Historical Posts
The Light of the World – Audio
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Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
John explained that the world was in darkness until Jesus, the true Light, came into the world to give it light (John 1:4-9). As long as He was in the world, He was the light of the world (John 9:5). Jesus was not in the world for a very long period of time. In fact, when the time would come to leave the world, He would be sure the light would still shine.
Jesus also said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Just as Jesus let His light shine in the world, so must His disciples. We are His disciples today! We must follow Him (1 Peter 2:21), letting our lights shine and being the light of the world today! John said, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Are you walking in the light and letting your light shine as Jesus did?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Forsake Not The Lord – Audio
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Forsake means to abandon, desert, leave, leave behind, or to neglect. When someone deserts us, or forsakes us, we may be expected to feel heartbroken, helpless, and all alone. We see this in Jesus. When He hung on the cross for our sins, He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:45-46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1)”
Jesus did not sin (1 Peter 2:22), yet had to be the sacrifice for all sin (Isaiah 53:8-12). Even as our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), Jesus felt some sense of being alone when he took on the sin of the world; yet, God raised Him from the dead, as He will us (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:25-36; 13:30-37; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 8:11).
I. The Lord has not forsaken us.
A. The Lord has often said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5)”
B. Paul reminds Christians that even though they may expect to be persecuted, they are not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
C. Even though some at first forsook Paul in his ministry, the Lord stood with him and strengthened him (2 Timothy 4:16-17; Philippians 4:13).
II. We must not forsake the Lord.
A. All of the disciples said they would not deny Jesus, but they did forsake Him and fled as He was betrayed (Matthew 26:35, 56).
B. When Jesus first called them, they left all to follow Him (Luke 5:1-11, 27-28).
C. Demas forsook Paul, having loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10).
D. We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The Lord has not forsaken us; we must not forsake Him. We must never abandon, desert, leave, or neglect Him. Have you come to Him yet?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 28:18-20 – Authority is all in Jesus – Audio
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Text: Matthew 28:18-20 (Reading by Don Treadway)
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority (Matthew 21:23)?” The chief priests and elders questioned the authority of Jesus. He did not answer them because they could not handle the answer. His disciples, on the other hand, could understand because they had come to know Him.
I. Jesus has been given all authority.
A. Jesus was given all authority (Matthew 28:18; Daniel 7:13-14).
B. This authority could only come from God (Ephesians 4:6; John 12:48-50).
C. He spoke with authority (Matthew 7:29).
D. He has full authority over…
1) …nature (Mark 4:39).
2) …unclean spirits (Mark 1:21-27).
3) …death (John 2:19; 10:17-18).
4) …judgment (Jonn 5:22-23,26-27; Acts 10:42).
5) …angels, authorities, and powers (1 Peter 3:22).
6) …the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).
II. Jesus gave His disciples authority to make disciples.
A. Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
B. They were to preach the gospel, and signs would accompany them (Mark 16:15-18).
C. They preached repentance and remission of sins, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 2).
III. We must abide by His authority.
A. Jesus said we are to observe all things He has commanded us (Matthew 28:20).
B. The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).
C. Whatever we do, we are to do “in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).”
Are we abiding by the authority of Christ? Have we been obedient to the gospel? Are we faithfully keeping all His commandments?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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King Jesus – Audio
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Do you call him King Jesus?
Is Jesus a king? This is a question that many people have different views on. For example, a multitude accused Jesus of calling Himself a King. Pilate then asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “It is as you say (Luke 23:1-4).” He then explained that His kingdom is not of this world. Pilate asked Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus replied, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice (John 18:36-37).” Of course, Pilate could find no fault in Him, even in King Jesus.
“JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” These words were written by Pilate upon the cross of Jesus recognized Him as King Jesus, much to the dismay of the Jews. The chief priests said to him, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’’” Pilate responded, “What I have written, I have written (John 19:19-22).” The Jews were not happy with this gesture. After all, they adamantly said they had no king but Caesar (John 19:12-15) and had no desire to recognize King Jesus.
Jesus was not accepted by the Jews to be their King. However, He must be accepted as our King to be our Saviour! He is the “King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).” He is the King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 10:16; 29:10).
He wants to be King of your life! Will you let Him? Put Him on in baptism, and begin to live the life He has called you to live.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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John 01:01-14 – Jesus Christ was in the Beginning with God – Audio
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Text: John 1:1-14
Introduction
- Jesus Christ must be understood and acknowledged as God in the flesh or God in human form. To save man from his sins, and to bring him back into fellowship with God, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, as man & God for the purpose of destroying sin in the flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23.
