Historical Posts
Pillar of Truth – The Church
The church is the pillar of truth!
“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
Many churches have abandoned long held beliefs regarding both doctrine and morality. The Bible is no longer viewed as the inspired, authoritative, all-sufficient, inerrant word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the pillar of truth and foundation of fatih. And, if the Bible is rejected, then there is no basis for objective truth. Morality then becomes a matter of personal preference.
Churches that have embraced this philosophy no longer believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). They now deny such fundamental biblical doctrines as the virgin birth, the deity of Jesus, and His resurrection. For many He was at best a good man. There are many ways to God, they argue, and He is but one of them.
In the realm of morality little is considered inherently evil. We are told to be nonjudgmental and abandon the pillar of truth. We must tolerate different points of view, and be critical of no one. Tolerance is defined as acceptance, and the only sin is that of intolerance. In the quest to incorporate everyone and alienate no one, sin has been airbrushed away. Anyone who argues otherwise is judgmental, intolerant, homophobic, pharisaic, and unchristian. But that’s a lie!
The church must be the pillar and support of truth. This involves doctrinal truth (such things as the inspiration of the Bible, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His resurrection, etc.) and moral truth (His call for holiness, righteousness, and godliness). When churches compromise on doctrinal issues it is not long until they give ground on moral matters as well. Compromise has been the name of the game for way too long!
The church ought to be the conscience of society. Christians are called to take a stand for truth and right. We must not conform to the world, but rather strive to bring the world to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Any church which abandons the truth (doctrinal or moral) cannot be Christ’s church. The church is the pillar of truth!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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God’s Desire for Man – Audio
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God’s Desire for Man is TwoFold
Even though man may have many desires, God has two connected desires for man. God’s desire for man is that man may be saved and that man may come to the knowledge of the truth. We can see God’s desire expressed for us in 1 Timothy 2:3-4: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Let’s look closer at God’s desire and how he enables it to come about.
First, God’s desire is that all men may be saved.
- God desires that man will cease unrighteousness and begin righteousness (Ezekiel 18:20-28).
- God’s desire is that man will accept and follow His Son (John 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:10).
- God desires that man would accept His saving grace (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:5,8).
- God’s desire is that man will repent of sin (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 13:3,5).
Second, God’s desire is that all men will come to the knowledge of the truth.
- Jesus, God’s Son, said we can know what truth is (John 8:32).
- Jesus bears witness to the truth (John 18:37).
- There are three sources of truth:
1) Jesus is true (John 14:6),
2) God is true (John 17:3)
3) God’s Word is true (John 17:17).
God’s desire for you is clear – Learn and Obey His Truth to be Saved!
He desires for you to be saved and has provided the truth for you to know and follow unto salvation. This truth is shown to us in three ways: God has revealed Himself, sent His Son, and left His Word. These three aspects of truth lead us to salvation. Will we follow Him and accept it?
Is Our Desire Aligned with God’s Desire?
For us to grasp the salvation offered by God, our desire must align with God’s. Our desire must be to come to the knowledge of the truth and obey it, for the truth will set us free! When we learn the truth and obey it, our unrighteousness may cease, and our righteousness will begin.
Do you have a desire to be saved?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Oaths – As Good As His Word
Let Your Yes by Yes and Your No be No.
Jesus taught, “…you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,” and your ‘No,’ be ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:33-37).
Oaths Were Meaningless and Deceptive.
Oaths were common in our Lord’s day. So common were they that they had become worthless. Two serious problems arose in connections with them. First, there was the practice of frivolous oaths. They were used for the most insignificant matters, and therefore became meaningless. Then there was the more dangerous practice of deceptive oaths. The Pharisees (a leading Jewish sect) were especially gifted in their use. Jesus strongly condemned them for their deception (Matthew 23:16-22).
Don’t Use Oaths. Be True to Your Word.
Jesus’ disciples were not to use oaths. He expected them to always be true to their word. Christians tell the truth, keep their word, and honor their promises. When they say “Yes,” they mean “Yes,” and when they say “No,” they mean “No.” A man is, after all, only as good as his word!
Here is a message our world desperately needs. Speak the truth! Honor your word! Do what you say! There is not a segment of society which does not need to be reminded of this. Politicians, preachers, and people from all walks of life need to rediscover the importance and power of the simple truth.
Choose a Good Name.
