Historical Posts
Proof of God’s Love
Does God love us? YES!
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are killed all day long; We are counted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, not things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
What a marvelous affirmation: We are loved unconditionally! Nothing and no one can stop the Father from loving His creation. As one poet wrote: “Could we with ink the ocean fill; were every blade of grass a quill. Were all the world of parchment made, and every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.”
The Bible is filled with affirmations of God’s love. God did not merely shout His love from heaven, He sent His Son to prove His love.
- “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:9-10).
- “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…” (1 John 3:16).
- “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1).
I should point out that although the Bible underscores the unconditional love of God for us (nothing can come between God and His love for His children), it does not say that nothing can come between man and his love for God. In fact, there are explicit warnings in Scripture which tell us not to allow other things to crowd the love of God out of our hearts. We are specifically admonished not to love the world nor the things of this world, for the love of the world makes our profession of love for God null and void (1 John 2:15-17).
Does God love us? The answer is an emphatic YES! Do we love Him? That’s another story. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). How say ye?
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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Romans 8:35-39 – Enduring Love of God – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:35-39
The Enduring Love of God
“How can God love me?” This is a question that is often asked by a person who is feeling very insecure. After all, if they do not love themselves, how can they expect God to love them? Would you be surprised that God’s love is an enduring love and He will ALWAYS love you?
I. Nothing can separate us from the enduring love of God.
A. Paul lists several things beyond our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (Romans 8:35-39).
B. Paul also listed things within our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Though they may separate us from God himself, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
II. Even though we are separated from God by sin, God still loves us.
A. Only our sins can separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), if we let them. Even then, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
B. While we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
C. Jesus proved His enduring love for us by laying down His life for us (John 15:13-14; 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; 1 John 4:9-10).
D. As God loved Jesus, Jesus loves us (John 15:9; 5:20; 17:26).
III. Even when we are chastened, God still has enduring loves for us.
A. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens, desiring to bring about repentance (Revelation 3:19).
B. Eliphaz told Job, “Happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty (Job 5:17).”
C. The writer of Hebrews reminds Christians that the LORD chastens those whom He loves, as sons (Hebrews 12:3-6). One corrects a son because of love.
Conclusion
God, by His very nature, is love (1 John 4:7-8).
We are to love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We are “more than conquerors” in all things through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
Won’t you love Him too by keeping His commandments (John 14:15)?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Audio
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The Lord Is On Our Side – Our Help Comes From Him
Text: Psalm 124:1-8.
David proclaims the Lord saves His people from adversity. Over countless times, He has delivered those who stood for Him. Yes, The Lord is on our side. If He had not been, the people would have perished. For example, in Psalm 124:3, he reminds the reader of those who have been swallowed alive. Numbers 16 tells of how Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rose against Moses and the Lord; consequently, the Lord caused the earth to swallow them up.
In Psalm 124:4-5 David mentions that the waters would have overwhelmed God’s people had they not heeded Him. In Exodus 14, the Lord allowed the children of Israel to escape Pharaoh and all the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea. God allowed the children of Israel to live, but destroyed the Egyptians by causing the waters to fall back upon them.
David says that God allows His people to narrowly escape their enemies as a bird escapes from a birdcatcher with a trap (Psalm 124:6-7; Psalm 91:3; Proverbs 6:5; Hosea 9:8). Yes, even a narrow escape is still an escape. Perhaps it makes us appreciate it more. God is on our side (Psalm 124:1; Romans 8:31)! Our help comes from the name of the Lord (Psalm 124:8), who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). With every temptation to Christians, God is faithful and will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In the end, God will take care of His people. Those who disobey Him will be destroyed forever. The Lord is on our side, will you be on His side?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Fear and Trembling
When a person is very afraid, a natural response is to shake. Hence the reference to fear and trembling.
One may experience fear, and tremble either inwardly, outwardly, or both. One example found in the Bible is that of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She touched Jesus’ coat, knowing that she would be made well. When Jesus felt the power going out of Him, He asked whom it was that touched Him. She came and fell down before Him, in fear and trembling (Mark 5:33). Because of her faith, she was made well. Another example is the faithfulness of David. He was overcome with “faithfulness and trembling” at the sight of a wicked city, and prayed to God that he would be saved from it (Psalm 55:5).
