Historical Posts
Do You Know Where You Are Going?
If you ask the captain of a ship what his next destination is, he will tell you in one sentence. He knows where he is going, how he will get there, and how long it will take. On the other hand, suppose a ship left port without a captain and crew and with no aim or direction, what do you think the chances are that it would reach the desired port?
Which ship represents your life? What do you plan to do in the next year? What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years? What legacy will you leave?
The loudspeaker of the big jet clicked on and the captain’s voice announced in a clear, even tone: “Now there’s no cause for alarm but we felt you should know that for the last three hours we have been flying without the benefit of radio, compass, radar, or navigational beam. This means that we are, in the broad sense of the word, lost and not quite sure in which direction we are heading. However, on the brighter side of the picture, I’m sure you’ll be interested to know that we are making excellent time!”
Many people go through life making excellent time, but they have no idea where they are going.
To be successful, we need a single long range goal to unify life. Jesus said we needed a single eye (Matthew 6:22-24). Paul wanted the prize at the end of the race (Philippians 3:13-14). Without purpose we fail, but in Jesus Christ we find true purpose. His disciples are destined to live eternally. “This is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:25). He is the captain of our salvation, the rudder of our ship. In Him we find direction and purpose. Without Him we are alone and lost.
Do you know where you are going? Is Jesus leading the way? We can never overemphasize the importance and urgency of following Him!
- Do you believe that He was God’s only begotten Son (John 8:24)?
- Will you repent of your sins and be baptized (Acts 2:38)?
- Will you make Jesus the Lord of your life and the Savior of your soul?
Only in Him can you find real purpose for living and the promise of life beyond the grave!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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It’s Not Hopeless!
Every once in a while I encounter someone whose life is filled with guilt.
“God can’t love me anymore,” they argue. “I’ve been too wicked.” My heart goes out to these folks. They desperately want to rid themselves of their burden, but they see no hope. Unable to forgive themselves, they reason that God cannot forgive them either. But, there are no hopeless cases.
The apostle Paul argued that he was the worst of sinners, yet he obtained mercy (1 Timothy 1:15).
If God could forgive him, God could forgive anyone. What could be worse than what Paul had done before his conversion? He had consented to the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had dedicated himself to the task of eradicating Christianity from the earth. He could not imagine a crime against God or man more serious, yet, he wrote: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). If Paul could find forgiveness, then so can we.
There is hope.
Sin and guilt can be washed away, but there are specific steps which must be taken.
- We must understand our need for salvation. We are all sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).
- We must recognize Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins and man’s only Savior (Acts 4:12).
- We must act on our faith and repent of our sins (Luke 13:3).
- Repentance will be followed by a public confession of Jesus (Matthew 10:32, 33).
- Our confession will be followed by baptism for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).
At that point, rising up from the water of baptism, we become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old life and all of its sin is forgotten. We make a fresh start. Forgiven by God, we must forgive ourselves.
Guilt is one burden none of us have to bear.
There are no hopeless cases. God loves us, no matter what. He longs for our salvation.
But, will we come to Him? No one can answer that question for us. We must answer it ourselves.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Same Question, but Different Answers!
Is it possible to ask the same question to three different people, receive different answers from all three, and still each be correct? Think about it!
In Acts 2:37 Peter and the other apostles were asked: “What shall we do?” The import of the question was, “What must we do to be saved?” Peter’s response was: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Acts 9:6 Saul of Tarsus asked Jesus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Again, the intent was, “What must I do to be saved?” To Saul’s question Jesus responded, “Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” In Acts 16:30 a jailer asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). In each case the same question is asked, but the answers, though correct, are different. How can this be?
We can illustrate in the following way. Let us suppose that we are taking a trip from Marietta to Columbus. Let’s begin by asking someone in Marietta, “How far is it to Columbus?” Their answer would be about 100 miles. Suppose that we stop in Cambridge and ask, “How far is it to Columbus?” We have asked the same question, but this time the answer is about 60 miles. Now, let’s ask the same question in Zanesville. This time the answer is 40 miles. The identical question has been asked three times and three different but correct answers have been given. The explanation: Each time the question is asked, we have traveled a little further on our journey.
The same is true in regard to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The response depends on how far the individual has traveled, spiritually speaking. An examination of all the accounts of conversion in the books of Acts indicates that each convert followed the same path. They heard the gospel, believed what they heard, repented of their sins, confessed their faith, and were baptized. No exceptions are to be found in the text. The Lord requires the same of each of us.
How far have you traveled?
Do you believe?
Have you repented?
Have you confessed your faith?
Were you baptized?
These are our Lord’s demands, not ours!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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I Have A Part – audio
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God has done his part. Now we have to do ours – James 1:21-25
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Salvation Is Here
Have you ever been so excited about an upcoming event that you couldn’t sleep? Whether it’s a birthday party, graduation, wedding, vacation, holiday, or some other special occasion, there is a sense of excitement and mystery about it.
