Historical Posts
FOF – Jesus Christ: The Way, The Truth, and The Life – audio
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Foundations of Faith |
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
Jesus Christ: The Way, The Truth, and The Life
Introduction
1. John 14:1-6
2. It is the evening before the crucifixion, and Jesus still has so much to say to His disciples. Important things!
3. Part of His discourse to the disciples is recorded in John 13-16. He is going away, but He assures them that they know where He is going and that they know the way.
a. Thomas answered Him abruptly: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
b. Jesus said to Him in that amazing statement for the ages: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
4. Today we will investigate this amazing statement in view of appreciating its unequaled value to men and women in need of a Savior.
Body
I. Let us observe some of the implications of the statement:
A. The words of Jesus imply that all people fit into two basic groups (John 3:16; Matt.25:31-46; Matt.13:36-43; Matt.7:13-14; Matt.25:1-13; John 5:28-29).
B. The words of Jesus mean that the way to God is absolute and singular (Matt.7:13-14; Acts 4:12).
C. The words of Jesus propose that we are out of touch with God, that we need to come to God, and that we can come to God (Heb.10:20).
II. One of the messages to be derived from the words of this text is the tragedy and ruin of life without Christ!
A. Why Jesus came.
1. There are many ways the Bible describes our wayward and sinful condition before God. Here’s the way Paul said it: Ephesians 2:12. Jesus said it this way: John 15:5.
2. Being without Christ is the worse thing in the world to happen to us because of who He is. He came to be our Lord, our Counselor, our Savior, our Shepherd, and our Friend. He wants to be all of these things to you.
3. Consider three points from Jesus’ description of Himself (as our bridge to God):
B. Because Jesus is the way, without Him we are lost!
1. A lost dog, a lost car, a lost ring, a lost billfold, a lost child, a lost cause – all of these things excite and alarm us because they all have to do with things that are valuable to us.
2. Jesus came into the world because – by Heaven’s valuation – we have lost the most valuable possession we have: our souls.
3. See Matthew 16:26. This question was asked by the One who came to save the soul. He asked it in order to make us think; to remind us of the value of the soul.
4. What is the soul? It is your essence as a human being (minus your physical body). You are a spiritual being with thoughts, and memory, and personality. And God has ordained you to live forever.
5. Nothing is more valuable than your soul, and Jesus is the way to find it!
C. Because Jesus is the truth, without Him we are in error!
1. Truth is that which corresponds to reality. Sadly, truth and reality have fallen on hard times. The very idea of truth is often rejected. Sometimes people say, “You have your truth, and I have my truth!”
2. And yet, even as we deny truth, we meet it everyday.
3. You need to know: Jesus was not a speculator in the world of think-so, uncertainty, or subjectivity. Based on the reality of God, the reality of sin, and the reality that God is going to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31), Jesus came to bring us to God! We need to know this, and be sure of it, because it is true!
4. Jesus said: “And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4). Jesus was going to the Father. Can we go to the Father also? Yes…”and the way you know.” Thomas asked: “Lord…how can we know the way?” One of the things Jesus said in reply was: “I am…the truth…”
5. Here is what this means: Jesus Christ is the source and embodiment of all that we need to know to reach Heaven (John 8:32; Col.1:3-6; Rom.6:17-18; John 8:46; Gal.3:1).
6. This is one of the most important things you need to consider when it comes to understanding and accepting the truth about something: The process depends as much on the integrity of the listener as it does the veracity of the message!
7. Jesus Christ is the truth. He can save you from error and deception. But you have to “love the truth” (2 Thess.2:10). And that requires a sincere and noble heart.
D. Because Jesus is the life, without Him we are dead (John 1:4; John 10:10; John 11:25-26).
1. Before Jesus was our Savior, He was our Creator. As our Creator, He is our source of life (“in Him we live, and move, and have our being”; Acts 17:28).
2. Jesus is the only way to reach God! When a man or woman is baptized into Christ, there is an infusion of life (so that the soul is no longer dead to God; Rom.6:5).
3. In Jesus Christ, whatever we lack, one thing is certain: We will never be short of life!
4. Do you know what it means to be a Christian? It means new life (2 Cor.5:15).
5. Live or die, come what may, Jesus is our life. And because He is our life, we count not our lives dear to ourselves (Acts 20:24). Only in Jesus Christ is there power to overcome death (and we become more than conquerors; Rom.8:37)!
6. Jesus said (after calling us to commitment): “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matt.16:25)
Conclusion
1. Thomas a Kempis, commenting on John 14:6, wrote these immortal words in honor of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living.”
2. Our absolute and inescapable dependence on Jesus Christ is affirmed! Never forget what He said: “No one comes to the Father except through Me!”
