Historical Posts
No Big Deal
Do you remember the story of Kelly Flinn? If not, Kelly Flinn was the Air Force’s first female B-52 pilot. She was the “poster woman” for women in the military, but her career came to a crashing halt when the news broke of her impending court-martial for:
- Adultery
- Lying
- Failure to obey orders.
In an effort to avoid court-martial, Flinn sought and received a general discharge from the Air Force.
Some thought she got off too easy.
They believed she should have been court-martialed. Others argued that she was unfairly singled out because she was a woman. And, many on both sides seemed to think that too big a deal had been made out of her adultery. There were calls from many to rewrite the standards regarding sexual conduct.
It was a sad commentary on the state of morality in our nation.
Far too many people in this nation were neither bothered nor troubled by what she did. Adultery, lying, and insubordination are relatively minor things, they argued. Everybody does it! Why pick on poor Kelly Flinn?
This cavalier attitude toward morality is the result of decades of indoctrination in:
- Evolution
- Atheism
- Agnosticism
- Humanism
In the minds of many people, there simply are no moral standards any more.
Anything goes. Who are we to say that anything is necessarily right or wrong? This thinking reaches into the highest levels of government and the media. I am grateful the Air Force understood the difference between right and wrong, but I can’t help but wonder if that would still be true today. So many things which were once acknowledged to be sinful are now openly embraced, including adultery, homosexuality, abortion, and gambling, to cite just a few examples.
Right and wrong are not arbitrary issues.
The Bible offer clear guidelines from the Creator as to acceptable and unacceptable conduct. We all suffer when those rules are ignored.
Isaiah wrote: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). We would do well to heed his warning.
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Ephesians 05:01-13 Unfruitful Works of Darkness – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:1-13
Introduction
A. Before one obeyed the Gospel of the Christ
1. He was separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. lost in sin – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3. In a state of spiritual darkness – Ephesians 2:1-2; 5:8
B. Jesus came to this sin-darkened world “to seek and to save” the lost – Luke 19:10
C. Those who follow Jesus do not live in darkness – Acts 26:16-18.
Body
I. HOW DOES ONE TURN TO THE LIGHT WHO IS SEPARATED FROM GOD, LOST IN SIN, AND IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS?
A. Every alien sinner is called by the Gospel of Jesus Christ – 2 Thessalonians 2:14
B. When one hears, believes, and obeys that Gospel, something takes place.
1. Colossians 1:13
2. 1 Peter 2:9
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
4. Romans 13:12
5. 1 John 1:6-7
C. All these things being true, it is no wonder that Paul would exhort the Ephesians – Ephesians 5:11
II. APPLICATION OF EPHESIANS 5:11
A. In the context Ephesians 5:11 applies to the immoral practices in which the phrase is found; But it is not limited to its immediate context of Ephesians 5.
B. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
C. 1 Timothy 5:22
D. Matthew 7:17-20
E. THINK! Is Jesus merely talking about trees and the fruits they produce, or is he using this figure to illustrate the fact that false teachers and others producing the “unfruitful works of darkness” are actually evil?
1. By their fruits we shall know that they are corrupt.
2. In order for a good tree and evil tree to have fellowship, they would have to be producing fruit together.
3. Herein lies the problem. Can a good tree, a tree of light, produce “unfruitful works of darkness”? NO!
4. If a good tree cannot produce “unfruitful works of darkness,” how is it possible for it to be in fellowship with the kind of tree that does? IT CANNOT!
5. What kind of a tree produces “unfruitful works of darkness”? An evil tree, a tree of darkness – in other words, one who walks in darkness
F. Fellowship with God is contingent upon “walking in the light.” The fellowship we have with others walking in the light – 1 John 1:6-7
G. It is impossible for one “walking in the light” to have fellowship with one “walking in darkness.” When one does so, he himself ceases to “walk in the light” because he becomes a partaker (Fellowshipper) of the evil deeds being done by the one who is “walking in darkness.” – 2 John 9-11.
Conclusion
A. Light is often used by the NT writers as a synonym for truth and righteousness, while darkness represents sin and error – 1 John 1:6-7
B. Ephesians 5:8-13
C. Matthew 5:14
D. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Isaiah 01:18 Jesus Paid It All – audio
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Text: Isaiah 1:18
Based on the Hymn, “Jesus Paid It All”
Introduction
A. What did Jesus pay? What was the cost?
B. It has been stated that all religious systems can be spelled with just two letters—D O. The gospel of Christ, however, is spelled with four letters—D O N E!
1. According to author K. W. Osbeck in, “Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions” this hymn text, written by a woman named Elvina Hall, speaks pointedly to this basic truth, which is the very basis of our Christian faith.
2. Mrs. Hall wrote these words one Sunday morning while seated in the choir loft of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, supposedly listening to the sermon by her pastor, the Revelation George Schrick. The pastor recalled that the church organist, John Grape, had just previously given him a copy of a new tune that he had composed, which he had titled “All to Christ I Owe.” To the amazement of all, they soon discovered that John Grape’s tune fit perfectly with Elvina Hall’s words scribbled on the flyleaf page of the hymnal.
3. Since its first published appearance in 1874, this hymn has been widely used in churches, especially for the communion services.
Body
I. LET US HEAR WHAT THE SAVIOR SAYS TO US.
A. He tells us that our strength indeed is small.
1. Paul says that when we were yet without strength Christ died for us – Romans 5:6
2. We are unable to stand against sin without God on our side – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
a. We can do all things with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. However we can do nothing without Christ – John 15:1-6
c. We have no hope without Christ – Ephesians 2:12
B. We are children of weakness, but we need to watch and pray.
1. This refers to the child of God.
a. We are to watch for the second coming – Matthew 25:13
b. We are to pray for forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 6:12
