the servants (Matthew 22:3-6).
c. The king destroyed the people and the city, and sent the servants to invite others (Matthew 22:7-10).
d. A man attended without a wedding garment, showing disrespect, and was cast into outer darkness, where there were weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13; see Revelation 19:7-9; 3:4-5; 16:15).
3. Evil Servants – Matthew 24:45-51
a. Jesus praised the servant who is faithful (Matthew 24:45-47).
b. The evil servant, who says in his heart his master is coming, will be cut in two and abide with the hypocrites; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:48-51).
4. Fearful and Unprofitable- Matthew 25:14-30
a. Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a man who distributed talents among three servants (Matthew 25:14-15).
b. The servant who received five talents made another five talents; the one who received two talents received two more. The one who received one talent went and hid it (Matthew 25:16-18).
c. The man praised the servants who doubled their talents, but cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:19-30).
5. Workers of iniquity who Jesus does not know – Luke 13:22-30
a. As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, one asked Him if few are saved (Luke 13:22-23).
b. Jesus explained that many will seek to enter the narrow gate, but will not be able to enter (Luke 13:24).
c. Those Jesus did not know, workers of iniquity, would depart from Him, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:25-28).
Who will be weeping and have gnashing of teeth? Jesus explained those that are:
- Sons of the kingdom (born into the kingdom but not abiding by the king’s laws)
- Individuals not properly attired (as the church is the bride of Christ)
- Evil servants who delay for the master’s coming
- Unprofitable servants, fearfully hiding their talent(s)
- Workers of iniquity crying “Lord, Lord”
These groups will all be weeping and gnashing their teeth. However, we do not have to be among them and weep or gnash our teeth; we can rejoice forever more by doing the Lord’s will and making sure we are not in those groups! As a result we will hear, “well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:21, 23).” Have you taken the steps to abide in God’s word and use your talents for Him?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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No Compromise – Be a Daniel
Be a Daniel – No Compromise
“…he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).
Daniel was one of God’s finest Old Testament servants. His enemies could find no fault in him, so they persuaded Darius to make a decree which they knew Daniel could not obey. For thirty days a prohibition was placed on prayer. Predictably, Daniel could not live with such a prohibition. It was his custom to pray three times a day facing Jerusalem. Not even the king’s command could stop him. He went to his window to pray as he had always done. They captured him, convicted him, and cast him into a lion’s den. But, God spared his life!
Daniel was a man of no compromise. He could have hidden and prayed privately. No one one would have known or been the wiser, but to have done so would have compromised his commitment to God. What a powerful lesson he is to Christians today.
Of all the pressures brought upon God’s people, the pressure to compromise is one of the greatest. We are told we must compromise modesty for style, virtue for acceptance, morality for freedom, and doctrine for unity. As a result of this compromise, pulpits which once condemned immorality, infidelity, and doctrinal impurity now sanction them. Attitudes toward drinking, dancing, divorce, and many other matters have changed drastically. This has happened, not because of new revelations from the Almighty, but because men have compromised the truth.
If we learn anything from Daniel, surely it ought to be that God’s people cannot compromise. No compromise where God has spoken. We must be loyal to the Lord regardless of the cost. When we are, God will be with us.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Heaven’s Heartbreak
Let us not be the cause of God’s Heartbreak
The story of Hosea and his heartbreak is one of the most insightful in the Bible. Hosea married Gomer. To this marriage three children were born: Jezreel (the Lord sows or scatters), Loruhamah (no mercy), and Loammi (not my people). This marriage was used as a symbolic representation of God’s relationship to Israel.
Sometime after the birth of their third child Hosea’s wife left him for other men. Though he suffered heartbreak, Hosea still loved her. He searched for his wife, found her, and brought her back.
There was never any doubt that Hosea loved Gomer. To see his wife turn to a life of adultery and prostitution must have broken the prophet’s heart. Yet, Hosea still loved her and when she had lost her appeal to other men, he took her back into his home and loved her anew. Israel, like Gomer, had played the part of a prostitute. Over and over again Israel had broken God’s heart by embracing the gods of her neighbors. Still, God loved her and would take her back, if only she would return to Him.
How could Israel be so unfaithful and cause such heartbreak? What would lead them to deliberately break God’s heart? The prophet provides some answers to our questions.
First, they were ignorant of God’s will (Hosea 4:1, 6; 8:12). God had written unto them the great things of His law, but they ignored them. Thus, they were destroyed for lack of knowledge. We cannot please God if we do not know His will, and we cannot know His will if we will not spend time with His word!