3. It was a powerful thing to say. But you have power too! You have the power to obey Him or reject Him!
4. Some are angered by the exclusivity of His words (and want nothing to do with Him)! How much better, and wiser, to consider the possibility that He is, in fact, the only way to the Father!
5. It should be to our surprise and amazement that access to God has been graciously provided at all! Who are we to place God under our judgment and reject His grace?
Content by Brian Giselbach
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John 11:20-27 – I Am the Resurrection and the Life – audio
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Text: John 11:20-27
Introduction
A. Jesus has the power to raise us all from the dead.
B. Here in John 11, Lazarus was sick and later died.
1) Jesus was not there at that exact time.
2) He explained that the Son of God would be glorified through it (John 11:4).
3) That those present would believe (John 11:15).
C. He had a very important discussion with Martha.
1) Like her, we must believe His words.
Body
I. Jesus is the resurrection.
A. Jesus claimed to be the resurrection (John 11:25), and proved it by raising Lazarus (John 11:42-44).
B. Jesus later arose from the grave.
1) Those that came to the tomb learned “He is risen (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:6,9; Luke 24:6; John 20:9)!”
2) The apostles affirmed His resurrection.
i. Paul declared the gospel of which he also received (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
ii. Paul reminded Timothy that Jesus was raised from the dead according to the gospel (2 timothy 2:8).
iii. Paul declared that Christ is risen from the dead, and all shall be made alive in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
iv. Peter preached the resurrection of Christ, beginning on Pentecost (Acts 2:24,32; 3:15,26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40). It is through the resurrection of Christ that we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
3) God raised up Christ (see iii above), and thus Christ gives life to whom He wills (John 5:21). As He raise up Jesus, so will we be raised (1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14).
C. Jesus said there would be a resurrection of life to those who have done good, and a resurrection of condemnation to those who have done evil (John 5:28-29).
II. Jesus is the life.
A. In Christ, we live (Acts 17:28).
B. In Christ was life (John 1:4).
C. Eternal life is in Christ (1 John 5:11-12).
D. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
III. We must believe in Christ.
A. Jesus said that though we may die, if we believe in Him, we shall live (John 11:25-26).
B. We all must die (Hebrews 9:27).
C. At the last day, Jesus will raise up those who believe in Him unto everlasting life (John 6:39-40,44).
D. Paul taught the Ephesians of God’s exceedingly great power towards the believers of Christ’s resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20).
E. Our faith and hope are in God, who raised Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:21).
F. Christ was raised from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:24-25).
G. We must believe Christ in order to be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
H. The Spirit of God must dwell in us, in order to receive eternal life (Romans 8:9-11,13; Ephesians 3:16-17). The body is the temple of God, where His Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
Conclusion
A. God raised Christ from the dead, and will raise us up if we believe in Him.
B. Eternal life is in Christ, and if we want to live forever we must be in Christ.
C. We do so by being baptized into Christ, and rise to walk a new life as Christ was raised from the dead (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-5, 8-9).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Observations of a Centurion – audio
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As Jesus was dying on the cross, a centurion made a couple of important observations about Him.
First, he confessed that “Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). Also, Luke records, “Certainly this was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47)!”
We too must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; otherwise we will die in our sins (John 8:24). John also exhorts us by reminding us that “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).”
As Jesus was the Son of God, so can we become sons of God. Paul told the Galatians that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
As Christ was righteous, so can we become righteous. As Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), we can be made righteous through that obedience (Romans 5:19).
God’s righteous children.
Doesn’t that sound promising? There are befits if we live righteous lives as God’s dear children. John wrote, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). Jesus Himself promised that the righteous will enter into eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
Are you a child of God?
Are you living righteously? If so, you may enter into eternal life. If you have not become a child of God, why not do so now? If you are not living the righteous life as you should, why not start?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Unapproachable Light – audio
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Introduction
Have you ever been disturbed by being in a dark room, and suddenly the light switch is turned on? Is the light so bright that you squinted your eyes until they adjusted? Have you ever been in a room that is too bright?
Imagine for a moment what an “unapproachable light” would be like.
Body
I. Text: 1 Timothy 6:15-16.
Paul describes Jesus Christ’s appearing to Timothy. He says it will be in His own time first of all, and that that He alone has immortality. Then, Paul describes Jesus of “dwelling in an unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.”
II. Christ’s appearing will be manifest in His own time.
Jesus taught the disciples that no one knows the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man will come again (Matthew 24:36-44). Therefore, we must always be ready!
He illustrates this in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
Our lights must always shine to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
III. Christ dwells in an unapproachable light.
Daniel described the nature of God to Nebuchadnezzar: “He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:22).”
John says of God through Christ that He is light and there is no darkness in Him at all; therefore, we should walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:5-7).
IV. No man can see or has seen the light where Christ dwells.
Jesus explained that no one has seen the Father but who is from God (Himself). Thus, only Jesus has seen that light.
