Historical Posts
Freedom
Value Your Freedom
Today (7/4/15) our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other environment. It is the longing of the human heart to be free.
But, there is a freedom even more precious than that we know as citizens of the United States. It is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Apart from Christ, all men are enslaved to sin. Sin is the great burden of man’s heart. We are helpless to remove it. We are condemned by it. Its consequences are both immediate and eternal. Paul cried out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24). And then he proclaimed, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).
Today is the Lord’s Day. Christians will gather around the world to remember His sacrifice and the freedom it made possible – freedom from the condemnation of sin. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1-2).
The cost of freedom is never cheap. The blood of many a native son has been shed to provide and maintain our freedom. Even now our young men and women in uniform are putting themselves in harm’s way and giving their lives that we might be free. Yet, to secure our deliverance from sin required an even greater sacrifice – the blood of God’s own Son.
The freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States is ours by birth. The freedom we have in Christ is ours by choice. It is truth, believed and acted upon, which secures for us the freedom Christ provides. Have you been set free from the bondage of sin? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God? Have you repented of your sins? Will you confess His blessed name? Will you be born again (baptized)?
As the bells of freedom ring throughout our land may they also remind us of the greater freedom we have through Christ.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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I Did a Terrible Thing
Everyone has done a terrible thing at some point. We are all guilty.
Are there skeletons in your closet? Is there a terrible thing, or more than one, in your past which you want to keep in the past? Have you done things for which you are deeply ashamed? If we live long enough to discover the difference between right and wrong. Then, sin comes to be a plague on the soul of every man. The only exception I am aware of is Jesus. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Only He never did a terrible thing to anyone.
No one can honestly say, “I have never sinned!” We all have regrets. There are things in our past which we would undo if we could. I’m not interested in dredging them up, but I do want to acknowledge that the Lord has a remedy for them. It is His blood. It can forgive and wash away the guilt of every terrible thing we have ever done. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
The depth of God’s forgiveness is one of the hardest lessons in life to grasp, and one of the most important. God loves us! Christ died for us! His blood can cleanse us! He is no respecter of persons. His forgiveness is accessible to all, but on His terms, not ours. If we truly believe in Him, will repent of our sins, confess His name, and be baptized, His blood will cleanse, and He will add us to His church. As long as we walk in the light (are faithful to our commitment), His blood continues to provide cleansing. And, when we sin, doing another terrible thing, if we will confess those sins and seek His forgiveness, we will find it (1 John 1:7-10).
We are all guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But, we all have access to the same remedy, His blood, and we can share in the forgiveness He came to provide. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God’s love, mercy and grace are sufficient to save. Three names immediately come to mind – David, Peter, and Paul.
- King David, though called “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery, tried to cover it up, and then conspired to have the woman’s husband murdered. Yet, when he sought forgiveness, God granted it. Of course that did not mean that David avoided the consequences of his sin. He had to live with his mistakes, but God still forgave him.
- In a moment of weakness, Peter denied his Lord three times, but when he recognized his sin, he repented in tears. Christ forgave him, and did not remove the “keys of the kingdom” from his hands.
- As Saul of Tarsus, Paul was an ardent persecutor of Christians. He operated under the misguided belief that he was serving God when he hunted down, arrested, and brought to trial men and women whose only crime was believing in Jesus. When he discovered the truth and turned to Christ, he also found forgiveness (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
They each did a terrible thing, but God forgave them. If they could be forgiven, then so can we. Will you accept His forgiveness?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Forgiving the Forsaking
Perhaps one of the toughest acts of Christianity is that of forgiving. When one has wronged us, we need to be willing to forgive them. Peter asked Jesus how often one should be willing to forgive, even up to seven times. Jesus answered him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).” It may seem harder to forgive when we’ve already forgiven and an offense happens again. It may seem like others are forsaking us, and we do not know if we can be forgiving to them again.
Paul was willing to forgive others. Paul explained to Timothy that Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm, and resisted to the words of God. He said, “at my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them (2 Timothy 4:14-16).” He was willing to forgive those who forsook him as he stood for the truth!
Similarly, Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) was holding the coats of those that stoned him. As Stephen was dying, he cried: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60).” Perhaps Paul learned from Stephen the power of forgiving in difficult times.
