Historical Posts
It’s Not Just Love – audio
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Colossians 2:1-3
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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A Little Bird Told Me
Have you ever been surprised when somebody fond out something you said or did, even though you thought no one else knew? When asked how they knew, their response usually is: “A little bird told me.” Obviously a bird cannot talk in English, but word gets around somehow!
One day Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. After looking around and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day, two Hebrew men were fighting and Moses approached them. One of them asked, “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-14)?” Perhaps a little bird told him.
Believe it or not, this saying is Bible-based! “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter (Ecclesiastes 10:20).”
What might a little bird tell on us?
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Want!
IT… may very well be the most powerful life changing force you can harness… knowing what you want and where you are going.
Being focused on a goal or objective is extremely powerful. It can help you overcome weaknesses and make dramatic improvements… in health, in your mind, and most importantly… in your spirit.
The key to really powerful goals, of course, is making them both meaningful and specific. But tonight I do not want to discuss forming positive goals. Right now, it’s about setting negative goals.
What do I mean by setting negative goals?
It is just as important to set negative goals, it is to set positive ones. In other words, you need to define what you DON’T want in your life… just as much as you need to define what you do want.
Perhaps it would be a helpful exercise to actually make a list of all the things you absolutely, positively, unflinchingly want to eliminate from your life.
Is this a biblical concept?
Absolutely.
Jesus taught… in graphic, figurative language… that amputation is better than destruction – Matt. 18:8-9
Paul wrote to the Christians at Philippi: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ” – Phil. 3:13-14.
And then this interesting passage: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ” – Heb. 12:1
You see, we need to amputate, forget about, and lay aside the negative things in our life that prevent us from attaining the prize set before us. But you can’t take remedial, surgical action if you don’t know what needs to be eliminated.
What needs lopping off?
So what in your life needs a hatchet? I’m sure if we spent enough time really meditating on this, each of us could come up with a long list… if we are honest. May I suggest three areas you might want to start with?
Here they are:
- Habits
- Attitudes
- Distractions.
Habits are the routines you’ve gotten into that help you get through the day or respond to events… without thinking. Some habits are good and healthy. Others, not so much. Identify habits that need to go.
Attitudes are feelings about people, places, things, and events. Again, some attitudes are healthy, others are harmful. Make a list of the feelings you have for people and things in your life that need to be eliminated. But please, keep this private. This list is for your own personal development, not for posting on Facebook.
Not every negative feeling needs to be eliminated. Some negative feelings are justifiable. But even when a negative attitude is justifiable, it is still possible that it is unworthy of your time and energy.
Other attitudes and feelings are simply self-indulgent, emotional wrecking balls. If you cannot control your attitudes, then eliminate your exposure to the source. Take control of how you are affected by others. Controlling your emotions is BIG.
Finally, think about distractions that are preventing you from working toward your goals. I think this is one of the most effective tools Satan uses to create crippled Christians.
We are hamstrung and strung out on so many meaningless distractions. Sometimes it seems that if we have any measurable progress at all, it is at a snail’s pace.
Learn to eliminate distraction and its source in your life, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” – Eph. 5:16. You will likely see dramatic improvements in your life.
Yes, accentuate the positive, but also remember to eliminate the negative.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Salvation Comes From Obeying God’s Truth
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(Eternal salvation comes from God only by obeying the truth)
Introduction
- The source of man’s eternal salvation is Jesus Christ – Hebrews 5:8-9. Since God showered His love upon us, by giving us a perfect substitute sacrifice, for ours sins – John 3:16.
- God has provided the means by which man can be saved (Grace) – Ephesians 2:4-5. But man must be willing to obey Jesus for their eternal salvation – Matthew 7:21. Obedience means that man must also continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain their eternal salvation – John 8:31-32. Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation, by departing from the faith and returning to disobedience – Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
- There is a false doctrine rooted in Calvinism, called “Perseverance Of The Saints”, that erroneously asserts the impossibility of apostasy; the unconditional security of the believer in Jesus Christ. Also called once saved always saved. Therefore, let us make sure we are abiding in the true doctrine of Christ that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son – 2 John 9-11.