He is more than man; He is the Son of God! Also, it is interesting that Jesus’ face “shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:1-2)” on the Mount of Transfiguration.
John assures us “…we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).”
Paul explains how we can approach that light by God changing us (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).
Conclusion
John paints a beautiful picture of how we will see God and remain with Him forever, and also reminds us to be ready for the second coming of Christ (Revelation 22:1-7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Look up at the Pole – audio
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“I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole!”
I have heard that saying many times, and often wondered what was at the end of that pole. Initially, I think of a basketball goal or street light. It must have not been anything good, for one would still not touch whatever it was. However, sometimes what can be at the end of the pole is good!
The Bronze Serpent Saved Physical Life.
As the children of Israel journeyed to Edom by way of the Red Sea, they became very discouraged. Having nothing to eat or drink except the manna God provided, they began to complain. God does not like complaining (Philippians 2:14), so He sent fiery serpents among them. Many began to die, and those that remained confessed sin to Moses and begged the LORD to take away those serpents.
The LORD instructed Moses to put a fiery serpent on a pole, and if anyone looked at it when bitten would live (Numbers 21:4-9). Later, King Hezekiah had it cut down as people began to burn incense to it (2 Kings 18:4).
Jesus Christ Saves Spiritually.
As some things have a physical meaning, others have a spiritual meaning. As Jesus was teaching Nicodemus His purpose, He reminded him of the serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness. “…Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:12-16)…”
We often sing, ‘My Faith Looks up to Thee,’ and we should remember more than the cross itself. Jesus died on that cross for you and me! “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Our Best Friend
Jesus once said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another” (John 15:12-17).
What He said to His disciple then is just as true of us today. People can disappoint us, and we have certainly disappointed others, but Jesus will never let us down.
- He loves us, even though we are not always very loveable.
- He puts our interests ahead of His own.
- He brings out the best in us.
- He would never say or do anything to humiliate or embarrass us.
- He takes no delight in our failures, but rejoices in our successes.
- He never turns away when we turn to Him.
- He never sees us as bothersome. Our calls (prayers) never come at inconvenient times.
- He accepts us, in spite of our imperfections.
- He honors every promise. Forgets none.
- He can always be counted on.
- He is the only one who can help us with our greatest problem – SIN.
- He died for us!
The Psalmist wrote: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8, 9). The point is simple. People, even our closest friends, will sometimes disappoint us, but the Lord never will. We should strive to be a friend like Him!
The next time we sing “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” I hope that song will hold even more meaning for us. No one can take His place!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Destroying the Works of the Devil
The devil has sinned from the beginning.
Jesus spoke to the Jews and Pharisees in the temple. Not understanding God was His Father, they claimed to be children of Abraham. When Jesus contradicted this, they began to say that God was their father.
In response, Jesus said: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).”
John also wrote in his first epistle, “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).”
Obviously, the works of the devil are evil. The works of Jesus Christ are good! In the end, good will triumph over evil.
Jesus did what He had to do, in order that the works of the devil would be destroyed.
- He came to the earth, tempted as we all are but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:21-22).
- He died.
- He was buried.
- He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
His resurrection destroyed the work of death. Thus, the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Thanks to Jesus Christ, our sins are removed!
Thanks to His resurrection, we too can live forever in Heaven with Him! Evil works will be destroyed, and as Christians we must do good works to glorify our Father in Heaven as Christ did (Matthew 5:16).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 23:20-25 Who Crucified Jesus? audio
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Text: Luke 23:20-25
Introduction
Who crucified Jesus? – Galatians 3:1
Body
I. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE JEWS!
A. Jesus said the Jews – Matthew 16:21
B. John says the Jews sought to – John 7:1
C. Peter accused the Jews – Acts 2: 36
D. But the Jews didn’t actually do it – Acts 13:26-29; Mark 14:64
E. The Jews accept the responsibility for it – Matthew 27:24-25
II. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE GENTILES!
A. Jesus said the Gentiles would – Matthew 20:18-19
B. Early Christians said the Gentiles did – Acts 4:23-28
C. Paul said the Gentiles – 1 Corinthians 2:8-9
III. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? GOD!
A. God foreordained it – Acts 4:27-28; 2:22-23
B. God showed His love for us – John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 2:9
C. It was part of God’s eternal plan – 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 Corinthians 2:7
D. Jesus GAVE His life for us – Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; Matthew 26:39
IV. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? YOU AND I!
A. Jesus died for OUR sins – 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. Jesus died to put away sin – Hebrews 9:26, 28.
C. Jesus offered one sacrifice – Hebrews 10:12; 2:9
Conclusion
A. The Jews – Admitted
B. The Gentiles – Committed
C. God – Permitted
D. Jesus – Submitted
E. You and I – Benefited
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Day of Small Things
One hundred years ago faithful Christians assembled for the first time on this corner (6th and Washington Streets in Marietta, Ohio). They were compelled to move from the West Side to this spot in 1913 because of one of the worst floods in the history of the Ohio Valley. The church here traces its beginnings to a handful of brethren who came together sometime around 1884. Little could they have anticipated the extent to which those initial meetings would ultimately impact this city, our nation, and the world.