Where did Stephen learn this? From Jesus Christ! As Christ was dying on the cross, He cried: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Luke 23:34).” He was willing to be forgiving to the very ones who forsook Him!
We, too, should be willing to be forgiving of others when they forsake us. Others may forsake us, but God never will (Hebrews 13:5). After all, we must forgive others to be forgiven by God Himself (Matthew 6:14-15).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Freedom
The Human Heart Longs for Freedom
Every 4th of July our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other environment. It is the longing of the human heart to be free.
But, there is a freedom even more precious than that we know as citizens of the United States. It is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Apart from Christ, all men are enslaved to sin. Sin is the great burden of man’s heart. We are helpless to remove it. We are condemned by it. Its consequences are both immediate and eternal. Paul cried out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). And then he proclaimed, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).
Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Christians will gather around the world to remember His sacrifice and the freedom it made possible — freedom from the condemnation of sin. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1, 2).
The cost of freedom is never cheap. The blood of many a native son has been shed to provide and maintain our freedom. Even now our young men and women in uniform are putting themselves in harms way and giving their lives that we might be free. Yet, to secure our deliverance from sin required an even greater sacrifice — the blood of God’s own Son.
The freedom we enjoy as citizens is ours by birth. The freedom we have in Christ is ours by choice. It is truth, believed and acted upon, which secures for us the freedom Christ provides. Have you been set free from the bondage of sin? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God? Have you repented of your sins? Will you confess His blessed name? Will you be born again (baptized)?
As the bells of freedom ring throughout our land may they also remind us of the greater freedom we have through Christ.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Your Sins Will Find You Out
Don’t go to your grave thinking that your sins can be safely hidden.
There is a misconception common to all men. It is the belief that your sins can be hidden from God’s sight. Moses assured the Israelites that it could not be done when he warned, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). There may be times when we can deceive others, but God is never fooled.
Achan learned this lesson when he hid some stolen goods in the floor of his tent and thought no one knew. The problem was, God knew, and Achan and his family perished (Joshua 6:18-7:26). Ananias and Sapphira learned a similar lesson when they tried to lie to God. But, God knew their hearts. They died! We have no secrets from the Lord. “All things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).
Time cannot hide your sins. They may appear safely buried like a murdered corpse, and the grass may grow over the grave, but resurrection awaits. Your sins, no matter how carefully concealed they may be, someday they will be exposed! Don’t go to your grave thinking that your sins can be safely hidden. Every thought we think, every word we speak, and every deed we do (good or bad) is known by our Heavenly Father (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36).
Sin has been, and will always be, man’s greatest problem. All of us are guilty (Romans 3:23). Two alternatives are before us. We can confront the problem and with God’s help overcome it, or we can continue to pretend that the problem does not exist. You can’t hide your sins from God, none of us can, but you can be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). There is hope in Him. “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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I Like Forgiveness Quite a Bit – audio
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I like forgiveness quite a bit, don’t you?
I like for my wife to forgive me when I have been rude or unkind. I like for my kids to forgive my impatience. I like others to extend heaps of forgiveness to me when I need it. I especially like God’s forgiveness. As believers, we revel in the fact that God does not hold sin against us… that he removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
We like that.
But there’s a part of forgiveness that’s not as easy to enjoy. Jesus mentions it near the end of his model prayer: “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). And to make sure we didn’t miss that little phrase, he adds this postscript: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
“Forgive us our debts” – we like that.
“…as we also have forgiven our debtors” – not so much.
I’m not sure why it’s so hard to forgive others, but it might be that withholding it gives us a little power over them. We can use it against them at some point – “Do you remember when you…?”
Or maybe it’s that we think they do not really deserve it. They might not be completely genuine in their repentance. Maybe they will do it again. They ought to get what they deserve.
But Jesus calls us to a higher road, of course. He asks us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven, which means that we can’t forgive only those who deserve it. Remember, we do not deserve God’s forgiveness either.
It means we can’t be concerned about their getting properly punished, because we don’t get the punishment we deserve. And it means we can’t hold a grudge over their heads, because when the Lord forgives us, he never brings it up again.