c. We are to pray that others will come to Christ – 1 John 5:16
2. Though the flesh is weak, our spirit is to be strong – Matthew 26:41
C. We are to find everything we need in Christ.
1. We do that by studying his word – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3
2. He word makes us complete and thoroughly furnishes us – 2 Timothy 3:17
D. Most people look in all the wrong places – Matthew 7:13, 14
1. Some look to the wisdom of the world – 1 Corinthians 1:19-21
2. Some look to themselves for answers – Jeremiah 10:23
3. We all need to look to Christ – Hebrew 12:2
II. LET US NOTICE THAT WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER CHRIST.
A. We are saved by God’s grace Ephesians 2:8, 9
1. This does not mean that we are saved by grace alone – James 2:24, 26
2. This does mean that God has given us an opportunity to come to him and without that opportunity we would be lost – Romans 6:17
B. Salvation is free and cannot be bought – Romans 6:23
C. We must wash ourselves in the blood of the lamb – Revelation 7:14
III. LET US NOTICE THAT WHEN WE STAND BEFORE THE THRONE.
A. We shall all appear before the throne – 2 Corinthians 5:10
1. Every tongue shall confess – Romans 14:10-12
2. Every eye shall see him – Revelation 1:7
B. We shall stand in him complete.
1. If we live as he commands we will be complete and will have salvation – 1 John 5:13
2. We won’t have to wonder where we will spend eternity – Matthew 25:34
Conclusion
A. We have seen that
1. The Savior tells us that our strength indeed is small, that we are to watch and pray and find in Him our all in all.
2. Nothing good have we that would buy his grace, we will wash our garments white in the blood of the lamb.
3. When before the throne, we will stand in Him complete; Jesus died our souls to save and our lips shall still repeat.
B. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Exodus 32 Ten Lessons from a Golden Calf – audio
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Text: Exodus 32:1-35
Introduction
1. Last week we noticed that we need to learn from the past.
2. We can learn from other people’s mistakes and thereby do not have to make them ourselves to learn the relevant lessons.
3. The children Israel made many mistakes that we can learn from today.
a. 1 Corinthians 10:6 – Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
b. 1 Corinthians 10:11 – Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
4. Of course, one of the events mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10, is the episode with the golden calf – 1 Corinthians 10:7
5. Here are ten important lessons that WE can learn from a golden calf.
Body
LESSON 1 – REMEMBER, IT WAS NOT MOSES WHO BROUGHT YOU UP OUT OF EGYPT
Exodus 32:1 – Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”
A. The children Israel forgot that it wasn’t Moses who brought them out of Egypt. God had delivered them.
1. Forgetting this fact was one of the direct causes of the sinful actions that would follow.
2. If we are followers of mere men, then one man is as good as another.
3. They replaced Moses with Aaron.
B. Man has always had a propensity to follow other men rather than God.
1. We see that many years later, they still had this mentality – 2 Samuel 8:4-5
2. They forgot that they already had a King. His name was GOD – 1 Samuel 8:7
C. We have the same problem today.
1. Countless people today follow preachers rather than God!
2. This problem started early in the church – 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
a) “I am of Luther.”
b) “I am of Wesley.”
c) “I am of the Pope.”
d) “I am of Calvin.”
e) No! I am of Christ!
3. Many sacrifice their souls because they prefer the praise of men over the praise of God – John 12:42-43
LESSON 2 – REMEMBER IT WAS NOT A GOLDEN CALF THAT BROUGHT YOU UP OUT OF EGYPT.
Exodus 32:2-6 – And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!” So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
A. Aaron boldly proclaimed, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”
1. What utter nonsense!
2. What blasphemy!
3. It is easy to see how foolish this statement was.
4. It is also easy to see how foolish it was to believe that statement.
B. Yet, most people in the world today choose to worship the creation rather than the Creator.
1. God’s creation is not God – Romans 1:22-25
2. Colossians 3:5 – Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
a) Covetousness is idolatry.
b) Neither silver nor gold can save us – 1 Peter 1:18-19
c) Man must stop acting as if gold is God.
LESSON 3 – GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD
Exodus 32:9-10 – And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! 10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”
A. Think about how close the Israelites were to true worship…
1. They desired to worship the God who had brought them out of Egypt – Exodus 32:4
2. They desired to worship Him so badly that they were willing to give of their gold – Exodus 32:3
3. They desired to worship Him at an altar – Exodus 32:5
4. They desired to hold a feast to the LORD (Jehovah) – Exodus 32:5
5. They desired to make burnt offerings and peace offerings – Exodus 32:6
B. Yet concerning their worship, God said… – Exodus 32:7-8
1. They had corrupted themselves.
2. They had turned aside quickly out of the way.
3. They have worshiped the CALF (not God).
C. As a result…
1. God was ready to destroy them and start over with Moses.
2. He had warned them about idolatry – Exodus 20:4-5
3. They had willingly entered a covenant with Him – Exodus 24:3
LESSON 4 – IT IS GOOD TO HAVE AN INTERCESSOR
Exodus 32:11-14 – Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
A. Moses pleaded with God on behalf of the people.
1. He used three arguments to change God’s mind.
a) He reminded God of all that He had already done for them – Exodus 32:11
b) The Egyptians would think that God brought them out simply to destroy them – Exodus 32:12
c) He reminded God of his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – Exodus 32:13
2. As a result of his intercession, God relented from His wrath.
a) Not because the people didn’t deserve His wrath.
b) But because Moses begged Him to spare them.
B. We too have an intercessor.
1. Like the children of Israel…
a) We are deserving of death – Romans 6:23
b) We are unable to save ourselves.
2. Jesus has interceded for us.
a) Luke 23:33-34 – And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
b) Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
c) 1 John 2:1 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
3. It is GOOD to have an Intercessor. Without Him, we would all be lost!
LESSON 5 – DON’T TRY TO BLAME YOUR SIN ON SOMEONE ELSE
Exodus 32:22 – So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
A. Aaron tries to appease Moses’ wrath by blaming his actions on the people.
1. He should have been more worried about God’s anger.
2. People often worry about how their actions affect other people…
a) And even feel guilt for their actions.
b) Without realizing that, even more important than that, is the fact that their sin has hurt God Almighty.
B. Man has always tried to deflect responsibility to others.
1. Genesis 3:12 – Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
2. They blame their parents.
3. They blame their friends. (Peer pressure)
4. They blame God.
5. The one thing they will not do is say, “My fault.”
C. Exodus 23:2 – You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.
D. Your sin is YOUR fault. Own up to it – Psalm 51:3
LESSON 6 – DON’T LIE TO TRY TO COVER UP YOUR SIN
Exodus 32:24 – And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.”
A. Aaron said, “I just threw the gold in the fire and ‘poof’ this calf came out.”
1. This was a bold faced lie.
2. Exodus 32:4 – And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf.
B. When we lie to cover a sin what we are showing by our actions is that we care more about what men think about us than what God thinks about us.