Many a man’s reputation has been destroyed because he was loose with the truth and unwilling to keep his word. Often, financial or material gain is the motive for such deception. But, remember the words of Solomon, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). No man can have a good name if he is not true to his words!
Are you interested in developing a good reputation?
Keep your word!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Truth Abides Forever
God’s Truth Abides Forever.
There are too many things that do not last very long. They do not abide.
- John said that the world is passing away, and its lust (1 John 2:17).
- James said our life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
All too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in the things that do not last; instead, we need to pay attention to what will abide, what does last.
The Psalmist wrote, “His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD endures forever (Psalm 117:2).” God’s truth abides forever. It will last, even when other things do not! The Psalmist also wrote, “The LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).”
God’s truth was in the beginning; it is here now; it will always exist.
In the New Testament, Jesus gives us three sources of truth:
- Jesus Himself (John 14:6)
- God, His Father (John 17:3)
- God’s Word (John 17:17)
John earlier told us that Jesus was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-2). In the beginning, God spoke and created light (Genesis 1:1-3). Today, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1). The word of God is with us today through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17); God’s truth abides forever (1 Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8).
God, His Son, and His Word always were; they still are; they always will be. Their truth abides forever. That’s the truth! It has been proven over and over again that the Bible is accurate in every way. Believe it and follow God’s instructions! Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).” The truth abides forever, and if we do what we are commanded to do with it, we shall abide forever with them!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Just a Symbol
Baptism is much more than just a symbol.
Over the years I have written many times regarding the subject of baptism. It is no secret that we in churches of Christ preach that baptism is essential to our salvation, not just a symbol of salvation. We believe this to be plainly declared in Scripture (Acts 2:38; 22:16; etc.). Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16). He preached baptism (Mark 16:16). He made and baptized more disciples than John (John 4:1). Few would dispute these assertions. Yet, when these things are called to the attention of folks, they are ignored.
The common refrain today is “believe and invite Jesus into your heart.” Nothing more is demanded. Anything more, it is argued, would make salvation a matter of works, and it is asserted that work has no relationship to man’s salvation. I do not dispute the fact that we are undeserving of the sacrifice of Jesus. Nor do I dispute the fact that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. We are wholly dependent upon Christ. However, that is not to say that we have no obligation to Him beyond the acknowledgement of His divinity. The devil would not argue with us regarding His identity, but the devil would never submit to His will. Those who claim to believe but will not obey are siding with Satan.
Further, when we teach that baptism necessitates a burial in water, we are told that we are merely dealing with symbolism, and we should not confuse the symbol with the substance.
- First, from a linguistic standpoint there is no doubt that baptism involves an immersion or submersion. Sprinkling and pouring do not satisfy the true meaning of the word.
- Second, baptism is described as a burial in the New Testament (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).
- Third, in the detailed accounts of baptism in the Bible there is a going down into and a coming up out of water (Acts 8:38-39).
I do not deny the symbolism involved in baptism. Again, according to the Bible, baptism is a symbol of the death and burial of the old man and the resurrection of the new man in Christ (Romans 6:3-14). How can this be symbolized by sprinkling or pouring a few drops of water on someone’s head? That does not constitute a burial or a resurrection! And, if it is all a matter of symbolism, why not drop the water altogether? Surely, if a few drops are sufficient to satisfy the symbolism, can it not be completely eliminated? Some have already done so!
If I have misrepresented what the Bible teaches, then it should be ignored. But, if the truth on this subject has been presented, and I am convinced that it has, ignoring it jeopardizes our hope of heaven.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Don’t Resist the Truth
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:8-17
Jannes and Jambres are examples of those who resisted Moses. Even though their names do not appear in the Old Testament, rabbinic tradition says they are among the magicians who sought to duplicate the signs God showed Pharaoh through Moses (Exodus 7:11-12, 22; 8:7; 9:11). They succeeded in copying the first two plagues, but by the third admitted “this is the finger of God (Exodus 8:19).
Paul uses them as an example of how men today still resist the truth: by having corrupt minds. They are disapproved concerning the faith. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said this person does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of Jesus Christ. Therefore we should withdraw ourselves from them (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
As Jannes and Jambres could do no more plagues, those that resist the truth can progress no further. Instead, Paul says, we need to follow the proper doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, and afflictions as he did. We may be in the minority for doing what is right, but as Moses did, so do we have God on our side! We need to be encouraged to stand up for the truth! By hearing the word of God, we receive faith (Romans 10:17). Paul goes on to tell Timothy that the Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
As human beings, we are physically limited in what we can do. However, as Christians, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Instead of trying to resist the truth (which will not get us anywhere), we should learn and obey the truth. Jesus said, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).”
