Historical Posts
Dust You Are
“…For dust you are, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19).”
These words were said to Adam after he sinned before God. Earlier, God had “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man had become a living being (Genesis 2:7).” Truly, dust you are because dust came to life by the breath of God.
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).” David wrote these words, reminding us of his repentance and God’s forgiveness. David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11); Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God is the one who said, “…dust you are…”, and He knows where we all come from, and where all we will eventually go.
The wise man reminds us, “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all return to dust (Ecclesiastes 3:20).” “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).” Job also concurred that man would return to dust (Job 34:15). Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, through Christ, our sins can be taken away and we can be reconciled to God!
Before we return to dust, we must become less like Adam and more like Christ! Paul wrote, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).”
Our bodies may return to dust, but our souls can live forever in heaven with God if we obey Christ!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Abundant Entrance – Audio
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Jesus Is Our Abundant Entrance Into Heaven
Just Getting In
For some people, just getting into somewhere can mean a whole lot. Purchasing the very last tickets to a concert, ball game, or any function can cause great elation, even if the seats are at the very top in the far back, in the nosebleed section. On the other hand, imagine what it would be like to have great seats guaranteed for life!
Imagine What He Has Prepared
Jesus has said that there are many mansions in His Father’s house. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and has given us the way to get there (John 14:1-6). Imagine how beautiful Heaven will be (as we often sing). Imagine the place that is prepared for us, how we can enjoy it forever, and the abundant entrance He has prepared.
He Is Our Abundant Entrance
However, one must go through Christ in order to get to Heaven (John 14:6; Hebrews 11:6). He is the abundant entrance, and the only entrance. Therefore, if we want to get in and stay in, we must do as the Lord commands. Peter says, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
We Must Be Diligent And Obedient
We are all called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). By obeying the gospel, we become the elect of God (Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; Titus 1:1). We must be diligent to present ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15) by studying His word and by living a faithful Christian life unto the point of death (Revelation 2:10). If we do these things, we are guaranteed an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Christ! Will you do these things?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Getting on Target
Have you been getting on target to reach the important goals you set for your life?
What do you want out of life? How do you define success? What goals have you set for yourself? How are you getting on target to reach them?
- Wealth?
- Happiness?
- Power?
- Success?
Those are the targets many people shoot for, and there is nothing inherently evil in any of them. But, when they become the central focus of our life, our definition of success, they take on a whole new meaning.
Look at money. In and of itself it is neither good nor evil, but when we become obsessed with the desire to have more and more of it, it takes on a sinister note. “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). It promises much but delivers little of lasting value. Many a life has been ruined by greed.
The same could be said of happiness. Those who make their chief aim in life the quest for happiness are never happy for long. It was the Greek philosopher, Epicurus, who said: “To whom little is not enough nothing is enough. Give me a barley cake and a glass of water and I am ready to rival Zeus for happiness.” When someone asked him the secret to happiness and contentment, he responded: “Add not to a man’s possessions but take from his desires.” Happiness, in and of itself, is not a worthy goal.
Helen Keller wrote: “Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” With that in mind, listen to the Apostle Paul: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB).
Heaven was his goal. It should be ours! Have you started in the right direction? Have you been getting on target for the goal of heaven? Can we help?
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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Planning for the Vacation of a Lifetime
School is out. Summer is upon us. Vacation time is here.
If a vacation is in your future, you need to be aware of how much effort will be required to get ready. Plans, preparations, and reservations often must be made months in advance. Going on vacation is hard work.
If you are still interested, I know the ideal spot. The weather is perfect for a vacation. It never rains, yet the meadows are green. Flowers perfume the air. Trees line the banks of a river which runs clear and unpolluted. There are no insects with which to contend. You will not be stuck in long lines. It is not crowded. There is no crime. And yes, I almost forgot, once you get there it will not be necessary to spend another dime. Everything is free.
If you are still with me, you’re probably thinking, “Yea, right! There’s no such vacation place. If there was, everyone would want to go there. People would do whatever it takes to have the vacation of a lifetime.” You would, and so would I!
Well, it’s not a fairy tale. There is such a place, though it is not really a vacation location. The Bible calls it heaven. It’s everything I have described, and so much more.
