Historical Posts
Psalm 67 – Audio
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Psalm 67 is praise to God for:
- Who He is
- What He has done
- What He will do for all nations.
Writers of the New Testament also remind us of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. They help us get a clearer picture of what the Psalmist wrote about.
1. God is merciful to us and will bless us (Psalm 67:1, 6-7).
a. Jesus told how the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13)!” This was a prayer that could be offered by all of us, who need the mercies of God.
b. He has richly blessed us through Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
2. His way is known on earth; His salvation is available to everyone everywhere (Psalm 67:2).
a. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).
b. Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord, but only knew of the baptism of John at the time (Acts 18:24-25).
c. We come to God by a “new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).”
d. Salvation is only found in Christ (Acts 4:12).
e. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17).
3. Everyone will praise God (Psalm 67:3, 5).
a. We have obtained mercy, and proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9).
b. We sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
c. Everyone will submit to Christ to the glory of God (Philippians 2:9-11).
4. God will judge people righteously (Psalm 67:4).
a. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
b. The Father has committed all judgment to His Son (John 5:22).
Psalm 67 is a very comforting Psalm.
God has blessed us and saved us through Christ, and that is why we sing His praises! Have you accepted the salvation He has provided in Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Requirements From The Lord – Audio
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The Lord’s Requirements:
We know that there are many things in this life that have worldly requirements we have to meet: name, birth certificate, education, previous work experience, and the like. Different people and situations may require different things of us. However, there are three requirements that the LORD has for our lives (Micah 6:8) that we must be diligent to meet in order to be pleasing to Him:
1. The Lord Requires Us To Do Justly.
a. The LORD knew that Abraham would teach his children and household after him to “do righteousness and justice (Genesis 18:19).”
b. Paul behaved himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” before the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
c. We must think on whatever things are just (Philippians 4:8).
d. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
2. The Lord Requires Us To Love Mercy.
a. God has mercy on whom He wills (Romans 9:15,18; Exodus 33:19).
b. His mercies are not consumed; they are “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
c. As He is merciful, so should we be merciful (Luke 6:36).
3. The Lord Requires Us To Walk Humbly With Him.
a. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”
b. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).”
c. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
d. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Are We Meeting The LORD’s Requirements?
If we are diligent to meet His requirements, we will receive the eternal reward that we so desire. We will be with The Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jude 1:20-21 Encouragement from Jude – audio
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Text: Jude 1:20-21
Introduction
As Christians, we all need encouragement.
Paul taught the Thessalonians, “therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as also you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”
As the early Christians did, so today we gather upon the first day of the week to worship God and edify one another.
Let us look at Jude’s encouraging words to Christians (Text: Jude 20-21).
Body
I. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
We have a most holy faith. Earlier in his epistle, Jude explained it was necessary to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered for the saints (Jude 3).” We can build ourselves up by contending earnestly for it! After all, it has been delivered.
How? “Faith has come from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).”
Since there is only one God, He gives us only one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must remain in that faith, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
Christians have a solid foundation in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and must build upon that foundation.
Peter tells us exactly how to build our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
II. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
One responsibility and privilege Christians have is prayer. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), as taught by Christ (Luke 18:1).
Just as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), so we need the Holy Spirit to speak to God. We all have our weaknesses, and sometimes do not know how to pray, or what to pray for. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
III. Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Paul made it very clear that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:35-39). On the other hand, is there anything that may separate us from loving God?
Jesus said if we love Him we must keep His commandments (John 14:15). To keep loving Him is to keep doing what He commands us. He commands us to love each other as He has loved us (John 13:34; 15:12-17).
IV. We have the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life to look forward to.
Paul said to Titus that we look forward to “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”
Even Mary proclaimed: “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).”