There was a time in which salvation was near. The LORD said, “My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed (Isaiah 56:1).” Imagine awaiting the day in which the LORD would give salvation to His people! Likewise, the apostle Paul said, “…for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).”
Friends, there is good news! Salvation is here! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. God has sent His Son Jesus, in whom salvation is found (Acts 4:12). Let us hear Him, believe Him, obey Him, live for Him, and share Him with others so salvation can be theirs too!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Partially Forgiven Christian? – audio
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Living in the past may make you feel only partially forgiven.
It’s a cliché, I know, but it became a cliché because it’s true: Don’t live in the past. When we do, we might feel like we are only partially forgiven.
Is that you? Are you beating yourself up over something you did years ago? Feeling partially forgiven because you can’t forgive yourself?
I think the apostle Paul struggled with his past.
In some of his letters he referred to his abuse of Christians years earlier in his life, before he became a Christian, calling himself the “worst” of sinners and the “least of the apostles” (1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9).
It bothered him. I’m guessing that every day of his life he saw in his mind the faces of some of the Christians he’d hurt.
Look forward instead of backward.
But he also recognized that those things no longer defined him.
Listen to what he says here:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 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.
(Philippians 3:12-14).
He wasn’t a boastful Christian. He knew he wasn’t where he wanted to be or even where he ought to be, and that led him to look in the right direction.
Ahead.
He strained forward and kept his eyes focused on the finish line.
Humanly speaking, of course, he couldn’t completely forget the past, but he disciplined himself to press on toward that “upward call.”
Maybe that’s what you need to hear today.
Thank God for fully forgiving you.
If you’re living every day with the guilt of the past, it’s holding you back. You think more about what you’ve done to hurt God than what he’s done to heal you.
Think about Paul’s words today.
Thank God for forgiving you and redeeming you and saving you.
Remember… when God does something, he does it right – and that includes forgiveness.
There’s no such thing as a partially forgiven Christian. Jesus paid the full price.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Isaiah 53:04-06 Jesus Bore it all that You Might Live – audio
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Text: Isaiah 53:4-6
Introduction
You and I have a great burden, load, or weight, something in which is very heavy, we can not bear alone.
This burden that needs lifted from our shoulders is the deadly weight of sin – 1 John 3:4
All of us have this weight on our shoulders – Romans 3:10, 23
Jesus bore all the weight of our sin on the cross that we might live. We stood condemned to die, but Jesus freely took our place that we might live – 1 Peter 2:24
Body
- Before Jesus went to the cross, He bore mockings of the solders whom stripped Him of His clothes and platted a crown of thorns on His head, saying “Hail King of the Jews – Matthew 27:27-31. Jesus, bore the physical pain and shame of crucifixion, He bore the cruel mockings of the Jews – Matthew 27:39-43. He also bore ridicule of one of the malefactors crucified with Him – Luke 23:39.
- Why did Jesus have to bear it all for the sins of the world? Because, almost all things, by the law, are purged by shedding blood – Hebrews 9:22. And that the animal sacrifices of the Law of Moses were not sufficient to take away sins – Hebrews 10:1-4. This is why Jesus offered himself once for the sins of the world because, He is the perfect sacrifice for sin – Hebrews 9:28.
- Jesus bore it all to break the chains/bonds of sin and to set the captives free. Jesus bore it all to conquer sin and death, so those that would believe and obey Jesus Christ would be saved – John 3:16.
- The Holy Spirit along with Jesus is pleading with you to come that you might live – Revelation 22:17.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Rescue the Perishing
Does God want anyone to perish?
He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
Will anyone perish with Christ?
Christ is the good shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. The sheep hear His voice and follow Him, and He gives them eternal life. Thus, they will never perish, nor will be snatched from His hand (John 10:27-29).
Can one Christian cause another to perish?
Paul taught the church at Corinth that we do have certain liberties in Christ; however, a liberty to one may cause a stumbling block to get in another’s way. Should this happen, Paul said it may cause one to perish! Therefore, for the sake of unity, we should never abuse liberty and hinder another (1 Corinthians 8:7-13; 1 Corinthians 1:10).
Can we cause ourselves to perish?
Certainly! All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)! Peter agrees that the unjust shall perish in their own corruption (2 Peter 2:9-14).
How does Christ help us not to perish?
God sent Jesus to the world, and whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)!
What can we do so that we may not perish?
First, we must believe in Him (John 3:16), and then we must do what He says. Jesus said we must repent, or else we will perish (Luke 13:3-5).
How can both work together?