Are you holding something against your spouse? Are you nursing a grudge against a friend? Do you have something against someone at church? Is your relationship with one of your kids strained?
Relationships are always complicated, but the first step you might take is to forgive, to let the past go, to drop the grudge. It probably won’t be the easiest part about your walk with Christ, but it’s crucial.
We forgive because we have been forgiven, and we forgive so that we will be forgiven.
(Thanks to Chuck Webster for these thoughts!)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Valuable, Important, Forgiven – audio
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Text: Colossians 2:11-13
We are all valuable to God.
We are all important to God.
We are all forgiven by God in the same way.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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It’s Not Hopeless!
Every once in a while I encounter someone whose life is filled with guilt.
“God can’t love me anymore,” they argue. “I’ve been too wicked.” My heart goes out to these folks. They desperately want to rid themselves of their burden, but they see no hope. Unable to forgive themselves, they reason that God cannot forgive them either. But, there are no hopeless cases.
The apostle Paul argued that he was the worst of sinners, yet he obtained mercy (1 Timothy 1:15).
If God could forgive him, God could forgive anyone. What could be worse than what Paul had done before his conversion? He had consented to the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had dedicated himself to the task of eradicating Christianity from the earth. He could not imagine a crime against God or man more serious, yet, he wrote: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). If Paul could find forgiveness, then so can we.
There is hope.
Sin and guilt can be washed away, but there are specific steps which must be taken.
- We must understand our need for salvation. We are all sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).
- We must recognize Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins and man’s only Savior (Acts 4:12).
- We must act on our faith and repent of our sins (Luke 13:3).
- Repentance will be followed by a public confession of Jesus (Matthew 10:32, 33).
- Our confession will be followed by baptism for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).
At that point, rising up from the water of baptism, we become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old life and all of its sin is forgotten. We make a fresh start. Forgiven by God, we must forgive ourselves.
Guilt is one burden none of us have to bear.
There are no hopeless cases. God loves us, no matter what. He longs for our salvation.
But, will we come to Him? No one can answer that question for us. We must answer it ourselves.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Crazy World
If I know myself, and I am reasonably sure I do, I don’t harbor ill will in my heart toward a single human being. I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I’m not perfect, and I don’t profess to be, but I would not intentionally say anything to upset someone or assassinate their character. I hold no malice in my heart toward anyone. I don’t judge folks by the color of their skin, the cut of their cloth, or the size of their bank account. I have strong beliefs about many things, but no interest in forcing my beliefs on anyone. Yet, because of what I’m about to say, the world will view me as close-minded, bigoted, prejudiced, intolerant, and out of step with the times.
Jason Collins, a twelve year veteran of the NBA, recently announced that he was homosexual. After making his announcement he was almost universally praised for his courage and leadership. John Amaechi, also a homosexual, recently wrote: “The support that Jason has received both in the sports world and society at large is certainly encouraging. He’s the sign of a changing tide in society; it’s the perfect time for someone like Jason to come along” (TIME, Vol. 181, No. 18, 2013, Page 17). I am appalled that society has changed so much that what was once universally acknowledged as sinful is now praised and paraded as something wonderful.
I should point out that I’m just as disgusted by heterosexual celebrities who are unfaithful to their marriage vows and parade their adultery and fornication before adoring fans who seem not the least bit offended or put off by their blatant immorality.
Sports figures, media celebrities, politicians, and actors have far too great an influence on society, and their actions tend to weaken the moral fabric of an already frayed society. Rather than being encouraged by Jason Collins’ actions, we should be sickened. Homosexuality, like adultery and fornication, is sinful, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
No, I don’t have any ill will toward Jason Collins. What I would want him to know is that there is hope and deliverance in Christ, but to condone sin rather than confront it can only result in disaster. The Bible says: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
There is forgiveness for the transgressor in Christ, but the sin must cease. Christians must continue to plead for truth on this issue and all others without regard to what society thinks or believes.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Save A Soul – audio
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It’s an ugly picture.
In one of his letters Peter uses the graphic image of a dog’s returning to his vomit or a recently washed sow’s returning to her mud.
