Historical Posts
Locusts
Would locusts cause you to repent?
Locusts were the eighth plague that the LORD sent over the land of Egypt (Genesis 10:3-19). Pharaoh’s servants pleaded with him to allow Moses and Aaron to depart from them, but to no avail. It was described, “They were very severe; previously there had been no such locusts as they, nor shall there be such after them. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So there remained nothing green on the trees or on the plants of the field throughout all the land of Egypt (Genesis 10:14b-15).”
The prophet Amos wrote of a vision of the Lord God forming locusts at the beginning of the late crop, and they ate the grass of the land. Following this vision, Amos prayed that the Lord God would forgive those that sinned, and He relented (Amos 7:1-3).
Joel tells of the various locusts and the great destruction they may cause in the first two chapters of his book. As the second chapter concludes and the third chapter unfolds, Joel charges the people to repent for the Day of the Lord is coming (Joel 2:12-13; 3:14).
Pharaoh did not truly repent, even after the LORD brought the locusts. Amos knew that God would destroy those that would not repent, but was willing to forgive them. Joel knew that the Day of the Lord is coming, so he charged the people to repent!
Locusts were a good way to show God’s power, and give people a chance to repent. What would it take for us to consider the power of God, and to repent?
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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Heed the Warning
Heed the Warning from God
There are many kinds of warnings that are available to us in this world. A siren sounds when a tornado has been sighted. A horn blows before an accident is about to occur. An announcement is made when there is a certain amount of time left in the game. Sometimes people warn us that if we do a certain thing, we will suffer the consequences. But these are not the most important warnings.
As Paul was on his voyage to Rome, he knew very well that the increased winds and other factors meant that the voyage would end in disaster. In fact, he told those in charge of him, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives (Acts 27:10).” Sure enough, the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and owner of the ship than he was by Paul. As they continued on their journey, a storm arose and they had to lighten the ship, losing their cargo. Thankfully their lives were spared.
Just as they did not heed Paul’s warning from God, many do not heed God’s warning today. Historically, many prophets warned the people to repent or disaster would strike. Some listened, yet others did not, and we can see the consequenses. Today we must heed God’s warning and be obedient to Him, or else we will suffer eternal consequenses. Remember the words of the song, “Careless soul, o heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone; o how sad to face the judgment, unprepared to meet thy God.” Are you ready to face the judgment? Prepare yourself now. Heed the warning.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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How is Your Reflection?
Your reflection reveals you and shows where you need to improve.
We often look at our reflection. At times we may see ourselves reflected in water; other times we look in a mirror. Are you fully satisfied with what you see in your reflection, or do you need change? Do you need to fix or improve something in order to be satisfied with what you observe?
Proverbs 27:19: “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Your reflection reveals your heart.
James 1:23-25: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” Keep your reflection in mind.
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word truly reveals your reflection.
Putting the aforementioned verses together, we must look deep into ourselves. We must be honest with ourselves about what we see. Is the Word of God there? When we look deep into the word of God, do we see a description of ourselves? Does your reflection truly show the Word of God the way you want it to?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Sound Familiar?
Pay attention to the warnings form the past. They should sound familiar and we should learn from them.
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The warning should sound familiar. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and without a strong moral foundation, no nation can long survive. As I read Isaiah, I am struck by the similarities between that society and our own.
First, Isaiah described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape in the bottle. He wrote: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11). In a culture where alcohol and drug abuse have reached epidemic proportions, his words hauntingly sound familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. Misery is the companion of those who turn to drugs and alcohol.
Second, Israel had forgotten God. They would go into captivity because they had no knowledge of God (Isaiah 5:13). Today, parents do everything in their power to see that their children have the best toys, the latest fashions, the nicest houses, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Does this sound familiar? Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. Only in God can we find answers to the great questions of life. If God is left out, it matters little what kind of education we provide our children, for they will grow up spiritually ignorant and without meaning and purpose for their existence.