As Paul shared the gospel with the Corinthians, he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3).” He was concerned not only for the spiritual well-being of them, but also for himself. That is the attitude we should all have! We must realize the importance of being right with God and have fear and trembling when we are not. The Psalmist wrote, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11).” Christians are commanded to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).”
We serve a powerful, just, and loving God. He has told us clearly in His Word what He accepts and what He rejects by sending many individuals to proclaim His Word, who were received with fear and trembling (e.g. Titus in 2 Corinthians 7:13-15). Servants are to be obedient to their masters with fear and trembling, as to Christ (Ephesians 6:5).
Our souls are very precious in the sight of God! It is perfectly natural to experience fear and trembling as we strive to serve God. However, we must not have fear forever. After all, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us (1 Peter 4:18-19).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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He Cares About Me
God Cares About Me
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).
There are approximately six billion people in our world, and that number is growing daily. Frankly, I have trouble comprehending the great sea of humanity and my place in it. Who am I among so many? There are others who are smarter, stronger, better looking, and more talented than me. Yet, in God’s eyes I am special!
HE KNOWS ME AND STILL HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Paul warned the churches of Galatia about the dangers of returning to their formal sinful ways. He asked how they could contemplate doing that now that they had come to know God, or rather, God had come to know them (Galatians 4:9). God also knows me, down to the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). He knows me intimately and still He cares for me, in spite of all my flaws and failings.
HE LOVES ME AND HE CARES ABOUT ME!
He loved me so much that He gave His Son for me (John 3:16). It was an inexpressible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I have done nothing worthy of His love, yet He still loves me. Even when I am unloving, rebellious, and sinful, He still cares (Romans 8:31-39). Nothing can separate me from His love through Jesus. Yet, His love will not protect me from my bad choices, nor will it save me if I will not save myself.
HE HEARS ME BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME!
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12). “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). I don’t know how He does it, but I know He does. He hears and answers my prayers. The answer may not always be the one I seek, but it will always be the right answer.
HE PROVIDES FOR ME IN HIS CARE FOR ME!
He has not promised to satisfy my every desire, but He has promised to meet my every need, but not unconditionally. Just as surely as He clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, He provides for His own. If I will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, He will always meet my needs. (Matthew 6:25-33). David observed: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). He has not promised to do for me what I can do for myself, but He will sustain, strengthen, and never disappoint!
BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME HE SAVES ME!
I can’t do it on my own. It’s only because of His grace that my salvation is possible (Ephesians 2:5-10). That doesn’t mean that I have no obligation to Him. He gave His Son for me, but I must accept Him as my Savior, and do so on His terms and not my own. After all, He is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Perspectives on Love
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Insight and Perspectives on Love
Some words may mean different things to different people. For example, ask some people what love is. You are likely to get a variety of definitions. Consider what a group of kids age 4 thu 8 have said about love (Listen to the Audio).
These definitions from the children are very entertaining. Yet, they all have great insight and perspectives on love. For true and complete insight on love, we need to turn to the message of love in God’s Word.
Consider these perspectives on love from God’s Word from the as defined by:
- Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (Perspectives on love here focus on being unselfish)
- John in 2 John 6; 1 John 2:5; 3:18; 5:3. (This perspective on love involves our deeds and how we live)
- Jude in Jude 20-23. (This perspective on love recognizes God’s grace and requires compassion for others)
- Jesus in John 14:15, 23. (This perspective on love requires obedience in keeping His commandments)
Understanding How God Loves Helps Us Love
The Bible is all about God’s love for man, and how man should love God in return (1 John 4:19). By understanding how God loved us, we can better understand how to love Him. Once we decide to love Him, there is nothing external that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). But is there anything that can separate us from loving God? Only ourselves, as demonstrated by those in Ephesus. They chose to leave their first love (Revelation 2:1, 4).