God helps us triumph in Christ, and we proclaim our knowledge of Him by living faithfully. Therefore, others can see our example and be brought to Christ, thus avoiding eternal perishing (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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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
John 14:06 There Is Only One Way To Salvation
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Text: John 14:6
Introduction
- In John 14:6, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declares, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In Acts 4:12 and John 3:16, the Bible teaches salvation comes by no other name than Jesus.
- On June 24, 2008, The Columbus Dispatch, published on the front page an article entitled “U.S. Believers Open-Minded Most See Several Paths To Heaven” According to a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life 70% said that many religions-not just their own-can lead to eternal life.
- The world’s Burger King Religion (You Can Have It Your Way) will lead us to destruction. In Proverbs 14:12, the Word of God teaches the way that seems right to us will destroy us – Proverbs 16:2. The problem is we have abandoned the Bible and God’s commandments – Jeremiah 6:16; Acts 17:11.
Enter at the Door Because You Can’t Climb in Some Other Way
- Many will try to enter the sheepfold by a way God has not authorized, and will be prevented – John 10:1-2. You must enter the door of Jesus to be saved, because only He sacrificed His life that you might live – John 10:7-11; John 20:30-31
- There are two ways (2 doors) in which you can attempt to enter. One way goes where you want and will lead you to life, the other only leads to death. Your decision will primarily be based on whether you’re carnally or spiritually minded – Romans 8:5-8. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches many will choose the broad way of destruction, and few will choose the narrow way to life – Luke 13:24 and 1 Peter 3:20
- Religious groups and denominations are the wrong way because they replace the Word of God with their own traditions and doctrines of men. They’re trying to climb up into the kingdom by some other way – Mark 7:5-13; Matthew 7:21-23.
The One Way is the Church Jesus Purchased with His Blood
- In John 14:6, Jesus says “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one church, one body, that God has called us out of darkness into the Light of Christ – 1 Peter 2:9-10. The Bible teaches the church, the body of Christ is one – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18
- This is the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood – Acts 20:28. After Peter, confesses Jesus divinity, Jesus said I will build my church – Matthew 16:13-19. The church is Jesus Christ body where sinners can be added & reconciled to God in one body by the cross – Ephesians 2:13-16
- If you’ve been driving the wrong way, God wants you to turn to His Son Jesus Christ, that has made a way for you – John 8:36
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at the Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 7-12-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Luke 19:01-10 Jesus Seeks to Save the Lost
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(Jesus Came to Seek and to Save That Which Was Lost)
Text: Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture Reading: Luke 19:10
Introduction
- This morning I want to focus your attention on evangelism, the activity of Christians announcing the message of good news of the gospel of Christ to save mankind from sin – Isaiah 52:7.
- Before Jesus ascend to heaven, He gave us a great job to perform, we call it the great commission, teaching the world how the power of God can save man from his sins through the sacrifice of Christ – Matthew 28:19-20.
Before Zacchaeus Was Saved, Jesus Interacted With Him – Luke 19:5
- Christians must understand, that association, interaction, and communication with sinner’s is necessary to bring them the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus tells his opponents his purpose for eating with publicans & sinner’s was to call sinners to repentance.
- We sometimes have to overcome the fear of having close proximity or interactions with the undesirables of our society such as drug users, prostitutes, murderers, or sexual predators – 2 Timothy 1:7.
- (Luke 19:7) When the Jews, saw Jesus went to be a guest with a man that was a sinner, they murmured, made compliant. But they didn’t understand that Jesus was not associating with him to be likened to the character of the sinful practice of many publicans of the day, but He was trying to save Zacchaeus and his house – Luke 19:10. Note: [II Corinthians 6:14-18; Epesians 5:11, We must not to be united with unbelievers & theirs sins]
Zacchaeus Is Penitent and Made Restitution for His Sins – Luke 19:8-10
- It’s implied in our scriptural text, while Jesus was a guest in Zacchaeus house that he taught him he must repent of his sins to obtain salvation, which is consistent with the preaching ministry of Jesus – Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15.
- Repentance is being sorrowful of your sins which brings about a change of action in regard to sin – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. In Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus expresses his penitent heart over his sins by giving half his goods to the poor, and restoring anyone he wronged in his profession fourfold – Luke 13:3.
- Therefore, you and I must focus our goals in our lives at finding ways and avenues that will effectively communicate in the spirit of love the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ – Proverbs 11:30.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-23-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
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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Matthew 28:19-20 Why Teach The Lost? audio
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Text: Matthew 28:19-20
Introduction
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Thursday night, my family and I returned from Sevierville, TN where we attended Polishing the Pulpit.
- The elders, starting back with Tom and Eddie and not with John and Dan have graciously allowed me and my family to go for several years now.
- They do so at considerable expense to the congregation.
- Why?
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Brian Lawson just recently returned from a mission trip to Guyana, South America.
- He took two weeks away from his wonderful wife.