Eternal Salvation is Made Available to All by God’s Grace
- It is through God’s love and mercy that He has prepared a way, through Jesus, that all sinners might avoid the wages of sin (Death) and be saved – John 1:17. This favor bestowed upon us without merit on our part is God’s wonderful grace – 1 John 3:1.
- In Titus 2:11-14, the Bible emphatically teaches the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everybody. This does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that all humanity has the opportunity to access the benefits of God’s grace through His divine plan of redemption (By faith) – Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
- Before one can access the blessings of God’s grace, one must be first taught of God through His Word – John 6:45. God’s grace is not dispensed apart from instruction (Teaching) and obedience of His Word (Taught religion). Once this is done, it produces faith – Romans 10:17.
Eternal Salvation is Conditional Based of Your Faithfulness
- To have eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God. Faith in God will require you to obey the works of obedience which God has commanded – James 2:17-24. If you do not do these things you will not be saved. These are condition required for salvation – Mark 16:16.
- God admonishes repeatedly to overcome all things, that we might obtain the crown of life that He, the Lord, will give us – 1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21-22. In 2 Peter 1:5-11, it is clear a Christian must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (We access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make their calling and election sure.
- If an individual disciple of Christ stops being faithful to God, they have departed from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1. They need to repent of the sins that caused them to depart from the faith to be reconciled back to God – 1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:1. In Acts 8:12-13, 18-24, Simon had been baptized and erred from the truth and was then admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Colossians 03:01-17 Conforming Your Life to Christ
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Text: Colossians 3:1-17 – Scripture Reading: Romans 6:4-14
Introduction
- Conform – “to fashion, shape, outline, and contour, change one thing to bring into harmony or accordance to another.”
- If you’re a true Christian, you’re setting your eyes, mind, body, and soul on the things that are above (Spiritual, eternal) where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God – Colossians 3:1-4.
- Christians must conform to Christ, and put off their sins. Sin makes them look like and sound like, conform to, the devil instead of Jesus Christ. To conform your life to Christ, you must cut off and destroy the works of the devil which is sin – Colossians 3:5-10. When you’re in Christ, the old man of sin is dead, and a new man is raised to life with Christ – Romans 6:4-7.
Conform Your Life to Christ, the Holy Spirit Must Capture Your Mind
- You will not conform your life to Christ unless the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, convicts your mind of sin to the point where you desire to surrender all to Jesus Christ – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why not allow the power of the Word of God to convict you and your sin that you might change and be conformed to Christ – Hebrews 4:12.
- To conform your life to Christ, you must not disregard the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 simply says, “Quench not the Spirit”. In 2 Samuel Chapter 11 David King of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, was guilty of quenching the Spirit when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, and murder her husband Uriah.
- To be conformed, shaped, or changed to Christ, you must have the mind of Jesus Christ, which is the mind to humble yourself and to serve God instead of your own ambitions – Philippians 2:5-8. Your mind needs to be renewed by Jesus Christ and not be conformed to the world. To conform to Christ, your love for yourself and the world must be diminished and eliminated – 1 John 2:15-17.
One the Holy Spirit has Engage Your Mind, You Must Take Action
- The action that you must take to conform your life to Christ involves getting ride of sins out of your life – Matthew 5:29-30. For example, if you’re accustomed to spending $40 a week playing the numbers you will need to take action to eliminate the sin of covetousness out of your life – Colossians 3:5-10. Therefore, repentance is necessary to conform your life to Christ – Luke 13:3.
- To conform your life to Christ you must separate from evil associations that will lead you away from God – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. This is why God told Israel to not marry into foreign nations whom are idolatrous, because they will be lead away from following God (Deuteronomy 7). We can learn from Solomon because his wives lead him away from following God – 1 Kings 11:1-10.
- To conform your life to Christ there are some things that you must learn to put off, and some things to put on you so that your life can be conformed to Christ. You must put off the old man and sinful practices and put on the new man of truth and holiness – Ephesians 4:21-32.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
1 Peter 02:09-10 Out of Darkness Into Light
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Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Introduction
- There is sin everywhere and the world is lying in wickedness – 1 John 5:19. The world outside of Christ, is dead in trespasses and sins. They’re walking aimlessly in darkness toward destruction. This is why you need to step out of darkness and death and into the light of Jesus because He has made us alive through God’s grace – Ephesians 2:1-5.
