Historical Posts
1 Peter 05:06-11 – Be Established – Audio
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Text: 1 Peter 5:6-11
Whenever a person is new to something, they need to “get established.” Maybe one moves to a new town, and needs to find a home, job, and/or source of transportation. One can feel all alone, or very weak. One may even ask the right decision was made.
The best decision we can make is to become a Christian! We shouldn’t fear anything, or that we are alone; rather, there is someone there with us to establish (confirm, strengthen, help) us.
I. God will establish us.
A. Peter said that God would “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle” us (1 Peter 5:10).
B. Paul said that He is able to establish us according to the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25-27).
C. He will establish and guard us from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
II. We need to be established:
A. Establish ourselves in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).
B. Establish our hearts before God (1 Thessalonians 3:13; James 5:8).
C. Establish ourselves in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:17).
Have we been established? Are we rooted, grounded, and getting stronger in the faith? Are our hearts right before God? Are we good examples in word and deed? Have we heard and been obedient to God’s Word?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 04:12 – Cut to the Heart – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 4:12
There are some things that can really get to us if we let them. However, the word of God should get to us the deepest. Someone once said, “I apologize if I was stepping on some toes… I was aiming for the heart.” Well, the word of God does just that, it will cut to the heart.
I. The Word of God will cut to the heart.
A. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
B. God’s word has been delivered many times in many ways (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:1,14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
C. Many have heard His word and responded differently. See their responses and think how you are going to respond.
II. Some responded unfavorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter and the other apostles preached the word even in prison, and those who heard them wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-32).
B. Stephen boldly proclaimed the word of God, yet those who heard him stoned him to death (Acts 7:51-60).
III. Others responded favorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter proclaimed the gospel of Christ on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).
B. When the crowd heard this they were cut to the heart, and asked what to do to be saved (Acts 2:37-41).
When the word of God is proclaimed, it should not be given an unfavorable response. Rather, it must be heard, believed, and obeyed! This shows the true power of the word of God and it’s ability to save our souls!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Last Words
If you had just one more opportunity to speak to someone dear to your heart, would you choose your words carefully, or would you be casual and flippant in your speech? Would you speak of the important or the trivial?
Those are not difficult questions to answer. We would not waste our time on unimportant and insignificant things. Would that not also be true of Jesus?
What was the final message of Jesus to His disciples? Listen as He speaks His closing words to them.
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB).
“Go into the entire world, and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16 NASB).
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48 NASB).
“It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 NASB).
It is not by accident that our Lord’s final message was a call to faith and obedience (baptism), and a charge to take His gospel to the world. His words were not trivial or insignificant! How have you responded to them?
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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Things Written Before
The things written before are there for our learning.
Romans 15:4: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Paul understood that there were many things written by the Law and the Prophets, and he referenced several in his letter to the Romans as well as other epistles, giving us insight into these things written before.
Jesus Christ knew what was written before. He quoted Scripture to overcome the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). He taught His disciples, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled (Matthew 5:17-18).”
The Law and the Prophets were written before to point the way to Jesus Christ. Many writers in the Old Testament wrote about things concerning the coming of Jesus and His kingdom. When Jesus came and established His church, those sayings were fulfilled!
Having a good understanding of Old Testament things written before is a good foundation to help us understand the New Testament. However, once the law was fulfilled through Christ, we are no longer under the Old Testament. What is the purpose then of the things written before? “But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatians 3:22-25).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Personal Bible Understanding
Christians are to be careful Bible students and gain personal Bible understanding.
Like Timothy we are to study to show ourselves approved before God (2 Timothy 2:15). We should be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures daily to make certain that what we are taught is what the Bible teaches (Acts 17:11). Our failure to know and do what God’s word demands will lead to disastrous consequences (Hosea 4:6).
I am reminded of the story of a Mexican bank robber in the days of the Old West. He terrorized small towns all along the Texas-Mexico border. Finally, a town appealed to the Texas Rangers for help. Sure enough one crafty Ranger tracked the robber down and cornered him in a saloon where he was retelling the clientele of his latest escapades.