For those who make heaven their final destination, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is the lamp” (Revelation 21:23). “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful” (Revelation 21:27). “The river of the water of life, as clear as crystal” flows through the midst of the city. Trees line the banks. The leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). John is describing the indescribable. Heaven is more than our finite minds can comprehend, and it can be ours.
It takes a lifetime of preparation, but the reward is worth the effort. Are you preparing for the vacation of a lifetime? Jesus died to make it possible.
- Do you believe that He is the Son of God (John 8:24)?
- Are you willing to repent of your sins (Luke 3:2)?
- Will you be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)?
- Will you serve Him faithfully (1 Corinthians 15:58)?
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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Rejoice! Your Name is Written in Heaven!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!” The apostle Paul commands Christians when to rejoice. Whether he was in a good situation, or a bad one, he rejoiced. He rejoiced when some obeyed the gospel, and when others harmed him for preaching it. Likewise, we must rejoice both in good times and bad.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).” Jesus commands His followers how to rejoice. Jesus sent many laborers into the harvest with power, and later pointed out that they should not rejoice over what they could do, but what would be done for them. Likewise, we should not rejoice in what we can do; rather, we should rejoice what the Lord shall do for us!
“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).” If we have followed Christ and kept His commands, we may enter Heaven. This gives us cause to rejoice! We can rejoice always because our names are written in heaven. Can we rejoice and sing, “I know, I know, my name is there; I know, I know, my name is written there”?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Heaven is Open – audio
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Introduction
A. The Bible describes Heaven as a beautiful place.
B. Have you ever wondered just what you would see if it were opened?
C. Tonight we will take a peek, and see what appears as Heaven is opened for us.
D. It may not be what you expect!
Body
I. Physical things come out of Heaven.
A. The first time we are told that Heaven is opened, God sends rain upon the earth (Genesis 7:10-12; 8:1-3).
1) The lives of Noah and seven others are saved because he found grace in the eyes of God.
2) Everyone else perished because their thoughts were only evil continually.
B. Asaph tells of the time that God opened the doors of Heaven, and sent manna and quail to feed the children of Israel after they left the land of Egypt (Psalm 78:23-30; Exodus 16; Numbers 11).
II. Spiritual things come out of Heaven.
A. The prophet Malachi records the words of the LORD regarding His blessings pouring out of the windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10-12).
III. Visions can be seen when Heaven is opened.
A. The prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God as the heavens were opened (Ezekiel 1:1). He went on to share to those of Israel what would happen if they would not repent.
B. John had visions of things that would shortly come to pass as the door opened in Heaven (Revelation 4:1; 19:11).
C. Peter saw Heaven opened, and an object like a great sheet descending to him full of unclean animals (Acts 10:11ff.).
D. Jesus told Nathanael he would see Heaven open, and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:49-51).
IV. God can be seen as Heaven is open. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one (1 John 5:7; John 1:1,14).
A. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him and His Father spoke good of Him (Matthew 3:16-17).
B. As Stephen preached the gospel, he was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God as the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-60).
Conclusion
A. If Heaven were to open right now, what would you see?
B. Would you want to be there forever with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and others?
C. There is only one way to get there, and that is through Christ (John 14:6).
D. Heaven is open for you; won’t you come in?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Decision Tree – Heaven
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
This is really the best consequence and what God desires for you. He wants all of mankind to come to Him. – 2 Peter 3:9
There are no more decisions to make.
This is your eternal home where you have eternal life – Revelation 22:14.
Think on the things these things.
Descriptions of Heaven.
- My Father’s house – John 14:1-6
- God has built the foundations – Hebrews 11:10
- City of the living God – Hebrews 12:22.
- A place that God has prepared – 1 Corinthians 2:9
- A better country – Hebrews 11:16
- No tears, death, sorrow or pain – Revelation 21:4
- A rest to the people of God – Hebrews 4:9-11, Revelation 14:13
- The Glory of God lights it, no need for the sun – Revelation 21:23-25
- Pure and undefiled – Revelation 21:26-27
- The throne of God is there – Revelation 22:3
Who Will Be There With You in God’s Presence.
- Those who have become as little children – Matthew 18:3
- Those who do the will of the Father – Matthew 7:21, Hebrews 10:35-39
- The righteous – Matthew 25:46, 2 Peter 3:13
- Nations of them which are saved – Revelation 21:24
- Those who have gotten the victory over the beast – Revelation 15:2
- Those who have been born again – 2 Peter 1:3-9
- They which are written in the Lamb’s book of life – Revelation 21:27
Rejoice in the decisions you have made.
