Historical Posts
No Hope?
One of the saddest phrases in the whole world is:
There is no Hope
Although many don’t realize it this is the condition of most of those we know, whether they are religious or not.
Paul tell us in Ephesians 2:11-12, “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh——who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands——that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”
The only end to their lives is a hopeless end.
But the word of God doesn’t end there
It continues in Ephesians 2:13; “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Isn’t that good news! By the blood of Christ we can have endless hope! We are no longer without Christ, aliens or strangers, but we are now near to Christ and have God in our lives.
In 1 Peter 1:3-5 we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These verses tell us that we not only have endless hope, but it is a living hope that gives us an inheritance in Heaven.
There is more good news
In Hebrews 6:19: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil”
It is revealed that this hope is our anchor which enables us to face the trials and temptations of every day.
How wonderful it is to move from a hopeless end to an endless hope
Hope that is alive, providing the strength we need daily, and ultimately a place in Heaven.
This hope only comes through the blood Jesus shed on the cross for us.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Seven Steps to Greater Bible Understanding
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Introduction
A. Some claim that the Bible is too old, too long, too boring, or too difficult. Yet amazingly, the United Bible Society distributed 23,200,000 Bibles in 2001 alone — an average of 44 Bibles per minute throughout the year.
B. It is necessary to do more than just own a copy of the Bible, or engage in some superficial reading. We must learn to understand it and live by it.
Body
I. Step One — One Theme
The resurrected Christ met some disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were distressed while his identity was hidden from them. It was then the third day, and they had hoped he would redeem Israel.
The Lord said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke. 24:25; 26-27,44-47).
We must familiarize ourselves with the single theme of Scripture:
Salvation through the suffering of Christ. Jesus is coming; Jesus is here; Jesus is coming back.
II. Step Two — Two Covenants
Failing to understand the divine purposes of the Old and New Testaments will invariably lead to misunderstanding the Bible. (Galatians 3:23-25)
The Old Testament was not given to teach how one becomes a Christian. It is not a guide for Christian worship. A pattern for the church is not given in the Old Testament; that must be read in light of New Testament revelation. (Colossians 2:14)
We do study the Old Testament, however, to satisfy life’s basic questions (Genesis 1:1), to perceive that our relationship with God is one of Creator and creature, to understand the nature of sin and its consequences, and to learn the principle that God rewards the obedient and punishes the rebellious. (Romans 15:4)
In the Old Testament, we also see valuable apologetic material in predictive prophecy. As we see God’s design in the Old and New Testaments, we come to understand the Bible better.
III. Step Three — Three Ages of Time
The point of this step is this: we must familiarize ourselves with the content of the Bible, and we must follow its history from beginning to end.
We must actually read the content of Scripture to understand it better. Otherwise, we may pick up facts here and there and fail to have a comprehension of the wonderful unity of Scripture.
It has a single theme is to be followed through three vast periods of time — the Patriarchal Age, the Mosaic Age, and the Christian Age.
IV. Step Four — Four Gospels
The four gospels, like four witnesses, testify to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Without any appearance of collusion, these independent witnesses provide accounts of the ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Since they contain the foundation for faith (John. 20:30-31), the Gospel accounts need to be read and re-read by Christians regularly because the one theme of the Bible is the redemptive work of Christ. How valuable it is to rehearse those events that are the focal point of human history.
V. Step Five — Five Steps to Salvation
Some characterize the idea of “five steps” in the “plan of salvation” as legalism, calling those who preach it “five-steppers.”
No matter how many requirements there might be, the truth is that people must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17).
Individuals are required to believe the gospel of Christ (John 8:24).
All men are commanded by God to repent (Acts 17:30).
They must confess their faith in Christ, that he is Lord and that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10).
And the Lord requires penitent believers to be baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). According my first grade teacher, that makes five.
There is no need to be ashamed of what the Lord requires, and anyone who criticizes such demonstrates that he has been influenced by the trends of denominationalism.
VI. Step Six — Six Things God Hates
“Yeah seven!” With this numerical proverb, Solomon indicates that his list is by no means exhaustive (Proverbs 6:16-19).
But this is the point. It does matter how we live.
Even after we become Christians, we must continue to take sin seriously and stop doing anything that the Lord hates.
VII. Step Seven — Seven Churches of Asia
These congregations were all held to the same doctrinal standard. They all belonged to Christ, and there were no different religious brands. The Lord knew what was going on, and he commended their efforts or condemned their sins. (Revelations 2, 3)
There is only one way to right wrongs — repent and do right.