We do not need to say, “Lord have mercy on me” as many did to Jesus; rather, He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and we can obtain it to help us any time we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
It is through that mercy that He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Conclusion
If we build ourselves and each other on our most holy faith, continually pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God, we can look forward to eternal life through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Favoritism
Sometimes we put sins into categories without even thinking:
- Really Bad Sins
- Bad Sins
- Not-So-Bad sins
Sure, I’m a sinner, but none of mine are the really bad ones. I would never commit those, like murder or adultery.
My sins are smaller stuff like sometimes thinking bad thoughts, losing my temper, spreading a little gossip, or being impatient and irritable. Everybody does that stuff, so it’s ok, right?
Sound familiar?
The Christians James were writing to apparently made the same argument, “Sure, we may show favoritism, but at least we’re not murderers or adulterers.”
James didn’t like their reasoning.
“but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:9–13
Do you see his point?
A sin, by its very nature, is a transgression against God’s will.
For us to try to make some sins not as bad as others betrays a misunderstanding of sin. That was part of Jesus’ point in Matthew 5. Essentially, here’s what he said:
“You know the Law says it’s wrong to murder, but I’m telling you to deal with the anger that leads to murder.”
“You know adultery is wrong, but I’m telling you to clean up your dirty minds.”
In James’ context, favoritism / discrimination / prejudice, or not loving your neighbor, violates the very essence of what God wants in our relationships with one another. In one sense, if we treat one another poorly, we have committed the same sin that leads to murder: disregarding our mutual status as human beings created in God’s image.
So what about us?
It applies to how we treat people. If I disregard someone because for some reason I think he’s less of a man than I am, I have missed the Bible’s whole point about loving people and I have become guilty of breaking all of it.
We would never murder anyone, but would we murder someone;s reputation through gossip?
We would never attack others physically, but would we ignore them, snub them, or mock them?
The gospel calls us to recognize everyone’s equal value before God.
As sinners we are all in the same boat – we deserve the death sentence.
By God’s grace he stepped in and rescued us. Recognizing that ought to remind us to extend mercy and grace to everyone around us.
God did it for us. Shouldn’t we do the same for others?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 1:3-5 Living Hope – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:3-5
Introduction
1. In our study of Peter’s epistle so far, we have noticed
a. That as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but pilgrims
b. But as far as God is concerned, we are His elect
2. As the elect (Chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ
a. One of these blessings is described in 1 Peter 1:3-5
b. There we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto a living hope
3. An understanding of this living hope can help Christians who are pilgrims be more joyful during their sojourn in this life
4. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the Christian hope that makes it a living hope
Body
I. BECAUSE GOD IS MERCIFUL!
A. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES NOT IN OUR OWN PERFECTION OR RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. It is a good thing that it does not, for all are sinners in God’s sight – Romans 3:23
2. Even as Christians we find ourselves guilty before God – 1 John 1:8, 10
B. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S MERCY
1. Mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners – Romans 5:6, 8
2. Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and baptism – Acts 2:36-38
3. Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of and confess their sins – 1 John 1:9
II. BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE!
A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR HOPE
1. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:14-15
2. If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred – 1 Corinthians 15:17
3. If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished, they are lost – 1 Corinthians 15:18
4. If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a living hope, instead we are to be pitied by others! – 1 Corinthians 15:19
B. BUT THROUGH JESUS’ RESURRECTION, WE HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE
1. Peter may have reference not just to the process of conversion, but to the renewed hope produced by the resurrection of Jesus
a. After Jesus’ death and prior to His resurrection, the disciples were despondent
b. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were born again in regards to their hope
2. Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a living hope
a. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our hope is true – John 11:25
b. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we too will one day rise from the dead – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
c. By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus’ own resurrection, then, we have been born again to a living hope!
III. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR INHERITANCE!