Our love for God must be everlasting, even to the point of death. We must demonstrate our love by keeping His commands and always being faithful to Him. Have you learned His commandments and responded to them with obedient action?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 03:01-03 – The Children of God – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:1-3
Introduction
1. In 1 John 2:29, for the first time John speaks of Christians as those who are born of God
a. It is an expression that will be used time and again throughout the remainder of this epistle – 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18
b. It is a figurative expression, emphasizing that the Christian’s spiritual life is a result of the redemptive work of God – Colossians 2:12-13
c. As a result of this working of God in our lives, we have been born again, and can therefore be properly called God’s children
2. That we can be called children of God was amazing to John, and in our text (1 John 3:1-3) he desires that we consider:
a. The significance of being called the children of God
b. The news of what we shall be
c. The transformation that is to take place in our lives
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. WE ARE RECIPIENTS OF GOD’S LOVE – 1 John 3:1a
1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
2. It is through the love of God that we can even become His children – John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10
3. It is an honor for God to even take notice of us, how much love God must have to allow us to become His children!
B. WE ARE UNKNOWN BY THE WORLD – 1 John 3:1b
1. …the world does not know us…
2. That is, they do not truly recognize, appreciate or understand what we have become in Christ
3. They may even deem us as religious fanatics, fools – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
4. But this is understandable:
a. For the world did not (and still does not) really know Jesus – John 1:11
b. And for now, our lives are hidden in Jesus – Colossians 3:3-4
5. Loved and honored by God, unknown and sometimes despised by the world; that is what we are today as the children of God.
II. WHAT WE SHALL BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN FULLY REVEALED
1. Exactly what we shall be like has not yet been revealed
2. Which may be that due to our finite capability to comprehend
3. In general terms we have been promised a spiritual body and immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 50-53
4. But there is something else, hinted at by both Paul and John
B. WE SHALL BE LIKE JESUS!
1. …we know that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
2. Paul also says that we will be like Jesus when He comes…
a. We shall bear the image of the heavenly Man – 1 Corinthians 15:49
b. Our lowly bodies will undergo a wonderful transformation to become like Jesus – Philippians 3:20-21
III. WHAT WE SHOULD BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD (3)
A. OUGHT TO BE MOTIVATED BY OUR HOPE
1. “everyone who has this hope…”
2. The hope of which John writes, of course, is the earnest expectation that we will be like Jesus when He comes
B. DILIGENTLY INVOLVED IN PURIFYING ONE’S SELF
1. This involves the idea of being set apart for a holy purpose, which Christians are taught to pursue – Hebrews 12:14
2. How can Christians purify themselves?
a. First and foremost by appropriating the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus! – 1 John 1:9
b. Only then can we hope to be truly holy and without blemish – Ephesians 5:25-27
c. But we also have an obligation to remove ourselves from things that would defile us – 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1
Conclusion
1. By virtue of God’s love for us, and His working in us, we can truly be called the children of God!
2. However, to become a child of God, and truly remain such, we must be willing to cooperate with God
a. When our faith joins with the working of God, we can become His children! – Colossians 2:12-13; Galatians 3:26-27
b. As long as our faith remains strong, we have the assurance of receiving the promises God has made – Hebrews 3:12-14; 4:1-2; Revelation 2:10
3. Is the love our heavenly Father has shown in making us His children, serving to motivate us to remain faithful to Him!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Who Cares? God Does!
Have you ever had the feeling that no one cares about you? Maybe you do not even care about yourself at times. When negative thoughts begin to creep in your mind, you may do something that you’ll regret later. Thus, negative thoughts lead to negative actions. However, in order to perform a positive action, you need positive thoughts! Does anyone care? Yes; God does!
Peter wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).” When you feel that no one cares, remember Peter said that God does! When you are feeling low, God will lift you up. Our job is to humble ourselves before Him, and in due time God will exalt us. Whatever we care (or don’t care) about, we need to give it to God! God really cares about us. After all, He proved He loved us by sending His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16).
Frank E. Graeff wrote these lyrics in 1901, “Does Jesus Care? O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know My Savior cares.” Yes, God does care about each and every one of us. We can cast all our cares upon Him, and He will make it turn out for good (Romans 8:28).
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord’s Security – Psalm 121 – audio
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Text: Psalm 121
Today has been a very dreary day. No doubt several of us have wanted to stay in the bed and sleep. I admit that I tried, but due to circumstances beyond my control I had to get up. I would not get anything accomplished had I slept the whole time. On the other hand, God never sleeps. He always has a watchful eye on us.