In the fifth of his eight visions Zechariah saw a golden lamp stand and the two olive trees (Zechariah 4:1-14). The trees were the two anointed ones, probably Zerubbabel and Joshua, the civil and religious heads of the community. The prophet was given assurance that the temple would be completed, and that the candlestick (oil lamp) or light of the temple would not go out. Zerubbabel, who had laid the foundation, would complete the capstone (Zechariah 4:9). This would be accomplished, not by might and power, but by the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). One should not despise the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10).
The historical background regarding the day of small things is found in Ezra 3:8-13. When the foundation of the temple was completed “All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” (Ezra 3:11). “But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy” (Ezra 3:12). “So the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off” (Ezra 3:13).
What had appeared to some as a cause of great joy was for others a cause to weep. True, the new temple would be nothing like the old, but laying the foundation for this temple signified a rebirth of the nation and restoration of worship to God. Those who wept failed to see the big picture. Small beginnings can produce great outcomes.
Look at the trees which line the Washington Street side of our building. Each huge oak started from a single little acorn. Jesus used a similar analogy regarding the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32). Many of today’s huge corporations got their start in someone’s basement or garage. Many of the great educational institutions of our day had very humble beginnings.
Nearly two thousand years ago, one man, Jesus Christ, baptized by His cousin, began a ministry that ultimately changed the world. Satan thought he’d won when Christ was crucified. Little did he understand the significance of the Lord’s resurrection. One empty tomb brought hope to a lost world. One person, one event, one mistake can have profound implications. Never underestimate the significance of little things.
We have come today to celebrate the past. It would be impossible to measure the good that has been done by this congregation over its storied history. But, today is not just about the past, it is also about the future! We are committed to continuing the work of faithfully preaching the gospel both here and abroad. We are resolved to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. It is our aim to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. These are challenging times, and we must rise to the challenge and let our light shine for Jesus.
Thank you for being here today, and sharing in this celebration with us. To those who are traveling, may God grant you a safe journey home. As we remember our past, may we recommit to the future and unswerving loyalty to our Savior. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Was Jesus Really God’s Son?
The identity of Jesus Christ is of paramount importance. If he was not who he claimed to be, then Christianity was founded on a lie and is a false religion. On the other hand, if Jesus was the Son of God, then Christianity is the one true faith which leads to eternal life.
Is there sufficient evidence to enable us to know the truth? In my judgment, the evidence is overwhelming. In the Gospel of John Jesus offered compelling evidence of his Sonship (John 5:31-39).
Jesus acknowledged that he was God’s Son. But, He knew that his testimony alone was not sufficient (John 5:31). Even the law required two or more witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus, therefore, offered additional testimony.
John the Baptist proclaimed him the Son of God (John 5:33). John told his disciples concerning Jesus, “I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34).
Even more convincing than the testimony of John, was the ministry of Christ. What he did in healing the sick, stilling the tempest, raising the dead and a myriad of other things gave proof to his claim of Sonship (John 5:36). Nicodemus knew the value of Christ’s miracles. They offered positive proof that Jesus came from God (John 3:2).
The Father also bore witness to Jesus’ divinity. At the baptism and again at the transfiguration the voice of God from heaven was heard to say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).
Finally, Jesus urged, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). The Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ. His coming was no accident. At last the promised Messiah had arrived.
No other individual has impacted life and society in the manner in which Christ changed the world. The historian Lecky, an unbeliever in revealed religion, wrote:
“The character of Jesus has not only been the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive to its practice, and has exerted so deep an influence, that it may be truly said, that the simple record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind, than all the disquisitions of philosophers and than all the exhortations of moralists” (W. E. H. Lecky, History of European Morals, ii (1869), p. 88).
How do we explain the phenomenal appeal and power of Christ? We say with the Centurion at the foot of the cross, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Legion of Lessons
Text: Luke 8:26-39
Legions of Lessons
Lessons on Authority: Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth.
Jesus Christ has the power of God (Luke 8:29). This is one of the first lessons we need to learn. He has all authority on heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Paul described Christ as the “power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24; Romans 1:3-4).”
Many people come to see Jesus and what He has done (Luke 8:34-37). People are interested in learning more about Christ! It is our job to lead them to Him; what they do with Him is up to them. We need to be teaching lessons about Jesus with our actions and words.
The Samaritan woman led many to Christ, and many believed either by her words or their own witness (John 4). Thus, we need our own faith to come to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6).
Lessons on Disciplesip: Jesus taught how to be His disciple.