Second, their hearts were filled with pride (Hosea 5:5; 7:10). They didn’t need God. They could go it alone. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Isn’t it sad that many never acknowledge their need for God until life tumbles in around them? How God’s heart must ache to see His people so full of pride they no longer feel they need Him.
Third, worldliness had crept in (Hosea 7:8). Whether we are willing to admit it or not, the world has a strong attraction. When we give in to the demands of the world it breaks the heart of God. Christians are called to live distinctive lives of service and not to conform to the world (Romans 12:1-2).
We can do nothing which would cause God to stop loving us, but there are many things we may do or fail to do which will break His heart. Let us strive every day not to let that happen.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Come and Go Christians
Come and Go Christians are Indefensible.
I have real trouble understanding the “revolving door mentality” which seems to pervade the thinking of so many. I refer to these people as “come and go Christians”. I see it all the time, and everywhere I go. The “turnover” in congregational membership is astonishing. Please know that I do not have in mind those who, after much thought and prayer, leave one congregation for another for just cause. I’m more concerned with those who move from congregation to congregation (or sometimes church to church), always critical of the last place they were, and soon to be critical of where they are now.
I’m just as puzzled by those who seem to be conscientious, but then over time fade to the sidelines and eventually are altogether gone. These folks no longer have an interest in spiritual matters and the salvation of their souls. To what do we attribute this mindset of “come and go Christians”?
Some folks have an unrealistic and hypercritical attitude! They are looking for the perfect church, but given that the church is made up of imperfect people, their search is never satisfied. Even if a perfect church existed, she would cease to be such the moment these hypercritical Christians identified with her!
Some folks have a mistaken view of what the church ought to be. They are searching for someone to raise their kids, plan their social calendar, tickle their ears, and satisfy their desirers. Rather than nourish the soul, they want the church to cater to their personal desires. When they don’t find what they want, they become “come and go Christians”.
Some folks make up their mind about what the church should be and do, how God ought to be worshiped, and what ought to be taught and practiced from the pulpit, without ever consulting the word of God. “I think” carries greater weight with them than “God says.” Yet, God is to be worshiped in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The word (Bible) is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:2). God, not men, is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10).
Some folks are not converted to start with. They go through the motions as long as mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa are around, but as soon as they are out of the picture, they are gone, too! Demas is not the only one whose attraction to the world caused him to forsake the church (2 Timothy 4:9).
The Bible is very clear regarding the need for faithfulness. Faithful does not mean sinless. We are not perfect, but we can be faithful. Paul charged the Christians at Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The attitude of “come and go christians” seen so often in religion is indefensible. That same philosophy, if adopted at work would soon lead to the loss of employment. In the church, it can lead to the loss of the soul!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Acts 16:16-24 – Paul and Silas in Philippi – audio
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Text: Acts 16:16-24
Introduction
A. Paul and Silas are doing mission work in Philippi.
B. Lydia and her household were baptized, and Paul and Silas were encouraged to continue the work there.
C. While going to prayer, a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met them. She made a couple of observations that need to be considered.
D. After the spirit was cast out of her, her masters made another important observation.
E. Thus, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, which led to the salvation of the jailer!
F. Let us consider three observations.
Body
I. Paul and Silas are servants of the Most High God.
A. A servant is not above, but like his master (Matthew 10:24-25; John 13:16). Jesus demonstrated this as He washed His disciples’ feet.
B. A servant will follow his master wherever he goes (John 12:26).
C. A servant of Christ does not seek to please men (Galatians 1:10).
D. A servant of the Lord must: “Not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26).”
E. A servant of God puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing good (1 Peter 2:15-16).
F. A good and faithful servant will enter into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21, 23); an unprofitable servant will be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).
II. They proclaim the way of salvation.
A. There is only one way of salvation (John 14:6).
B. Christ is the only name in which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).
C. God appointed us to salvation through Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
D. God chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
E. The Holy Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
F. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
G. Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
H. Christians are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5).
III. They teach customs that are “not lawful for…Romans…to receive or observe.”
A. Paul was considered an expert on customs and questions concerning the Jews (Acts 26:3).
B. Jesus warned Paul that some would not receive his testimony concerning Him (Acts 22:18).
C. Stephen was accused of blasphemy, and was misunderstood regarding Jesus changing customs which Moses delivered (Acts 6:14).
D. One such custom in question was that of circumcision. Some thought only the circumcised could be saved, but this was not so (Acts 15; 21:21).