Psalm 121:3-4 tell us that God will “not slumber…neither slumber nor sleep.” This gives me confidence, knowing that when I am asleep that God is awake, watching over me. Psalm 121:5 tells us that He is our “keeper!” He protects us from things that we may not even be aware of.
The Psalmist goes on to describe Him as “your shade at your right hand.” Similarly, Isaiah describes Him as “a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4).”
David wrote another Psalm in which he says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).”
The author of this Psalm then reminds us of God’s power as He created the sun and moon (Psalm 121:6).
If God keeps the sun and moon in their respective places, will He not also keep us secure? The sun watches over us by day and the moon by night, but God watches over us all the time.
Finally, the Psalmist says that He “shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).” What a comfort, to know our soul is in God’s safe hands.
Are you comforted and secure knowing that God has your soul? Or, does He not have your soul? You can give it to Him right now by obeying the gospel. He is watching over you, and pleading you to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Corinthians 06:09-11 From Sinner to Saved – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Introduction
Last week we looked at how God views homosexuality. This is just one of many things that God does not approve of.
What if we are doing things that God does not approve of?
- Does He care?
- What must be done about it?
Consider what the Corinthians did, and the change they made (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Body
I. We must recognize that we are ALL sinners.
A. Every single one of us listening to this sermon was a sinner (Romans 3:23).
B. If we claim not to sin, then we are lying (1 John 1:8,10).
C. Because of our sin, we have been separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
II. We must recognize that God loves us.
A. Even though sin separates us from God, nothing separates us from the love of God (Romans 8:33-39).
B. God demonstrates His love for us by giving us His Son (John 3:16-17; 15:13-14; Luke 9:56).
C. Yes, while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-11).
D. Christ died for ALL of us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15), and His blood can cleanse ALL our sins, if we let Him (1 John 1:7).
E. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:11).
III. We must recognize God did His part; we must do ours!
A. We must have faith in Christ and what He did for us (Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6).
B. Our faith must work (James 2:17).
C. We must repent of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:8-12; Luke 13:3,5; 2 Peter 3:9).
D. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
E. We must be baptized in the blood of Christ to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
F. We must be raised to go and sin no more (Romans 6:1-7; 1 John 2:1-2) as the woman caught in adultery was told (John 8:10-12).
Conclusion
All of us are sinners, but God loves each and every one of us.
Do you love Him too? If so, you will become a Christian as He commands you (John 14:15).
Have your sins washed away, so you can receive everlasting life in Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Does God Care? – audio
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Where is God?
Does he even know what’s going on in my life?
Does he care?
Because he doesn’t speak directly to us, and because we can’t literally see him, It is easy to start thinking he’s not there, or if he is, he’s not particularly interested in the things we’re facing. Especially the bad stuff. Where is he when all that happens?
To those of us who struggle with this – which is probably all of us – Jesus spoke some of the most comforting words anyone has ever said:
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29–31
A day’s wage was a denarius, and a penny was 1/16 of a denarius. Since two sparrows were sold for a penny that means one sparrow was worth 1/32 of how much a man would make in a day.
Translation: not much.
Which was Jesus’ point. Sparrows had less value than almost anything in his world, but God noticed even their problems. Adding to the tenderness of the passage, Jesus said that God even knows how many hairs we’ve got on our heads.
In other words, he cares about us. A lot.
Satan tries to get us to think that God is distant, uninterested, uninvolved. But Jesus says that God is infinitely concerned about every struggle, every difficulty, and every hurt.
Sometimes we need to think about God’s love in global terms – “for God so loved the world . . .” – there’s not a spot on the planet that escapes his notice. But we also need to take comfort in the intimate nature of his personal love. He cares about me. And you. And your spouse or kid or mom or dad. Even your grumpy neighbor.
Whenever I see a bird lying on the side of the road, it reminds me of these words from Jesus. God took notice of that little blue jay, wren, or sparrow.
Just think how much he must care about your problems.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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The Love of God
The poet wrote: “Could we with ink the ocean fill; were every blade of grass a quill. Were all the world of parchment made, and every made a scribe by trade, to write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.”