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Foundations of Faith Series – audio
Many thanks to Brian Giselbach of the Wood Avenue congregation in Florence Alabama for preaching this series of lessons for us. We also truly appreciate the many Wood Avenue members who devoted their time in outreach and encouragement leading up to this series.
Be sure to listen to each of the lessons in this series.
Foundations of Faith |
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Faithful Witness
A faithful witness tells things as they are. a faithful witness tells the truth, no matter what.
When a person is accused of a crime he did not commit, he needs a lot of help to be acquitted. He needs a faithful witness. His true friends will always tell the truth, even in adversity, even when it may seem to damage the reputation of the accused. By telling the truth, the puzzle should come together and the accused may be set free. Thus the accused will realize what true friends he has.
Jesus was accused and put on trial. He did not see a faithful witness. Many told lies about Him, including His own apostles! However, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). Jesus died, was buried, and rose again so that we might obtain Heaven.
The wise man wrote, “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies (Proverbs 14:5).” Jesus Christ is our faithful witness (Revelation 1:5). He does not lie (John 14:6)! As He was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1-2), He could tell us the things from His Heavenly Father. The Word of God is a true and faithful witness to show us the way to Heaven (John 17:17).
Jesus told the church at Laodicea, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14)…” What things does He wish to tell us? He tells us what we need to know in order to get to Heaven! He was there, and wants us to go there too! He is a true and faithful witness. Are we going to be a true and faithful witness of and for Him as we live our lives before the world?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 13:07-10 – Stand for Truth – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Introduction
A. There is a lot of confusion in the world today.
1) Many people disagree on matters of religion.
2) Amid the confusion and disagreements, there is destruction.
B. Christians should not strive to destroy one another, but rather edify one another. Consider the text of 2 Corinthians 13:7-10. During that text, Paul says “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth (verse 8).”
C. God’s truth will always prevail, even when man tries to contradict it.
Body
I. What is truth?
A. Much confusion arises simply because people do not know what truth is.
1) As Jesus was put on trial, Pilate asked him, “What is truth (John 18:38)?”
2) This is a question we all need to ask.
3) Jesus is the one to give the answer.
B. Jesus said we can know the truth, and it will make us free (John 8:32).
1) The truth will make us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 6:14,18,22; 8:2).
C. There are three sources of truth.
1) Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6).
2) God is true (John 17:3).
3) God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
II. Christians must stand for the truth.
A. Christians must use the Bible as a guide, the source of truth inspired of God (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13).
B. Christians put on Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
C. Christians wear the whole armor of God, including being girded about with truth (Ephesians 6:14).
D. Christians are a part of the Lord’s church, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
1) The church’s mission should be to preach the truth!
E. Christians share the truth, because it will allow many souls to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:9-14).
F. It is God’s desire that all men will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
III. Paul is a good example of a Christian standing for truth.
A. After Paul became a Christian, the truth abode in him (2 Corinthians 11:10; Romans 9:1 et. al.).
B. Paul spoke words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25).
C. Paul did not even yield to false brethren, in order that the truth of the gospel would continue (Galatians 2:4-5).
IV. Sinners do not let the truth work for them, and may try to hinder it from helping others.
A. Some people simply refuse to listen to the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
B. Some resist the truth, and do not want to come to the knowledge of it (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
C. Paul observed Jews who were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel (Galatians 2:13-14).
D. Paul called the Galatians foolish because they were hindered from obeying the truth (Galatians 3:1; 5:7).
E. James warns Christians not to boast or lie against the truth (James 3:14).
Conclusion
A. We pray that today the truth has been proclaimed.
1) It is a foolish thing to try to hinder it.
2) It is a blessing to allow it to work in your life.
B. What is hindering you from obeying the truth?
1) As Paul said, “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”
2) Won’t you obey the truth right now?
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Congregations Need – audio
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Commitment to Truth
There is nothing congregations of the Lord’s church today need more than a strong commitment to the truth (Proverbs 23:23). We live in a time in which many congregations of the Lord have abandoned truth for error and God’s way for man’s way – Jeremiah 6:16.