- Jesus Christ has always been in existence. The birth of Mary’s firstborn child, Jesus does not mark the beginning of Jesus existence. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus Christ lets you & I know that He is the beginning and the end.
In the Beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, The Word was God
- In the beginning before God created the heavens and the earth and all that’s therein the Word was present with God – John 1:1-2. In 1 John 1:1-3, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the “Word of life.” In 1 John 5:7, the Word of God reveal those that bear witness in heaven, and one of them is the Word, Jesus Christ.
- In John 8:56-59, the Jews show their disbelief in the divinity of Jesus Christ when Jesus told them Abraham rejoiced to see His day and saw it and was glad, and told them that He existed before Abraham. These Jews did not believe Jesus Christ is God
- In John 1:3, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that all things were made by Jesus Christ. Everything that was created was made by Him. This means Christ is our Creator – Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:12-18; Hebrews 1:1-2.
The Word, Jesus Christ, Was Made Flesh
- Through the power of God, the Word was made flesh when the Holy Spirit overshadowed a virgin name Mary. And that which was conceived of Mary was the Word, Jesus Christ the Son of God – Luke 1:26-35.
- John the baptizer was sent from God to bear witness of the Light of Jesus Christ, and to prepare the way of the Lord – John 1:6-9. This is that light that you must walk in to be forgiven of your sins – John 3:16-21; 1 John 1:5-7.
- Even though the world was made by Christ, the world did not know Him. And even His own people the Jews rejected Him – John 1:10-11. But if you believe in Christ the Son of God, He has the power to made us the sons of God, He has the power to save us through His sacrifice on the cross – John 1:12-14.
- Do you want life or do you want death? Do you want to seize liberty, or do you want to remain in bondage. Jesus Christ is the way and life. Why not obey Him now and accept His salvation – Revelation 21:6-8?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Introduction
A. At one time in our life we were children. Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).”
B. Growing up is part of life physically, and should be a part of life spiritually.
Body
I. Children are precious in the sight of God.
A. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).”
B. Jesus said of such is the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:13-14).
II. One must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
A. One must be converted and become as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5).
B. We must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7).
C. We become sons of God by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
D. It is truly a blessing to be called children of God (1 John 3:1-3).
III. Children of God must grow.
A. We must desire the sincere milk of the word as newborn babes (1 Peter 2:2).
B. After Judas Iscariot went out to betray Jesus, He commanded His “little children” to love another as He was only going to be with them a little while longer (John 13:31-35).
C. Paul wrote to the Galatians, his “little children, for whom he labored in birth again until Christ was formed in them (Galatians 4:19).”
D. John wrote to his “little children,” encouraging them not to sin and reminding them that their sins are forgiven (1 John 2:1,12-13).
Conclusion
A. Have we become children of God?
B. Are we growing as Christians, serving God and loving one another?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Must be About My Father’s Business
Introduction
A. Today is Father’s Day, and perhaps many individuals are treating Dad out to dinner or simply spending some quality time with him.
B. Perhaps one thing that makes a lot of dads happy is knowing that their son will one day follow in their footsteps.
C. What about Jesus? Did He follow in His Father’s footsteps?
Body
I. Jesus had an earthly father.
A. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).
B. Mary, a virgin, was betrothed to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27-35; 4:22).
C. Joseph was a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
II. Jesus had a Heavenly Father.
A. The only begotten Son has declared the Father (John 1:18).
B. The Son, who is from God, has seen the Father (John 6:46).
C. The Son and the Father are one (John 10:30).
D. The Son would go to His Father (John 14:28-31; 16:28).
III. Jesus did His Heavenly Father’s will.
A. Jesus did the works of His Heavenly Father (John 9:4).
B. Jesus was baptized by John (Luke 3).
C. Jesus was tempted by Satan, and overcame temptation (Luke 4).
D. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
E. Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
F. Jesus ascended into Heaven, vowing to return (Acts 1:9-11).
Conclusion
A. As Jesus was born of a virgin, Joseph brought Him up.
B. At the age of 12, Jesus knew He was here to be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:41-50).
C. He did the will of His Heavenly Father (John 3:16)!
D. Now, the rest is up to us to do His Father’s will (John 6:37-40).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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That Should Have Been Me
Introduction
A. Sometimes we find ourselves on the outside looking in, thinking, “That should have been me!”
1) If only we had done something differently, we could have won
2) if we were the next in line, we could have been the lucky numbered customer
3) if it was a little farther over, it could have been worse.