- Jesus came to earth to heal the brokenhearted, to send the message of deliverance to the captives that they might be free, and to recover the sight of the blind that they would see and obey the truth of God – Acts 26:16-18. Jesus came to deliver us out of darkness in his marvelous light – 1 Peter 2:9-10.
Why Must You Step Out of Darkness?
- You must step of darkness because it will cause you to stumble and go in the wrong direction – John 11:9-10. Men and women do not have the ability to direct their own way successfully – Jeremiah 10:23. The Word will guide you – Psalm 119:105. You should step out of darkness, because in darkness, Satan blinds you and keeps you from seeing and obeying the only Truth that can save you – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
- It is necessary to step out of darkness because remaining in darkness will lead you to hating your brother instead of walking in the light of love – 1 John 2:9-11. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness – Romans 13:11-14.
- It is imperative that you step out of darkness and into light of Jesus because if you do not believe in Jesus, you will be eternally separated from God – John 8:24. In John 3:36, the Spirit of truth confirms, you will not have everlasting life with God, if you do not believe in Jesus. You will spend eternity wailing and gnashing your teeth in outer darkness, if you continue to walk in darkness – Mathew 13:40-42.
Why should You Walk into the Light of Jesus Christ?
- You should walk into the light of Jesus to get out of darkness, because Jesus came into the world to be the light of the world – John 8:12. And since Jesus is the light, those whom are unbelieving, and walking in darkness are condemned.
- Do know why people hate Christians? They hate the light because Jesus exposes who they are – John 3:18-21. In John 1:5 the Bible declares “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.“
- You must step into the light of Jesus because by the power of God you can overcome sin and darkness through Jesus. In Colossians 1:12-14, the Sword of the Spirit declares God has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. We must abide in Jesus so darkness will not abide in us – John 12:46.
- Therefore, let those of us that were in darkness make sure we continue to walk as children of light – Ephesians 5:8-11. If you are lost walking in darkness, why not make the decision to walk in the pathway of light, right now?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Jonah 01:01-17 Are You Running From God?
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Text: Jonah 1:1-17 – Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-14
Introduction
- In life, a number of us may have the tendency to run away from following God’s commandments and precepts. In (Romans 13:1) God instructs us to be subject to the higher powers (Rulers, government, etc.). In (Matthew 5:44), Jesus teaches us to love, bless and pray for our enemies. In (Ephesians 5:22-25), God says husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. In (Matthew 28:19-20), Christians are charged with teaching the gospel of Christ to the world.
- For some reason, we have conceived in our hearts that we can get away with, running away from God and not performing our duty to God without God punishing us for it. In (Genesis 3:1-21), we find Adam and Eve trying to hide themselves (In the trees of the garden) from the presence of the Lord.
Why Do We Flee in Disobedience When God Commands Us?
- In Jonah 1:1-2, God commands Jonah the prophet to cry against, or preach repentance, to the city of Nineveh because of their sin. The question, we must ask ourselves is, what type of reasoning or thought process in Jonah’s mind lead him to flee from the presence of the Lord and disobey God?
- Jonah, had an improper attitude toward God and His will. We know this to be true because when God delivered him from the fish’s belly (Jonah 2) and commanded him to preach to Nineveh, the response to Jonah’s preaching was the people repented with sackcloth so that God changed His mind about what He thought to punish them with (Jonah 3). Now the natural response to this should be joy – Luke 15:10. But Jonah’s response was the opposite, he was displeased and angry – Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:1-3.
- This is why it’s important to learn how to make our will conform to God’s will. This means we must submit ourselves totally to God. Peter, and the disciples of Jesus learned this lesson in Matthew 16:21-24. Our attitude needs to be like Jesus attitude when he prayed in the garden, “… nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39).
God is Merciful Concerning Our Disobedience If We Return to Him
- When Jonah, disobeyed God, God did not write him off, He was patient and merciful to him. And caused events to happen in his life to help him understand it’s best to obey God – Psalm 103:8.
- Even after Jonah preached to Nineveh and after they repented, after God changed His mind about the punishment he thought to do to them. And after Jonah was angry with God for saving them, God extended his patience and mercy to him in trying to get him to understand he should not be angry, using the illustration of the gourd – Jonah 4:4-11.