1. We can often fool man.
2. We cannot lie to God – Hebrews 4:13
LESSON 7 – PROPER WORSHIP INVOLVES RESTRAINT
Exodus 32:25 – Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
A. As we discussed earlier, they were involved in a worship service. However…
1. They were holding an unauthorized feast.
2. They were offering unauthorized sacrifices.
3. They were bowing down to an unauthorized idol.
4. They were even committing sexual immorality as a part of their worship.
5. They must have truly believed that “anything goes” when it came to worship.
B. Proper worship involves:
1. Realizing that God is the audience – John 4:23-34
2. Realizing that in order to please Him, I must worship Him according to truth.
a) 1 Samuel 13:22-23 – So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”
b) God is not obligated to receive our worship – Amos 5:21-23
3. Restraint – a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits.
a) God has set the limits on worship.
b) It is up to me to stay within those limits – 1 Corinthians 14:32-33
C. Not exercising restraint in worship results in our own shame.
LESSON 8 – YOU ARE EITHER ON THE LORD’S SIDE OR ON THE DEVIL’S SIDE
Exodus 32:26 – Then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.
A. Moses made it clear: You are either on the Lord’s side or you are not.
1. There is no middle ground.
2. There are no shades of gray.
3. They had to decide whose side they were on.
B. We too have a choice to make.
1. Jesus made it clear that there is no middle ground.
a) Matthew 12:30 – He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
b) Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
c) John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
2. Paul made it clear that there is no middle ground – Romans 6:16-18
LESSON 9 – IT PAYS TO BE ON THE LORD’S SIDE
Exodus 32:25-28 – Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
A. Many of those who had rebelled against God lost their lives as a result.
B. Those who choose not to be on the Lord’s side face an even worse fate today.
1. Matthew 10:28 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
2. Matthew 25:31-33
C. Those who choose to be on the Lord’s side:
1. Enjoy a happier life now – 1 Timothy 4:8
2. Enjoy the hope of eternal life – 1 Peter 1:3-4
LESSON 10 – WE EACH BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS
Exodus 32:32-33 – Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
A. If God would not forgive the people, Moses desired his fate to be the same as theirs.
1. Paul said something similar in Romans 9:1-3
2. Fortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
B. Each of us is responsible for our own destiny.
1. Hebrews 4:13 – And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
2. Romans 2:5-9 – But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
Delivered on: November 18, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Abuse of Our Freedoms
Last week, one of my brethren gave me an old church bulletin, in which there was printed a short article titled, “The Four Freedoms Abused.” Although the material in it was a bit dated, I thought that the points it made were very much needed at this time. I would like to present that article, along with some additional points of my own.
We have ‘Freedom From Want’
…and use it to eat ‘junk food,’ drink liquor and beer, and walk around half-clothed (or less). We are a part of an affluent society, rich by worldly standards, pleasure mad, our stomachs lavishly fed, and slow to learn that ‘man does not live by bread alone’ (Matthew 4:4)
People who live in second and third-world countries, who come to the United States are almost always amazed by the massive availability of food, clothing and other essential items. Our children have access to educational opportunities that are simply not available in many other parts of the world. Even the poorest Americans enjoy a lifestyle that is unimaginable in much of the world. As one immigrant put it, “The United States is a place where you can shape your own destiny and rise above the circumstances into which you were born.” This is a freedom that most Americans take for granted and fail to appreciate.
We have ‘Freedom of Speech’
…and use it to curse, lie, backbite, tell filthy jokes, to protest against law and order in the land, speak disparagingly against civil government ordained by God (Romans 13:1-7), to cry out for ‘Civil Rights’ and ignore ‘Human Rights,’ and give ‘lip service only’ to the living God of the Universe.
Freedom of Speech has been used as an excuse to subject our society to all kinds of filthy language lewd behavior. It is a big part of the reason why our land has been flooded with a tidal wave of sexually explicit language and imagery. Christians must be on their guard at all times, in such an environment (1 Peter 5:8).
We have ‘Freedom of the Press’
…and use it to print filthy magazines, obscene literature, horror and moronic ‘comic books,’ atheism, infidelity, communism, and anti-American books, to conduct ‘gossip columns’ about someone’s fifth wife or husband separating in Hollywood, and the vicious sex crimes being committed (Galatians 5:19-21).
We are now living in what is being called the “Information Age,” which is characterized by the widespread availability of all kinds of information. This is both a blessing and a curse, because so much of the information available on the Internet, on television and in printed media is inaccurate, or downright false. On the one hand, it is a great blessing to live in a country where the government is not allowed to censor the information that is available to the masses, but on the other hand, it is a curse to live in an age when unscrupulous people will publish anything they want to—whether it is true or false. Now, more than ever before, Christians need to “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
We have ‘Freedom of Religion’
…and use it mostly as freedom from religion. We make a feeble effort to practice James 1:27. We ‘forsake the assembly’ for our own pleasures. We withhold from the Lord by refusing to ‘give as we have been prospered’ (1 Corinthians 16:2). We use Sunday evening for relaxation and pleasure and Wednesday evening for TV (Hebrews 10:25). Some will fight wars for ‘freedom of worship’ and refuse to worship when they return home.
Of all our freedoms, this is the one that we abuse the most.
Most of the first Europeans who came to America did so because they were looking for a place where they could worship God without the looming specter of persecution they faced in their home countries. Thus began America’s long and rich heritage, as a nation of people who sought, above all else, to live in harmony with the will of God. There was no other place on Earth where the movement to restore New Testament Christianity could have been as successful as it was here. As one of my former instructors used to say, “Gentlemen, we are warming ourselves by fires build by other men.”
Today, it seems that so many of us have forgotten our religious heritage, or have simply taken it for granted. Although we have the freedom to worship and serve the Lord, as the Bible teaches, the majority of Americans are uninterested in exercising that right. Although this freedom was purchased and defended with the blood of many legions, many Americans seem to think that it is worthless. Even though we are presently engaged in a struggle against powers that seek to take all of these freedoms away from us, we go on abusing them anyway.
When shall we learn to value the treasures we have?
Hopefully, we will not wait until they are all gone.