But we must never forget that only the truth saves (John 8:32; James 1:18); only the truth purifies the soul (1 Peter 1:22); truth must govern our worship for God to accept it (John 4:24); the truth causes the body to grow (Ephesians 4:15; Acts 20:32).
Evangelistic Emphasis
What did Paul remind the elders of the church Ephesus when he was among them? In Acts 20:20-27, he taught publicly and from house to house the truth of God Word. He was compelled to share and proclaim to them all the counsel of God.
Strong Leadership
Elders in the Lord’s church are always in need of spiritual strength, for their position involves much “work” (1 Timothy 3:1). They face the daunting task of shepherding a congregation (Acts 20:28), which includes many unpleasant activities. If elders are not strong, wolves will come into the flock and devour them.
It takes strength, depth and vigor to be a good example of leadership (1 Peter 5:3), to watch out for the souls of many people (Hebrews 13:17), to exhort and convict with sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), to be available for church members, to visit the sick, to lead in disciplinary matters, to encourage the weak and to warn the unruly.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Preaching with Consistency
Faithful preachers of the gospel are charged with preaching a consistent message to those who will listen to them. With so many preachers preaching so many different things in the “religious world,” consistency is something that is sorely lacking. But, the kind of consistency that Bible challenges us to present in sermons is not so difficult to understand.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” – 1 Timothy 4:1-2
In 1 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul issued a solemn charge to the young minister: “Preach the word.” In order to present a consistent message, it is necessary for preachers to routinely base their preaching upon the Word of God.
In Philippians 2:5, Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The implication of this command is that, it is possible for us to know the mind of Christ, and if it is possible to know the mind of Christ, then it is possible to communicate His will to others.
If preaching is based solely upon the Bible, then it will be consistent. One of the hallmarks of man-made religion is inconsistency. Man-made religion tends to be inconsistent with itself and with the Bible. For example, in the case of churches which teach the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy, this doctrine contradicts other doctrines that they teach. If it is true, that once a person is saved he can never be lost again, why do these churches also teach that one must attend worship services and do benevolent works for others? If what they teach about the impossibility of apostasy is true, then what compelling reason would anyone have to try to reform themselves and live a faithful Christian life?
Of course, the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy also contradicts the Bible. Warnings against falling from the grace of God abound in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 5:4; Jude 24). Not only are Christians warned against the loss of their salvation, but they are also instructed as to how they can fortify themselves against such a loss (Acts 20:32).
The Bible presents a consistent message, and it is the job of gospel preachers to convey it accurately.
Content by Russell Kline
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John 08:31-32 Four Truths – audio
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Text: John 8:31-32
Opening Comments
When the trials are past (3rd verse)
Introduction
A. Jesus said if we abide in His Word we are His disciples
1. We shall know the Truth
2. This Truth will set us free
B. Tonight we will look at four of these truths
Body
I. THERE IS REDEMPTION FOR THE SLAVE – Ephesians 1:7
A. In Him refers to in the Beloved of Ephesians 1:6
B. We have redemption
1. To redeem one by paying the price
2. A releasing effected by payment of ransom
3. Deliverance
C. Note the change from adoption in Ephesians 1:5 to redemption of a slave or a captive
D. Through His blood
1. There is no redemption without His blood – Hebrews 9:22
2. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats can take away sin – Hebrews 10:4
E. The forgiveness of sins
1. Release, as from bondage, imprisonment
2. Forgiveness, pardon, of sins
3. Letting them go, as if they had not been committed
II. RECONCILIATION FOR THE ENEMY – Romans 5:10.
A. Man is reconciled to God and not God to man
1. Reconciled – to change, exchange, as coins for others of equivalent value
2. To reconcile those who are at variance
3. Return to favor with, be reconciled to one
4. To receive one into favor
B. Man departed from God so man needs to return to God
C. How are we reconciled?
1. By the death of the Christ and then we will be saved by His life – Hebrews 7:25
D. How are we saved by his life?
1. By being added to the church – Acts 2:47
2. By Him providing a way of escape – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. By Him providing mercy and grace to help in time of need -Hebrews 4:15-16
4. Because He is reigning over all things – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
III. REGENERATION FOR THE SINNER – Titus 3:5
A. The only washing relating to Christianity is baptism – John 3:1-12; Acts 22:16
B. The renewing process is accomplished by the knowledge of the Word of God – Romans 12:2
1. The mind is renewed – Romans 12:2
2. The mind is renewed by knowledge – Colossians 3:10
C. The Holy Spirit works through the knowledge He has given to renew the inner man
IV. RESTORATION FOR THE WANDERER – Galatians 6:1
A. A Christian might be overtaken in sin, but not be devoted to it – 1 John 1:8-2:2
B. Overtaken – to take one by forestalling him by surprise, detect
C. Restore – to render fit, sound, complete; to mend, to repair
Conclusion
A. Redemption for the slave
B. Reconciliation for the enemy
C. Regeneration for the sinner
D. Restoration for the wanderer
E. Obey while you have time!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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As Good As His Word
Do not swear at all.