A. THE DEGREE OF HOPE WE HAVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INHERITANCE WE HAVE
1. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or living
2. If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or dead
B. AS DESCRIBED BY PETER, OUR INHERITANCE
1. IS INCORRUPTIBLE
a. The Greek word means not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable
b. Unlike this present heavens and earth in which now live, and which will one day be destroyed – 2 Peter 3:10-13
2. IS UNDEFILED
a. The Greek word means not defiled, unsoiled
b. It is unlike the earthly Canaan, which could be and was defiled by its inhabitants
c. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter – Revelation 21:27
3. DOES NOT FADE AWAY
a. The Greek word means unfading, perennial
b. Such is our heavenly reward: it will not rust, fade, or wither like so many things do here on earth
4. IT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN
a. The word means to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set aside
b. Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself!
c. No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you!
C. Since this is the nature of our inheritance upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a living hope.
IV. BECAUSE WE ARE SAFELY GUARDED!
A. CHRISTIANS ARE KEPT FOR THE SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME
1. The word kept is a military term
2. It means to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight
3. While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God’s protecting care for it.
B. NOTE THAT BEING KEPT INVOLVES TWO THINGS
1. First, THE POWER OF GOD!
a. We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those in temptation
b. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation – 2 Peter 2:9
c. He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
d. He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day – Ephesians 6:10-13
2. Also, OUR FAITH!
a. To be safely guarded by God’s protective care requires faith on our part
b. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! – Revelation 2:10
c. While the Bible teaches the security of the believer
1) It also teaches that a believer can become an unbeliever – Hebrews 3:12-13
2) And it teaches that unbelievers have no hope – Hebrews 3:14-4:3
d. As long as we remain faithful, then, we have the assurance of God’s protective care to guide us until we receive that inheritance reserved in heaven for us!
Conclusion
1. In this passage (1 Peter 1:3-5), then, are four reasons why the hope of the Christian is called a living hope:
a. Because God is merciful!
b. Because Jesus is alive!
c. Because of the nature of our inheritance!
d. Because we are safely guarded!
2. A living hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter’s epistle: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. – 1 Peter 1:6
3. Do you have this living hope?
a. You do if you have received God’s mercy offered in Christ, and are remaining faithful to the Lord
b. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His conditions found in His Holy Word? – Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 03:13-18 Wisdom: Heavenly vs. Earthly – audio
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Text: James 3:13-18
Introduction
1. In the book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom – Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:7-9
2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-17
3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom
4. In this lesson, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: heavenly wisdom vs. earthly wisdom
Body
I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR ORIGIN
A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE
1. It is EARTHLY
a. It is worldly
b. Wisdom that is according to the world’s standards
c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God – 1 Corinthians 1:20
2. It is SENSUAL
a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions
b. Wisdom according to what FEELS right (But that doesn’t make it right)
3. It is DEMONIC
a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels
b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE
1. It Comes from GOD – James 3:17
2. It Comes via PRAYER – James 1:5-8
II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR NATURE
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Full of BITTER ENVY
2. Possessing SELF-SEEKING IN THE HEART
3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:
a. Power
b. Position
c. Privilege
d. Prestige
4. It was this kind of wisdom
a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM
1. It is first PURE – James 3:17
a. Above all else, it is true to God’s Will
b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace
2. Then it is PEACEABLE
a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace – Romans 12:18
b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love – Ephesians 4:15
3. GENTLE
a. That is, kind in one’s dealings with others
b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
4. WILLING TO YIELD
a. Not in matters of truth
b. But in matters of opinion – Romans 14:1
c. In matters of liberty – Romans 14:19-21
5. FULL OF MERCY
a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others
b. Wisely understanding one’s own need of mercy – James 2:13
6. Producing GOOD FRUITS
a. Notice James 3:13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding
b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER – James 1:22
c. Understanding that faith without works is dead – James 2:26
7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY
a. Showing no respect of persons – James 2:1-13
b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis
8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
a. Indicating that all of the above is not an act, a show
b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man
III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR FRUITS
A. EARTHLY WISDOM
1. Causes CONFUSION
2. And EVERY EVIL THING
3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom
a. Is behind denominationalism
b. Is often manifested in politics
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM – James 3:18
1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion
2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing
Conclusion
1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is HEAVENLY WISDOM
2. What kind of wisdom do we have?
a. Those who have EARTHLY WISDOM boast of theirs
b. While those who have HEAVENLY WISDOM show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness
3. What kind of wisdom do we want?
a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels right
b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent
1) To seek such wisdom from God
2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct
4. What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ?
a. EARTHLY WISDOM makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient
b. HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38
5. Have you demonstrated HEAVENLY WISDOM?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 05:01-31 The Hand Writing on the Wall
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Text: Daniel 5:1-31
Introduction
1. So far in our study of the book of Daniel, we have seen…
a. The faith of young Daniel, who made the commitment not to defile himself – Daniel 1
b. The first dream of Nebuchadnezzar, interpreted by Daniel – Daniel 2
1) Prophesying the rise and fall of four world empires
2) Foretelling the establishment of the kingdom of Christ
c. The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the face of fire – Daniel 3
d. The second dream of Nebuchadnezzar and it is fulfillment, confirming that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men – Daniel 4
2. We now come to Daniel 5, where we find an incident familiar to many…
a. The event is often called: “The Hand Writing On The Wall”
b. As with any Old Testament account, it was written for our admonition – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11
Body
I. BOOZE AND IDOLATRY IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:1-4)
A. BELSHAZZAR, THE KING…
1. The time is now about 539 B.C.
a. Nebuchadnezzar had died in 562 B.C.
b. He was succeeded by his son, Evil-Merodach – cf. 2 Kings 25:27
1) After two years he was assassinated by Nergilissar, his brother- in- law
2) Who in turn died four years later (556 B.C. ), leaving the throne to his infant son, Labashi- Marduk, who was soon deposed by a priestly revolution
c. Nabonidus, a former priest under Nebuchadnezzar, was made king in 556 B.C.
1) Who was interested more in scholarly and religious pursuits
2) So he appointed his son Belshazzar as ruler of Babylon in his place
d. Belshazzar therefore became co-regent in 550 B.C.
1) He was “second” in command
2) Which is why he offered Daniel only the “third” position – cf. Daniel 5:16, 29
3) Nebuchadnezzar is called his “father” – Daniel 5:2, 11,13,18,22
a) Nabodonius (Belshazzar’s father) may have been Nebuchadnezzar’s son in-law, and it was common to refer to one’s ancestor as “father”
b) Or “father” may be used figuratively
2. Belshazzar throws a big feast – Daniel 5:1-3
a. Nebuchadnezzar had taken gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:10
b. Belshazzar adds insult to injury by using them in this feast
B. THEY PRAISED THE GODS OF GOLD AND SILVER…
1. The king and guests foolishly praised the creation rather than the Creator
2. Would we ever stoop so low?
a. Worship the gods of silver and gold?
b. Become guilty of idolatry?
3. We do if we succumb to the sin of covetousness! – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
a. When we make mammon (material riches) our god – cf. Matthew 6:24
b. When we make created things the prime focus of our time and interest
II. PANIC AND HUMILIATION IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:5-9)
A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL…
1. The fingers of a man’s hands appear – Daniel 5:5a
2. They write on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace – Daniel 5:5b
3. Belshazzar sees the part of the hand that wrote – Daniel 5:5c
B. THE QUAKING KING…
1. In the case of King Belshazzar…
a. One moment his heart is puffed up with pride
b. The next moment, his knees are knocking together – Daniel 5:6
2. A vivid illustration of: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
3. All he saw was a man’s hand…
a. What if he had seen the face of God?
b. If just a tiny manifestation of God’s power had that effect, then what would be the effect of coming face to face with God?