- It cost a considerable amount of money.
- He put himself physically in harm’s way.
- Why would he do this?
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Why do people devote their lives to saving the lost?
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More than that, why should each of us strive to save the lost?
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Motivation matters!
Body
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REASON ONE – BECAUSE I LOVE THE LORD.
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Isn’t He worthy of our love?
- John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
- Romans 5:8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 John 3:1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
- Ephesians 3:19. To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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His love for us leads us to love Him. 1 John 4:19. We love Him because He first loved us.
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Many will say, “Yes, I love the Lord.”
- Do you really?
- That statement has some consequences.
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If I love Him, I will obey Him.
- John 14:15. If you love Me, keep my commandments.
- 1 John 5:3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
- One of His commandments for us is to teach the lost. Matthew 28:19-20. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- 1 John 3:18. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
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REASON TWO – BECAUSE I WANT TO GLORIFY GOD.
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Mark 5:18-20.
And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.-
Think of this man’s condition before he met Jesus.
- He lived among the tombs.
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He was alone.
- He had no contact with family or friends.
- People undoubtedly avoided him at all costs.
- He was forced to do physical harm to himself.
- He probably felt as if he had no hope.
- Of all the different afflictions that tormented people during this time period, surely demon possession had to be the worse.
- Jesus had healed him. Mark 5:8. For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”
- Mark 5:20 is key. He departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him.
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If you had a horrible disease, and someone came along and took that disease away when no one else could…
- Wouldn’t you be incredibly grateful?
- Would you keep that to yourself or would you tell anyone who would listen?
- If you would do that for someone who cured a physical illness, why wouldn’t you do it for the One who saved you from spiritual death? Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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2 Kings 7:8-9
And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”- Sometimes, I fear that we act like these four lepers acted initially.
- They found a great bounty (Silver, gold, and clothing).
- Initially, they went and hid it for themselves.
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Sometimes, we are guilty of doing this with the gospel.
- We’ve received the forgiveness of our sins and, therefore, eternal life.
- We have all spiritual blessings in Christ.
- We have a wonderful extended family…
- And we want to keep it for ourselves.
- We need to realize, like the lepers, “This is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us.”
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Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Any good that we do, and that includes winning the lost to Christ, brings glory to God!
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Sometimes, especially with preachers, you find that they preach Christ to bring glory to their selves.
- Not so with Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:14-15.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them
- Jeremiah 45:1-5.
The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the instruction of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: ‘You said, “Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.”‘ “Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”‘”
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Let us be like Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 20:7-9. O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!” Because the word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
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REASON THREE – BECAUSE I LOVE THE LOST.
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If we love the Lord, we must learn to love what He loves.
- We have already demonstrated that He loves us more than we can fathom and that we, in turn, should love Him.
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In turn, we must love all men as He does.
- Matthew 22:39. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- We don’t have to approve of everyone’s actions, but we must love them.
- We can’t love God if we don’t love our brother. 1 John 4:20-21. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
- If we love men as God does, then we will want them to be saved as God does.
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Matthew 16:26. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
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Jesus says that one soul is worth more than the whole world!
- Zechariah 12:1. The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him:
- Ecclesiastes 12:7. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
- Think about it… when I, or you, bring one person to Christ, we have helped to save that which is more valuable than the earth itself!
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We need to see people as God does! Each soul is priceless.
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(Delivered on August 26, 2012 in Streetsboro)
Content by Ralph Price
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What Must I Give Up?
What did Paul give up?
Paul gave up his life as Saul, when he persecuted Christians and made havoc of the Lord’s church (Acts 7-9; Galatians 1:13-14).
What did the rich young ruler give up?
He was asked to sell everything to the poor, but went away sorrowful for he had great possessions. Sadly, he was not willing to give up anything (Matthew 19:16-22).
What did Jesus’ disciples give up?
As many were fishing when Jesus called them, they immediately left their nets to follow Him in order to be “fishers of men” (Mark 1:16-20).
What did Peter give up?
Peter had to give up many Jewish customs in order to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16, 28-29).
Should we give up our family?
We cannot love our family more than Jesus; otherwise we are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37-39). If they want us to do things contrary to the will of God, we “must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).”
What did some churches give up?
The Corinthians gave up all unrighteousness (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The Galatians gave up idolatry and many Jewish customs (Galatians 4). The Ephesians gave up the flesh and a time without Christ (Ephesians 2). The Colossians gave up the time when they were alienated from God and their wicked works (Colossians 1).
Should we give up ourselves?