After he was healed, the man wanted to follow Jesus (Luke 8:38). This man begged to do what Jesus had begged others to do. When Jesus first called His disciples, He said: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him! Later, Jesus taught lessons on how to be His disciple. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). He is our Good Shepherd; as His sheep, we hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). To truly follow Jesus is to be His servant (John 12:26).
Lessons on Who Jesis is: Jesus is God and the Lord.
Jesus denied the man’s request, but instead commanded him to “return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you (Luke 8:39).” He went his way and widely proclaimed all Jesus had done for him. Think about it. Jesus told him to tell what God did, and he told what Jesus did. Is there a contradiction? Mark’s account tells us that Jesus told him to proclaim what the Lord did, and he told what Jesus did (Mark 5:19-20). There is no contradiction! Jesus is God and the Lord. This man obeyed Jesus exactly as he should (Philippians 2:6, 9-11). We need to do the same.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Draw Near to God
I cannot imagine what it will be like to be in God’s presence, but I am pretty sure it will be the best thing about heaven.
- What will it feel like?
- What will He look like?
- What will it be like?
I want that, but I’m not ready for it yet. People can’t be in the presence of God, not actually, not yet. We couldn’t survive it.
Whenever God revealed himself to people in the Bible, even in some kind of limited way, he spelled out the things they must do to be ready… and not die.
After the Israelites left Egypt, God met them at Sinai to give them his law, but he couldn’t just “come down” and talk to them. He told Moses to consecrate them for two days, let them wash their clothes, and be ready the third day. And then he put limits concerning how close they could come to the mountain where God would reveal himself. But, get too close and die. Break through the barrier to try to get a glimpse of God… and die. It was a serious matter.
That’s the way it’s always been. We can’t come close to God because of our sins. We’ve got to be cleansed to enter God’s presence.
That’s why verses like this one are fascinating: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8a).
Us? Close to God? How?
Through Jesus, of course. He cleanses us, makes us holy, and grants us access to God.
Remember the temple veil being torn in two pieces during the crucifixion? That veil had always symbolized a barrier between a sinful people and a holy God. When Jesus died, he tore the barrier down.
But what James puts right after he tells us to draw near to God is interesting: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:8–10)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 01:01-04 – Introduction to First John – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction
1. When Jesus to earth, He came not only to LIVE a life, but to GIVE life: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
2. The GOSPEL of John was designed to produce faith so that we might have life – John 20:30-31
3. However, it is the FIRST EPISTLE of John which discusses the nature of that life in greater detail – 1 John 3:14
4. That we might be sure to live the sort of life God offers through His Son Jesus Christ, a careful study of First John is in order
Body
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. THE AUTHOR
1. John is the author, the beloved disciple of Jesus
2. Similarities between this epistle and the Gospel of John certainly give us INTERNAL evidence for this conclusion
3. There is also EXTERNAL evidence that this John is the author:
a. Polycarp, a close associate of John, makes reference to this epistle at the beginning of the second century, in a letter to the Philippians
b. Irenaeus, a student of Polycarp, quoted from it and attributed it to John
B. THE RECIPIENTS
1. No one is specifically mentioned
2. John was in Ephesus at the time, and this was a general epistle to the Christians throughout Asia Minor
3. However, John’s comments in 1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27 suggest that John may have been addressing a particular group of Christians possessing certain spiritual gifts
C. DATE
1. Estimations range from 60 A.D. to 100 A.D.
2. Most modern scholarship places it around 95 A.D
D. PURPOSE
1. As declared by John throughout his epistle, he wrote it:
a. that your joy may be full – 1 John 1:4
b. that you may not sin – 1 John 2:1
c. that you may know that you have eternal life – 1 John 5:13a
2. While these reasons may state the positive side of John’s purpose, it appears he was also responding to errors that were prevalent at the time – 1 John 2:26
a. If not fully developed in John’s day, there was at least a precursor to Gnosticism
b. Those who came to be called Gnostics
1) Claimed to have a superior knowledge (Greek word for knowledge is gnosis)
2) Believed all matter was evil
a) Therefore God did not create or have anything to do with the material universe
b) Therefore Christ could not have come in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3
c. Their application to everyday living took two different directions; since all matter was thought to be evil:
1) Some thought one should abstain altogether from anything that would satisfy the flesh
2) Others claimed it did not matter what one did in the flesh (it was evil anyway), and to have full knowledge it was proper to explore everything
II. JOHN’S PROLOG (1 John 1:1-4)
A. CONCERNS THE WORD OF LIFE
1. Which was from the beginning has reference to the creation of the world – John 1:1
2. This Word of life was:
a. heard
b. seen with our eyes
c. looked upon
d. handled
e. all emphasizing that this Word was in the flesh; an reference to Jesus – John 1:1, 14
B. TO DECLARE THE ETERNAL LIFE
1. Which was:
a. With the Father
b. And then manifested to the apostles, who had seen and were bearing witness
2. Again, this is an obvious reference to Jesus Christ
3. But notice the use of the NEUTER gender throughout this passage
a. The emphasis appears to be on the life which Jesus had, especially that which is eternal
b. It is this same life which we can possess if we truly believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:11-13
4. Thus John is focusing on the eternal life which Jesus offers and made possible by His coming in the flesh
C. THAT YOU MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US
1. Here is the reason for declaring the Word of life, the eternal life
2. By declaring this life (revealed by Jesus and through Jesus), fellowship is possible
a. Fellowship involves the idea of sharing, communion
b. The sharing, communion that the apostles have is with the Father and His Son
3. John wanted his readers to participate in this same sharing
a. that you also may have fellowship with us
b. In other words, that you can experience what we are experiencing!