4. What about the coming Judgment? Will we be able to stand?
a. Not if we are wicked – cf. Psalm 1:5
b. But we can if we have pure hearts and holy hands – cf. Psalm 24:3-5
C. THE HELPLESS ADVISORS…
1. Once again, a king appeals first to those unable to help – Daniel 5:7-9
2. Just as Nebuchadnezzar did in Daniel 2
3. People often do the same thing today in times of crisis
a. They go to the wrong place for help
1) Looking to their own strength or wisdom
2) Or that of other people
b. When they need to trust in God first – Proverbs 3:5-10; Matthew 6:33
III. THE ARRIVAL OF GOD’S MAN (Daniel 5:10-16)
A. THE ADVICE OF THE QUEEN…
1. The queen was likely the “queen mother”, for the wives were already present – Daniel 5:10-12; cf. 5:2
2. Note that the queen was not present at the banquet…
B. DANIEL BEFORE THE OFFENDER…
1. Twice the king says “I have heard of you” – Daniel 5:13-16
a. It sounds as though the king knew him only by reputation
b. He evidently had not made much effort to know Daniel prior to this event
2. People in the world are not much different
a. They make little effort to get to know the people of God
b. But in times of sickness, trials, and death, where do they turn? To the church, of course
IV. THE INDICTMENT (Daniel 5:17-24)
A. DANIEL REJECTS THE KING’S REWARD…
1. At this point the character of Daniel really shines – Daniel 5:17
2. Unlike many, who teach only if given gifts (or “love offerings”)
3. Daniel gladly tells the true for free
B. DANIEL RECOUNTS A LESSON FROM HISTORY…
1. The lesson from Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream is recounted – Daniel 5:18-21
2. We would do well to learn from history
a. Those who ignore history, are doomed to repeat it
b. This is especially true with inspired history!
C. DANIEL REBUKES THE KING…
1. Belshazzar did not learn from his father’s experience – Daniel 5:22-24
a. He exalted himself, when he should have glorified God
b. This handwriting on the wall was sent
2. When will people learn from history?
a. Should we not learn from the pride of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus?
b. Should we not learn from the murmuring of the Israelites in the wilderness?
3. Indeed, inspired history was written for our learning! – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11
V. THE SENTENCE AND EXECUTION (Daniel 5:25-31)
A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL EXPLAINED…
1. What was meant by: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” – Daniel 5:25-28
a. Mene – God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it
b. Tekel – You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting
c. Peres (Upharsin) – Your kingdom has been divided, given to the Medes and Persians
d. The message of Daniel’s interpretation is that Belshazzar’s kingdom had been numbered for destruction. The king himself is weighed and found wanting. The kingdom was to be taken away and given to the Medes and the Persians.
B. A THIRD OF NOTHING…
1. Belshazzar is true to his promise – Daniel 5:29
2. But as we will soon see, what he gave Daniel was a “third of nothing”
C. “THIS NIGHT YOUR SOUL WILL BE REQUIRED OF YOU…”
1. How quickly the proud and boastful can fall, despite power and wealth – Daniel 5:30-31
a. Herodotus indicates that Babylon fell as a consequence of the diverting of the waters of the Euphrates, allowing the enemy to enter under the city walls
b. Other sources explain it as the result of treason and subterfuge from within, resulting in the opening of the gates to the conquering armies
2. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ story of the rich fool – Luke 12:15-21
a. Boasting one day
b. Dead the next
Conclusion
1. The announcement of doom in this story was provoked in part because…
a. The king misused and abused some pieces of metal
b. These pieces of metal were God’s pieces of metal
c. For such disregard of what belonged to God, a kingdom would be buried!
2. Remember that we are the temple of God today – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
a. If God did not view lightly the misuse of His vessels then…
b. Will He be casual about the impenitent abuse of His church today?
3. Just as He destroyed the one who defiled His temple of old, so He will destroy those who defile His temple (i.e., the church) today!
Let’s not wait for “The Hand Writing On The Wall” to tell us it is too late, that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final.
Let’s instead heed “The Hand That Wrote On The Ground” (i.e., Jesus, John 8:6, 8), while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 02:04-10 Salvation by Grace Through Faith
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Text: Ephesians 2:4-10
Introduction
1. In the previous lesson we saw our true condition outside of Christ:
a. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1
b. Walking with world and the devil – Ephesians 2:2
c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind – Ephesians 2:3
d. Truly we were “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath”!