B. It should have been me.
Body
I. The woman caught in adultery should have been stoned (John 8:3-12).
A. According to the old law, she should have been stoned (John 8:5; Leviticus 20:10-11).
B. Jesus did not stone her; rather, He forgave her (John 8:11).
II. The demon should have been cast out (Matthew 17:14-21).
A. The disciples should have been able to cast out the demon (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Matthew 17:16,19-20).
B. Jesus cast out the demon (Matthew 17:18).
III. Barabbas should have been crucified (Mark 15:6-15).
A. Barabbas was a robber (John 18:40; Acts 3:14).
B. Jesus was crucified instead (Mark 15:15).
IV. We should have been crucified!
A. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
1) Our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:20-23).
2) The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
B. Jesus did not sin (1 Peter 2:22-24).
1) He was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28).
2) “He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).”
3) He who knew no sin became the sin sacrifice for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Conclusion
A. It should have been us who died on the cross because of our sins.
B. However, our blood would not cover our own sins. Only the precious blood of Christ could take away our sins!
C. It should have been each of us, but aren’t you glad it wasn’t?
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Will Be a Friend to Jesus
Introduction
A. There are all kinds of friends: old, new, close, distant, and even best friends.
B. Perhaps some friends seem better than others. What makes a good friend?
C. To whom shall we be a friend?
Body
I. We must be a true friend.
A. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
B. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).”
C. “Every man is a friend to one who gives gifts (Proverbs 19:6).”
D. The king will be a friend to one who “loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips (Proverbs 22:11).”
E. A friend gives hearty counsel, does not forsake another, and sharpens his countenance (Proverbs 27:9-10,17).
F. A friend is trustworthy (Micah 7:5-7; Jeremiah 9:4-6).
II. We must follow the example of true friends.
A. Abraham was called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23; Genesis 15:6).
B. Pilate was accused of not being a friend to Caesar by wanting to let Jesus go (John 19:12).
C. Was Judas truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-50; Psalm 41:9; 55:12-13)?
D. Was Peter truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:31-35,69-75)?
E. Paul became a friend to all that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
F. Perhaps the best example of a true Friend is Jesus (Matthew 11:19; 9:9-13).
III. We must choose our friends wisely.
A. We are a friend to Jesus if we keep His commandments (John 15:9-17).
B. To be a friend to Jesus, we cannot be a friend of the world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 1:4; 6:14; Luke 16:13).
Conclusion
A. To be a true friend to Jesus, we must understand what it truly means to be a friend.
B. He showed us how to be a friend, and we must follow His example.
C. We must choose to be His friend, and not to be a friend of the world, by following His commandments.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus, An Accurate Picture
We need an accurate picture of Jesus in order to be like him.
According to the thinking of some religious people, Jesus found fault with very little in society. He only found fault with the fault finder. He only criticized the critical. He had intolerance only for the intolerant. As a result, we may be lead to believe that those who follow Him must be open and accepting to all kinds of sin and perversion. After all, Jesus said, “Thou shalt not judge!”
Such a view of Jesus could not be further from the truth. Yes, He came as the champion of the downtrodden. He associated with sinners. And, He was criticized for it. But it should not be inferred from His association with them, that He approved of them as they were. That is not an accurate picture of the situation.
On one occasion Jesus dined with a large number of tax collectors and sinners in Matthew’s house. When the scribes and Pharisees saw that He ate with such a crowd, they were very critical. It was then that Jesus said: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). From that statement, and others like it, the conclusion is drawn that the church is a place for sinners to gather in a non-judgmental setting. Jesus, it is argued, was accepting, not condemning. That is not an accurate picture.
How is it possible to read passages like the one just noted and arrive at such a conclusion? Why did Jesus associate with such people? Because He loved them (John 3:16-17). Because He loved them, what did He do? He called them to repentance! That is an accurate picture of Jesus. He did not accept sinners unconditionally. He challenged them to change. That is what repentance is all about.
The church must carry on the work of Jesus in this world. We must reach out to sinners like He did. Our message, like His, must be a call to repentance not acceptance. That is an accurate picture of the church.
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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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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No Ordinary Man
Examine the evidence. You will be forced to admit Jesus was no ordinary man. He was the Son of God!
One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, called on Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). There was no mistaking it, Jesus was no ordinary man.