Jesus said, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
It is impossible to measure the extent of His love.
Perhaps no writer of the New Testament had a better grasp of God’s love than John. He simply said, “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Three times in his first epistle he sought to describe the nature of God’s love as it relates to us.
- First, he wrote: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
God’s love was demonstrated in the sending of His Son. This was done, not because man loved Him, but because He loved us (1 John 4:10). - Second, he observed: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).
The love of God is clearly seen on the cross. It was God’s love that sent Jesus into this world. It was our sins which took Him to the cross, but it was His love for us which kept Him there. - Third, he exclaimed: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).
Because He loves us, He has invited us to be a part of His family. There is no greater honor in this world than to be a child of God!
There is no doubt about God’s love.
We never have to ask, “Does He love me?”
He has proven His love for us!
The important question is, “Do we love Him?“
How do you respond? Remember, Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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It’s My Pleasure
“It’s my pleasure!” This is often said after someone does something nice for somebody else, or gives them something they always desired. Perhaps you have said it yourself a few times. A giver should take pleasure in giving as much as a receiver does receiving.
God takes pleasure in doing things for us!
Jesus says, “…It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).” We can all be a part of the kingdom of God, and it is something that will last forever (Daniel 2:44).
Next time someone gives you something and says, “it’s my pleasure,” think of what all God gives us. It’s His pleasure!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hosea and Gomer: A Living Lesson
Hosea was a prophet of the Lord who lived and worked in Israel—the northern kingdom, in the period of time when God’s people were divided into two kingdoms.
Israel was composed of ten tribes of the Hebrew people, who separated themselves from Judah and Simeon after the death of Kind Solomon (1 Kings 12). Their capital city was Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). The kings of Israel set up idols for the people to worship, so they would not go back to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was controlled by Judah (1 Kings 12:26-33). The kings of Israel did not rely upon God for protection, but made alliances with neighboring nations (Hosea 10:13). Because of Israel’s continued devotion to evil, God was going to punish the entire nation (Hosea 9:3).
It was Hosea’s job to warn the people of Israel about their impending doom, and to appeal to them to repent, before they would no longer be able to do so.
Hosea’s name means, “salvation” and that is the theme of his book. Even though the people of Israel did not deserve it, God was willing and eager to forgive them (Hosea 14:2-4). But, since they had earned it for themselves, God was also prepared to punish the people of Israel for their sins (Hosea 9:7; Romans 6:23). To explain his relationship with the Israelites, the Lord used Hosea’s marriage as a living lesson.
HOSEA AND GOMER GET MARRIED
The Lord told Hosea to marry a “daughter of the age,” which is generally understood to mean a woman who was typical of most women in Israel, at that time (Hosea 1:2). They added three children to their family: Jezreel, meaning “God Will Scatter,” was the first; Lo-ruhamah, meaning “No Mercy,” was the second; Lo-ammi, meaning “Not My People” was the third (Hosea 1:3-9).
It was not long, however, until Gomer violated her marriage vows and began to sell herself, as a prostitute (Hosea 2:2). Gomer’s betrayal of her husband’s love was just like Israel’s betrayal of God’s love. Just as Gomer sold herself, in prostitution, Israel had done the same by engaging in the worship of idols (Hosea 4:17). Gomer had committed adultery against her husband and Israel had committed spiritual adultery against the Lord.
As members of the Lord’s church, we are the bride of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32).
We are in the same position as Israel was, in ancient times (Galatians 6:16). Just as God expected faithfulness from Israel, He expects faithfulness from us (Revelation 2:10). When we sin against God, we are guilty of spiritual adultery, just like Israel. Imagine how you would feel, if you found out that your spouse was unfaithful to you. That is how God feels, when we are unfaithful to Him!
One interesting aspect of the relationship between Hosea and Gomer is that, even while Gomer was being unfaithful to Hosea, he still provided for her needs (Hosea 2:8). In a twist of irony, Gomer did not know that it was her husband who was looking out for her, and she gave the credit to her lovers (Hosea 2:5).