(By Russell M. Kline based on an article by J.T. Marlin)
Content by Russell Kline
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The World Our Children Will Inherit
When my wife and I adopted our son, I experienced the same epiphany that hits most first-time dads. I thought about all the trials and tribulations that I experienced in growing up. I thought about the fads and trends I had seen come and go in the world. I remembered how my parents had worried about how morality had declined in society; how music, movies and television were influencing the next generation. I realized that they were right. Morality had declined and was declining still. Music, movies, television and now the Internet were exerting a profound influence upon the next generation. I wondered what the world would be like, when my son was old enough to be as worried as I was.
Seventeen years later, I was reminded of that epiphany, as I watched the unfolding results of the recent election cycle. I was surprised, as one commentator observed, that in spite of the billions of dollars that had been spent in campaigning, we ended up with essentially the same government we had before the election. But I was not nearly as perturbed about that as I was about some of the other news I heard on election day.
First of all, the voters of the states of Maine and Maryland approved ballot issues that would pave the way for them to join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, as states in which homosexuals may legally be joined together in marriage. What is remarkable about this news is that it was the first time that such a measure had ever been approved by a popular vote of the citizens of any state. States that already had such laws on the books had them because of legislators and judges who enacted them in spite of the will of the majority. The approval of these ballot issues has emboldened homosexual advocacy groups, which are now more resolved than ever to bring their quest to every state in the union.
In the second place, voters in Colorado and Washington approved ballot measures, which pave the way for the legalized regulation of the sale of marijuana for the recreational use of adults over 21 years of age. These laws still have many legal hurdles to clear, but with the federal judiciary becoming more liberal every year, supporters of this movement are confident that a legitimate marijuana industry shall one day “grow” and flourish in the United States. These two bits of election day news are what concern me the most.
It seems that the world my generation is going to leave behind is one in which the sin of homosexuality is going to be granted a special status. The stigma that once was attached to homosexual behavior no longer exists. The same is also true of heterosexuals who commit adultery and fornication. How long will it be, until society no longer frowns upon incest and pedophilia? Many question why Christians are opposed to homosexuals being granted the legal right to marry each other. The answer is that God created marriage and defined it as being a relationship between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24). Jesus affirmed this definition, in Matthew 19:4-6, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Marriage is an institution that is created and defined by God. Even if every state in the union legalizes homosexual marriage, God will never recognize it!
Also, it seems that the world my generation is going to leave behind is one in which dangerous drugs like marijuana will be sold alongside equally dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco. In the ancient world, alcohol was the only such drug that was in widespread use, and the Bible has many negative things to say about it. In Ephesians 5:18, the Scripture warns Christians against allowing themselves to be overcome by the excesses of this dangerous drug. In Romans 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 6:12, Christians are forbidden from allowing themselves to become addicted to sinful behavior, even if it is legal behavior. Even if laws are enacted to regulate the sale of opium and cocaine to the masses, it will never be something that God approves!
The world is a dangerous place for Christians. We are constantly being bombarded by influences, which are designed to tempt us to compromise our faith, in order to slake our lust. My generation grew up in a gauntlet of evil influence and temptation. My son’s generation has had to deal with the proliferation of evil influence and temptation, which have come at him in ways that were unimaginable to me. The expansion of evil influence and temptation that is on the horizon is terrifying to me. But my faith in God comforts me.
I am confident that Christians will be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead. In order to do so, we must strengthen our own personal faith and commitment to serve the cause of Christ. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Furthermore, we must educate the next generation about the dangers that lie ahead of them. “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must set a good example and use our influence to persuade others to follow the same path we are following. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Whenever the opportunity arises, we must raise our voices in protest against ungodliness in our society and we must go to the polls and vote in defense of a Biblical worldview.
The situation may seem hopeless, but the future is always full of hope, because it has the potential to be whatever we make of it. Let us apply ourselves to making the future the very best that it has the potential to be. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
Content by Russell Kline
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A Matter of Interpretation
It is rather commonplace for those who come in conflict with the scriptures to go on the offensive. They usually charge that the Bible is outdated or irrelevant in their case. Further, they argue that those who oppose their view have a warped interpretation of the word of God. Then they proceed to show that commonly held beliefs are based on a misinterpretation of the Bible. Their interpretation is more in line with the teachings of Jesus, and therefore, we must not be judgmental. This is precisely what the homosexual community does.
The Bible is very clear on this matter. The Old Testament is explicit. “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22). The New Testament is equally clear. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).
Someone will usually respond, “But Jesus didn’t say anything about homosexuality!” Some have even sought to portray Him as a homosexual.
But Jesus never sanctioned sexual immorality of any kind.
- Not adultery!
- Not fornication!
- Not homosexuality!
What should our message be?
When the adulterous woman was brought to Jesus he had compassion on her. He did not, however, sanction her sin. He sent her away with these words, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus loved and forgave her, but He still demanded change. She was told to cease her sinful ways. The message is the same for homosexuals. There is forgiveness in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).
No, Jesus would not, and we do not sanction hate crimes against homosexuals, or anyone else. Christians must treat others with love and kindness, but we cannot and will not approve of that which God has clearly condemned. Homosexuality is sin. Homosexuals, like adulterers and fornicators, must repent and live chaste lives.
It is the sin and not the sinner which is detestable.
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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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
How Serious is Sin? – audio
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It’s pretty easy to develop a cavalier attitude toward sin.
We’re saved by grace anyway, right?
“Everybody’s got sin problems,” we say, and, “After all, nobody’s perfect.”
And a few other platitudes like those make us feel better.
But they shouldn’t.
We shouldn’t ever become relaxed about sin.
The Old Testament has a lot of scary passages, and we’ve got to be careful when we apply them to our time.
But they’ve got something important to say to us.
Here’s one of them:
If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, of the gods of the people which are all around you, near to you or far off from you, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth, you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him; but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. – Deuteronomy 13:6-9
Yes, you read that right. If you lived in Moses’ day and someone you loved tried to get you to worship other gods, you would execute him. If you read the rest of the chapter, you’d discover that you would be the one who threw the first stone (At your spouse, sibling, child, or best friend).
Harsh?
Absolutely.
But necessary? According to the Law, yes. It was essential to the identity of God’s covenant people that they keep themselves distinct from the nations around them.
Because the Law of Moses advocates capital punishment in this situation and many others, we tend to avoid it.