4. Why does John desire this? Read on
D. THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL
1. It is fellowship with the Father and Son that makes the life of a Christian so full of joy!
2. And just as Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), so John now writes
a. That we may be sure to have fellowship with the Father and His Son
b. So that our joy may be full!
Conclusion
1. From 1 John 1:1-4, then, we learn that fullness of joy comes only when we are in fellowship with the Father and the Son
2. Only then do we have that eternal life, which was first manifested in the flesh by Jesus Himself, and now given only through Jesus – 1 John 5:11-13
3. In our next lesson, we shall see what John says is essential if we are to truly have fellowship with God – 1John 1:5-2:2
4. But if you are not a Christian, let me explain how such fellowship with God can begin Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 01:01-11 Jesus Ascension – audio
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Text: Acts 1:1-11
Introduction
1. Jesus lived
2. Jesus died
3. Jesus rose
4. Jesus left for Heaven
5. Many sermons will be preached today on the first three, but not on the last one
6. Jesus knew it was time for Him to go to the Father – John 13:1
Body
I. We can go home
A. Jesus went to prepare a place for us – John 14:1-4
B. For us to die is gain – Philippians 1:21-23
II. Jesus mediates for us to God
A. What a blessing it is to have a mediator who knows us – I Tim 2:3-6
B. A mediator of a better covenant established on better promises – Hebrews 8:6
III. My King is where He belongs
A. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father – Hebrews 1:1-4
B. Because He was obedient God exalted Him to the glory of the Father – Phil 2:8-11
Conclusion
1. Jesus lived, died, arose and now reigns forever!
a. If we want to go home to be with Him
b. If we want Him to mediate for us to God
c. If we recognize Him as king
2. If we love Him we must obey Him – John 14:15
3. His commandments are not burdensome – I John 5:3
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 02:04-10 Jesus: Cornerstone or Stumblingstone? – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Introduction
1. When the infant Jesus was being presented to the Lord at the temple, an interesting statement was made concerning Him by Simeon: “Behold, this Child in destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” – Luke 2:34
2. In other words, Jesus was destined to have different effects on different people
a. To some, He would be the cause of their rising
b. For others, He would be their down fall
3. In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the apostle Peter expands upon this same theme
a. To some people, Jesus serves as a “cornerstone”
b. To others, He is a “stumblingstone”.
Body
I. TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, JESUS IS A “CORNERSTONE”
A. HE IS A “LIVING STONE” – 1 Peter 2:4
1. Which was rejected by men
a. As stated by John in John 1:11
b. Instead, they crucified Him
2. And yet, He was chosen by God, considered to be precious
a. As foretold in Psalm 118:22, God has taken that which was rejected by men and made it the “cornerstone”
b. The cornerstone of what?
B. THE “CORNERSTONE” OF A GREAT SPIRITUAL HOUSE OR TEMPLE – 1 Peter 2:5-6
1. Upon which we are being built
2. The same thought or illustration is used by the apostle Paul – 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
3. As this spiritual house built upon Christ, we fulfill certain responsibilities
a. We serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God – 1 Peter 2:5
1) Our bodies – Romans 12:1-2
2) Our praise – Hebrews 13:15
3) Our doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16
4) Even our deaths – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
b. We therefore serve as God’s special people – 1 Peter 2:9-10
1) With a special task of proclaiming the praises of God
2) For by His grace…
a) We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light
b) We who were not a people are now the people of God
c) We have obtained mercy!