Cornered and helpless the once-proud robber cowered at the gun-toting lawman. “I’ll give you one chance,” said the Texan. “Where did you hide the gold?” Since the Mexican spoke no English a local translated the statement to him. Beaten, the robber spilled his guts to his translator. The gold was hidden at the base of the old dry well just outside of town. With this the translator turned to the Ranger and said, “He’s a proud man, Ranger. He’ll never talk! You might as well shoot him!”
There are those who argue that we are incapable of Bible understanding without expert assistance. According to them the average man on the street is no more able to understand the Scriptures than that Ranger was of understanding the robber’s confession. They are wrong. We have the word of God in our own language. Its message is not shrouded in secrecy, but clearly and concisely set forth. The vast majority of the Sacred Text is not the least bit difficult to understand. There are some difficult passages in the Bible, but not many and those which are most difficult are least important to our salvation.
There are two reasons why many find the Bible a strange book. First, they spend no time with it. Convinced that they Bible understanding is beyond them, they don’t try. Second, they go to the text only to discover that what they have been taught is contradicted by what the Bible says. They assume the problem is an inability to understand, when the real problem lies in an inability to reconcile false beliefs with the truth.
I urge you to study the Bible.
Spend time with God’s Word. You can read it yourself and gain Bible understand that will bring you to salvation!
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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In the Name of The Lord
“Do All in the Name of the Lord”
“What-e’er you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord; do naught in name of man or creed, do all in the name of the Lord. Do all in His name, do all in the name of the Lord; in word or deed, as God decreed, do all in the name of the Lord.” These words were penned by Austin Taylor in 1916, and are still sung today. They are taken from Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
First, we do in word in the name of the Lord Jesus by:
- Letting them be acceptable in His sight (Psalm 19:14).
- Letting our lips show forth His praise (Psalm 51:15).
- Being justified, and not condemned, by our words (Matthew 12:37).
- Letting our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).
- Being nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed (1 Timothy 4:6).
Next, we do in deed in the name of the Lord Jesus by:
- Looking into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work (James 1:25).
- Loving in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).
- Fully preaching the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:18-20).
Christ did all in word and deed! He did not sin, nor was guile found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:21-23). He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). By following His example, whatever we do, we “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Two-Edged Sword
Use Well Your Two-Edged Sword
A two-edged sword is very sharp. It can be a really useful tool, or it can cause a great deal of damage. It all depends on one’s knowledge and use of the tool.
Consider the impact an immoral woman can have on an individual. Solomon warns of her soothing words and unstable ways of life. He describes her as “sharp as a two-edged sword,” leading to destruction, and advises one to remove one’s ways far from her (Proverbs 5:3-14).
On the other hand, the saints of God are encouraged to sing praises to God. The Psalmist says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment (Psalm 149:6-9)…”
What two-edged sword should be in our hands? “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” The Bible tells us that vengeance does belong to the LORD (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30).
John tells us of this as he describes “One like the Son of Man,” in which protrudes out of His mouth a sharp two edged-sword (Revelation 1:12-16). God’s Word is a powerful tool. If we gain knowledge of it and use it properly, it can save our eternal souls.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Do you believe everything you hear? Or do you check it out?
At the end of every episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton would say, “…But, you don’t have to take my word for it.” The kids would then give book recommendations on a common topic. Each viewer was encouraged not to believe everything you hear, but to choose a book they trusted and read for yourself.
Do you believe everything you hear in the religious world? Why? We should not just take someone’s word for it; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves! We must not rely just on the words of others; we need to seek out the truth for ourselves and go to the authority. Solomon wrote, “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps (Proverbs 14:15).”
Discovering the real truth will help us take the proper steps. Jeremiah wrote, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).” No, man does not know how to direct his own steps; he must let the LORD direct them (Proverbs 16:9).