What he was writing about, of course, was a believer who wanders away from God. If we’re honest, we must admit that it isn’t a particularly difficult thing to do, because this world is often so alluring. Sometimes we’re mesmerized by its glitz and glamor, finally waking up only to realize we’re miles away from God.
Have you ever wandered?
In adolescence, perhaps? Or maybe in college or at another particularly difficult point in your life?
I hope you’re back. If you are, I’m glad you came home.
But not everyone has come home. Not yet.
So James closes his letter with a short encouragement for us to do whatever we can for these folks.
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19–20
You’re probably not a preacher, and you may not serve God in any “official” sense, but I’d like for you to do three simple things today.
- One, make a list of ten believers you know who have wandered away from God. Perhaps it’s a family member, former co-worker, a neighbor, somebody who used to attend your church. You could probably come up with a hundred, but just do ten.
- Two, pray for every name on that list. Pray that God’s Spirit would work in their hearts and move them to repentance. Ask him to orchestrate the events of their lives so they see that the path they’re on will end in destruction. Ask him to open a door for you to be able to speak an encouraging word.
- Three, take one step—just one—to let God use you to work in their lives. It might be something as simple as a “How’s it going?” text or email. It could be a phone call or an encouraging note or a Facebook post. But do something.
We undersell ourselves, I think.
We assume all the serious spiritual work will be done by the guys who stand in our pulpits or serve as our shepherds.
If I understand James correctly, though, he’s saying that just an “average” every-day believer can have an enormous effect on someone’s soul. It’s incredible to think that you and I can “save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins,” isn’t it?
So today –
Make a list
Say a prayer
Initiate contact
– and see what God does.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Are You Forgetful?
It has often been said that the older a person gets, the more forgetful he or she is. Do you feel that way?
- Have you ever lost your car keys?
- Have you misplaced your cell phone?
- Can you name all your children or grandchildren?
- What happened yesterday?
If you have trouble answering any or all of these questions, you may feel that you are forgetful and are thus embarrassed.
It may seem like a bad thing to forget, but sometimes forgetting can be a good thing!
All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). If we dwell on the bad things others have done to us, or the things we have done to others, we will make ourselves miserable! However, we serve a loving God who is willing to forgive us our sins and remember them no more (Jeremiah 31:34). Likewise, we must be willing to forgive others, forgetting what has been done (Matthew 6:14-15).
As God, in forgiving, forgets what we have done, we must too!
Becoming a Christian means we put off the old person, put on the new, and walk a new life (Romans 6:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Everything in the past must remain in the past; we cannot go back and change it. Paul said, “…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).”
Let us forget the past, and focus on getting to Heaven!
Content by Richard Dillon
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New Years (2012-2013) – audio
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Many people have told me that time passes more quickly as you get older.
I don’t know if it’s true for everyone, but from where I sit I think they’re right.
Can you believe 2012 is gone?
It’s been an eventful year. The presidential race occupied our attention for much of the year. We were intrigued by the London Olympic Games, horrified by shootings in Aurora and Newtown, and now we’re preoccupied by talk of heading over the nebulous but scary “fiscal cliff.”
What’s happened in your world in 2012?
Did you welcome a child into your life? Send one to college?
Get a new job? Change careers?
Perhaps you went through a divorce or lost someone you love.
The way Paul closes Philippians seems quite appropriate as we end one year and begin another.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Philippians 4:21-23).
In the 1,950 years since Paul dictated this letter from a Roman jail, the world has changed in many ways. Nations have risen and fallen. Wars have been fought, and millions of people have lived and died.
But in so many ways, things are still the same.
We look at a world that’s not too different from the one Paul saw from his imprisonment. People are laughing and crying and dreaming and living and dying.
And what the world needs now—what we need now—is the same thing they needed.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”
We still live in a fallen world, and we’re a fallen people, but the hope Paul extended to the church at Philippi is the same hope God extends to us today.
He offers us hope through his grace, which is how Paul finished the letter.
And I think that’s a pretty good way to end a year:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
But, there’s just something neat about new.
The smell of a new car, the look and feel of a new gadget, the cuteness of a new puppy.
Many of us get excited about a new year.
There’s optimism in the air, isn’t there? Yep, I messed up last year, but this year’s gonna be different.