(Ok, you have not yet arrived, but this is where you want to be and the company you want to keep. Keep making decisions that will bring you here, so that it will become your reality)
See my closing comments on this decision tree.
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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1 Corinthians 04:01-18 Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All
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Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-18
Introduction
1. There is a song entitled “Heaven Will Surely Be worth It All”
a. Words written by W. Oliver Cooper
b. Melody arranged by Minzo C. Jones
2. As I sing this song, two main thoughts come to mind
a. The many sacrifices faithful Christians must often make
b. The glories of heaven and what is to come for those who remain faithful
3. The song proclaims that the rewards will surely be worth whatever the cost
a. As did Paul, in writing to the Romans – Romans 8:18
b. And again, in writing to the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Body
I. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST
1. Before one’s own self – Luke 9:23-24
2. Before anyone else, including family – Luke 14:26; Matthew 10:34-37
3. Before anything the world has to offer – Luke 9:25; Luke 14:33
B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST
1. We must be willing to bear our own cross – Luke 14:27
2. Living in an ungodly world, we may find that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12
a. The persecution may be physical – 1 Peter 4:12-13
b. The persecution may be verbal – Luke 6:27-28
3. Other things we must endure for Christ’s sake:
a. Personal weaknesses in our struggle against sin – 1 Corinthians 9:27
b. Disappointments brought on by failing brethren – 2 Corinthians 11:29
1) E.g., whose apathy and neglect produce slothful service
2) E.g., whose irregular attendance makes it difficult to depend on them
3) E.g., whose unwillingness to serve creates extra burdens on those who do serve
4) E.g., whose murmuring hinders the efforts of those who try to do something
4. Even if blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways
a. Sometimes alone
b. Or with few to help
C. Yes, discipleship can be costly. As the song suggests, we are often “hindered”, “burdened”, with “trials, toils and tears” and “many a heartache”. But the Lord tells us through His Word that “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”
II. THE REWARDS OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. PAUL LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who endured much hardship – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
2. Yet looked forward to:
a. A house not made with hands – 2 Corinthians 5:1
b. The riches of God’s grace – Ephesians 2:7
c. A glorious transformation – Philippians 3:20-21
d. A crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8
e. A heavenly kingdom – 2 Timothy 4:18
B. PETER LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who likewise suffered hardship – cf. 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
2. Yet looked forward to:
a. An inheritance imperishable, undefiled, reserved in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4
b. A new heavens and new earth, in which righteousness dwells – 2 Peter 3:13-14
C. JOHN LOOKED FORWARD TO:
1. A man who suffered tribulation and exile – cf. Revelation 1:9
2. Yet was blessed to be shown:
a. The bliss of those who were triumphant over tribulation – Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17
b. The destiny of the redeemed, forever with God – Revelation 21:1-7, 10-11; 21:22-22:5
Conclusion
1. Can there be any comparison…?
a. Between a few years of service, even with hardship?
b. And an eternity of bliss in the presence of God?
c. “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”!
2. We have read the words of those like Paul, Peter, and John…
a. What if they could return and speak to us today?
b. What if our loved ones who died in Christ could return and speak to us today?
c. Would they not tell us, “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All”?
3. Whatever the cost of following Jesus in this life, may the words of this song and the promises of Holy Scripture remind and comfort us to be faithful and persevere
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 07:21-23 Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
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Text: Matthew 7:21-23
Introduction
1. Most people believe they will go to heaven when they die
a. Their hope is fostered by the comforting words of many preachers, priests, and rabbis
b. Their hope is based upon the idea that heaven is for all believers, or for those whose good works outweigh the bad
2. But are such hopes well-founded?
a. Will most people go to heaven when they die?
b. Is salvation based upon good works? Is it based upon faith only?
3. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus gave some ominous warnings…
a. Few, not many, would be saved – Matthew 7:13-14
b. Many religious people, including some believers in Jesus, will learn that they too will be lost! – Matthew 7:21-23
4. With Matthew 7:21-23 as the spring board for our study, I wish to address the question: “Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?”