E. A Christian must change his habits or lifestyle! He must receive and observe the things of God (Romans 6:4, 6). Paul even said that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation (Galatians 6:15).”
F. Some have a custom of forsaking the assembling; this must be changed (Hebrews 10:25).
Conclusion
A. Paul and Silas were effective, setting the example that Christ expected of them.
B. They were truly His servants, proclaiming the way of salvation.
1) Even when the words of Christ differed from the customs of the Romans, they continued to teach the truth.
2) It was up to them to follow Christ and not after themselves.
C. Are we true servants of God?
1) Do we proclaim the way of salvation?
2) Do we receive and observe the customs of Christ, and not hold to traditions of men (Matthew 15:3,6; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15)?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Faithful Witness
A faithful witness tells things as they are. a faithful witness tells the truth, no matter what.
When a person is accused of a crime he did not commit, he needs a lot of help to be acquitted. He needs a faithful witness. His true friends will always tell the truth, even in adversity, even when it may seem to damage the reputation of the accused. By telling the truth, the puzzle should come together and the accused may be set free. Thus the accused will realize what true friends he has.
Jesus was accused and put on trial. He did not see a faithful witness. Many told lies about Him, including His own apostles! However, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). Jesus died, was buried, and rose again so that we might obtain Heaven.
The wise man wrote, “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies (Proverbs 14:5).” Jesus Christ is our faithful witness (Revelation 1:5). He does not lie (John 14:6)! As He was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1-2), He could tell us the things from His Heavenly Father. The Word of God is a true and faithful witness to show us the way to Heaven (John 17:17).
Jesus told the church at Laodicea, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14)…” What things does He wish to tell us? He tells us what we need to know in order to get to Heaven! He was there, and wants us to go there too! He is a true and faithful witness. Are we going to be a true and faithful witness of and for Him as we live our lives before the world?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Faithful House – audio
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The Faithful House is Built Upon the Rock.
There are many types of houses, and many people build them. However, each house must have a foundation.
For the faithful house, the perfect foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the perfect builder is God (Text: Hebrews 3:1-6).
Christ was faithful to God, who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:1-2).
Christ had a purpose, and fulfilled it. God put Him in the right place at the right time for the right purpose; He will do the same with us!
Christ is counted worthy of more glory, as He who built the house has more glory than the house itself (Hebrews 3:3).
Jesus said that a servant is not greater than his master, nor one who is sent greater than one that sent him (John 13:16).
The apostle Paul never gave credit to himself as He served the Lord; rather, all glory goes to God!
As every house is built by someone, God is the builder of all things (Hebrews 3:4).
God created you and me, He built the heavens and the earth and everything in it, and He even built the church upon Christ.
As Moses was faithful in His house as a servant, Christ was faithful as a Son over His own house (Hebrews 3:5-6)!
Christ was appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and we can inherit the things of God through Christ (Galatians 3:26-4:7).
We are of the house of God if we “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6).”
We must have faith to come to God (Hebrews 11:6), and our faith must work (James 2:17). By becoming obedient to the gospel of Christ, we become members of His house, the church!
By living faithful to Him, we can receive an eternal home in Heaven (Revelation 2:10).
Are you a faithful member of the house of God?
If not, you can become one right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Timothy 04:17-18 – The Lord is on my Side – audio
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Text: 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. The words “I will never leave you nor forsake you” often ring throughout the Bible.
1) God took care of the Israelites in the Old Testament
2) He took care of Jesus’ disciples in the New Testament
3) He takes care of us today.
B. He is someone you can depend on, for He is always there, day or night.
Body
I. Paul encourages Timothy that he is never alone (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
A. As he encouraged Timothy to come to him quickly (2 Timothy 4:9), he also reminded him that someone else is with him.
B. Yes, even though Paul was not with him at this time, God was!
II. The Lord stood with Paul.
A. Paul had Him always there, and always on his side.
B. On another occasion, the Lord stood by Paul, telling him that he would bear witness again of Him in Rome (Acts 23:11).
C. The Lord strengthened Paul.
1) Paul needed strength to continue to preach the gospel of Christ.
2) Many things happened during his life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29).
3) He could do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13).
D. Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He was not alone;
E. The Lord stands with His people
1) David was delivered from the paw of the lion (1 Samuel 17:37)
2) Daniel was saved in the lions’ den as an angel of God shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22).
3) . The Lord would deliver him from every evil work. The Psalmist wrote, “the LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).”
F. The Lord preserved him for His heavenly kingdom. He already has it prepared (John 14:1-6), and all Paul has to do is go the right way!