Jesus taught, “…you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ be ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:33-37).
Oaths were common in our Lord’s day.
So common were oaths that they had become worthless. Two serious problems arose in connections with them. First, there was the practice of frivolous oaths. They were used for the most insignificant matters, and therefore became meaningless. Then there was the more dangerous practice of deceptive oaths. The Pharisees (a leading Jewish sect) were especially gifted in their use. Jesus strongly condemned them for their deception (Matthew 23:16-22).
Jesus’ disciples were not to use oaths.
He expected them to always be true to their word. Christians tell the truth, keep their word, and honor their promises. When they say “Yes,” they mean “Yes,” and when they say “No,” they mean “No.” A man is, after all, only as good as his word!
Here is a message our world desperately needs. Speak the truth!
Honor your word! Do what you say! There is not a segment of society which does not need to be reminded of this. Politicians, preachers, and people from all walks of life need to rediscover the importance and power of the simple truth.
Reputation is destroyed by being loose with the truth
Many a man’s reputation has been destroyed because he was loose with the truth and unwilling to keep his word. Often, financial or material gain is the motive for such deception. But, remember the words of Solomon, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).
Are you interested in developing a good reputation?
No man can have a good name if he is not true to his words!
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Hebrews 11:6 Does It Make a Difference? audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. Religious world is divided
1. Different beliefs
2. Different doctrines
3. Different practices
4. Different churches
B. Does it make any difference about any of that?
C. Does it make any difference what one believes?
Body
I. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE BELIEVES
A. That popular concept will not work in other areas:
1. Business – If you invest in a business, believe it to be a good investment, you may easily lose all your money!
2. Health – If you drink a glass liquid, believe it to be water, you may die if it is really poison!
B. If one must believe anything, then it makes a difference
1. God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Christ – John 8:24
3. Truth – John 8:32; Galatians 1:6-9
C. An objective standard, a fixed standard makes a difference what we believe
1. What is written – 2 Corinthians 4:13
2. Oracles of God – 1 Peter 4:11
3. Commandments – 1 Corinthians 14:37
4. Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
5. Inspired Scriptures – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
D. The difference it makes – John 8:24
1. Believes in Christ = Sins forgiven = Heaven
2. Does not believe in Christ = Die in sin = Cannot go to Heaven
E. Not loving the truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
1. Lie = Deceived – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
2. Not love truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
3. Deluded – 2 Thessalonians 2:11
4. Believe lie – 2 Thessalonians 2: 11
5. Not believe truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:12
6. Pleasure in unrighteousness (v 12) = Condemned (v 12)
F. Believing a lie – 1 Kings 13:7-10; 19-26
1. Do not drink water; Do not return the same way
2. Lie: Bring him back to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water
II. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE PRACTICES
A. If not – Can do anything!
1. Handle snakes as worship
2. Immoral acts as worship
B. Our practice must be authorized in the Word of God
1. According to the pattern – Hebrews 8:5
2. In the name of the Lord – Colossians 3:17
3. Within the doctrine of Christ – 2 John 9
C. The difference it makes our practice affects our:
1. Fellowship with God – 2 John 9
2. Eternal salvation – Matthew 7:22-23
Conclusion
A. If it does not make any difference
1. Does not matter whether one believes or not
2. Does not make any difference whether one believes the Bible
3. What Bible says – unimportant
4. What God says – unimportant
B. If it does make a difference
1. I need to know the truth – John 8:32
2. I need to study and examine what I am taught – Acts 17:11
3. I need to obey the truth – 1 Peter 1:22
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Do Not Lie
A certain woman, preparing to entertain guests, went to a small neighborhood grocery store to buy food. She stopped at the meat counter and asked the attendant for a large fresh chicken. He reached down into the cold storage compartment, grabbed the last chicken he had, and placed it on the scale. “This one weighs four pounds, ma’am,” he said. “I’m not sure that will be enough,” the woman replied. “Don’t you have a bigger one?” The attendant put the chicken back into the compartment, pretended to search through the melting ice for another one, and then brought out the same bird, discreetly applying some finger pressure to the scale. “Ah,” he said with a smile, “this one weighs six pounds.” “I’m just not sure,” the woman said with a frown. “I’ll tell you what-wrap them both up for me!”