It’s a beautiful new slate, clean start, fresh beginning.
New me for the new year, as they say.
God likes new things too, something Paul celebrates here:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God gives newness, but it’s not tied to the calendar, of course.
And it has nothing to do with weight loss or gym memberships or quickly-made-but-easily-forgotten resolutions.
He gives newness in Christ.
In fact, he recreates us in Christ, which is incredible.
All those sins?
Gone.
The guilt, hopelessness, living only for self?
A thing of the past.
God gives you a new identity with a new hope, a new outlook, and a new future.
Maybe that’s just what you need
Maybe you got sidetracked last year, got your priorities out of whack, became a little self-serving.
Now’s a good time to change that.
God’s not bound by our calendars, of course, but there’s no better time than today to ask God to give you a fresh start.
If you’re not a follower of Christ, trust in him as God’s Son and connect to his crucifixion in baptism.
Maybe you obeyed the gospel long ago, but today what you need more than anything is for him to be your Lord and Savior once again.
Ask him.
He’ll make you new, completely new, beautifully new.
In Christ, “the new has come.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 26:31-35 Awakened by a Rooster – audio
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Text: Matthew 26:31-35
Introduction
1. Jesus had predicted that Peter, along with the rest of his apostles would desert him.
2. Peter denied that he would betray the Lord. In fact, he announced that he would die before he denied him.
3. However, with the crow of a rooster, Peter is brought to tears as he realizes his failure.
4. Let us examine this text and see if we can learn any lessons from it.
Body
I. Don’t Be Overconfident.
A. Matthew 26:31-35
B. John 21:15-17
C. 1 Corinthians 10:12
D. I’ll Never Forsake My Lord
II. Don’t Measure Yourself Apart From Trials
A. Proverbs 24:10
B. We don’t really know how strong we are until our faith is tested.
III. A Rooster’s Crow Is Not the Only Way to Be Awakened
A. Death, illness, scare, thanksgiving, compassion, kindness, goodness of God, etc.
B. James 5:19-20
C. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
IV. Jesus’ Love Is Beyond Understanding
A. Ephesians 3:18-19
Conclusion
1. In spite of Peter’s failure, Jesus still loved him and wanted him.
2. And, in spite of your failures, Jesus still loves you and wants you to be saved.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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A Partially Forgiven Christian? – audio
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Living in the past may make you feel only partially forgiven.
It’s a cliché, I know, but it became a cliché because it’s true: Don’t live in the past. When we do, we might feel like we are only partially forgiven.
Is that you? Are you beating yourself up over something you did years ago? Feeling partially forgiven because you can’t forgive yourself?
I think the apostle Paul struggled with his past.
In some of his letters he referred to his abuse of Christians years earlier in his life, before he became a Christian, calling himself the “worst” of sinners and the “least of the apostles” (1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9).
It bothered him. I’m guessing that every day of his life he saw in his mind the faces of some of the Christians he’d hurt.
Look forward instead of backward.
But he also recognized that those things no longer defined him.
Listen to what he says here:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:12-14).
He wasn’t a boastful Christian. He knew he wasn’t where he wanted to be or even where he ought to be, and that led him to look in the right direction.
Ahead.
He strained forward and kept his eyes focused on the finish line.
Humanly speaking, of course, he couldn’t completely forget the past, but he disciplined himself to press on toward that “upward call.”
Maybe that’s what you need to hear today.
Thank God for fully forgiving you.
If you’re living every day with the guilt of the past, it’s holding you back. You think more about what you’ve done to hurt God than what he’s done to heal you.
Think about Paul’s words today.
Thank God for forgiving you and redeeming you and saving you.
Remember… when God does something, he does it right – and that includes forgiveness.
There’s no such thing as a partially forgiven Christian. Jesus paid the full price.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Living with Guilt
Guilt can be good or bad
Guilt (self-reproach and feelings of responsibility for an offense) can be a good thing, or a very bad thing. It’s good when it leads to repentance and reformation. It’s bad when it prevents us from moving forward, overcoming our failures, and experiencing the joys of a saving relationship with Christ.