2. At the close of the previous lesson, I asked, “How can such ‘sons of disobedience’ and ‘children of wrath’ ever become…”
a. “Holy and without blame”?
b. “Receive the adoption as sons”?
c. “Accepted” by God?
3. In the text for this study (Ephesians 2:4-10) we find our answer, where we learn that salvation by grace through faith involves many elements besides just grace and faith to begin with, salvation by grace through faith:
Body
I. INVOLVES THE “GREAT LOVE” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. THIS IS THE BEGINNING POINT OF SALVATION…
1. From this, all else flows
2. What mercy, grace, etc., that God shows mankind is founded upon the fact that God has a great love for us – cf. John 3:16
B. THIS LOVE IS NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT WHO GOD IS…
1. God did not love us because we were lovable, but because God is loving!
2. As John wrote in an effort to inspire his brethren to love one another, God is love, and that moved Him to offer His Son – 1 John 4:7-10
II. INVOLVES THE “RICH MERCY” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. DEFINING MERCY…
1. The word “eleos” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary as the outward manifestation of pity”
2. Mercy, then, is compassion that one has for those in trouble
B. GOD’S “GREAT LOVE” MAKES HIM “RICH IN MERCY”…
1. His great love for sinners enables God to be filled with compassion toward them
2. The riches of His mercy seek to reach out to all who will accept it – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9
III. INVOLVES BEING “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:5)
A. HERE IS WHERE “GRACE” REALLY ENTERS IN…
1. For notice that Paul says “WHEN we were dead…(God) made us alive”
2. While STILL “dead in trespasses” God has somehow made us alive together with Christ!
3. Though not fully explained in this passage how (and when) this happened, it occurred because of God’s “unmerited favor” (the definition of “grace”)
B. HOW (AND WHEN) WE WERE “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST” IS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE…
1. Especially in Colossians 2:11-13
2. Where we learn that it is in baptism…
a. We are buried with Christ and then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12; cf. Romans 6:3-6
b. We, who were “dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”, were thus “made alive together with Him (Christ)” – Colossians 2:13
c. Our trespasses were all forgiven – Colossians 2:13; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16
IV. INVOLVES BEING “RAISED UP TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:6-7)
A. WE SAW IN Ephesians 1:20
1. Where Christ was raised from the dead
2. And then was seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places
B. NOW WE LEARN FROM Ephesians 2:6-7
1. That we too are raised up and made to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places!
a. This speaks of our present condition in the “spiritual realm” (heavenly places)
b. Because of our union with Christ, we enjoy an exalted position together with Him
c. Which union serves as the basis for our wonderful spiritual blessings – cf. Ephesians 1:3
2. But our present condition, and the blessings it entails, are only the beginning!
a. There is more “in the ages to come”
b. There are “exceeding riches of His grace in kindness” yet to be shown in Christ Jesus!