- When we disobey God, or run away from Him, He has a way of turning us around to see the need for us to do what He has said. Let us be encouraged and stop running from God as Jonah did because, God has provided us His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God raised Him up to life conquering sin in the flesh. Why not come to Him today in obedience?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Resulting in Reformation of Life
Repentance prompts us to drive sin away.
Repentance does not just change our perception of sin, but it also prompts us to take the necessary steps to drive sin completely away from our lives. The Greek word that is translated, “be converted,” in Acts 3:19 conveys the idea of turning around, or changing the direction of one’s life. Real Biblical repentance must be accompanied by evidence of substantive changes in our behavior (Luke 3:8).
Get rid of all the spiritually negative things.
When we repent, we must turn away from sin. That means that we must get rid of all the spiritually negative things in our lives, which are constantly tempting us to sin. It may mean that we must stop watching certain TV shows and movies, or that we must stop listening to certain songs, or reading certain books. It may mean that we must stop spending the majority of our time with certain friends and family members who are a bad influence on us (1 Corinthians 15:33). It may mean that we must look for a new job, or a new place to live, so we can get away from evil influences (2 Peter 2:8). This may be a painful process, like plucking out an eye, or cutting off a hand (Matthew 5:29-30), but it is necessary to take such drastic measures, in order to secure our salvation.
If possible, make restitution for the sinful things we have done.
When we repent, we must also be willing make restitution for the sinful things we have done, if it is possible to do so. Under the Law of Moses, restitution was required of everyone who stole, or destroyed other people’s property, as well as those who caused injury or death of another person (Deuteronomy 19:21). This is one of the basic principles of repentance. If a man were to steal another man’s car, and then decided that he wanted to repent of what he had done, he would have to give the car back to its rightful owner. If a liar wants to repent of what he has done, then he must tell the truth.
Some people do not want to give up what got them into trouble.
This is really just a matter of common sense, but it is also what stops many people from repenting. In some cases, people simply do not want to give up what got them into trouble in the first place. People who fail to fully repent are certain to go back to their old sinful habits (2 Peter 2:20-22).
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Content by Russell Kline
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Brought About by Godly Sorrow
“I’m Sorry”
People say, “I’m sorry” all the time, but with varying degrees of meaning. Some say it to express sorrow for having been caught in wrongdoing. Next time, these people will be more carful, so they do not get caught. Some say it with no expression of meaning, at all. They are merely saying what they believe others want to hear, in order to appease them. Then, there are those who say it as an expression of deep and meaningful sorrow for the wrongs they have done. This is “godly sorrow.”
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow will prompt us to fully repent.
In 2 Corinthians 7:10, “godly sorrow” is said to be the underlying cause of repentance. It is the kind of sorrow that Jesus indicated we must feel as we “mourn” for our sins (Matthew 5:4). It is the kind of sorrow Peter felt, as he “wept bitterly” over having denied the Lord (Luke 22:62). It is the only kind of sorrow, which will prompt us to repent – fully repent – of all our sins (Acts 17:30).
Worldly sorrow hardens the heart.
The text in 2 Corinthians 7:10 also mentions “the sorrow of the world,” which is said to be the underlying cause of spiritual “death” (Romans 6:23a). This is the kind of sorrow that Pharaoh expressed, as he hardened his heart against the Lord (Exodus 9:27-28, 35). It is the kind of sorrow that Judas expressed, when he tried to give back the silver he earned, when he betrayed Jesus Christ to His enemies (Matthew 27:3-5). Worldly sorrow does not result is repentance. It hardens the hearts of men and women, until the message of the gospel no longer has any effect upon them (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Has the sorrow of the world hardened your heart to the love of God?
If so, open it up to the gospel and let God’s love into your life!
Resulting in a Reformation of Life…
Content by Russell Kline
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Repentance Requires A Change of Mind
Repentance may be many things.
In all the years that you’ve been going to church, you have been told that you need to “repent” of your sins. But, do you know what it really means to “repent?” Whenever I ask people what they think repentance is, in a Bible study, or just in casual conversation, I typically get a variety of responses. Some might say that repentance is when you feel sorry for your sins. Others may say that repentance is when you stop sinning and start living right. Still, others say that repentance is when you stop loving sin and start loving the Lord. All of these responses are correct—for repentance is many things and every one of them is an important part of getting on the right path in life.