Do not believe everything you hear. Whatever we read, hear on the radio, see on TV, or learn in Bible class or in worship, let us seek the truth from God’s Word (John 17:17) for ourselves. Let us be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
Once you hear the truth and check it out, will you believe and act on it?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Be Wary of Eating Honey
I like eating honey. I especially enjoy putting it on my biscuits. In fact, I know someone who can get a good deal on purchasing honey. Many people like honey, and it was common in the Bible. John the Baptizer ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). Samson found honey inside of the carcass of a lion, and made a riddle about it.
Honey is good! The wise man wrote, “My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:13-14).” Just as honey is good, it must be taken in the proper amount. Later the wise man warned: “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit (Proverbs 25:16).” Also, “It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory (Proverbs 25:27).”
It is good to enjoy honey in its proper amount, but if one gets too much it can do more harm than good. Similarly, the wise man says knowledge is good to the soul. Proper knowledge of God’s Word can guide a soul to salvation (Colossians 1:9-10). Glorying in self and not in the Lord is vain (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 5:6).
Next time you reach for the honey, remember to eat it in the right amount. Perhaps in so doing you will be reminded to gain knowledge of God’s Word and glory in the Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Christ Centered Religion
Christ Centered Religion – No creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His!
We can never overemphasize the importance of being obedient students of the Bible. In God’s great scheme for the salvation of man, He provided for the preservation of His divine will through the written word. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the word of the Almighty. It should be studied, learned, obeyed, and lived.
He who rejects the Bible and the Christ centered religion that results makes a terrible mistake. Paul wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The fact is that our eternal well-being depends upon our devotion to the sacred text. It is through the Scriptures that we learn of the Savior. We cannot know God’s will apart from His word. Therefore, we must be careful students of the Bible. All that we believe, teach, and practice must originate in the Bible, which will cause us to have a Christ centered religion. Peter wrote, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
The churches of Christ make a concerted effort to be governed by the Bible, and the Bible alone. We have no creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His! If you are interested in a Christ-centered religion, then give us a try. With Paul we say, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Foolish Questions
Don’t waste your time with foolish questions.
A young man, seeking to entrap the Scottish preacher, John McNeil, sent the following note to the preacher with the request that it be answered publicly: “Dear Mr. McNeil, if you seek to enlighten young men, would you kindly tell me who Cain’s wife was and where he got her?” McNeil read the note and then responded, “I love young men – inquirers for truth especially – and should like to give this young man a word of advice: Don’t lose your soul inquiring about other men’s wives.” Talk about foolish questions.
Critics of the Bible are always looking for ways to entrap believers with foolish questions. “If your God is omnipotent (all powerful),” they ask, “can he make a square circle? If your God is so great and can do anything, can he make a rock so big he cannot lift it?” Obviously, both are foolish questions that seek the impossible! What is the Christian’s response?
Paul admonished Timothy: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who was taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
We can have great confidence in the Bible and the God it reveals. There is no reason for us to doubt the divine record or anything it says about our God or His Son! The Bible is the most important book ever written. It was not the product of human minds, but the divine mind (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Doubters may wish to throw suspicion upon the sacred text with foolish questions, but it will stand long after every critic has been silenced.
The Bible may not answer every question we ask, but we may be confident that the answers found therein are right. With the Psalmist, we should cry out, “Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18).
Would you like to know more? Asking about the salvation of your soul is not on the list of foolish questions.
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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The Prophetic Word is Confirmed
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21.
The apostle Peter gives us an account of his witness of Jesus Christ. He knows that Jesus is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Son of God. When Jesus speaks, God is speaking through Him (John 1:1-2,14). Peter, among other witnesses, recorded things of Jesus that we can know today.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and contains many prophecies and fulfillments of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Prophecies about the coming of Christ, the establishment of His church, and the end of time are all contained in the Bible. Every single prophecy has been, or will be, fulfilled.