The blind man, whose sight Jesus had restored, said to those who denied that Jesus had come from God: “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (John 9:30-33).
John recorded a limited number of Jesus’ miracles (seven in all), but they were sufficient to prove him to be the Son of God, no ordinary man. John’s conclusion: “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). Temple guards, dispatched to arrest him, returned empty-handed. Their only defense: “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46). It was a compelling combination. What he did and said offered ample proof that he was the Son of God. Jesus was no ordinary man.
Nearly twenty centuries have passed since the events of the Gospels, but nothing has happened which would cause us to doubt the deity of Christ. There had never been another like him, nor would there ever be another like him again. He was unique, and the evidence shows him to have been divine.
Yes, there were many who questioned his identity. There were many doubters. There were many who died in unbelief. But, those who examined the evidence carefully with an honest heart and an open mind, could not help but say, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
Before you dismiss him, examine the evidence. I am convinced you, too, will be forced to admit that he was no ordinary man. He was the Son of God!
Would you like to know more?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Christ and His Church
One cannot accept Christ and reject His church, or accept the church and reject Jesus. The two are inseparable.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25).
It is impossible to separate Christ from his church. Without Christ there would be no church, and without the church Christ’s mission would have been incomplete. It must be clearly understood that one cannot accept Christ and reject his church, or accept the church and reject Jesus. The two are inseparable.
His relationship to the church is set forth in Scripture. The purpose of his coming was to build the church (Matthew 16:18). His love for the church moved him to give himself for her (Ephesians 5:25) His blood was shed to purchase her (Acts 20:28). And, he is her head today (Colossians 1:18).
What is the church? It is not a building, a social club, or a political action committee. It is God’s spiritual family (1 Timothy 3:15). In relationship to its government it is called a kingdom. In regard to its organization it is called a body. In respect to its relationship to the world it is called the church, meaning the “called out.”
The church consists of saved men and women. The Lord adds the saved to the church (Acts 2:47). How, then, does one become a part of the church? According to the Bible, the only real authority on the subject, citizenship in the kingdom comes through the new birth (John 3:3,5,7). Membership in the body comes by baptism into it (1 Corinthians 12:13). And, one is added to the church by the Lord upon the basis of faith, repentance, and baptism (Acts 2:37-47).
Is it possible to accept Jesus, but reject his church? No! Can one be saved outside of the church? No! All of the saved are in Christ’s church today (Acts 2:47;4:12). Hear God’s word, believe it, and obey it. The Lord will add you to his church and you will be a Christian, nothing more, nothing less (Acts 11:26).
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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Jesus Our Savior
We are all drowning spiritually. And, there is a Savior. But sadly, most reject his help. It makes no sense.
Have you ever been lost? It’s a frightening thing to be lost and alone and need a savior! Maybe as a child you were separated from your mother in a larger department store. Perhaps you were a hunter on new terrain. Unfamiliar with the topography, you became disoriented. Or, you took the wrong exit on the freeway and ended up in unfamiliar surroundings. Whatever the situation, we have all been there and needed help.
- The heart races.
- The palms sweat.
- Panic sets in.
- An overwhelming sense of helplessness and despair fills the soul.
- It seems hopeless.
- Something terrible is bound to follow.
Do you remember how relieved you were when a clerk calmly reassured you that everything would be all right and helped you locate you mother (or child)? Or, you saw a familiar landmark and found the path back to camp? Or, you saw a sign pointing you in the right direction, and were soon on track again? Whoever, or whatever the savior, there was a deep sense of relief and gratitude.
Now, imagine something even more frightening. Your boat has capsized in the middle of the Ohio river. You neglected to wear your life jacket, and you are a mediocre swimmer at best. You can stay afloat for a few minutes, but if help does not come soon, it will be over. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a boat pulls alongside and offers assistance. How would you respond? No right thinking person would reject such an offer, would they?
The fact is, we are all drowning spiritually. And, there is a Savior. But sadly, most reject his help. It makes no sense. He is the only Savior (Acts 4:12). Reject Him, and there is no hope. Death is inevitable without His help. Again, you would think no one would reject his offer, but they do. Millions do!
Let me urge you not to make the mistake of turning your back on the only Savior there is. John Rowe wrote: “I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.”
Jesus came to rescue all of us, but He can only save those who reach out to Him. Do you believe (John 8:24)? Have you repented (Luke 13:3)? Have you been baptized (Acts 2:38)? Is He your Savior?