It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said, “Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.” And, Abraham Lincoln is credited with the observation, “No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.”
A lie is the weapon of choice in Satan’s arsenal
From the Bible it would seem that a lie is the weapon of choice in Satan’s arsenal. It was certainly effective in the beginning (Genesis 3), and is still the cause of much sin and spiritual disease today. Jesus went so far as to say that Satan was “a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).
Do not lie to one another
One of the things which should distinguish Christians from all others is their absolute devotion to truth. Solomon admonished, “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). Those sentiments seem to be echoed by the Apostle Paul when he cautioned Christians: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:9-10). Lying, deception, and falsehood are all found in the devil’s tool chest.
The truth will set you free
To the very best of our ability, we must be honest and truthful in all our dealings with one another. We cannot alter the truth to spare feelings. The Bible doesn’t distinguish between white and black lies. We must always be kind, but truthful. There are going to be times when the truth will hurt, but lying will ultimately hurt even more. Jesus message still resonates: “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
— Roger
MAY 13, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Biblical Morality
Our postmodern culture argues that the Bible is an outdated, irrelevant text
Our culture, therefore, argues that it is wrong to appeal to the Bible as an authoritative standard for morality. Robert Williams, in his book, Just As I Am: A Practical Guide to Being Out, Proud, and Christian, offers the following argument in defense of homosexuality: The point is not really whether or not some passage in the Bible condemns homosexual acts; the point is that you cannot allow your moral and ethical decisions to be determined by the literature of a people whose culture and history are so far removed from your own. You must dare to be iconoclastic enough to say, “So what if the Bible does say it? Who cares?” (page 128).
People have a problem with authority
Sadly, Mr. Williams echoes the sentiments of a lot of folks when he dismisses the moral relevancy of Scripture. People have a problem with authority, especially Biblical authority. Folks want to be religious, but they also want to be free to do as they choose. This is not something new. It was said of the children of Israel in the days of the judges, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
For the iconoclast truth is whatever he wants it to be
An iconoclast is somebody who challenges or overturns traditional beliefs, customs, and values. For the iconoclast truth is whatever he wants it to be. Anything in the Bible which is objectionable is declared to be culturally irrelevant. The argument is generally framed as follows. The Bible is thousands of years old. The fastest Moses, Jesus, Paul ever traveled was five or six miles an hour. Today, we can board a plane and fly anywhere in the world at six hundred miles an hour. How can the Bible possibly be relevant in our modern, highly technological world? The answer is pretty simple. A man can lust, covet, or slander his neighbor at six hundred miles an hour just as easily as he can at six miles an hour. Make no mistake, our world is far more technologically advanced than the world of the Bible, but people are still the same.
Is any truth in the Bible no longer true?
The Bible anticipated the iconoclasts and their attacks on the integrity and relevancy of Scripture when it asserted: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Is there a part of the Sermon on the Mount that doesn’t resonate today with the honest reader? What truth in God’s ancient book can be demonstrated to no longer be true?
Either the Bible is the word of God or it isn’t
It claims to be inspired, authoritative, all-sufficient, and by implication inerrant (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Those claims can be defended. Therefore, to reject what the Bible says about morality or any other matter is to reject the authority of the Creator Himself. Biblical morality may not be popular, but it is right!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Truth in Love
What do you want to hear?
When you go to the doctor for your annual checkup, don’t you want to hear that everything is just fine? But, what if it’s not? Do you still want your physician to tell you that you are fine even though all the tests say otherwise? Of course not! That would be malpractice. Why then, when it comes to our spiritual health, are we so reluctant to hear the truth?