Unfortunately, many become overcome with the burden of guilt
I spend a great deal of time with people who are overcome with the burden of guilt. Much of what I hear has to do with regrets over things not done: parents who failed to spend adequate time with growing children; husbands/wives who failed to show proper love and appreciation for a spouse; children who failed to attend to the needs of an aged parent. This list could be much longer. The remainder of guilt is generated when people do things they know in their own hearts they should not do. In some cases, but not all, these wrongs can be righted. When possible, that is what must be done.
But, we cannot go back and right every wrong
We cannot undo all the damage we have done. However, we can move forward with the determination to help others avoid the same mistakes. Carrying a heavy load of guilt over these matters will only retard our spiritual progress and destroy our inner peace.
If God could forgive Paul, He can forgive you
The story of the Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) is extremely helpful when confronting guilt (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Paul acknowledged his guilt. He had been a blasphemer, persecutor, and a violent man toward Christians. He had been as bad as they come. He called himself the “chief” or “worst” of sinners, but still, he found forgiveness. If God could forgive him and lift his burden of guilt, He could do it for anyone.
What did Paul do upon obeying Christ (Acts 22:16)?
- First, he put his past behind him (Philippians 3:13). He would learn from past mistakes, but he would not dwell on them.
- Second, he accepted the forgiveness provided through the grace of Christ (1 Timothy 1:14).
- Third, he changed his life and became a new man in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Fourth, he forgave himself, and vowed not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
His focus was not on what he had done, but on what he could do! It worked for him, and it will work for us!
Jesus Christ can free us from the burden of guilt
No matter how great the burden of guilt we carry, Jesus Christ can free us from it. Follow the example of Paul. Turn to Christ. Obey His commands. Become a new creature. Forget the past, and move forward (Philippians 3:13, 14). Guilt is a heavy burden to bear. It saps life of peace, hope and joy. But, it’s a burden none of us need to bear. Jesus Christ can take the guilt away. Will we let Him do that for us? That’s the question we need to consider now!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Prayer Power
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(The Power of Prayer)
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers…
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray – Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers…
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD…
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD…
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD…
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD…
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5 (NASB)
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD…
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD…
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD…
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD…
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing…
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God…
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
4. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)…
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
5. Do we believe in the power of prayer…?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
c. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
6. But not all have the privilege of the power of prayer. In our next study, we will see why
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer
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Text: Luke 18:1-8
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 051:01-19 Confessing Our Sins
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(The Art of Confessing our Sins)
Text: Psalms 51:1-19
Introduction
1. Do you remember the joy and the relief you experienced when you were baptized?
a. Knowing that your sins had been washed away by the blood of Christ?
b. Knowing that you then stood before God holy and without blame?
— Wouldn’t it be great to experience that same joy and relief, time and again?
2. There is no reason why you cannot!
a. Even though you may have sinned terribly after your baptism
b. For God has made provision whereby we can enjoy the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
3. Not by being baptized again and again…
a. But by confessing our sins to God – cf. 1 John 1:9
b. For God who is faithful and just has promised to forgive our sins!
— Just as we were raised from the grave of baptism cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so we can rise from our prayers knowing that we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness!
4. The key is to confess our sins…
a. But how does one do that effectively?
b. Are there some things to keep in mind as we confess our sins?
5. In Psalms 51, we have what David wrote after he was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba…
a. He provides an example of how one should confess their sins to God
b. He provides what I like to call “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins”
[How should one go about confessing their sins to God? From the example of David, a good place to begin is…]
Body
I. APPEAL TO GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE (Psalms 51:1-2)
A. NOTE THE BASIS OF DAVID’S PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS…
1. “according to Your lovingkindness”
2. “according to the multitude of Your tender mercies”
— David sought forgiveness based upon God’s lovingkindness and tender mercies
B. THE PARDON WE SEEK SHOULD HAVE AS ITS BASIS…
1. Not in the merit or worthiness of man
2. But in the goodness and grace of God!
C. AS WE SEEK “WASHING” AND “CLEANSING” FROM OUR SINS…
1. Don’t base our appeal on our past accomplishments
a. E.g., how much we have done for the Lord
b. E.g., how long we have been a member of His church
2. But upon the goodness and mercy of God!
a. Appeal to His mercy and grace!
b. Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! – cf. Psalm 103:8-10
— Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican! – Luke 18:9-14
[As we seek forgiveness, we must of course…]
II. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO GOD (Psalms 51:3-4)
A. NOTE HOW DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN…
1. He did not try to hide it: “my sin is ever before me”
2. He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight”
a. While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife…
b. …David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself!