Repentance requires a change of mind.
The fact that repentance is a change of mind is seen in the definition of the Greek word, which is translated, “repent,” in our Bibles. Metanoew (meta-noeo) appears, in one form or another, scores of times in the New Testament. The root meaning of the word is “to change one’s mind” (according to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament). It is used as such in the parable of the man with two sons, in Matthew 21:28-30. In the parable, the man asks both of his sons to go and work in his vineyard. One says, “No,” but then reconsiders and goes to do the work. The other says, “Yes,” but then fails to go. Concerning the first son, the Lord used these words, “but afterward he repented, and went.” That young man changed his mind, illustrating perfectly the fact that repentance is a change of mind.
Only understanding of the truth about sin can bring true repentance.
In order to experience the change of mind that is part of true repentance, it is necessary for one to learn the truth about sin. Sin is deceitful (Hebrews 3:13). It promises us satisfaction and fulfillment, but it leaves us empty and burdened with consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). The Word of God tells us everything we need to know about sin, so we may develop a healthy loathing for it. As the psalmist has written: “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). If we will open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of the Lord, we can learn the truth about sin, and about the change that must take place in our minds, in order to repent of it.
God wants every human being to repent (2 Peter 3:9). But, in order for us to do that, we must learn what repentance really is. Let us look to the Word of the Lord for understanding.
…but afterward he repented, and went. – Matthew 21:29
Brought about by Godly Sorrow…
Content by Russell Kline
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Decision Tree – Repent of Sin
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
You have heard God’s Word, believed it, confessed Jesus as the Christ, yet your sin continues to separate from God. But, will your understanding of your participation in sin lead you to have a Godly sorrow, that moves you to repent, which is giving up your sinful actions (2 Corinthians 7:10)?
Will you repent of your sin?
- Refuse to repent and continue to enjoy the temporary pleasure of sin (Hebrews 11:25).
- Be moved to action by Godly sorrow and repent, turning away from your sinful activities.
More about repenting:
What Does Jesus Require of You
Conforming Your Life to Christ
Resulting in Reformation of Life
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Being Baptized – How Do I Know I’m Ready? – audio
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Introduction
1. “How do I know when I’m ready to be baptized?”
2. I appreciate this question!
3. All too often, I am afraid that we are guilty of simply telling people that they need to be baptized and not really explaining to them that baptism is merely a part of God’s plan to save man.
4. The one who asks this question realizes:
a. That baptism is important.
b. That baptism is not something to be done on a whim.
c. That one needs to be PREPARED to be baptized.
5. How do we know when we are ready?
6. All of the preparation is mental.
Body
YOU ARE READY TO BE BAPTIZED WHEN…
I. YOU UNDERSTAND SIN AND IT’S CONSEQUENCES…
A. A question to ask someone who says that they want to be baptized…
1. “If you were to die right now, before you were baptized, would you go to heaven or hell?”
2. If the person answers that they believe that they would go to heaven, then that person does not yet understand sin or the purpose of baptism.
B. Before one is a scriptural candidate for baptism, he must realize that he is lost!
1. One must understand what sin is.
a) All mankind lives under God’s Law.
Galatians 6:2. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
b) Sin is lawlessness or disobeying God’s law.
1 John 3:4. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
c) There are sins of commission, omission, and ignorance.
2. Sin separates a person from God.
a) Genesis 2:17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
b) Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
c) Isaiah 59:1-2. Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
C. Unremitted sin will cause us to be eternally separated from God.
1. Revelation 14:11-13. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
2. Revelation 20:13-15. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
And…
II. YOU UNDERSTAND WHO JESUS WAS…
A. There has always been confusion and disagreement on the identity of Jesus.
Matthew 16:13-16. When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
B. Without a proper understanding of who Jesus was, one can not be scripturally baptized.
C. Our salvation depends, in part, on our perception of Jesus.
John 8:23-24. And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
1. What does it mean t believe that Jesus is the “I AM.”
2. If we acknowledge Jesus as the “I AM” we:
a) Are acknowledging Him as part of the Godhead.