Jesus said one must “deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24-25). Paul became dead to himself but alive unto Christ (Galatians 2:20). When one becomes a Christian, the old man is crucified and the body of sin is destroyed (Romans 6:6). No longer one serves the flesh, but the Spirit. The new man is put on and thus all things have become new (Colossians 2:11; 3:9-10). We must give up ourselves and alive to Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Threefold Nature of Salvation
Salvation has been offered to every man
God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). His desire for our salvation moved Him to give His Son for us, and in that gift He extended to every man an invitation to eternal life (John 3:16-17). But, God’s offer of pardon (salvation) may be rejected.
Salvation is acquired by man through obedience to Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9)
Those who say that man must do nothing to be saved beyond faith do not know what the Bible teaches. The words of Jesus are very clear: “…for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). “I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33-34). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). All of the preceding statements were from the lips of the Lord Himself. Each emphasized a different aspect of obedience. Faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are man’s response to God’s offer. Thus, salvation is acquired by man when he meets the conditions set forth by God. Sadly, many want to omit one or more of those conditions. To do so places one’s soul in jeopardy. God has extended the offer, and He alone has the right to set the terms!
Once salvation is acquired, it must be maintained.
The idea that once a man is saved he can never do anything to be lost did not originate with God. Jesus said: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). For our salvation to be maintained we must “walk in the light, as he is in the light” and in so doing, “we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). If we accept God’s offer and obey His Son, but then turn away from Him, we will be lost.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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What Then…
The day of the Lord will come like a thief
Peter wrote: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:8-10).
Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933), commenting on the words of Peter, observed: “With God one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day, which is to say that there is no calendar and no timepiece in the divine experience, no aging, no getting away from the beginning, nor approaching toward the end.” We, however, are time bound creatures. We are born. We age. We die. It is unavoidable, inescapable, absolutely certain. The time of our death is unknown, but the reality of it is undeniable (Hebrews 9:27).
Yes, God is eternal, but we are not
He has always been, and He will always be. We, on the other hand, are different. We had a beginning. We were born into this world, and we will someday be taken out of it. Yet, we are destined for an eternity of our choice. God’s desire is our salvation. He longs for us to be with Him, but He will not force Himself upon us. He yearns for all men to come to a knowledge of the truth that they might be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The depth of His desire is demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16).
Life is all about choosing
No clear thinking man would choose to be lost eternally, but we operate under the false premise that we will always have tomorrow to prepare. If the Bible teaches one thing with absolute certainty about life, it is the uncertainty of it all. Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow may never come, today is all we have. If we fail to use it, we may never get another chance.
When it’s over, what then?
When it’s over, and that day is coming for all of us, what awaits on the other side. For Christians there is nothing frightening, foreboding, or final about the grave. “For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Do you have that hope, and if not, would you like to have it? Remember, the clock is ticking, time is running out, eternity is just around the corner. What then?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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We Can Be Sure!
Jesus is not fantasy or fiction
“Once upon a time in a land far, far away…” may be an appropriate introduction to a fairy tale, but not to the life of Christ. The story of Jesus is not fantasy, and it is not fiction. It is fact! Luke’s gospel begins with these words: “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).
I know that Jesus lived, died, and rose the third day
It is not speculation, wishful thinking, or blind faith upon which I make that statement, but the facts concerning his life and death! Faith rests on the testimony of eyewitnesses (1 John 1:1-4). Peter stated it plainly when he wrote: “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).
Not done in a corner
In Paul’s defense of Christianity before Agrippa, regarding the death and resurrection of Christ, he said: “This thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). His ministry had been public, his miracles open to close scrutiny, his death a public spectacle, and his resurrection a verifiable fact! Not one valid charge can be leveled against the New Testament record. There had been no deception, and no effort was made to exclude the multitudes from a close examination of all that he taught and did. There was no misrepresentation, and no scandal to mar the record. We can have the utmost confidence in the biblical narrative.
Will we accept the facts?
There is not one valid reason for a man to reject the truthfulness of the Bible concerning Christ, or any other matter. “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12), do you?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Luke 24:01-24 The Resurrection of Christ
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Text: Luke 24:1-24.
Introduction
- On March 4, the Discovery Channel aired a documentary entitled “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.”
- This film was directed by Simcha Jacobovici and produced by James Cameron.
- This documentary focuses on a tomb that was discovered in 1980 near Jerusalem.
- The thrust of the documentary is that this tomb could contain the remains of Jesus of Nazareth.
- Tonight, we will discuss the arguments set forth by the documentary and see if they are valid.
- This morning we are going to discuss the Biblical account of what happened to Jesus after His death.
Body
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Why is it such a big deal?
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If Jesus did not rise from the dead then He was either a liar or a lunatic.
- Matthew 16:21
- John 14:1-4
- John 16:7
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The resurrection fulfills prophecy.
- Genesis 3:14-15
- Daniel 7:13-14.
- If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, Satan would win.
- 1 Corinthians 15:17.
- Without the resurrection, Jesus is not the Son of God. Romans 1:1-4
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The reality of the resurrection.