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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1 John 05:06-10 – Witnesses for Jesus Christ – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:6-10 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Earlier in his epistle, John stressed two important things
a. That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
b. That those who believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are “of God”; indeed, they have been “born of God” – 1 John 4:2; 5:1a
2. In the text for our study (1 John 5:6-10), John offers five “witnesses” in support of these claims made about Jesus
a. The key word is “witness”, and in various forms is found eight times in our text (nine, if you count 1 John 5:8)
b. The word in Greek is “martureo” {mar-too-reh’-o}, and it means:
1) “to be a witness, i.e. testify”
2) “to give evidence for, to bear record:
Body
I. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:6a, 1 John 5:8b)
A. THE LIKELY CONTEXT OF JOHN’S WORDS
1. Evidently there was a doctrine that denied Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7
2. A heretical movement later known as Gnosticism was developing at this time
3. One representative of Gnosticism, a man named Cerinthus, taught:
a. That the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism
b. And then left him before he died on the cross
4. Thus the Gnostics claimed that the “Christ” did not experience death
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD
1. The “water” likely refers to Jesus’ birth, and the “blood” to His death on the cross
2. John’s emphasis is that Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, and not by water only – 1 John 5:6a
3. Thus emphasizing that not only was the Christ present at the baptism, but that He also suffered in the flesh on the cross
II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (1 John 5:6b)
A. THE SPIRIT ALSO BEARS WITNESS
1. Because of His involvement in the earthly life of Jesus, the Spirit can testify to:
a. The conception of Jesus – Matthew 1:20
b. The baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3:16
c. The temptation of Jesus – Luke 4:1
d. The ministry of Jesus – Luke 4:18
2. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit was to testify about Jesus – John 15:26
3. The Holy Spirit did this by inspiring the apostles and confirming their word with spiritual gifts – John 16:13-14; Hebrews 2:3-4
B. THE SPIRIT AGREES WITH THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:8b)
1. The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all three bear witness, and agree as one
2. That is, they all testify that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!
3. The significance of having three witnesses agreeing may be taken from the requirement found in Deuteronomy 19:15, “by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.“
(At this point we might simply note that most translations omit the words from “in heaven” (1 John 5:7) through “on earth” (1 John 5:8). Apparently there is good reason for doing so, since these words are found only in four or five manuscripts, and none dating earlier than the 14th century A.D. They are not found in literally thousands of manuscripts dating much earlier. They are likely a gloss.)
III. THE WITNESS OF GOD (1 John 5:9)
A. WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE GREAT WEIGHT WITH US
1. “If we receive the witness of men…”
a. This is a simple conditional sentence that is true to fact
b. It means “Since we receive the witness of men…” (which we do in courts of law, don’t we?)
2. Any witness of God would naturally be greater than that of man
B. GOD HAS TESTIFIED OF HIS SON
1. Certainly God has born witness to Jesus on several occasions
a. At His baptism – Matthew 3:17
b. At the mount of transfiguration – Matthew 17:5
2. So we have three witnesses who in agreement speak for the fourth witness (God).
IV. THE WITNESS IN THE BELIEVER (1 John 5:10a)
A. HE WHO BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD HAS THE WITNESS IN HIMSELF
1. This statement is reminiscent of Jesus’ words in John 7:16-17
a. Those who do the will of God (as taught by Jesus):
b. …shall know that the doctrine of Christ is truly from God
2. Likewise the one who believes in the Son, receives confirmation “in himself”…
a. About who Jesus truly is
b. How one who believes in Him is “born of God”
B. ADMITTEDLY, THIS IS A VERY SUBJECTIVE WITNESS
1. As such, one must be very careful with it
2. Many people can easily deceive themselves into thinking that some feeling is an indication that they are saved, or that God has confirmed something to them – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
3. But if we believe (and act upon) the witness of God concerning His Son:
a. Revealed in His Spirit-inspired Word
b. Which agrees with the witness of the water and the blood… then we will have confirmation in ourselves that Jesus is truly the Son of God!
4. One way we have confirmation is the change that takes place in our lives as we grow in Christ
a. Just as our love for one another is an indication of passing from death to life – 1 John 3:14
b. Just as our unity with one another is evidence that Jesus was truly sent from God – John 17:20-23
Conclusion
1. These are the “witnesses”, then, that John offers in support of Jesus Christ
a. That He came in the flesh
b. That those who believe Jesus is the Christ are “born of God”
2. The first four (water, blood, Spirit, God) provide their evidence whether you believe them or not; but if you will believe them, then you will receive the fifth (the witness in yourself)!