“Good thing we don’t live under that Law now,” we say with a sigh of relief. “That must’ve been terrible.”
And we miss the whole point.
There’s a principle there that’s as relevant now as it’s ever been.
The passage reflects the main point of being in covenant with God—serving him above all else.
I suspect some of the Israelites may have wondered if God was that serious about what he said.
God’s answer was emphatic.
Anyone who led people away from him—even someone you love more than anyone on earth—received no mercy.
The putting-to-death part of the commandment doesn’t apply to us, of course, but what is extremely relevant is that God says we must take sin seriously.
It has always mattered to God, and it ought to matter to us.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Confession of Sin – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.
Introduction
1. The Bible tells us that we are to confess our sins.
2. 1 John 1:9.
3. James 5:16.
4. But how does this work?
a. Are we to confess our sins to a priest?
b. Are we to confess our sins publicly? If so, how often should one do this?
c. Are we to confess our sins only to God?
5. Tonight, let us consider what it means to confess our sins and how we should go about doing it.
Body
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONFESS SIN?
A. Simply put, confession of sin means that one acknowledges sin in their lives. Psalm 51:3.
B. Confessing sin in our lives is the first step toward repentance.
1. Certainly, one who does not admit sin in his life will never repent of it.
2. This is a common problem. John 9:39-41
3. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.
C. But to whom do we confess our sins?
1. Genesis 39:8-9.
2. Ultimately, all sin is against God, so obviously we must acknowledge our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
3. Are we to confess our sins to men?
a) Yes and No.
b) The answer to this question depends upon the nature of the sin being confessed.
c) Generally speaking, the sin needs to be confessed (acknowledged) as widely as it is known.
d) However, there is also James 5:16 to consider.
(1) This tells us that it is good to confess our faults / sins / shortcomings to one another so that we can pray for one another.
(2) There are times that all of us need the prayers of the church.
(3) Those prayers are effective.
II. CONFESSION OF PRIVATE SIN.
A. Private sin is sin that is only known by you and God.
1. As such, it needs only be confessed to God.
2. It need go no further.
B. Ultimately, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
1. The idea of having to have a human mediator in order to deal with God is foreign to Scripture.
2. Jesus is our Mediator. As such, we can approach God through Him.
C. However, there may be times when our private sin is getting the best of us.
1. Sins like: drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gluttony, etc.
2. We may need to seek the prayers of the church for strength to overcome these sins and “be healed.” James 5:16.
3. Please remember though, those confessing sins need to be willing to do their part in repenting of those sins as well.
III. CONFESSION OF SEMI-PRIVATE SIN.
A. By “Semi-private,” I am referring to sins that are not public but that are known to at least one other than yourself.
B. Perhaps, you have sinned against a brother or a brother has sinned against you.
1. A sin such as this needs to be taken care of as widely as it is known.
2. Note Matthew 18:15-17
a) The ultimate goal is to make peace.
b) Between the brethren and if a sin has indeed been committed and it is not just a misunderstanding…
c) To make the offending brother / sister right with God.
3. Every attempt has to be made to keep this sin as private as possible. 1 Peter 4:8.
4. All too often, what happens is brethren confess their brother’s faults with us.
5. As seen from the passage above… sometimes this type of sin might become public knowledge if there is no repentance on the part of the guilty party.
C. Sometimes, we may sin against an individual who is not a member of the church.
1. In doing this we have hurt not only our influence but the influence of Christ and His church.
2. When this happens we must repent of our sin and make restitution (as much as is possible) with the one we sinned against.
IV. CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SIN.
A. Sometimes, our sins are committed in a very public way.
1. Perhaps our actions have brought reproach on the church.
2. Perhaps our actions have led others astray. i.e. Doing drugs and leading others to think that it is ok to do such.
B. Public sin needs to be taken care of in a public way.
1. Acts 5:1-5.
2. Galatians 2:11-14.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.
C. Public sins are also sins against the church.
1. When we sin in such a way, we must seek the church’s forgiveness.
2. The church (if it is what is should be) is all too willing to forgive, they just need to know that forgiveness is sought.
3. We offer this opportunity when we give the invitation.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Romans 05:06-11 Sin Separates From God, Jesus Reconciles
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(Sin Separates Man from God, but Through Jesus Man can be Reconciled to God)
Text: Romans 5:6-11
Introduction
- According to 1 John 3:4, God defines sin as the transgression of the law. Anytime you miss God’s mark, or decide to rebel against His commandments, you have sinned, and as a result the relationship between you and God has been cut off or severed – Isaiah 59:1-2. The text even points out God will hide His face from you and not hear you because of sin – John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12.
- Being separated from God because of your sins leaves you in a lost, unsaved, unfruitful, and dead state because being alienated from God means you have been severed from God, the Creator, the source of physical and eternal life – John 15:4-6. In Romans 6:23, God teaches us the end result of sin is death, but through Jesus there is eternal life.
God has Shown His Love Toward Us After We Sinned
- After man had sinned, and was separated from God, God extended His love to us, in that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so that we could escape His wrath reserved for the children of disobedience – Romans 5:8-9. Therefore, we should be encouraged to love God because He first loved us – 1 John 4:9-10.
- In Ephesians 2:4-6 the Holy Scriptures show us the great love God had for us. While we were dead in sins, He made us alive through Jesus Christ. God has a special love for us that we sometimes overlook. This love for us is so great. He was willing to give His only begotten Son to save us – John 3:16-17.
- It is God’s desire that all men would be saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9.
- In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul declares that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. But the question remains: will you believe on Jesus Christ, the Son of God? John 3:36.
Why not Change Your Relationship with God and be Reconciled?
- In regard to the relationship man has with God, the word reconcile denotes an action to change from enmity to friendship. Therefore, something had to happen on both sides to change the separation of God and man because of sin, because man could not do it himself. In Romans 5:6-10, the Bible teaches us the action by God to reconcile is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a sacrifice for man’s sins to give man life – Ephesians 2:13-16.
- Reconciliation or making peace between God and man comes only through Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus did on the cross, the giving of His life and the shedding of His blood. In Colossians 1:20-23, the Spirit of truth teaches all things are reconciled by Jesus – Hebrews 2:17.