- When proving the resurrection is a reality to one who does not believe, we must go to the historical evidence and there is an abundance of it.
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There are several facts that are granted by both believer and infidel.
- Both grant that a man named Jesus lived.
- Both grant that he rose to great heights of prominence, particularly among the common people.
- Both grant that he suffered the crucifixi0n of the Roman Cross, and was thought to be dead when he was taken from the cross.
- Both grant that his body was buried in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea.
- Both grant that a great stone was laid at the mouth of the tomb.
- Both grant that the seal of the Roman Governor was affixed thereto.
- Both grant that a Roman guard consisting from fifteen to sixty men was stationed about the tomb.
- Both grant that sometime after the third morning the body of Jesus disappeared.
- Both grant that his disciples came to believe with unshakable confidence that their Lord had been raised from the tomb by the power of God.
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A battle rages over what happened to the body of Christ.
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Some say that Jesus never really died.
- Imagine the torture he had been through on the cross.
- Then he would have to move the stone.
- Then he would have to get by 15 to 60 guards in this weakened condition.
- Furthermore, the Roman soldiers were confident that he was dead. John 19:31,37
- It was against Roman law to remove a body from the cross until the death of the person was obvious and certain.
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Some say the body was removed by Jesus’ enemies.
- No motive!
- Jesus body was right where they wanted it to be. Matthew 27:62-66
- They claimed the disciples stole it. Matthew 28:11-15
- They could have produced Christ’s body and destroyed Christianity forever.
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Some say the disciples moved the body.
- This is what the Roman guards said.
- How did they know the disciples took it if they were asleep.
- They should have been put to death under Roman Law but they were not.
- Maybe one guard could have fell asleep but all 15-60?
- Why would the apostles be willing to die for a cause that they knew to be a lie?
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Some believe that Jesus was raised by the power of God.
- This is the only other alternative.
- The body of Christ was raised by the power of God.
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In regard to options 2 & 3…
- These two arguments are especially relevant to the Lost Tomb of Jesus documentary.
- If Jesus had a family tomb in Jerusalem, it would have been known.
- Christianity would have failed right out of the starting blocks.
- But it didn’t.
- This is perhaps the most devastating argument against the whole Jesus family tomb theory.
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The Resurrection Requires a Response.
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One might respond by unbelief.
- Like the Sadducees. Matthew 22:23.
- They didn’t believe in the general resurrection or the resurrection of Christ.
- Many still believe this despite the evidence.
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One might be converted.
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Conclusion
- The resurrection of Christ truly is the crowning miracle of Christianity!
- Once one sees that the resurrection is a reality, all other miracles must be accepted.
- The resurrection was also required.
- The resurrection also requires a response. How will you respond?
- Offer Invitation.
(Delivered on: March 11, 2007. Streetsboro)
Content by Ralph Price
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Ephesians 02:04-10 Salvation by Grace Through Faith
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Text: Ephesians 2:4-10
Introduction
1. In the previous lesson we saw our true condition outside of Christ:
a. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1
b. Walking with world and the devil – Ephesians 2:2
c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind – Ephesians 2:3
d. Truly we were “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath”!
2. At the close of the previous lesson, I asked, “How can such ‘sons of disobedience’ and ‘children of wrath’ ever become…”
a. “Holy and without blame”?
b. “Receive the adoption as sons”?
c. “Accepted” by God?
3. In the text for this study (Ephesians 2:4-10) we find our answer, where we learn that salvation by grace through faith involves many elements besides just grace and faith to begin with, salvation by grace through faith:
Body
I. INVOLVES THE “GREAT LOVE” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. THIS IS THE BEGINNING POINT OF SALVATION…
1. From this, all else flows
2. What mercy, grace, etc., that God shows mankind is founded upon the fact that God has a great love for us – cf. John 3:16
B. THIS LOVE IS NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT WHO GOD IS…
1. God did not love us because we were lovable, but because God is loving!
2. As John wrote in an effort to inspire his brethren to love one another, God is love, and that moved Him to offer His Son – 1 John 4:7-10
II. INVOLVES THE “RICH MERCY” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. DEFINING MERCY…
1. The word “eleos” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary as the outward manifestation of pity”
2. Mercy, then, is compassion that one has for those in trouble
B. GOD’S “GREAT LOVE” MAKES HIM “RICH IN MERCY”…
1. His great love for sinners enables God to be filled with compassion toward them
2. The riches of His mercy seek to reach out to all who will accept it – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9