In like manner, God had provided for Israel’s needs, even while Israel was being unfaithful to Him. Like Gomer, Israel did not perceive what God was doing, and gave credit to the false gods with which they had committed spiritual adultery (Hosea 10:1). Just as Hosea was angry with his wife’s continued unfaithfulness, so God was angry with Israel’s continued unfaithfulness (Hosea 2:9-13).
Think about all of the good things that God provides for us, in our lives.
Even though so many of us frequently stray away from the path of righteousness, the Lord still takes care of our basic needs (Matthew 6:24-34). It is no wonder, then, that the anger of the Lord is kindled against those who turn their backs upon Him (Romans 1:32).
The end of the story of Hosea and Gomer is a happy one. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea for a very long time, but she eventually sunk so low, that her lovers put her up for sale (Hosea 3:2). But, Hosea loved Gomer and was willing to buy her back (Hosea 3:1). He would take his wife back home, but only if she would realize how much better off she was with him than with her lovers (Hosea 3:3).
Israel had reached a very low state in its spirituality (Hosea 4:6). Yet, God still loved Israel and was willing to forgive. Israel would have to go into a period of captivity, but when they learned that they are better off with God than with idols, they would be restored (Hosea 3:4,5).
No matter how low we may get in our own spirituality, God will never stop loving us (Hebrews 13:5).
When we realize that we are better off with God than without Him, the infinite mercy of the Lord shall provide us with a way of restoration (1 John 1:9).
Content by Russell Kline
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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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1 Peter 01:10-12 Ministering Not to Themselves, but to Us – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Introduction
1. Already in Peter’s epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by the elect of God
a. Born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
b. Having a joy inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:8
2. As we continue in 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter expands upon the topic of the salvation Christians enjoy as a result of their faith
3. As we take the time to think about what is found in this passage, we cannot fail to be impressed with how privileged we are in God’s sight
a. For we will learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a very distinguished company of individuals!
b. And in their efforts, they were ministering not to themselves, but to us who are now Christians!
Body
I. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE PROPHETS!
A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE
1. When the prophets prophesied, they were often intrigued by what they revealed – 1 Peter 1:10-11
a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy Spirit, and not by their own will -II Peter 1:21
b. Therefore, they often expressed perplexity concerning those things they prophesied – Daniel 7:28; 8:26-27
2. But as pointed out in our text, it was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but us! – Daniel 12:8-9
B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT
1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as:
a. Moses, Samuel, and David
b. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
2. These men (And many others) spent their lives, and in many cases even gave their lives, in service to you and me!
3. Yes, these great heroes of faith suffered much in their service to God and to us who are now in Christ – Hebrew 11:36-38
II. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!
A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT
1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to proclaim things to come – 1 Peter 1:11
a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the sufferings of Christ – Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the glories to follow
1) The resurrection of Jesus – Psalms 16: 9-11
2) His ascension and coronation – Daniel 7:13-14
2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal the gospel – 1 Peter 1:12
a. As Jesus promised He would, in His discourse to His apostles – John 16:13
b. As Paul said He did, in writing to the Ephesians – Ephesians 3:5
B. AGAIN, CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH
1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the lives of the prophets and apostles, we have been served by the Holy Spirit
2. Because of His work, we have today the completed revelation of God’s Word in our hands!
3. This is in addition to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to which Peter referred in – 1 Peter 1:2
4. Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for us throughout the ages? Is this not an indication of the great value God must place upon His people?
III. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE APOSTLES!
A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12
1. …those who preached the gospel to you
a. This is a reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ
b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel, as recorded in Mark 16:15-16
2. As they carried out this Great Commission, they considered themselves but servants for those to whom they preached
a. As Paul said, they were but seed-throwers and water-boys – 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
b. They were serving as your servants and of Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:1; 2 Corinthians 4:5
B. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN
1. Such as Peter, James, John, and Paul
2. Who gave their lives for our sake, to convince the world that our faith in their testimony is not unfounded, but that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead
Conclusion
1. Our Father in heaven must hold His elect (The church) in high regard to have them served by such a distinguished company!
2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people
3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition to all these (Prophets, the Holy Spirit, apostles) He sent His only Son to serve us as well!
4. “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
5. Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedience to His Will?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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God’s Care for His People – audio
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Read the Article by Wayne Jackson.
Audio and comments by Don Treadway.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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