Exodus 3:14. And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
b) Are acknowledging His pre-existence.
John 8:56-58. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
c) Are acknowledging His authority.
Matthew 28:18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
D. Belief alone is not sufficient to save.
James 2:19. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
And…
III. YOU UNDERSTAND REPENTANCE…
A. Repentance is also necessary to salvation. Luke 13:3. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
B. But what is repentance?
1. Examples of repentance
Matthew 21:28-31. “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2. Repentance is a change in mind (brought on by godly sorrow) that leads to a change in action.
C. People must be willing to repent of sin in their lives before they are ready to be baptized.
1. If one is a thief, he must quit being a thief.
2. If one is a liar, he must quit being a liar.
3. If one is an adulterer, he must quit being an adulterer.
And…
IV. YOU UNDERSTAND CONFESSION…
A. Jesus says we must confess Him before men.
Matthew 10:32. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
B. Paul said that confession is made to salvation.
Romans 10:9-10. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
C. It is called the good confession.
1 Timothy 6:12-13. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate
1. The confession that Jesus made before Pilate was that He was the Son of God.
2. John 18:36-37. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
D. Without this confession, one is not ready to be baptized.
Acts 8:36-37. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
And…
V. YOU UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM.
A. Without a proper understanding of the purpose, baptism is useless.
B. What is the purpose of baptism?
1. Remission of sins.
Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Washes away sins.
Acts 22:16. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
3. Saves us.
1 Peter 3:21. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
4. Puts us into Christ.
Galatians 3:27. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
5. Puts us into the body.
1 Corinthians 12:13. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—
Conclusion
1. When are you ready to be baptized?
2. When you understand sin and its consequences in your life.
3. When you understand who Jesus was and what He did for you.
4. When you are willing to repent of sin in your life.
5. When you are willing to confess Jesus.
6. When you understand the purpose of baptism.
Delivered on: December 18, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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The High Cost of the Low Life
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34)
The high cost of sin is evident all around us
There is hardly a family that has remained untouched by the stigma of divorce. Modern sexual immorality will lead to the birth of thousands of illegitimate babies this year, while a million others will be murdered by abortion. Venereal disease is rampant, and homosexuality is not only tolerated, but even advocated by some as an acceptable lifestyle. Alcoholism is a real problem for millions of Americans of all ages. Drug abuse is a national disgrace. Crime statistics are ever climbing. The “good life” for many is really the “low life,” and the low life always has a high cost. The “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
We can not play with sin
We are only kidding ourselves when we think we can play with sin and not suffer its consequences. A long time ago Moses warned the Israelites, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). The low life always has a high price, though we may not realize it at the time. Tragically, the cost for some becomes intolerable (Matthew 27:3-5). No one can escape the consequences of low living for ever. A day of reckoning will come (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). Jesus offers an alternative to the low life. He offers His disciples the “abundant life” (John 10:10). Let’s dispel the myth once and for all that one can’t be a Christian and enjoy life too. Actually, you can’t really enjoy life and live it to its fullest apart from Christ. True, as a Christian we have to turn our backs on the momentary pleasure of sin (Hebrews 11:24-25), but we’re also turning our backs on the wretched consequences of sin as well. And, the consequences are always greater than the fleeting moments of pleasure sin offers! We can escape the high cost of the low life, but only by living by the Lord’s standards and not our own.
What ails us individually and as a nation is SIN.
Jesus Christ provides the only remedy.
It is our job as the church to model discipleship every day by a good example, and to proclaim the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. The world needs to see and hear the transforming power of Jesus in the lives of genuine disciples.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Micah 06:06-08 What Does Jesus Require of You? audio
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Text: Micah 6:6-8
Introduction
1. The prophet Micah raises and answers a question – Micah 6:6-8
a. What does the Lord require of you?
b. To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God
2. In this lesson, I would like to rephrase and answer the question
a. What does Jesus require of you?