Man cannot take these prophecies and make them mean what he wishes. Hence, they are not “of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).” God means for things to happen a certain way, and they do. We are warned of false prophets, who claim things that do not come to pass (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1; Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 28:9). Some even change the meaning to fit their own wishes, and will bring about their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
True prophecy does not come from man; it comes from God. We need to listen to and obey God, and not man (Acts 5:29). The Bible is written by men inspired of God, and should be heeded. Do not rely upon words spoken by others; instead, search the Scriptures for yourself to see whether these things are truly from God and not men (Acts 17:11). Confirm it!
Content by Richard Dillon
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No Rule Changes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Expect No Rule Changes from God.
“And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” – Deuteronomy 3:23-27
We know what is expected of us, as Moses had known when he struck the rock, and now in this life is the time to do it. Asking God to change the rules later did not work for Moses, and it will not work for us. No rule changes should be expected.
It is not mercy that changes the rules with respect to persons, but anarchy; God will respect His word, and so, therefore, must we.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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It Can Not be Part True and Part Myth
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” – Matthew 24:38
Jesus said that Noah lived and the flood happened as it is recorded in Genesis. If the flood story is false, as many affirm, then Jesus is a liar.
You either take the whole Bible, or you reject the whole Bible; it can’t be part true and part myth, because it is all one complete revelation.
It is often said that “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Just so, every page of the Bible is inextricably linked to every other page, the entire account depending upon every word.
The Old Testament was written as God moved men to write (2 Peter 1:21), and the New Testament was preached and written in the words of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Not part true and part myth – all of it true.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Scatter the Seed, Wait Until it Ripens – audio
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Text: Mark 4:26-29 – And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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God’s Word
You can accept the Bible as God’s Word.
I accept the trustworthiness of the Bible. I have confidence in the Scriptures. Peter said of the prophets of the Old Testament: “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21).”
The apostle Paul wrote concerning Scripture (Old and New Testaments): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).” The Bible is no ordinary book. The handiwork of God can be seen upon every page. It is not meant to be read as the mere creation of mortal minds, but as the product of the mind of God. The Christians at Thessalonica were commended because they received the God’s word not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Further, the New Testament writers were eyewitnesses of the things of which they wrote. Peter said: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty (2 Peter 1:16).” The apostle John was just as emphatic when he wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life (1 John 1:1).” Guided by God’s Spirit, theirs was eyewitness testimony. They express no doubt that Jesus was the God’s Son. We can trust their testimony!
The Bible is God’s word. We would be wise to heed the call of the prophet Jeremiah who cried out, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 22:29).”
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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You Reap What You Sow
What seeds do you sow? What should you expect to reap?
If a farmer were to sow watermelon seeds, he expects to grow watermelons. If he were to sow apple seeds, he expects to grow apple trees. Whatever seeds he sows are what he expects to grow. Therefore, one must sow the proper seed to grow the desired fruit. The saying is true: “you reap what you sow.” In fact, it comes straight out of the word of God (Galatians 6:7)!
Spiritually, we reap what we sow! Paul said, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:8-9).” If we only satisfy our physical desires, it will lead to our eternal death; if we satisfy the needs of our soul, we will reap everlasting life.
Paul also wrote, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver… Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-7,10-11).”
God gives us the seed. We must sow that seed to produce fruit. God will bless our efforts, and we must be cheerful and thankful. “Are you sowing the seed…”? Remember, you reap what you sow!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Chronicles 15:1-7 Azariah’s Awareness – audio
Old - G E L N D J J R 1S 2S 1K 2K 1C 2C E N E J P P E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z MNew - M M L J A R 1C 2C G E P C 1Th 2Th 1T 2T T P H J 1P 2P 1J 2J 3J J R - Topical - All - Archive
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Text: 2 Chronicles 15:1-7
Introduction
Perhaps our nation today is a lot like the nation of Israel many years ago. Paul tells us that we can learn a lot from the things written before (Romans 15:4). There is a lot we can learn from the words of Azariah to Asa, all Judah, and Benjamin.