Seeing our individual and collective responsibilities, we learn that understanding the Bible translates into lives and congregations that are pleasing to the Lord. “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Conclusion:
1. 1 – 7 is very easy to learn, but hard to put into our lives
2. Have you done step five?
3. If you have about six and seven?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 01:18-25 God’s Word as a Guide – audio
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Text: James 1:18-25
Introduction
1. We must understand the powerful guidance of God’s Word if we are to use the Bible as a tool to teach others.
A. 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
B. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes – Romans 1:16
Body
I. God’s Word is able to guide one to become a new creature
A. James 1:18
B. The Christian is a unique being – 2 Corinthians 5:17
II. God’s Word is able to guide one to the saving of his soul
A. James 1:21
B. Conversion is brought about through the power of God’s Word – James 5:20 “he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a Soul”
III. God’s Word is able to guide us to see ourselves as we really are
A. James 1:24
B. We see the reality of our sin and the desire of God to save us – 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “who desires all men to be saved”
IV. God’s Word blesses the life of the one who is guided by it
A. James 1:25
B. We have security, direction, and purpose – Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ…”
Conclusion:
1. To be guided by God’s Word is to be swift to hear – James 1:19
2. To have the Word engrafted – James 1:21
3. To receive the Word – James 1:22
4. To obey the Word – James 1:22-23
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 24:32 Are You an Apatheist? audio
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Text: Luke 24:32
Introduction
1. On 12/25/11, USA Today had an article related to apatheism
a. Entitled “Many Say ‘So What?’ To God, Religion, Atheism”
b. Describing the attitude of those who are ‘spiritually apathetic’
2. This is a condition true of many; according to several polls
a. 46% never wonder whether they will go to heaven
b. 44% don’t spend time seeking ‘eternal wisdom’
3. How about you? Are you an apatheist?
Body
I. WHAT IS APATHEISM?
A. DEFINED – portmanteau
1. Acting with, disregard, or lack of interest towards belief or lack of belief in a deity
2. Describes the manner of acting towards a belief or lack of a belief in a deity; so applies to both theism and atheism
B. EXPRESSED
1. An apatheist is also someone who is not interested in accepting or denying any claims that God exists or does not exist
2. An apatheist is someone who considers the question of the existence of God as neither meaningful nor relevant to his or her life
3. In regards to whether God exists, whether there is heaven or hell, the apatheist’s creed is “So what?”
II. WHAT CAUSES APATHEISM?
A. CONSIDER THE ISRAELITES
1. Warned by Moses about the danger of materialism – Deuteronomy 8:11-14
2. Who deceived themselves when they became rich – Am 6:3-6
B. CONSIDER THE LAODICEANS
1. Lukewarm Christians, with whom Jesus was displeased – Revelation 3:14-16
2. Their spiritual apathy was the result of their materialism – Revelation 3:17
C. When all is well, when materially blessed, it is easy to become spiritually apathetic.
D. Compare that with times of crisis (remember the religious fervor following 9/11?)
III. WHAT CURES APATHEISM?
A. TRUE REPENTANCE
1. Brought about by godly sorrow for sin – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
2. Manifested by diligence, fear, desire – 2 Corinthians 7:11
3. Through which we learn of grace, and the penalty of neglecting it! – Romans 2:4-11
B. TRUE RELIGION
1. Many are apathetic because they have not seen or experienced true religion!
2. But Jesus offers that which truly satisfies!
a. He offers the water of life that quenches thirst – John 4:13-14
b. He offers the bread of life that eliminates hunger – John 6:35
c. He offers light that dispels darkness – John 8:12
d. He offers freedom from the guilt and bondage of sin – John 8:34-36
e. He offers the abundant life, filled with joy and peace – John 10:10
3. Which comes by knowing and abiding in His word – John 8:31-32
4. As offered to the lukewarm Laodiceans, riches now, and royalty to come! – Revelation 3:18-22
Conclusion
1. What causes apathy regarding religion…?
a. It boils down to ignorance, combined with material well-being
b. Ignorance of God’s Word, preoccupation with material success
2. What can cure apathy regarding religion…?
a. It is simple: personal knowledge of salvation
b. Personal knowledge of God’s Word, personal experience of God’s saving grace
c. Begin by committing yourself to reading and meditating on the Word of God. It will burn like fire within you, leading you to Christ where you will find salvation and joy through the wonderful grace of God…!
– And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32
– Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38
– But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control. Against such there is no law – Galatians 5:22-23
– Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit – Romans 15:13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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