- In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). As long as you are in Christ and abiding in His Word, God is not imputing your trespasses to you (2 Corinthians 5:19). And God has given us the ministry of reconciliation to call sinner’s to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). This means the sinner, man, must do something to be reconciled to God. God did His part, have you done your part? Acts 2:38, 41.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“Ice Breaker”
Consider these thoughts about the man (or woman) that hath not God:
- The man that hath not God has no fellowship with the Lord.
- The man that hath not God is walking in darkness because he has turned from the light (Jesus).
- The man that hath not God is transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.
- The man that hath not God has nothing of true value. He is separated from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – 2 John 9.
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Sin’s Destructive Nature
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Introduction
- In 1 John 3:4, the Sword of the Spirit describes sin as the transgression of the law. When we know what God says, and decide to do something else, this is sin, transgressing God’s law – James 4:17. The penalty for sin is death – Romans 6:23. The Bible says, all have sinned – Romans 3:23.
- Sin is the destructive tool of the devil and his angels, through lies and deception, designed to keep sinners separated from God by hiding, covering up, and misrepresentation the truth of the Word which makes man free – John 8:31-32. Let us make sure we are not deceived by the destructive nature of sin – Hebrews 3:12-13.
The Destructive Nature of Sin has Changed the Societal View of Morality
- In Mark 4:14-20, Jesus gives an explanation of the parable of the sower. In three of the four scenarios, the Word of God that was sown in man’s heart became unfruitful. Why? Because Satan does his best to make sure the seed doesn’t get into good ground – When one receives the Word of God, and is fruitful.
- In times past, fifty years ago and beyond, certain things and behaviors were not acceptable in society because they were deemed to be sinful in a country founded upon Christian and Biblical principles. But now these same sinful behaviors are acceptable because the deceitfulness of sin has destroyed many’s conscience of what is right and wrong.
(1) Co-Habitation (Fornication) – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
(2) Discipline – Proverbs 22:6, 15
(3) Immodest dress – 1 Timothy 2:9-10 - In 2 Timothy 3:13, the Bible teaches evil men will grow worse and worse. And this will challenge the Christian to live a holy life in a society that is unholy.
Sin is Destructive, but God has Prepared a Remedy
- Man is guilty of sin, and he had nothing of value that could atone for his transgressions, therefore his penalty would be death. Man had a debt he could not pay, but God gave man mercy through Jesus – Ephesians 2:4-5. God loved us and provided a way for our sins to be paid through the shed blood of His Son – John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
- If you are obedient to the commands of the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can have victory over sin and death – 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.
- To detract from Satan’s attacks of the truth, Christians must uphold, defend, and fight for the truth of the Word of God – Jude 3.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
What Do We Confess?
How Do We Confess - To Whom Do We Confess - What Do We Confess
What are we supposed to confess?
That confession is an important part of the gospel plan of salvation, there can be no doubt. Romans 10:10 plainly declares, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Clearly, a verbal confession is something that carries us all toward the ultimate goal of salvation. But, what are we supposed to confess? Admittedly, this is a source of great misunderstanding, in the religious world. But, as usual, a closer look at the Scriptures will make the matter easily discerned.
Confess our faith in the fact that Jesus Christ is the Lord!
In order to properly answer the question at hand, one must consider the full reading of Romans 10:9-10. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” The American Standard Version of the Bible offers us a slightly different, yet more insightful reading of Romans 10:9 ASV, which says, in part, “because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord…” This plainly tells us that, in order to be saved, we must confess our faith in the fact that Jesus Christ is the Lord! This is the very same confession that the apostle Peter made, in Matthew 16, and it is the same confession that the Ethiopian eunuch made, in Acts 8. This the abiding principle upon which the Lord’s church is founded (1 Corinthians 3:11). So it is the case that we must confess the Lordship of Jesus today, if we desire salvation.
Verbal confession of all sins is not required to wash them away in baptism.
Some have the mistaken impression that we must confess all of our sins, prior to their being washed away in baptism. This, however, is an impossibility, since the average person is not capable of remembering every sin that they have committed, especially if they are well into their adult years. Some argue that James 5:16 requires a verbal confession of sin, but the context in which that verse appears is a discussion of what one who is already a Christian ought to do, when sin is ruining his life. Certainly, Christians ought to talk to each other about the spiritual challenges we face, so that we will be better able to bear one another’s spiritual burdens (Galatians 6:2). The Bible does not teach that we have the power to absolve each other’s sins. For that, we must confess our sins to God, and ask Him to forgive us (1 John 1:9).
“…thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord…” – Romans 10:9 ASV
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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Put Down Your Beer and Open Up Your Bible
It is time to set the record straight.
On our way back from Polishing the Pulpit, my wife and I spent several hours listening to the radio, as we drove. It’s always fun to sing along with the songs we know, as we reminisce about old times and come to appreciate new music, too. We were almost home, when we heard a new country song that we hadn’t heard before. It’s called, “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus”— that’s right, “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus”—and it was written by Thomas Rhett Akins. At first, I laughed out loud at the very notion of a song about a good ole boy sitting down in a honky tonk to share a pitcher of brew with the Son of God. But, as the words of the song came pouring out of my radio speakers, my amusement turned into outrage. Songs like this one,—and there are many others—perpetuate a misrepresentation about our Lord that vexes the souls of faithful Christians everywhere. Once again, it is time to set the record straight.
Jesus would even join them in doing the same?
First of all, there is the notion that Jesus approves of our sinful behavior, and the assumption that He would gladly join us in it. Miranda Lambert sings a song about drinking wine with the Lord, called “A Heart Like Mine.” The chorus says, “I heard Jesus; He drank wine. And I bet we’d get along just fine. He could calm the storm and heal the bind. And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine.” Many people live their lives by the assumption that sinners are just misunderstood and that, as long as they don’t commit any of the “really big” sins, God understands, and forgives, and would even join them in doing the same. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, this was the mantra of the “hippie generation.” Men grew out their hair, fornicated and abused drugs; arguing all the while that Jesus did the same things. It is infuriating to me to hear such vile slander leveled against the Lord of humanity! Jesus did not drink alcohol, He did not commit fornication, and He did not have long hair (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 11:14)!
Learn to be ashamed and put down the burden of sin.