Third, he spoke of a nation with warped values. Good had become evil, and evil had become good (Isaiah 5:20). That surely does sound familiar. Many of those things which our parents and grandparents recognized as sinful are now embraced and endorsed by society. Adultery, abortion, homosexuality, gambling, and a number of other immoral and ungodly activities are no longer frowned upon. In fact, those who oppose these things are now the bad guys! Good is again evil, and evil is good.
It is not too late, yet, but soon it will be. It is imperative that we begin again to build a society on the moral and ethical foundations of God’s word. Unless we change directions soon, the America many of us know and love will no longer exist.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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50 Shades of Facebook
You may have missed this in the news cycle, but the social-media giant, Facebook, made an interesting announcement last week. In the midst of so much controversy about granting special rights and privileges to homosexuals in America, Facebook has added a new feature to the “about” section of everyone’s personal profiles. In addition to the gender distinctions “male” and “female,” it is now possible to list oneself as any one of fifty other possible choices. Options like “transgender,” “cisgender,” “gender fluid,” “intersex” and “neither” are now available to users in the United States. As CNN put it in an article on their web site, “You don’t have to be a man or a woman on Facebook anymore.”
In an explanation posted on Facebook’s “Diversity” page, a spokesperson said, “When you came to Facebook to connect with other people, causes, and organizations you care about, we want you to feel comfortable being your true, authentic self.” The post then added, “An important part of this is the expression of gender, especially when it extends beyond the definitions of just ‘male’ or ‘female,’… So today, we’re proud to offer a new custom gender option to help you express your own identity on Facebook.” Facebook says that it worked with a group of leading advocacy organizations to come up with the new gender categories. According to Allison Palmer, a former GLAAD vice president, who worked on the project, “Facebook users from across the country have been asking for the ability to reflect their gender accurately, and today Facebook showed they have been listening.”
In light of the moral confusion reigning in today’s society, it is not altogether shocking than an influential web site like Facebook would submit to pressure from militant homosexual advocacy groups. As a part of their ongoing struggle against reality, many such groups have sought to redefine universally recognized terms in order to skew the discussion in their favor. The promotion of gender confusion is a tactic that has served them well. It does not win them many battles in the present, but will assure victory for them in the future. By confusing children about the issue of gender, the homosexual movement in America hopes to recruit more of the next generation to its cause.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of parents demanding access for their elementary school age boys to the girls restrooms and vice versa, because they assert that their children are “confused” about their gender. In middle school and high school, gender confusion has led some boys to be granted special permission to compete in girls sports and vice versa. Some parents have even sought to have their children surgically altered, because of gender confusion. At a time when children are vulnerable and need their parents to guide them, some parents are being influenced by homosexual propaganda to feed their children’s insecurities, rather than to help them understand and interact with society at large. We are becoming a nation of “enablers,” as we celebrate and encourage homosexual behavior, instead of trying to correct it.
I know that this is a controversial thing to say, but homosexuality is condemned in the Bible – just as fornication, adultery, incest and transexuality are condemned as sin. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27; NKJV). Notice that Paul described homosexual behavior as “shameful.” Today, it is precisely the opposite of that. “Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The terms, “homosexuals” and “sodomites” are translated from a Greek term, which mean “submissive” and “dominant” homosexuals, respectively. Paul was anything but ambiguous in his condemnation of homosexual behavior.
I still have a profile on Facebook and I hope that I can use it to accomplish some good. The Internet, like other forms of media, can be used either to promote good or evil. It is up to us to decide which.
Content by Russell Kline
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Maybe They Are Born That Way?
Sin results from life choices, not because people are born that way.