b. Letting the words of Jesus Himself to answer
Body
I. TO REPENT OF SIN – Luke 24:46-47
A. THE COMMAND TO REPENT OF SIN
1. Was proclaimed by Jesus during His ministry – Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3,5
2. Was preached by His apostles as they fulfilled His commission – Acts 3:19; 17:30-31
3. Jesus clearly requires people to repent!
B. WHAT IT MEANS TO REPENT
1. Repent: primarily, to change one’s mind – BDAG
2. To change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness – Louw Nida
3. A decision prompted by godly sorrow for one’s sins – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
4. A decision demonstrated by fervent change in conduct – 2 Corinthians 7:11
5. Have you expressed godly sorrow for your sin, with a fervent desire to change?
II. TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED – MK 16:15-16
A. THE COMMAND TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED
1. The command to believe is foundational to the gospel message-Jn 3:16; 8:24; 20:30-31
2. Likewise the command to be baptized – Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16
3. Jesus clearly requires people to believe and be baptized!
B. WHAT IT MEANS TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED
1. To place your faith in Jesus, that He died for your sins – John 1:29
2. To place your faith in God, that in baptism He will raise you together with Christ, having forgiven you of your sins – Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 6:3-7
3. Consider the example of the Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:35-38
4. Have you placed your trust in Jesus, dying with Him to sin in baptism and rising with Him from baptism to a new life?
III. TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLE – Matthew 28:18-20
A. THE COMMAND TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLE
1. Was expressed earlier as a tender invitation – Matthew 11:28-30
2. Begins with the act of baptism mentioned before – Matthew 28:19
3. Jesus clearly requires people to become His disciples!
B. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HIS DISCIPLE
1. Disciple: one who engages in learning through instruction from another, pupil, apprentice – BDAG
2. A disciple fully trained will be like his teacher – Luke 6:40
3. It requires abiding in Jesus’ words, loving one another, bearing fruit – John 8:31; 13:35
4. It requires denying self, forsaking all – Luke 14:26,33
5. Have you made the commitment to follow and learn from Jesus as His disciple?
IV. TO BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH – Revelation 2:10
A. THE COMMAND TO BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH
1. Is necessary because Jesus knew some would fall away – Luke 8:13-14
2. Is necessary because one can develop a heart of unbelief – Hebrews 3:12-14
3. Jesus clearly requires people to remain faithful as His disciples!
B. WHAT IT MEANS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL
1. To retain our “first love” – Revelation 2:4
2. To reject all false doctrines – Revelation 2:14-15
3. To maintain our zeal for the Lord – Revelation 3:15-16
4. Have you maintained that initial love and zeal you had when you became a Christian?
V. TO REPENT IF NECESSARY
A. THE NEED TO REPENT AS CHRISTIANS
1. Repeated by Jesus time and again – Revelation 2:5,16; 3:3,19
2. Expressed by Paul writing to the church at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Corinth”>Corinth</a> – 2 Corinthians 12:20-21
3. Jesus clearly requires His disciples to repent when necessary!
B. WHAT IT MEANS TO REPENT
1. What we said before: a decision prompted by godly sorrow, demonstrated by fervent change
2. For the Christian it includes prayer, confessing one’s sin – Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9
3. If your faith and service ever wavered, have you repented with fervent zeal?
Conclusion
1. In our lesson we have come full circle (repent-repent).
a. Jesus wants every lost soul to repent and obey the gospel in faith and baptism
b. Jesus wants every wayward disciple to repent and be zealous in their service to Him
2. Have you done what Jesus requires of you…?
a. If you need to repent and obey the gospel, let us assist you!
b. If you need to repent and return to the Lord, let us pray with you!
3. Surely the salvation of your soul and committed discipleship is what Jesus requires of you today…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Decision Tree – Repent and Pray
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
When we earnestly continue walking with Christ, he will forgive us should we sin (1 John 1:6-7).
Observe the instruction Peter gave to Simon in Acts 8:9-25.
- We know Simon believed and became a Christian when he was baptized in Acts 8:13.
- Then, he was overcome with temptation and sinned in Acts 8:18-19.
- Peter rebuked Simon for his sin in Acts 8:20-21.
- Then came the instruction on how to deal with this sin in Acts 8:22-23.
Simon responded with Godly sorrow, repenting and asking for prayer in Acts 8:24.
We have seen that God knows that as a Christian, we will not live perfectly, and He has prepared for that. We should expect that we will fail at times and not allow our imperfections to destroy us! Instead, failure should lead us to follow His Word by repenting and praying for forgiveness.
How will you address sin as a Christian?
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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