III. INVOLVES BEING “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:5)
A. HERE IS WHERE “GRACE” REALLY ENTERS IN…
1. For notice that Paul says “WHEN we were dead…(God) made us alive”
2. While STILL “dead in trespasses” God has somehow made us alive together with Christ!
3. Though not fully explained in this passage how (and when) this happened, it occurred because of God’s “unmerited favor” (the definition of “grace”)
B. HOW (AND WHEN) WE WERE “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST” IS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE…
1. Especially in Colossians 2:11-13
2. Where we learn that it is in baptism…
a. We are buried with Christ and then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12; cf. Romans 6:3-6
b. We, who were “dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”, were thus “made alive together with Him (Christ)” – Colossians 2:13
c. Our trespasses were all forgiven – Colossians 2:13; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16
IV. INVOLVES BEING “RAISED UP TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:6-7)
A. WE SAW IN Ephesians 1:20
1. Where Christ was raised from the dead
2. And then was seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places
B. NOW WE LEARN FROM Ephesians 2:6-7
1. That we too are raised up and made to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places!
a. This speaks of our present condition in the “spiritual realm” (heavenly places)
b. Because of our union with Christ, we enjoy an exalted position together with Him
c. Which union serves as the basis for our wonderful spiritual blessings – cf. Ephesians 1:3
2. But our present condition, and the blessings it entails, are only the beginning!
a. There is more “in the ages to come”
b. There are “exceeding riches of His grace in kindness” yet to be shown in Christ Jesus!
V. INVOLVES “FAITH”, AND NOT MERITORIOUS WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A. SALVATION IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, BY “GRACE”…
1. Up to this point, Paul has said nothing about man’s part in the process of salvation
a. It was GOD’S mercy, love, and grace which made salvation possible
b. It was GOD’s working that made us alive, raised us up, made us sit together with Christ
2. Truly, salvation is…
a. “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”
1) Some understand this phrase to refer to “faith”
2) But I understand Paul to be referring to salvation
b. “not of works, lest anyone should boast”
1) We are not saved by works of merit, whereby we earn salvation
2) But as Paul told Titus “according to His mercy He saved us…” – Titus 3:5
B. NEVERTHELESS, SALVATION IS BY GRACE “THROUGH FAITH”…
1. “Faith”, together with the “working of God”, is how we were “raised with Christ” in baptism – cf. Colossians 2:12
2. In other words, it is an obedient faith that receives the salvation in Christ – cf. Hebrews 5:9
3. So when a person in faith is being baptized…
a. They are not “earning” their salvation
b. Rather, they are “receiving” their salvation which is by God’s grace and God’s working, for in baptism they are receiving Jesus Christ and all He accomplished by His death and resurrection! – cf. Galatians 3:27
VI. INVOLVES BEING “CREATED…FOR GOOD WORKS” (Ephesians 2:10)
A. IN CHRIST, WE ARE “HIS WORKMANSHIP”…
1. As Paul intimated in his discussion of baptism in Co 2:12 (“the working of God”)
2. Through God’s “working” in which He…
a. “made us alive”
b. “raised us up”
c. “made us sit together in the heavenly places”
d. we have truly become “a new creation”! – cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17
B. THE GOAL OF THIS “WORKMANSHIP”: CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS…
1. Though not saved by good works, we are to do good works!
2. God “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”
a. It is part of His predetermined plan
b. Not just to save, but to create a people diligent in good works! – cf. Titus 2:11-14
3. Therefore, the people of God should…
a. “be ready for every good work” – Titus 3:1
b. “be careful to maintain good works” – Titus 3:8
c. “learn to maintain good works” – Titus 3:14
Conclusion
1. So it is “by grace through faith” that…
a. “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”!
b. “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as sons” of God!
c. We can be “accepted” by God!
2. Because “Salvation By Grace Through Faith” involves:
a. God’s great love
b. God’s rich mercy
c. God making us alive together with Christ
d. God raising us up together with Christ to sit with Him in the heavenly places
e. An obedient faith that trusts in God’s workmanship, not one’s own works
f. A new creature that is diligent in doing good works to the glory of God
3. How can one receive this wonderful salvation? Let Jesus and His apostles show you the way, for it is when we in faith submit to the Lord’s command to be baptized that we enjoy the blessings of God’s love, mercy, and workmanship… – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:06-14, 26-29 Who Are the Heirs of Abraham?