Much has been reported lately about an effort that is being put forth to allow “transgender” students at Madisonville North Hopkins High School to use the restroom of the opposite sex, if they choose to do so. Furthermore, these students want their teachers to refer to them using the personal pronouns of their choosing. By “transgender,” I mean students who are convinced that they are actually not the gender with which they were born. They say that they are “a man trapped in a woman’s body,” or “a woman trapped in a man’s body”, that they are born that way. They suffer from what was once considered a psychological disorder, but instead of seeking treatment, they are trying to convince everyone else to support them in their delusion. In their effort to do so, they “crossdress” (girls dress as boys and boys dress as girls), “roleplay” (girls behave as boys and boys behave as girls), and attempt to gain legal standing from the authorities, as well as sympathy from the general public. This is what is taking place in our community, at our local high school.
The primary claim of those who suffer from transgender disorder is that they are born that way and cannot help being who they are. Like homosexuals, they claim that they are the way that they are as a result of some kind of genetic, or birth defect. For many years, the “LGBT” (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) community, as they have styled themselves, has argued that there must be a “gay gene,” which is responsible for their sexual orientation. But, in the course of mapping the human genome, a “gay gene” has never been found. Of course, if one was ever found, that would mean that parents, through genetic engineering, could ensure that their children would not be born that way, and the population of the LGBT community could be wiped out in a generation. Other theories have suggested that one becomes a homosexual through some abnormality that takes place during gestation, or even childbirth. It has been postulated that some boys are so bombarded by female hormones in their mother’s womb that they become “feminized” prior to birth. Of course, there is no actual science to back up this theory, but even if it were true, that would still make homosexuality an abnormality that can be prevented, and this theory does not account for women who are attracted to women.
The greatest problem with the so-called “science” of homosexuality is that the LGBT community uses it to try to explain why they are the way that they are, while at the same time trying to convince everyone that there is nothing wrong with them, and that they should be accepted as a normal part of society. In their failed attempts to explain homosexuality as natural and normal, they are forced to concede that it is both unnatural and abnormal. The truth of the matter is that people who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender are what they are because of the choices they have made in their lives, not because they are born that way. Like fornicators, adulterers, pedophiles and other sexual miscreants, their consciences have been seared to such a degree that they are convinced of their incapacity to change. This amplified degree of self-denial is what keeps them trapped in a lifestyle that is self-destructive for their bodies and for their souls.
Homosexuality is a sin. Both lesbians and gays are condemned, in the Scriptures, as sinners (Romans 1:26-27). Bi-sexuality is a sin. It is condemned by the same passages that condemn homosexuality. Being transgender is a sin. The Scriptures teach that men must dress and act like men, and that women must dress and act like women. Those men who are “effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind” are classified as “unrighteous” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). These behaviors have always been sinful, according to the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22-23; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17). Even in nature, it must be admitted that homosexual behavior is not normal behavior (1 Corinthians 11:14).
One fact in this debate, which is often overlooked is that it is possible for people in the LGBT community to get out, and to live a life that is free from sexual sin. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul wrote, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” On the heels of a condemnation of homosexuality, Paul declared that he knew people who had been in that lifestyle, but had changed their lives for the better. There are cases in the modern world of such successes. Members of the LGBT community have no excuse for failing to repent!
Content by Russell Kline
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Preaching to the Dead
Have you heard of preaching to the dead?
Huh? How can someone hear a sermon if they’re dead? If you have read this far, you must be thinking this by now. The answer is relatively simple: one who is dead physically cannot hear, but one who is spiritually dead can still hear and learn. The church in Sardis was described as follows: “…I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (Revelation 3:1).” The church in Sardis was encouraged to repent and hear the Spirit’s message to the churches (Revelation 3:3, 6).
There are many people today who are spiritually dead! Peter tells us that: “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1 Peter 4:5-6).”
God is ready to judge us all! If we have obeyed the gospel message and lived faithfully, we will enter into life; if we have not obeyed it, or lived unfaithfully, we will enter into damnation. This is why the gospel must be preached to those that are spiritually dead; they need a chance to live! In order to live, one must put to death the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:9, 13).