C. JESUS IS THE ROCK UPON WHICH WE, AS INDIVIDUALS, BUILD OUR LIVES – Matthew 7:24-27
1. By following His teachings, we are able to establish our lives on solid ground
2. And this enables us to withstand the “storms” of life
II. TO THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE, JESUS IS A “STUMBLINGSTONE”
A. THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE – 1 Peter 2:7-8
1. Either Jesus is the cornerstone
a. Upon which we are being built as stones in His temple
b. Upon which we are building our lives by following His teaching
2. Or He will be the “stumblingstone” over which we will meet our doom!
B. THAT JESUS WOULD BE A STUMBLINGSTONE TO SOME
1. Was foretold by Isaiah, who Peter quotes – Isaiah 8:13-15
2. We saw that Simeon also foresaw the same thing when Jesus was presented in the temple as a newborn – Luke 2:34
3. Even Jesus saw Himself as this stumblingstone – Matthew 21:42-44
C. SADLY, JESUS HAS BECOME A STUMBLINGSTONE TO ISRAEL
1. Romans 9:30-33; 1 Corinthians 1:23
2. Jesus was a stumbling block to many of the Jews because
a. They thought that they could attain righteousness by keeping the Law
b. They could not accept the need for a suffering Messiah to atone for their sins!
D. IN A SIMILAR WAY, JESUS IS A STUMBLINGSTONE FOR MANY PEOPLE TODAY
1. Pride prevents them from accepting Jesus on His terms!
2. They think that they can please God and go to heaven on the basis of their good deeds
3. Therefore, they are unwilling
a. To confess their sinfulness, and their need for Jesus Christ
b. To turn their lives over to Jesus, and to do His Will
E. THE SAD PART IS THIS: TO THOSE WHO STUMBLE BY BEING DISOBEDIENT, DOOM AWAITS!
1. For such doom has been appointed by God – 1 Peter 2:8
2. Such is logically necessary, for without Christ
a. We will die in our own sins – John 8:24
b. Righteous punishment can only follow – Revelation 20:11-15
Conclusion
1. We often sing “Jesus, Rock of Ages,” for truly Jesus is like a rock. But what kind of rock is He to us?
2. If we are willing to believe and obey Jesus, He can be the CORNERSTONE
a. Upon which we can be added as part of His church, the spiritual temple
b. Upon which can build our lives so as to have a full and meaningful life
3. But if we disbelieve and are disobedient, then by necessity Jesus will be our STUMBLINGSTONE
a. Over which we will fall
b. Under which we will be broken and be ground to powder
4. There is no middle ground. What will Jesus be for you? Are you obedient to His Word?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Searching in all the Right Places
It happens all too often: we “know” where something is, only to find out we’re wrong.
- We’re sure our keys are hanging on the key rack, but instead we left them in our pocket.
- That restaurant was on the corner; now, it has relocated to the other part of town.
- The bread was in aisle 3; now, it’s in aisle 1.
In the religious world people look for the right things, but in the wrong places.
Eternal life is something that everyone needs, and should want! Where do we go to find it? Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me (John 5:39).”
The first place to look is the Bible! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His word abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). When we study the Scriptures we learn to find eternal life, where it really is; in Jesus Christ!
John writes, “And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:11-13).”
Now that we see where eternal life is; let’s come and get it!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Reason to Believe
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to everyone that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
Is faith a reasonable thing? There are those who would have us believe that our faith is built around a fallacy. The Bible, they argue, is not the word of God. Our world was not created, it just happened. Jesus Christ, if he lived at all, was nothing like the picture painted by today’s preachers.
TIME (April 8, 1996) focused on the debate. Jesus made the cover. In the past the magazine had drawn attention to the liberal claims of the Jesus Seminar (a self-appointed panel of so-called experts who deny any measurable historical content to the New Testament). This time, however, they offered at least a token response to the outlandish claims of this Seminar, and it was about time!
Is there any real reason for us to question the validity of the Biblical record, and especially the New Testament account of Christ and His church? Frankly, research into the past is not as easy as we would like. There are no old newspapers, file footage of events, or tape recordings to be consulted. It is impossible to verify the gospel story with these modern methods. Obviously, we cannot go back and interview the main participants in the saga. There is not that much extra-biblical material from that period to be examined. But, what does exist in no way destroys the creditability of the Scriptures.
Among the earliest believers, however, there would have been opportunity to consult with eyewitnesses, to verify facts, to determine truth. And, there is no doubt that such was done. The writers of the New Testament claim to have been eyewitness of the things which they describe. Peter wrote: “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). John said much the same thing (1 John 1:1-3).
The antiquity of the Bible, and in particular the New Testament, is undeniable. Given the age of Scripture and the events described, who would be in a better position to accurately represent the true Jesus, His contemporaries, or a group of self-appointed liberals in the twentieth century with an agenda to destroy the credibility of the Bible and Christianity?
Be assured, there are many, many highly educated, scholarly men and women who accept the historical reliability of the Scriptures. Our faith in Jesus Christ is built on a solid foundation. Those who take the time to learn the facts, if they are fair minded, will have no trouble accepting the fact that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and that the Biblical record of His life and ministry is true!