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Text: Galatians 3:6-14, 26-29
Introduction
1. Abraham is a key figure in three of the world’s great religions
a. He is the ancestor of the Jews (Hebrews) through his son Isaac
b. Muslims regard him as the ancestor of the Arabs through Ishmael
c. Christians regard him as their spiritual father through Christ – Galatians 3:29
d. Such is truly consistent with the meaning of his name, “father of many” – Genesis 17:5
2. Central to the importance of Abraham are the promises God made to him
a. The land promise – Genesis 12:1, 7; 13:15-17
b. The nation promise – Genesis 12:2; 13:16; 17:6; 18:18
c. The seed promise – Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14
d. The fulfillment of these promises to Abraham is the theme of the Bible
3. The Bible reveals that God fulfilled these promises
a. The nation promise – via the descendants of Israel – Genesis 46:3
b. The land promise – in the days of Joshua and in the days of Solomon – Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14-15; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Chronicles 9:26
c. The seed promise – with the coming of Christ – Acts 3:25-26
4. In the early church, there were evidently some who sought to limit the seed promise
a. To those who were physical descendants of Abraham
b. Or Gentile Christians who were circumcised and kept the Law – cf. Acts 15:1,5
Body
I. THOSE WHO ARE OF FAITH
A. THEY ARE THE SONS OF ABRAHAM.
1. Just as Abraham believed God – Galatians 3:6
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
b. Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness – Genesis 15:6
2. Indeed, only those of faith are sons of Abraham – Galatians 3:7
a. This is what the seed promise had reference to – Galatians 3:8
b. It is those of faith who are blessed with believing Abraham – Galatians 3:9
3. Those who have the same kind of faith as Abraham
a. To do the works of Abraham – cf. John 8:39
b. Willing to “walk in the steps of the faith” which Abraham had – Romans 4:11-12
c. I.e., to have an obedient faith like he did – Hebrews 11:8-10
B. NOT THOSE WHO ARE OF THE WORKS OF THE LAW
1. That is, those who seek to be justified by the Law of Moses
a. As many in Israel were seeking to do – cf. Romans 9:31-32
b. They sought to establish their own righteousness – Romans 10:1-13
2. For they are under the curse of the Law – Galatians 3:10
a. The Law cursed those who did not confirm (keep) it – Deuteronomy 27:26
b. The Law also proclaimed all men to be sinners – Romans 3:10-20
3. They are not justified by the works of the Law – Galatians 3:11-12
a. As the Law itself foretold – Habakkuk 2:4
b. The Law required perfect obedience, which none could offer – Leviticus 18:5
4. It is through faith like Abraham’s that one becomes an heir of Abraham. Those who seek salvation through the works of the Law are not his true descendants. But it is more than simply faith; it is faith in the right Person.
II. THOSE WHOM CHRIST HAS REDEEMED
A. THEY ARE REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
1. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law
a. He became a curse for us by dying on the tree – Galatians 3:13
b. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree – 1 Peter 2:24
2. Thus He offers redemption
a. From every lawless deed – Titus 2:14
b. Through His blood, providing the forgiveness of sins – Ephesians 1:7
B. THEY ARE RECIPIENTS OF THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM
1. Even Gentiles, in Christ Jesus – Galatians 3:14
a. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“all the families of the earth”) – Genesis 12:3
b. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“in your seed”) – Genesis 22:16; Galatians 3:16
2. They have received the promise of the Spirit – Galatians 3:14
a. The Spirit Jesus promised to those who believe- cf. John 7:37-39
b. Which Paul reminded the Galatians they had received through faith – cf. Galatians 3:2
3. The heirs of Abraham are those who have been redeemed by Christ and made recipients of the blessing promised to Abraham (which included receiving the Spirit). Closely connected to this is Paul’s point at the end of the chapter (Galatians 3:26-29), that the true heirs of Abraham are:
III. THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME SONS OF GOD
A. THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS
1. We become sons of God through faith in Christ – Galatians 3:26
a. Faith in Jesus as the Messiah – John 8:24; 6:69
b. Believing that He died for our sins – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
c. Faith in His resurrection from the dead – Romans 10:9
2. A privilege offered to those who believe in Jesus – cf. John 1:12
a. Those who believe are given the right to become children of God
b. How their faith leads them to become children of God is explained in Galatians 3:27
B. THROUGH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST
1. We become sons of God through faith, through our baptism into Christ Galatians 3:27
a. Note carefully the conjunction “for”
b. Paul explains how they became children of God by faith in Christ
c. It was when they put Christ on in baptism
2. For in baptism one is buried with Christ, crucified with Christ, and raised to live with Him – Romans 6:3-8
a. In baptism we are united with Christ
b. In baptism we are thus “clothed” with Christ (put Him on)
Conclusion
1. Who, then, are the heirs of Abraham, heirs of the promise made regarding his seed?
a. Those who are of faith, walking in the steps of faith like Abraham did
b. Those whom Christ has redeemed, recipients of the promise of the Spirit
c. Those who have become sons of God through faith in Christ, having clothed themselves with Christ in baptism
2. The heirs of Abraham regarding the seed promise are not those
a. Who claim to be so because of their lineage through Isaac or Ishmael
b. Who seek salvation through keeping the Law of Moses
3. Rather, as aptly summarized in the words of Paul himself:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:28-29
4. Are you in Christ, having been baptized into Christ and in so doing “put on Christ”? If so, then you are blessed to be a true heir of Abraham according to the promise…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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