We must all believe and obey the gospel of Christ, “for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… (2 Corinthians 5:10)” Have you done so, or are you still spiritually dead?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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A New Man
The concept of being a new man has spiritual connotations.
“He started an exercise program a few months ago, and now he is a new man.” “He had by-pass surgery two years ago, and he’s been a new man ever since.” “Since he met her he’s a new man.” I’m sure you’ve heard those, or similar statements, many times. They reflect the change brought about in the life of an individual by some special act or set of circumstances. In each case the new man is better than the old. The concept also has spiritual connotations.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). It was also Paul who wrote, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When one becomes a Christian, he becomes a new man. The change should be evident to all. The old life with all of its sin and folly must be forgotten, and a new life, patterned after that of the Lord, must begin. We must rid ourselves of anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (to name a few), and in their place add compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:8-17). Our success in the Christian endeavor is measured by how well we conform to the life and example of our Lord.
Too many people want the benefits of Christianity without any of the responsibilities. Becoming a new man is not optional. When we believe, repent of our sins, and confess our faith in Christ, we must be baptized, buried with him that we might rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Have you become a new man?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Such Were Some of You
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Such WERE some of you… means there was a change.
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11
The “such” to which Paul refers is the list of ten sins in the two preceding verses (1 Corinthians 6:9-10): fornication, idolatry, adultery, effeminacy, homosexuality, thievery, covetousness, drunkenness, revilement, and extortion. Some were involved in those sins, but no more. Such were some of you.
The doctrine has recently reappeared (did it ever completely disappear?) that baptism makes an adulterous marriage suddenly sanctified. It has been oft-repeated, though wrongly, “You can make the Bible say anything you want it to say.” It has also been said that “a text out of context is a pretext.” Those who want to believe their own ways delude themselves in thinking that the Bible supports them.
Paul does not say here that sin is no longer sin because sinners became Christians. They were cleansed from sin, not in sin (compare 1 Corinthians 3:17; 6:18-20). The context of these verses is that Christians no longer think, speak and behave according to the philosophy and morality of the world (1 Corinthians 5:1; 9-11; 6:7; 15-17).
Sin is not cleaned up by obedience to the gospel; it is cleaned out. If you are still in the same sin to which you were bound before your baptism, where is the obedience to the gospel? Where is the change? How can it be said, such were some of you?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Can You See Yourself?
Can you see yourself in these parables?
A certain man who had two sons came to the first and said, “Son, go work in my vineyard.” The young man answered, “I will not,” but afterward repented and went. Then the second son was also commanded to go work in the vineyard. He said to his father, “Sir, I go,” but didn’t. Which one did the will of his father (Matthew 21:28-31)?
There is an important lesson in that parable. Jesus demands action, not just lip service! During his ministry He called attention to a statement Isaiah had made centuries earlier. The prophet had written, “…this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus applied the prophet’s statement to His own generation. Men were quick to profess faith, but it was not a life changing faith. Theirs was a religion of the lips and not of the heart. Like the young man in the parable, men were saying yes but meaning no! Such a religion lacks value.
Can you see yourself in the story Jesus told? Have you said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you,” but you have refused to obey His commands? Have you been baptized (Mark 16:16)? Are you a student of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15)? Do you live your religion daily (Philippians 1:27)? Or, are you merely offering lip service to the Lord?
Ironically, it seems that many are content to be the second son, saying yes to the Father’s demands, but unwilling to obey. Is that how you see yourself? I hope not. The Lord saw through that young man’s hypocrisy, and he will see through ours as well.
Which son are you? I hope not the second! If so, change the way you are and the way you see yourself. Say yes to Jesus, and then follow through.
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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Hebrews 10:22 – It is Good for Me to Draw Near to God – audio
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Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:27-28 KJV
Lesson Text: Hebrews 10:22
Introduction
A. In this message, it is my goal to encourage you to draw closer God that you might have a right relationship with God, instead of being alienated from Him – Psalm 34:18.