Body
I. The LORD is with us while we are with Him.
A. If we draw near to God, he will draw near to us (James 4:8).
B. Jesus said, “…Seek, and you will find (Matthew 7:7)…”
C. If we confess Jesus before men, He will confess us before His Father in Heaven; if we deny Him, He will deny us (Matthew 10:32-33; 2 Timothy 2:12).
II. For a long time, Israel had been without the true God, a teaching priest, and the law.
A. Hosea prophesied that the children of Israel would be many days without a leader, and would eventually return and seek the LORD their God and fear Him (Hosea 3:4-5).
1) There is only one God (Ephesians 4:6).
2) Jesus says God is the only true God (John 17:3).
3) Paul affirmed there is no other God but one (1 Corinthians 8:4).
B. Jehoida the priest taught Jehoash the ways of the Lord (2 Kings 12:2).
1) Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5,9).
2) Elders of the Lord’s church must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9).
3) Servants of the Lord must be able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).
4) Older women are to teach the younger women (Titus 2:4).
C. Old Testament priests taught the Law (Leviticus 10:11), and many went throughout all regions of Judah teaching it (2 Chronicles 17:8-9).
1) By the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).
2) The law brings us to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:22-25).
3) Today we, as priests, preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-16).
III. Our work shall be rewarded.
A. Jesus said our reward will be great in Heaven (Matthew 5:12).
B. If one gives another a cup of cold water, he will not lose his reward (Matthew 10:42).
C. God will reward each according to his own labor (1 Corinthians 3:8).
D. Jesus’ reward is with Him, and He is ready to give to everyone according to his work (Revelation 22:12).
Conclusion
Are you living like those in Israel and Judah? Are you searching for God? Are you teaching others about Him? If so, your work will be rewarded! If not, you can begin right here and right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Receive the Word with Meekness – audio
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Introduction
Recently new flowers have been planted around the church building.
In order for the grounds to look as pretty as they do, the weeds must be pulled up. Afterward, the new plants can be put in and the soil fertilized.
The same is true with our spiritual lives (James 1:21).
Body
I. We must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness.
In order for something beautiful to come from inside of us, we need to clean out all the dirt out.
All the sin that was once inside of us (Romans 3:23) needs to be cleaned out. We can wash away our sins with the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16)!
II. We must receive the implanted word with meekness.
Jesus taught the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), in which the seed that fell on good ground yielded a crop. As we receive the word of God, we must have meekness in order to inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). It is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
The word must be implanted in our hearts and minds!
III. The word of God is able to save our souls.
The word of God is very powerful (Hebrews 4:12)! When many people heard it, they were cut to the heart (Acts 2:37; 7:54). On the day of Pentecost, many did what was necessary to save their souls; sadly, when Stephen preached, many did not.
Paul later described this as the word of salvation (Acts 13:26).
Conclusion
Are you cleaning out your hearts?
Take out the bad, and put in the good. God’s word will be at work in you, and you will save your eternal soul!
Content by Richard Dillon
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God Does Forever – audio
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Have you ever done something and felt very proud of yourself? You wanted that special moment to last forever, but instead it only lasted a little while. Things in our house don’t last very long at all. Whatever we build (train tracks, tower of blocks, Lego creations, etc.) seems to last for just a short time, and then is destroyed. Can you imagine someone building something that would never be destroyed?
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.” What is this referencing? The book of Genesis explains that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But, later we learn that they will pass away (Matthew 24:35). However, Jesus said that His words will never pass away. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If we do what the eternal words of God command us to do, we will be in a place forever with Him! We must not add to God’s word, nor take anything from it (Revelation 22:18-19). If we stay within God’s boundaries, we will be forever in Heaven with Him; on the other hand, if we do not we will be in Hell and without Him forever.
As the wise man said, we must fear before God. As he concluded the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).’” The Bible describes God’s love and power. We must believe Him, respect Him and obey Him. After all, we must all eventually give account of ourselves to our God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5).
Content by Richard Dillon
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