3. He accepted the condemnation of God against him
a. That God was both “just” and blameless” in judging him
b. As God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. Appreciate that this is key to receiving God’s grace – cf. 1 John 1:9
2. Acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess tobe sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness
3. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself!
4. Don’t fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!
— As we confess our sins, there is more that we should bear in mind. From David we learn that we should also…
III. UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE GOD WANTS US (Psalms 51:5-6)
A. UNTIL FORGIVEN, ONE IS DEEP IN SIN…
1. Using hyperbole so common in poetic language, David describes the depravity in which he finds himself
2. He is not trying to escape responsibility by saying he was born that way; only that he knows he is utterly sinful
B. BUT GOD DESIRES MUCH MORE…
1. David knew that God wanted:
a. “truth in the inward parts”
b. “wisdom in the hidden parts”
— Again, figurative hyperbole illustrating that truth and wisdom are to be as pervasive as sin had been!
2. David knew that God desired to provide more than just forgiveness, He also desires:
a. Total restoration, with understanding and wisdom on our part
b. That we be equipped for faithful service
[Understanding what God wants of us helps us to appreciate what David goes on to say. Indeed, confession of sins should also mean that we…]
IV. PRAY FOR RENEWAL AND RESTORATION (Psalms 51:7-12)
A. DAVID DESIRED MORE THAN JUST FORGIVENESS OF SIN…
1. He does pray for forgiveness, using figurative language in asking God…
a. To purge him with hyssop – Psalm 51:7
b. To wash him whiter than snow – Psalm 51:7
c. To hide His face from his sins – Psalm 51:9
d. To blot out all his iniquities – Psalm 51:9
2. But he also sought for more; he desired…
a. Joy and gladness – Psalm 51:8
b. A new heart, and renewal of a steadfast spirit – Psalm 51:10
c. Continuation of God’s presence and Spirit – Psalm 51:11
— As summarized in verse 12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.”
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look to God for more than just forgiveness!
2. We should also ask for:
a. A complete renewal and total restoration!
b. A return to “the joy of salvation” (that joy experienced when we first obeyed the gospel!) – Acts 8:35-39
[As we consider further David’s confession of sin, we find it proper to…]
V. RESOLVE TO OFFER GRATEFUL SERVICE (Psalms 51:13-17)
A. DAVID RESOLVES…
1. To teach other sinners and transgressors – Psalm 51:13
2. To praise God for His righteousness in delivering him from sin – Psalm 51:14-15
a. Knowing that God delights in something more than animal sacrifices – Psalm 51:16
b. A broken spirit and contrite heart is what really pleases God – Psalm 51:17; cf. Isaiah 66:1-2; 57:15
B. SUCH RESOLUTION IS IN KEEPING WITH TRUE REPENTANCE…
1. For God desires more than just forgiveness, but total restoration – cf. Psalm 51:6
2. And zealous service is indicative of true repentance, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
C. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look beyond obtaining forgiveness for past sin
2. We should look beyond obtaining present joy and gladness of heart
— We should be making commitments regarding future service!
[Finally, as we come to the end of David’s psalm, we find that “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins” includes that we…]
VI. PRAY FOR GOD’S PURPOSES (Psalms 51:18-19)
A. DAVID OFFERED A PRAYER REGARDING GOD’S PURPOSES…
1. That God would fulfill His purpose for Zion – Psalm 51:18
2. That God would be pleased with Israel’s sacrifices – Psalm 51:19
— Thus his confession of sin ends with a desire for that which pleases God
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should not be selfish, praying for only our needs