B. A broken heart, and a contrite heart are minds whom have allowed the Spirit of truth (to crush or bruise their spirit), to convict them of their sins with sorrowful remorse.
C. Discussion concerning Peter and his remorseful spirit – Matthew 26:75.
D. Many people fail to draw closer to God because they have an obscured view of God.
(1) Some have a transcendent only view of God as being far, distant, and uninvolved, due to God’s power and his infinite knowledge – Psalm 147:5.
(2) Others do not draw close to God because they blame him (God) for all the thorns and briars in their lives – James 1:17; John 10:10.
(3) A great number will not draw near to God because they have become friends of the world and enemies of the cross of Christ – James 4:4; Philippians 3:18-19.
a. It is always difficult to get close to someone whom you are at odds with!
E. It is good for me to draw closer to God:
(1) because it is through the sacrifice of Jesus, that I can be reunited with God and have everlasting life – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
(2) I can have my sins forgiven and be made whole through Jesus – Ephesians 1:3, 7.
Body
I. Let Us Draw Near with a True Heart in Full Assurance of Faith
A. One of the essentials of becoming a Christian and drawing closer to God is having a pure heart – Hebrews 10:22.
(1) This is a heart free from, or mixed with anything which defiles or contaminates the mind such as the sinful things of this world – Matthew 6:24; James 4:4.
(2) In Psalm 24:3-5, the word of the Lord describes the type of character who will dwell with the Lord – James 4:8.
a. This type of character, having a true heart, will require you to deny yourself and follow Jesus to gain the blessing of having a right relationship with God – Mark 8:34-38.
b. In (Matthew 19:16-22), the rich young ruler wanted eternal life but he fail to deny himself and follow Jesus.
B. We draw closer to God by having true heart in full assurance of faith in God – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6.
(1) This is a complete trusting in what God says is true, and acting on it by obeying God (You know what you know is right because God said it).
(2) Noah and Abram trusted God and obey Him and where blessed – Proverbs 3:5-10.
II. You Hearts Must be Sprinkled from an Evil Conscience and Washed in Pure Water
A. The Hebrew writer says to draw closer to God your hearts need to be sprinkled from an evil conscience (repentance) – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.
(1) In the Old Testament the blood of an animal was sprinkled by the priest on the altar to make atonement (Leviticus 1:1-9;1:10-13).
(2) In the New Testament your sins are made clean through the blood of the Lamb – Revelation 1:5-6.
B. To draw closer to God, we must recognize there is a barrier called sin keeping us separated from God.
(1) You and I can be brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ – Ephesians 2:13.
(2) We do this by having our bodies washed in pure water being baptized (immersed) into Jesus death, the place where His blood was shed – Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21.
Conclusion
A. If you are not a Christian, you can draw closer to Him by faith, repentance, and baptism – Acts 2:38.
B. If you are a Christians whom has drift far away from God, why not get closer to Him – James 4:7-10.
C. Now is the time to get closer to God because tomorrow is not promised.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
1 Corinthians 06:09-11 From Sinner to Saved – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Introduction
Last week we looked at how God views homosexuality. This is just one of many things that God does not approve of.
What if we are doing things that God does not approve of?
- Does He care?
- What must be done about it?
Consider what the Corinthians did, and the change they made (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Body
I. We must recognize that we are ALL sinners.
A. Every single one of us listening to this sermon was a sinner (Romans 3:23).
B. If we claim not to sin, then we are lying (1 John 1:8,10).
C. Because of our sin, we have been separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
II. We must recognize that God loves us.
A. Even though sin separates us from God, nothing separates us from the love of God (Romans 8:33-39).
B. God demonstrates His love for us by giving us His Son (John 3:16-17; 15:13-14; Luke 9:56).
C. Yes, while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-11).
D. Christ died for ALL of us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15), and His blood can cleanse ALL our sins, if we let Him (1 John 1:7).
E. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost (Matthew 18:11).
III. We must recognize God did His part; we must do ours!
A. We must have faith in Christ and what He did for us (Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6).
B. Our faith must work (James 2:17).
C. We must repent of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:8-12; Luke 13:3,5; 2 Peter 3:9).
D. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
E. We must be baptized in the blood of Christ to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
F. We must be raised to go and sin no more (Romans 6:1-7; 1 John 2:1-2) as the woman caught in adultery was told (John 8:10-12).
Conclusion
All of us are sinners, but God loves each and every one of us.
Do you love Him too? If so, you will become a Christian as He commands you (John 14:15).
Have your sins washed away, so you can receive everlasting life in Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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An Accurate Picture of Jesus
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 are 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.
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.
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! 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.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Making the Right Choice – audio
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Introduction
Have you ever been faced with a decision of two options, one having a reward now and consequence later, and the other one with consequence now and reward later?
For example, go into a restaurant and look at the menu. “If I eat junk food now, I’ll pay for it later; on the other hand, if I eat this salad that I don’t like, it will help me get healthier.”
Body
I. Text: Hebrews 11:24-26.
Moses had a choice to enjoy all the pleasures of Egypt, and could have even grown up to rule over it. Instead, he chose to suffer with the children of Israel.
Why? He “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Moses did make a mistake, though. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own brethren. When he learned the matter was known, he fled from Pharaoh (who sought to kill him) to Midian (Exodus 2:11-15).
II. Moses valued the reproach of Christ.
Moses understood what it meant to suffer. Even though it may be difficult to endure, it is well worth it for the cause of Christ. Later the Hebrew writer says, “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come (Hebrews 13:13-14).”
The apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).”
Paul also said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (1 Corinthians 12:10).”
Peter links the sufferings of Christ to the glories that would follow (1 Peter 1:11), and encourages Christians in this way: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified (1 Peter 4:14).”
III. The reward outweighs the sufferings.
As Moses understood, Paul explained: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).”
Just imagine how sin has its pleasures, yet eternal consequences.
The sufferings of Christ may seem like suffering, yet has eternal rewards.
Conclusion
We are faced with spiritual choices every day.
What will we decide – to enjoy something sinful and pay for it eternally, or stand up for Christ and enjoy eternity?
Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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What is the “Sin Unto Death”?
Many times, in the more than 20 years I have been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have been approached by people who were genuinely distraught, because they believed that they had committed a “sin unto death,” and that they could not possibly be forgiven for it.
They have convinced themselves that they have committed a sin so heinous… so perverse… so offensive to God that He will not possibly forgive them for it. They are beside themselves with grief over their spiritual situation, and they are looking to a preacher for answers. Is there a sin for which God will not forgive us?
What is the “sin unto death?” The Bible has the answers!
The Bible indicates that there is only one sin, which the Lord will not forgive. In Matthew 12, Jesus’ enemies whispered to others that He had the power to cast out demons only because He was in league with the Devil (Matthew 12:22-24). Christ responded to this accusation with a firm denial, and then pointed out that His enemies were putting their own souls in jeopardy by attributing the power of God to the Devil (Matthew 12:25-30).
Then, the Savior said this: “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (Matthew 12:31).
According to Thayer, the Greek word rendered, “blasphemy” in the text is one that literally refers to “speech injurious to another’s good name.” In the very next verse, Jesus added: “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matthew 12:32).
The Lord’s enemies had been slandering the Holy Spirit by attributing Jesus’ power to the Devil and not to divinity. We must be careful not to do the same thing today, lest we find ourselves in a similar position.
It is important to note that Jesus said, “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men.” that means that God will forgive us for even the sins that we consider the most serious.
Sexual sins… violent sins… deviant sins can all be forgiven, if only we will repent and obey the Lord’s instructions in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 1:15).