Body
I. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
A. THE TERM “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”…
1. Is synonymous with the “kingdom of God” – Matthew 4:17 with Mark 1:14-15
2. Refers to God’s kingship, or rule, from heaven
3. The kingdom of heaven is focused in the Person of Jesus Christ, and is especially manifested where He rules in the hearts of men – Luke 17:20-21
B. IN BRIEF, THE “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”…
1. Is spiritual in nature – John 18:36; Romans 14:17
2. It began when all authority (rule) was given to Jesus – Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; Ephesians 1:20-23
3. Today, it includes the Lord’s church on earth (for those who submit to the Will of Christ are added to the kingdom) – Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9
4. In the future, it will involve the “new heavens and new earth,” where we will be with God and Jesus for eternity! – Matthew 13:40-43; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1-22:5
5. The kingdom of heaven was “inaugurated” on the Day of Pentecost, and will be culminated” when Jesus returns to deliver it back to God – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:23-28
C. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IN OUR TEXT…
1. Appears to have the future aspect of the kingdom in view
a. Note that Jesus says “in that day…” – Matthew 7:22
b. An apparent reference to the day of judgment – cf. 2 Timothy 1:12, 18; 4:8
2. Thus Jesus is talking about who will enter the kingdom in its future aspect
a. Of which He spoke on other occasions – Matthew 25:31-34
b. Of which Peter wrote – 2 Peter 1:10-11
D. What a wonderful blessing, to have an abundant entrance into “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”! But this leads me back to our text (Mt 7:21-23), and to the main question of our study
II. WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
A. NOT EVERYONE WHO PROFESSES JESUS…
1. “Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven”
2. There are some who teach that as long as one believes in Jesus, they will be saved
a. That salvation is by “faith only”
b. Even though the only time “faith only” is found in the Scriptures, it says: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” – James 2:24
3. But there is such a thing as “an unsaved believer”…
a. The demons believe, but are not saved – James 2:19
b. There were some who believed in Jesus, but were not saved – John 12:42-43
c. Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only believes in Him, but does what He says – John 8:30-32
d. Let no one think that just because they “believe” in Jesus, they have a free ticket into heaven!
B. NOT EVERYONE WHO DOES MANY GOOD WORKS…
1. “Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not…” – Matthew 7:22
2. Here were people who not only believed in Jesus, but believed they had:
a. Prophesied in His name!
b. Cast out demons in His Name!
c. Done many wonders in His Name!
3. They thought they had been empowered to do such wonderful works!
4. Such good works certainly did not earn their way to heaven
a. Indeed, salvation is by grace, not meritorious works – cf. Titus 3:3-7
b. Good works had not saved Cornelius, he still needed to be told what to do to be saved – Acts 10:1-5; 11:14
5. Indeed, sometimes what we may think is a good work is without any authority…
a. Jesus condemns these as those “who practice lawlessness” – Matthew 7:23
b. Literally, those who act without authority
1) It was not that they did something condemned by Jesus
2) It was that they did things for which they had no authority!
6. We might be very religious, and do many things in the name of Jesus, yet He might still say: “I never knew you; depart from Me…”
C. ONLY THOSE WHO DO THE FATHER’S WILL…
1. As Jesus said, “…he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
a. Here is the dividing line: those who DO the Father’s will!
b. As James would write later, it is the “doer of the work” who is blessed in what he does – cf. James 1:22-25
2. Is this legalism?
a. No! Legalism is salvation by perfect law-keeping, believing that one earns salvation by the merit of what they have done
b. Salvation by grace does not preclude the necessity of obedience
1) We simply need to recognize that our obedience does not earn or merit salvation
2) When all is said and done, we are still unworthy! – cf. Luke 17:10
3. The Father’s will, while it offers salvation by grace, does require obedience!
a. Only those who obey from the heart will be delivered from sin – Romans 6:17-18
b. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
c. Christ will come in judgment against those who obey not the gospel -2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
Conclusion
1. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?
a. Not those who profess to believe, but do not obey
b. Not those who think they are doing many religious things, but without authority
c. Only those who do the Father’s will!
2. This is why we must take an earlier statement in Jesus’ sermon so seriously…
a. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” – Matthew 6:33
b. We must make the finding of God’s will and rule the number one priority in our life!
3. What is the Father’s will? It begins with…
a. Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ – Acts 20:21
b. Confessing Jesus as Lord – Romans 10:10
c. Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
4. Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ, confessing our sins along the way – Revelation 2:10; 1 John 1:9
5. Are you doing the Father’s will?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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