It’s about time that people learned to be ashamed of their sinful behavior and did something about their spiritual weakness, besides using it as an excuse (2 Peter 3:18). Like the people of Jeremiah’s day, we no longer blush, when sin is brought to light (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). When is somebody going to write a song about smoking a joint with Jesus, or going to the casino with Jesus, or going to a strip club with Jesus? When that day comes, will people think it is sentimental and cute, or will people be outraged by the idea that the Lord would ever engage in such behavior? Jesus wants us to put down the burden of sin, and not drag it around with us for the rest of our lives (Matthew 11:28-30).
Pick up your Bible to find the answers.
Another thing about the lyrics to “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus” that I find astonishing is the quandary that Mr. Akins seems to be in over such questions as, “Do you hear the prayers I send? What happens when life ends? When you think you’re comin’ back again?” It seems to me that, if this guy would just put down his beer and pick up his Bible, he would be able to find the answers he seeks. The Word of God tells us all that we need to know about prayer, in passages like Matthew 6:5-15, among many others. The Bible tells us about what happens when life ends, in passages like Luke 16:19-31. As to the question of when Jesus will come back again, all that one needs to do is read Matthew 24:36.
Don’t delude yourself into thinking the Word of God is too hard to understand.
People like to think that spiritual questions like this are deep and the answers to them are elusive. But, the truth of the matter is that these questions are simple and the answers we seek may be found in the Bible. If you want to know about Jesus, just “Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39). You may not like what you find there, and maybe that’s why some people do not open their Bibles to begin with, but don’t delude yourself into thinking that the Word of God is just too hard for the common man to understand (Mark 12:37b).
We will be judged by the standard that Jesus set.
When I researched the lyrics of this song on the Internet, I was surprised to see so many comments about it that lauded it with praise. Some said that it was such a good song that it made them cry. I makes me cry to think of all the poor souls who are convinced that they don’t need to change their lives to be pleasing to the Lord. Let us never forget that we will be judged by the standard that He set, and not the standard that the world sets for us (John 12:48).
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed…” – Romans 12:2
Content by Russell Kline
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Questions and Answers 2010-07-25 – audio
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I. Question One – “Is it okay to listen to Christian music with instruments?”
A. Philippians 2:12.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
B. We know that instrumental music is wrong in a worship service.
C. Therefore, the question is really, “What constitutes worship?”
D. There are varying opinions:
1. Some say, “When I am listening to music on the radio, I am not worshipping. It is only for entertainment. Therefore, it isn’t wrong.”
2. On the other hand some feel, “If I am listening to a spiritual song that gets me thinking about God and even praising God, then, by definition, I am worshiping.”
E. I choose not to listen to spiritual songs that have instrumental accompaniment.
F. Others see nothing wrong with it.
G. One thing is sure… Romans 14:22-24.
Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
H. This is not an issue where we should draw lines of fellowship.
II. Question Two – “Please explain Matthew 12:31-32. Is there an unforgivable sin?”
A. Matthew 12:31-32.
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
B. In order to understand the passage properly, we have to consider the context. After all, it starts with the word, “Therefore…”
1. Matthew 12:22-35.
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
2. Jesus had just performed an undeniable miracle.
a) Biblical miracles were always undeniable.
b) It wasn’t like supposed miracle workers today who leave people in doubt.
3. In the face of this undeniable miracle, some were willing to ascribe the miracle to Satan.
a) This is much like what we read in Acts 4:16. Saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
b) Question: If one witnesses an undeniable miracle performed by the power of the Holy Spirit and then gives Satan the credit for that miracle; Is there anything that will convince that person? No!
4. Jesus was dealing with people whose hearts were hard! Matthew 12:34.
C. Is it possible to commit this sin today?
1. It is impossible to recreate the same circumstances today.
2. None of us have or will witness a genuine miracle.
3. So technically, it is not possible to commit this sin today.
4. However, even though there is no such thing as an unforgivable sin today; there is such a thing as unforgiven sin. The end result is the same!
III. Question Three – “When someone in the Bible believed and all his household; was it a matter of what the man said or were they doing what they were told?”
A. Acts 16:31-33.
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
B. In the above example…
1. The jailer was told that if he believed, he would be saved.
2. He was told that if his family believed, they would be saved in the same way.
3. Each individual member of the household was accountable for their own actions.
4. They were not saved by the actions of the jailer but as a result of their own faith and obedience.
5. Notice, all the household heard the word preached and all the household was baptized.
C. If there were ever a case where the head of the house was baptized and then commanded the rest of the family to be baptized whether they believed or not, then that would be wrong.
D. There is no reason to believe that this is what happened in Acts 16.
IV. Question Four – What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
“As parents we are to discipline our children. At times, when they get older, they try and challenge authority (of the parent). What constitutes “provoking them to wrath?”
A. Ephesians 6:4.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
B. It helps us to understand the meaning of the word “wrath.”
1. There are two main words used in the New Testament to mean wrath. Thumos & Orge. Both mean wrath but there is a difference.
2. Thumos – More emotional than Orge. It is an outburst of wrath from inward indignation. Hot, spur of the moment anger.
3. Orge – suggests a more settled or abiding condition. It is less sudden in it’s rise but also lasts longer than Thumos. It means to exasperate.
4. The word in Ephesians 6:4 is parogidzo. It means literally “to anger alongside.”
a) It is a form of the noun orge.
b) Hence, it is the longer lasting, deep seated anger.
C. As parents we are to discipline our children.
1. When we discipline them we must do it in the correct way.
2. As fathers, we are to discipline them in such a way that they know we have their best interests at heart.
3. We should be calm, and communicative when we discipline.
4. “This is why I am upset with you. This is why I have to punish you. I don’t like having to punish you. Please, let’s try to get this straightened out so I don’t have to do it again.”
5. When we discipline them in anger, we often will incite anger in them as well.
6. The punishment needs to be fair.
7. If done correctly, our children will not resent us when we discipline them.
8. Certainly, they will not enjoy the punishment. But they will not hate us for trying to help them to be the type of person that they know they ought to be.
V. Question Five – “I was thinking about the catacombs and wondered; Do Christians have to be buried?”
A. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that a Christian has to be buried.
B. John 5:28-29.
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
1. I have heard of some who believe that the above passage (and other like it) mean that we have to be buried in order to be resurrected.