Conclusion
A. The Lord is clearly on Paul’s side
B. He wants to be on your side!
C. Are you on His side? You can decide to follow Him right here, right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Church in Smyrna
As Christians, we often need encouragement. A kind word, pat on the back, handshake, hug, or some other token of appreciation is needed once in a while. That is one good thing about the Lord’s church meeting not only on the first day of the week, but during the middle of the week as well. We need to “recharge our batteries” to be able to keep working during the rest of the week. Consider the Lord’s words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). It is easy to be encouraged as A-B-C.
Admonition.
The church in Smyrna is praised for doing good things! The Lord knows their works, tribulation, and poverty (even though they are rich). Last week we talked about being poor in the world but being rich toward Christ. Sometimes we need to be encouraged to keep doing what we’re doing, even though it may seem difficult. There were those who opposed those in Smyrna, and were called a synagogue of Satan. The Lord would reprimand them (Revelation 3:9-10), yet encourage those who were faithful.
Be faithful.
Following praise for what they have already done, those in Smyrna were encouraged to keep doing what they were doing! As they were faithful in the past, they must continue to be. Jesus said earlier, “He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).” Do not worry what others may do to you; rather, be concerned about pleasing God.
Crown of life.
Finally a reward is mentioned for being faithful. Those that endure will be saved; those that are faithful until death will receive a crown of life; those that overcome shall not be hurt by the second death! It is always good to be rewarded for good behavior. That should be the last bit of encouragement! We will be rewarded for doing good!
Do you know your ABCs? Accept admonition! Be faithful! Receive the crown of life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Integrity of the Poor and the Perversity of the Rich
People may be classified into two categories: rich and poor. We may be tempted to view the rich as snobbish, haughty, and proud. The poor we might see as as humble, caring, and loving. Those who are rich might think their riches excuse their behaviors, whereas those who are poor usually take responsibility for their actions. Consider how the wise man says this is viewed before the LORD (Proverbs 11:1-6).
The poor walks in his integrity. I have often heard integrity defined as, “what one does when no one else is around.” Notice how the wise man talks about righteousness and integrity. Elsewhere in Proverbs, the poor is described as having integrity (Proverbs 19:1; 28:6). Sometimes being without things helps one appreciates the things one has. Paul taught the Philippians that he knew what it was like to be without, and he knew what it was like to have too much. In whatever state we are in, we should be content (Philippians 4:11-12).
The rich is perverse in his ways. To be perverse is to be “bent, crooked, or twisted.” It describes someone living in moral error. Here in our text the wise man uses terms like “pride, unfaithful, perverse, and wicked.” Some people think having riches would be the best thing in this world; however, this world and all its riches do not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). Remember that an appearance of a life of physical luxury does not always reveal a hidden life of perversity.
The wise man says, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and not a fool (Proverbs 19:1).” Also, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich (Proverbs 28:6).”
Either rich or poor, we must be content! Remember, “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust (Proverbs 11:6).” God will care for those who are faithful to Him, and righteous before Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Sit Upon the Throne
It is a special privilege to sit upon a throne. Judges, kings, queens, princes, princesses, and chancellors are perhaps a lucky few to have this honor. One must be born in a royal family or receive special recognition to sit in such a special place.
Imagine what it would be like to sit upon the throne with Jesus!
He told the church at Laodicea, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:21).” Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and through Him we can too.
We are born of God through baptism into Christ (John 3:3ff.). If we remain faithful till death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
We have a royal birth! Let us continue to do the will of God so we can wear that crown and sit upon His throne with Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Decision Tree – Die Faithfully
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Paul talks about coming to the end of his life in a faithful condition. He says he has, “fought the good fight” in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. You have accomplished the same and have the same reward awaiting you. You are ready for that rest (Hebrews 4:3, 9). You have no more decisions to make.
All Decisions are Now in God’s Hands
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Decision Tree – Live Faithfully
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
You have decided so far to:
- Hear God’s Word
- Believe in God and His Word
- Act upon His message by (Contact Us if you still need to act):
– Confessing Christ
– Repenting of your sin
– Being Baptized into Christ
Your past sin no longer separates you from God!
Will you have it continue to do so? Temptation will continue. Satan will continue to attack (1 Peter 5:8). A time will come when you will sin again (1 John 1:8). What will you do when that happens?
What will you decide to do the next time you sin?
More about living faithfully:
- Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom
- Heed God’s Warnings
- The Right Attitude
- Be Steadfast
- Rules of Engagement
- A Christian’s Walk
- Christians Must Never Give Up
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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