But if our contempt for the Holy Spirit is so great that we are willing to verbally slander Him, then we will not repent, we will not obey, and there remains no hope for us (Hebrews 6:4-6).
As for the “sin unto death,” that is a fairly simple concept. Such a sin is one that we take with us to our graves.
By definition, it is a sin of which we will not repent and for which we do not receive forgiveness; so we take it with us to our death beds (1 John 1:9). A classic example of a “sin unto death” is suicide. By definition, suicide is the murder of oneself. It renders the one who commits it incapable of repenting and being forgiven for his sins. Judas, for example, could have repented and gone back to the other apostles and been forgiven for his betrayal of the Son of God, but he sealed his own eternal destiny when he chose to end his own life (Acts 1:16-20).
That is why it is so important for Christians to keep sin out of their lives and to immediately repent and ask God for forgiveness when sin does get into their lives.
Christians who languish in unfaithfulness run the risk of being unprepared, when the hour of their departure from this world arrives (Matthew 25:1-13). We may not know the day or the hour in which the Lord shall return, or how much time is left until we reach the end of our own lives on Earth, but we cannot afford to assume that there is plenty of time for us to repent. We must make our hearts right with God right now—for we may not have another chance in
the future!
As long as we are alive, we can make things right with God.
Let us make our peace with Him while we still can, and carry none of our sins with us, when we enter into eternity!
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” – 1 John 5:16
Content by Russell Kline
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What’s New
A common greeting is, “what’s new?” Has anything changed since the last time you saw someone? If so, they may be eager to hear all that is in your world.
What if God asked you, “What’s new?” What would you say?
“Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 42:10)…” Have we changed our tune? Since becoming children of God, our whole outlook on life should be different.
God made the world, us, and everything and everyone else. All we do should give praise and glory to God! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).”
Next time you are asked, “What’s new?” you can simply say, “my life in Jesus Christ!”
Who knows, but maybe you can lead someone to a new life in Christ Jesus.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Are You Sorry?
It has often been said that the two hardest words to utter in the English language are “I’m sorry.”
We all make mistakes, yet it is difficult to admit when a mistake is made. It is also hard to help others realize when they make a mistake.
But, a true friend “loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).” Sometimes this must mean telling others that they are living in sin. Paul asked the Galatians, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth (Galatians 4:16)?” A true friend tells the truth, even when it is not popular.
Consider what happens when a person is told they made a mistake. The initial response may be disbelief and/or anger, but hopefully the attitude will turn to sorrow.
Is it wrong to make a person feel sorrow? Consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)…”
If we truly are sorry, we’ll repent! If we do not repent, we’ll perish (Luke 13:3,5). If we can help others to feel sorry in a godly way, leading to repentance, we can help to save many souls.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hosea and Gomer: A Living Lesson
Hosea was a prophet of the Lord who lived and worked in Israel—the northern kingdom, in the period of time when God’s people were divided into two kingdoms.
Israel was composed of ten tribes of the Hebrew people, who separated themselves from Judah and Simeon after the death of Kind Solomon (1 Kings 12). Their capital city was Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). The kings of Israel set up idols for the people to worship, so they would not go back to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was controlled by Judah (1 Kings 12:26-33). The kings of Israel did not rely upon God for protection, but made alliances with neighboring nations (Hosea 10:13). Because of Israel’s continued devotion to evil, God was going to punish the entire nation (Hosea 9:3).
It was Hosea’s job to warn the people of Israel about their impending doom, and to appeal to them to repent, before they would no longer be able to do so.
Hosea’s name means, “salvation” and that is the theme of his book. Even though the people of Israel did not deserve it, God was willing and eager to forgive them (Hosea 14:2-4). But, since they had earned it for themselves, God was also prepared to punish the people of Israel for their sins (Hosea 9:7; Romans 6:23). To explain his relationship with the Israelites, the Lord used Hosea’s marriage as a living lesson.