2. As such they would not want to be cremated.
C. Consider this…
1. A body that has been buried for thousands of years basically just returns to dust.
2. In the first century, many Christians were burned at the stake because of the faith in Christ.
3. Other Christians over the years may have died in explosions.
4. Others may have died in shipwreck or been buried at sea.
D. Certainly, God will be able to handle such problems.
1. The bodies with which we will be raised, will be spiritual bodies anyway. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
VI. Question Six – “Denominations participate in fasting. Why do we not?”
A. Notice the following passages:
1. Matthew 6:16-18. “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
2. 1 Corinthians 7:5. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
3. Luke 5:35. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.
B. Though no fasts are commanded, the New Testament seems to take it for granted that children of God would see the need to fast occasionally.
1. Fasting can be beneficial in times of sorrow.
2. Fasting often accompanied repentance as an outward sign of genuine sorrow.
3. Fasting often accompanied important spiritual events.
a) Matthew 4:2.
b) Acts 13:2-3.
C. “Why do we not?”
1. If we are scripturally practicing fasting, you would not know it.
2. Matthew 6:17-18. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
D. Fasting is strictly a personal and voluntary action.
VII. Question Seven – “When Adam and Eve sinned, why didn’t God destroy them?”
A. God is our Creator.
1. He knew before He even created man that they would sin. 1 Peter 1:18-20. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
2. It wouldn’t make any sense for Him to create man only to turn around and destroy him the first time He sinned.
3. Rather, He treated Adam and Eve like a Father.
B. He warned them of the consequences if they disobeyed. 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.
C. Then He carried through with the punishment (Genesis 3:14-19).
Content by Ralph Price
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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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1 Corinthians 02:02 I Am Resolved – audio
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Based on the song “I Am Resolved”
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:2
Introduction
A. Look at things we ought to resolve ourselves to do.
B. Paul said he was making a resolution not to teach anything other than Jesus Christ and him crucified.
C. We need to be serious about the resolutions that we make and make sure that they are realistic and that they are resolutions that can do actual good for our spiritual lives.
Body
I. NO LONGER TO LINGER CHARMED BY THE WORLD’S DELIGHTS.
A. This world has many delights to charm us and lead us astray.
1. Sin is pleasurable, for a season – Hebrews 11:24-25
2. However, the end of sin is death – Proverbs 16:25
B. Things that are higher, and nobler have allured my sight.
1. These higher and nobler things are heavenly things – Hebrews 11:16
2. We are to place our treasures in heaven – Matthew 6:19-21
II. TO GO TO THE SAVIOR LEAVING MY SIN AND STRIFE.
A. We should have no desire to live in sin.
1. Sin separates us from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. We should not serve sin – Romans 6:6
B. He is the true and just one, and he has the words of life.
1. Christ is true and just – 1 John 2:8; Acts 3:14
2. He has the words of life – John 6:68
III. TO FOLLOW THE SAVIOR FAITHFUL AND TRUE EACH DAY.
A. It should be our goal in life to follow Jesus each day of our lives.
1. We are to fear God and keep his commandments – Ecclesiastes 12:13
2. We are to be faithful and true every day – 1 Corinthians 4:2
B. Heed what he says, do what he wills he is the living way.
1. What Jesus says is what is in the Bible – John 12:48; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. He is the living way – John 14:6
Conclusion
A. I am resolved
1. No longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delights, things that are higher, things that are nobler these have allured my sight.
2. To go to the savior leaving my sin and strife, he is the true one, he is the just one, he hath the words of life.
3. To follow the savior faithful and true each day. Heed what he sayeth, do what he willeth, he is the living way.
B. The appeal: I will hasten to him, hasten so glad and free, Jesus greatest highest I will come to thee.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Sin – Romans 03:23
Is there anyone who has not sinned?
No, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
What if we say we have not sinned?
If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves and make God a liar. Also, God’s Word, the truth, is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10; John 17:17).
What does knowing the truth do for us?
It shall set us free (John 8:32ff) from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
What happens if we confess our sins?
Christ Jesus will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
How do we get rid of our sins?
We must wash away our sins with the blood of Christ through baptism (Acts 22:16).
Should we continue to sin?
John reminded Christians that they were not to sin anymore (1 John 2:1), and Paul said we have died to sin and thus should no longer serve it (Romans 6:1-7, 11-14).
What happens if we sin?
Jesus Christ is our Advocate, if we sin (1 John 2:2). After all, He was tempted in all points as we are but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). We should have the same mind of Christ, for he who as suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (1 Peter 4:1-2).
Whose sins are covered?
Christ died not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). John said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!”
Have you accepted forgiveness of sin by becoming a Christian?
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Did He Mean?
Treat others the way we want to be treated
Jesus said: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets ” (Matthew 7:12 ESV). I doubt that Jesus said anything in the course of His ministry that is more readily recognized, or more universally accepted. But, what did He mean? The intent is clear. We should treat others the way we want to be treated! It’s called the Golden Rule.
Love is the badge of discipleship
I can assure you that come Judgment Day Jesus will not be asking, “And how were you treated?” However, He will, among other things, take careful note of how we treated others. As Christians, there is never a time when it is right to be rude, unkind, mean-spirited, or hateful. Love should motivate our every word and deed. Love is the badge of discipleship. Jesus also said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 ESV).
Loving sinners does not mean that we should ignore sin
Some interpret what Jesus said regarding love as proof that Christians should never disagree, never speak out against anything or anyone, and certainly should never suggest that someone else may be wrong about something. We must be tolerant. Any criticism, any disagreement, any suggestion that someone might be engaging in sinful conduct is to be rejected. It’s argued that these kinds of things are incompatible with the principles espoused by Jesus. If that is the case, please answer the following questions.
Did Jesus violate His own principles when He repeatedly called the Pharisees hypocrites (Matthew 23)? Was He wrong when He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them from the temple (John 2)? Was He being unloving when He commanded the adulterous woman to leave her life of sin (John 8:11)? Is there a note of intolerance in His words when He said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3)? Was He being judgmental when He referred to his own generation as a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12)?
The Golden Rule does not demand that we acknowledge every lifestyle as acceptable. Loving sinners does not mean that we should ignore sin. The words of Jesus don’t prohibit us from speaking out about sin. In fact, His words demand that we speak out, but that we do it lovingly and kindly!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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