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Revelation 01:18 He Lives – audio
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Text: Revelation 1:18
I. Christ lived!
A. He was born of a virgin as prophesied and witnessed by the wise men, Simeon, Anna, and others – Matthew 1; Luke 2
B. Jesus grew, and amazed many with His wisdom and understanding – Luke 2:52
C. Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness – Matthew 3:15
D. He performed many miracles as multitudes witnessed.
E. He overcame temptation, witnessed by the devil – Matthew 4
F. Jesus taught His disciples, the Jews, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and countless others.
II. Christ died!
A. He was falsely accused and put on trial:
i. They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
ii. He was struck, spat upon and mocked.
iii. He was crucified on a cross.
iv. His side was pierced with a spear.
v. Darkness covered the sky.
vi. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
vii. The earth quaked, the rocks were split, and graves were opened.
B. Witnessing these events, the centurion and guards confessed “truly this was the Son of God.” – Matthew 27:54
C. Joseph of Arimathea:
i. Wrapped the body of Jesus.
ii. Lay His body in the tomb.
iii. Rolled the large stone to guard the entrance.
III. Christ arose!
A. The tomb was empty!
i. The stone was rolled away.
ii. The linen clothes and handkerchief were neatly folded separately.
B. An angel declared,
i. “He is risen”
ii. “why do you seek the living among the dead?”
C. He appeared to:
i. Mary
ii. The apostles
iii. Some on the road to Emmaus
iv. Saul of Tarsus
v. Over 500 at one time!
IV. Christ lives forevermore!
A. Romans 6:3-5, 8-11
B. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 54-57
C. 2 Timothy 1:10
D. Acts 2:22-24
V. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can live forever!
A. Eternal life is in Christ alone – John 11:25-27; 1 John 5:10-13 John 10:10
B. To be in Christ, one must be baptized into Christ – Galatians 3:27
C. All spiritual blessings are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
D. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we must die to sin, be buried with Christ, and be raised to walk a new life – Romans 6:1-5
E. Man must die except Christ should come first, but then what? – Hebrews 9:27
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus and Basketball
I had never thought of Jesus as a basketball player, but Mark Eaton, center for the Utah Jazz, did. He said: “I think Jesus would have been a great basketball player. He would have been one of the most tenacious guys out there. I think he’d really get in your face – nothing dirty, but he’d play to win” (USA Today, March 17, 1992).
I must confess, I have difficulty seeing the Lord in a basketball uniform, but I don’t believe Jesus would be opposed to the game. (He might, however, think that some of the salaries border on the vulgar.)
I doubt the Lord’s idea of a great basketball player and ours would be the same. We judge a man’s ability on the court by the way he jumps, passes and shoots. If he’s aggressive and physical all the better. He must be intense. Once in a while he may even explode and punch someone. Or, he may intentionally step on an opponent while he’s down. We really don’t care what kind of person he is as long as he puts points on the board.
Jesus, on the other hand, is less impressed with how many points a player scores. He doesn’t measure a man’s height, but his heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The winning team, in His eyes, would not necessarily be the one with the highest score at the buzzer. The real winners would be those who played fairly, showed good sportsmanship, and conducted themselves in a way befitting God’s people.
The point is, folks, the real winners are not always those who score the most points, command the highest salaries, or get the most press. A man can do all those things and still fail miserably at life.
I don’t know what kind of basketball player Jesus would have been, but I know what kind of man he was. We can only be successful when we imitate Him. That’s true on the basketball court, in the classroom, at home, and on the job. Our goal is to be like Him, to attain unto the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Will you join with us as we seek to follow His lead?
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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He is Alive!
In my work as a gospel preacher I have been called upon to conduct many funerals. I have tried to keep accurate records for each individual including date of birth, date of death, and place of burial. Without a great deal of difficulty, I believe I could locate every grave. Why? Because they are all still dead, and I know where they are buried.
But, what about Jesus?
John’s record says that there was a garden at the place where He was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb. It was there that Joseph and Nicodemus placed the body of Christ. Can the place be identified with certainty today? Is the body of Jesus still there? What would we find if we visited the tomb?
The exact location of Christ’s tomb is unknown.
There were no markers or monuments. Even if we visited the precise tomb where the body of Jesus was placed, we would discover it empty. Mary Magdalene had just such an experience. Going to the tomb early Sunday morning, on the third day after His execution, she found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She burst out in tears because she thought others had stolen his body (John 20:13). But grave robbers had not taken Him away. Neither His enemies nor His disciples had anything to gain by stealing the body. There must be another explanation.
What happened that morning? He arose!
Jesus, who had been dead, was alive again. He had conquered death. He had beat the devil. He had triumphed over sin. He would never die again!
There can be no other explanation.
Only the resurrection satisfies the facts. Our Savior is alive. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29 KVJ).
Resurrection is assured.
But, will it be a resurrection to eternal life or death? That is the question we face each day. The answer is found in our response to Jesus.
Thank God, He is alive!
–Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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