HOSEA AND GOMER GET MARRIED
The Lord told Hosea to marry a “daughter of the age,” which is generally understood to mean a woman who was typical of most women in Israel, at that time (Hosea 1:2). They added three children to their family: Jezreel, meaning “God Will Scatter,” was the first; Lo-ruhamah, meaning “No Mercy,” was the second; Lo-ammi, meaning “Not My People” was the third (Hosea 1:3-9).
It was not long, however, until Gomer violated her marriage vows and began to sell herself, as a prostitute (Hosea 2:2). Gomer’s betrayal of her husband’s love was just like Israel’s betrayal of God’s love. Just as Gomer sold herself, in prostitution, Israel had done the same by engaging in the worship of idols (Hosea 4:17). Gomer had committed adultery against her husband and Israel had committed spiritual adultery against the Lord.
As members of the Lord’s church, we are the bride of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32).
We are in the same position as Israel was, in ancient times (Galatians 6:16). Just as God expected faithfulness from Israel, He expects faithfulness from us (Revelation 2:10). When we sin against God, we are guilty of spiritual adultery, just like Israel. Imagine how you would feel, if you found out that your spouse was unfaithful to you. That is how God feels, when we are unfaithful to Him!
One interesting aspect of the relationship between Hosea and Gomer is that, even while Gomer was being unfaithful to Hosea, he still provided for her needs (Hosea 2:8). In a twist of irony, Gomer did not know that it was her husband who was looking out for her, and she gave the credit to her lovers (Hosea 2:5).
In like manner, God had provided for Israel’s needs, even while Israel was being unfaithful to Him. Like Gomer, Israel did not perceive what God was doing, and gave credit to the false gods with which they had committed spiritual adultery (Hosea 10:1). Just as Hosea was angry with his wife’s continued unfaithfulness, so God was angry with Israel’s continued unfaithfulness (Hosea 2:9-13).
Think about all of the good things that God provides for us, in our lives.
Even though so many of us frequently stray away from the path of righteousness, the Lord still takes care of our basic needs (Matthew 6:24-34). It is no wonder, then, that the anger of the Lord is kindled against those who turn their backs upon Him (Romans 1:32).
The end of the story of Hosea and Gomer is a happy one. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea for a very long time, but she eventually sunk so low, that her lovers put her up for sale (Hosea 3:2). But, Hosea loved Gomer and was willing to buy her back (Hosea 3:1). He would take his wife back home, but only if she would realize how much better off she was with him than with her lovers (Hosea 3:3).
Israel had reached a very low state in its spirituality (Hosea 4:6). Yet, God still loved Israel and was willing to forgive. Israel would have to go into a period of captivity, but when they learned that they are better off with God than with idols, they would be restored (Hosea 3:4,5).
No matter how low we may get in our own spirituality, God will never stop loving us (Hebrews 13:5).
When we realize that we are better off with God than without Him, the infinite mercy of the Lord shall provide us with a way of restoration (1 John 1:9).
Content by Russell Kline
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Life Is Not Fair!
How many times have you heard the expression, “life isn’t fair!”? Sometimes you may even agree with that yourself. We often wonder why bad things happen to good people, and vice versa.
The truth is, we are the ones that are not fair!
God said, “Is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair (Ezekiel 18:25&29)?”
God is not happy when we turn from His way.
In fact, He clearly says that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Those that are righteous will live; those that are wicked shall die. If one is righteous then turns wicked, he will die; but if a wicked person turns righteous he will live.
Therefore, God said “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit… For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies. Therefore turn and live (Ezekiel 18:28-29)!”
Our way is not fair, but God’s way is!
He commands us to “turn and live,” or to repent! Peter reminds us: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).” Even Jesus said, “…Unless you repent you will likewise perish (Luke 13:3,5).”
Let us turn from our way to God’s way! That is the fair thing to do!
Content by Richard Dillon
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