2. What about God’s desires? His purposes?
— As Jesus taught us in “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is important to pray for God’s will as well as our own (cf. “Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”)
Conclusion
1. I hope I have not made the practice of confessing sins sound complicated…
a. Certainly there are occasions where a simple “I have sinned…” may suffice
b. As illustrated in the prayer of the tax collector – Luke 18:13-14
2. Yet if we desire to be less self-centered in confessing our sins, we can follow David’s example:
a. Appeal to God’s mercy and lovingkindness
b. Acknowledge our sins to God
c. Understand where we are and where God wants us
d. Pray for renewal and restoration
e. Resolve to offer grateful service
f. Pray for God’s purposes
3. By praying as David did, we are to sure to experience two things:
a. Forgiveness itself
b. The joy of forgiveness
— As David expressed in Psalm 32:1-5, written after receiving forgiveness for his sins
4. The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual (“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…”), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1 John 1:9).
5. Have you confessed your sins to God today?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Patience – Colossians 3:13
Text: Colossians 3:13
It’s a good thing God is patient with us.
We fall down, kick ourselves, get back up, and promise this time we’ll do better. Next time we’ll be stronger. And then we do it again.
I wonder if that ever frustrates God?
Even so, he keeps on forgiving, keeps on blessing, keeps on bearing with us.
And he asks us to do the same with others.
Remember the story of the king who had a servant who owed him 10,000 talents? – Matthew 18:23-34
A talent, by the way, was how much a worker would earn in about 20 years, so 10,000 talents was the equivalent of how much you could earn in about 200,000 years.
In other words, this servant will never pay it back. Ever. He’s in debt for the rest of his life.
So the king did the unthinkable:
- He canceled the debt
- Wiped it away
- Acted as if it’d never existed
It’s hard to imagine how excited this servant must’ve been. He’d gotten his life back.
When Jesus tells this story, he focuses more on what this once-indebted-but-now-forgiven servant did with someone who owed him about a hundred days’ pay.
A hundred days versus 200,000 years.
He’s just been forgiven of an incredibly huge debt, so what will he do with a debt that’s miniscule in comparison?
He does the unthinkable.
He chokes the guy, then throws him in prison until he pays him back.
The Lord’s point is clear.
We’ve been forgiven of an unpayable debt, so we’ve got to extend that same kind of patience toward others.
Do you struggle to forgive?
Today, right now, are you holding a grudge?
Are you impatient with the weaknesses of the people around you? Your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, your employees?
Paul says one of the marks of spirituality is patience: “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:13).
The story the Lord told doesn’t have a happy ending.
The king found out what his servant had done, so he threw him in prison, “until he should pay all his debt” (Matthew 18:34).
In other words, the guy would serve a few thousand consecutive life sentences.
God’s patience forgives our sins and bears with our weaknesses.
He’s serious about it when he says we need to do the same.
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Matthew 18:35
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Friends Sometimes Disagree – Acts 15:36-41
Text: Acts 15:36-41
Sometimes even good friends disagree, occasionally quite sharply.
I’m not sure who was right, but Barnabas and Paul once got in an argument. Apparently it was bad enough that they decided they couldn’t work together, at least for a while. Luke tells us what happened:
Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.
And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
(Acts 15:36-41)
Mark had left them before…
We don’t know all the details, but Mark had gone with Paul and Barnabas on a previous missionary trip, and for some reason he had left them and returned home (Acts 13:13).
Was he homesick? Scared? Discouraged?
We don’t know, but whatever the reason, Paul didn’t think it was legitimate, and he wasn’t ready to take Mark on another trip.
So, between Paul and Barnabas, who was right? Should they have taken Mark?
There’s no way to know for sure, and maybe it was just a matter of opinion.
But I’d go with Barnabas.
Don’t you think it’s better to forgive?
Even Paul later changed his mind about Mark. Shortly before he died he wrote Timothy: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Second Chances
Try this: given an opportunity to give someone a second chance, do it. Forgive. Overlook. Think the best.
Barnabas decided to give Mark another opportunity to prove himself, and apparently the young man didn’t disappoint him.
So . . . forgive your spouse. Don’t hold grudges.
Look for your children’s good points and try, when possible, to overlook their faults.
Think good things about your friends and fellow church members, and de-emphasize their negative traits.
Don’t you want people to give you the benefit of the doubt?
People tend to live up to what we expect from them, and it’s usually best to think the best.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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