3. But suppose you do not believe the four witnesses? John says you then make God a liar! – 1 John 5:10b
a. Do you wish to stand before God on the Day of Judgment and answer why you believed Him to be a liar?
b. How much better to believe on the Son, and through obedient faith become His child! – Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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I Thirst – audio
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It is very natural for one to get thirsty. When one does get thirsty, a cool glass of water can quench it. As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried: “I thirst (John 19:28)!” A vessel of sour wine was offered Him on hyssop; upon receiving it, He cried: “It is finished (John 19:29-30)!” He then died.
Long before He died, Jesus encountered a woman of Samara at Jacob’s well. She came to draw water, and yet Jesus offered her living water. Upon hearing about it, she said, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, not come here to draw (John 4:15).” When she learned something of value, she thirsted for it!
There are some things of great value we must thirst for:
- “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God (Psalm 42:2).”
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).”
- “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me [Jesus] and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water (John 7:37-38).”
Are you thirsting? Come to Christ, and he will quench your thirst!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus and the Jews
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Text: John 8:21-30
Jesus knew who He was and what He was about to do. The time was nearing in which He would be crucified, and on the third day rise again. Shortly thereafter He would ascend into Heaven. Because of sin, many could not go to where Jesus was going. Jesus taught the Jews that He was from above; they were from beneath. By not believing in Him, they would die in their sins.
The Jews asked who Jesus was. Jesus all along revealed Himself to them in words, actions, miracles, etc. Sadly they still did not believe Him. Jesus then began to hint at His relationship with His Father, saying that “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him (John 8:26).”
No, the Jews did not understand about the Father. After all, if one saw Jesus he would see the Father (John 14:9). Since they truly did not “see” Jesus, they did not “see” God.
Jesus went on to tell them that there would come a time in which they would know who He was: when they would “lift up the Son of Man (John 8:28).” Yes, when He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day, many began to say: “Truly this Man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39 e.g.)!”
Even though at this time some only saw Jesus, He was not alone. The Father was with Him (John 8:29). Jesus always sought to please His Heavenly Father, and His Father was right there at His side.
Do we see Jesus the same way as the Jews? Do we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God? Are we willing to repent of our sins so we can be where He is?
If we truly “see” Him, we “see” the Father. By confessing Him, obeying the gospel, and living the faithful Christian life, we can always be with Him. Thus, like Christ, we must always seek to please our Heavenly Father.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Good News for Everyone
Do you really believe the good news?
Somewhere not far from Bethlehem shepherds watched over their flocks at night. Suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared. The brightness of his glory struck terror in their hearts. Then the angel spoke good news: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The world would never be the same. Hope would be restored to the hearts of men. Salvation had been brought down. The Prince of peace, the Lord of lords, the King of kings had come. It was for this solitary life the world had been waiting.
His long anticipated coming was good news. But His birth was only part of the story. The babe in the manger was destined to become the Christ of the cross. He provided a foundation for ethics and morality which would never be surpassed. At the heart of His system was the idea that we should treat others as we desire to be treated (Matthew 7:12). He set an example in speech and conduct which was unassailable. He did no sin (1 Peter 2:22). He offered Himself as the sin bearer for mankind reconciling man and his Maker (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This He accomplished at great personal cost (2 Corinthians 8:9). He was the Son of God. He was the way to God (John 14:6).
I am thankful that each year the world pauses to remember the good news of His birth. At this time of year the hearts of many are more open to the needs of others. Generosity, kindness, and compassion are all more noticeable. But, I would hope that we would look beyond His birth to the events of His life, death and resurrection, and that we would let Him draw out the best in us throughout the year.
If we give place to Jesus in our hearts but twice a year (at Christmas and Easter), I am convinced we have no real understanding or appreciation for the “good news” declared at His birth. However, if we believe the biblical narrative and acknowledge Christ to be the Lord, then His life will have a profound and positive impact on our lives every day of the year. Do you really believe the good news? Real belief takes action.
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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Jesus the Grace of God – Titus 2:11-14 – audio
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Text: Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Foundations of Faith Series – audio
Many thanks to Brian Giselbach of the Wood Avenue congregation in Florence Alabama for preaching this series of lessons for us. We also truly appreciate the many Wood Avenue members who devoted their time in outreach and encouragement leading up to this series.
Be sure to listen to each of the lessons in this series.
Foundations of Faith |
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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