V. INVOLVES “FAITH”, AND NOT MERITORIOUS WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A. SALVATION IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, BY “GRACE”…
1. Up to this point, Paul has said nothing about man’s part in the process of salvation
a. It was GOD’S mercy, love, and grace which made salvation possible
b. It was GOD’s working that made us alive, raised us up, made us sit together with Christ
2. Truly, salvation is…
a. “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”
1) Some understand this phrase to refer to “faith”
2) But I understand Paul to be referring to salvation
b. “not of works, lest anyone should boast”
1) We are not saved by works of merit, whereby we earn salvation
2) But as Paul told Titus “according to His mercy He saved us…” – Titus 3:5
B. NEVERTHELESS, SALVATION IS BY GRACE “THROUGH FAITH”…
1. “Faith”, together with the “working of God”, is how we were “raised with Christ” in baptism – cf. Colossians 2:12
2. In other words, it is an obedient faith that receives the salvation in Christ – cf. Hebrews 5:9
3. So when a person in faith is being baptized…
a. They are not “earning” their salvation
b. Rather, they are “receiving” their salvation which is by God’s grace and God’s working, for in baptism they are receiving Jesus Christ and all He accomplished by His death and resurrection! – cf. Galatians 3:27
VI. INVOLVES BEING “CREATED…FOR GOOD WORKS” (Ephesians 2:10)
A. IN CHRIST, WE ARE “HIS WORKMANSHIP”…
1. As Paul intimated in his discussion of baptism in Co 2:12 (“the working of God”)
2. Through God’s “working” in which He…
a. “made us alive”
b. “raised us up”
c. “made us sit together in the heavenly places”
d. we have truly become “a new creation”! – cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17
B. THE GOAL OF THIS “WORKMANSHIP”: CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS…
1. Though not saved by good works, we are to do good works!
2. God “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”
a. It is part of His predetermined plan
b. Not just to save, but to create a people diligent in good works! – cf. Titus 2:11-14
3. Therefore, the people of God should…
a. “be ready for every good work” – Titus 3:1
b. “be careful to maintain good works” – Titus 3:8
c. “learn to maintain good works” – Titus 3:14
Conclusion
1. So it is “by grace through faith” that…
a. “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”!
b. “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as sons” of God!
c. We can be “accepted” by God!
2. Because “Salvation By Grace Through Faith” involves:
a. God’s great love
b. God’s rich mercy
c. God making us alive together with Christ
d. God raising us up together with Christ to sit with Him in the heavenly places
e. An obedient faith that trusts in God’s workmanship, not one’s own works
f. A new creature that is diligent in doing good works to the glory of God
3. How can one receive this wonderful salvation? Let Jesus and His apostles show you the way, for it is when we in faith submit to the Lord’s command to be baptized that we enjoy the blessings of God’s love, mercy, and workmanship… – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 04:02-09 What Are You Doing with God’s Grace? – audio
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
(Presented at Willowbrook Christian Home on 8/19/2012)
Text: Ephesians 2:4-9
Introduction
Mercy
From God’s Word, we recognize that mercy is the forbearance, compassion, kindness shown by God from inflicting punishment for those who break the law.
In John 8:1-11 the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus taken in the act of adultery, and ask Jesus what would he do in light of the law of Moses. He asked a question that convicted them of their own sins and the woman was left uncondemned. Jesus said go and sin no more.
Through God’s mercy we are saved – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Grace
A companion of mercy is grace.
Grace means that which causes joy, pleasure, delight, charm, sweetness, and loveliness. This has come to signify the kindness of God toward man.
God’s unmerited favor saves mankind by providing a sufficient and perfect sacrifice to remit the sins of man, so that he can be reconciled to his God.
The Oracles of God declare we are saved by God’s grace through faith – Ephesians 2:4-8
It (grace) has appeared unto all men – Titus 2:11
The Benefits of God’s Grace are Accessed Through Faith
Through Faith
If you want to enjoy the benefits of the grace of God, such as eternal life with God, love, joy, and peace, you must access them through faith in God – Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1-2
Dead or Living?
The question you must ask yourself is your faith dead or alive?
A dead faith merely believes, but does not produce obedience to God. James 2:14-17 describes faith without works as dead. But a living faith is characterized by loving obedient actions towards God – James 1:22-25.
Living Faith
You can only benefit from the grace of God when you decide to be faithful and obedient to Him and live for Him – Hebrews 4:1-2
Plan of Salvation
- Hear the Word of God – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 3:15
- Believe in Jesus Christ – Hebrews 11:6
- Repent of past Sins – Luke 13:3
- Confess Jesus is the Son of God – Romans 10:9-10
- Baptized for the forgiveness of your Sins – Acts 2:38
- Daily Live Faithful for Jesus – Revelation 2:10
What Are You Doing with God’s Grace?
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