Not just, “smile, God loves you”
Someone has observed: John the Baptist’s message from the wilderness was not, “Smile, God loves you.” It was “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Jeremiah was not put into a miry pit for preaching, “I’m OK, you’re OK.” It was for crying against the adultery, idolatry and other wickedness of his nation. Noah’s message from the steps of the ark was not, “Something good is going to happen to you.” He condemned the world and was a preacher of righteousness. Jesus Christ was not crucified for saying, “Consider the lilies, how they grow,” but for saying, “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites … children of hell … fools and blind guides … whited sepulchers … generation of vipers.”
Listen to the whole counsel of God
When Paul was about to part company with the Ephesian elders, he said to them: And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:25-31).
The whole truth is the truth in love
Faithful men of God must always teach and preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They can do no less and please God, and it is God, not men, who is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10). Of course, the truth must be presented in love (Ephesians 4:15). No faithful preacher will delight in being offensive, but truth cannot be compromised in a bid for the love and praise of men. Real love for God and for souls requires that the truth be taught in spite of any personal ramifications. That is why John was compelled to say to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Matthew 14:4). In so doing, he was preaching the truth in love.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Galatians 04:16-20 True Friends and False Friends
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Text: Galatians 4:16-20
Introduction
1. Friends can be a wonderful blessing
a. A source of comfort in times good and bad – Proverbs 17:17
b. A source of good counsel – Proverbs 27:9
2. It is not always easy to know who your true friends are
a. Sometimes a true friend tells you what you don’t want to hear
b. Sometimes a false friend tells you what you do want to hear
3. In writing to the Galatians, Paul found it necessary to remind them of that truth
a. As he defended the gospel of justification by faith in Christ
b. As he battled against the influence of those who sought to bind the Law of Moses
Body
I. TRUE FRIENDS SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH
1. Even if it makes them your enemy – Galatians 4:16
2. Even when the tone hurts – Galatians 4:20
3. Paul had been a true friend to his brethren
B. YOU NEED TRUE FRIENDS
1. When hearing the gospel of Christ
a. Who will tell you the full gospel as preached by Christ and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16
b. Not just what is popularly believed, or what may appeal to our sensitivities – Galatians 1:8-9
2. When growing in grace
a. Who will tell us of the need to grow, and the danger of apostasy – 2 Peter 3:17-18
b. Not just tickling our ears with things we enjoy hearing – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
3. When drifting from God
a. As Paul reached out to the Galatians in our text – Galatians 4:19-20
b. As Paul encouraged them to do the same to others – Galatians 6:1
4. Do we appreciate the value of such friends in our lives?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF DAVID AND SOLOMON
1. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.” – Psalm 141:5a
2. “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18
3. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” – Proverbs 15:31-32
4. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” – Proverbs 25:12
5. May we always appreciate the value of true friends.
II. FALSE FRIENDS SAY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT
1. When it makes you on their side – Galatians 4:17
2. When you have something they want – cf. Galatians 6:12-13
3. The Judaizing teachers were not true friends of the Galatians
B. YOU NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE FRIENDS
1. When you are being courted with zeal
a. Their motives may not be right – Galatians 4:17; cf. Romans 16:17-18
b. Their knowledge may be wrong – cf. Romans 10:1-2
2. When you are being manipulated
a. As the false teachers were trying to manipulate the Galatians – Galatians 4:17
b. A tactic first used by Satan, and since by many others – 2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3
3. When you are pursued only in their presence
a. Paul sought their devotion even in his absence – Galatians 4:18; Philippians 1:27; 2:12
b. False friends often forget about you when they are no longer with you
4. Do we appreciate the danger of the wrong kind of friends?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
1. “Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” – Proverbs 26:23-26
2. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people have been led astray by the wrong kind of friends
a. Good habits have been corrupted by bad company – 1 Corinthians 15:33
b. Immature Christians have been tossed around by cunning and deceitful teachers – Ephesians 4:14
2. May we learn from the interaction between Paul and the Galatians
a. True friends say what you need to hear
b. False friends say what they want you to hear
3. Speaking of true friends, the greatest friend we can have is Jesus – John 15:13-14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Can We Really Know The Truth?
Can We Really Know?
“Is it really possible for a person to KNOW the truth?”
There are so many opinions about what the Bible teaches.
“Is truth even attainable in the religious realm?”
These are common questions today.
Consider a few observations from Scripture:
1. How can a person be expected to OBEY (Hebrews 5:8-9) Christ if he is incapable of knowing what constitutes obedience to Christ?
2. How can a person be expected to ABIDE IN (John 8:31) the word of Christ if he is unable to learn and know Christ’s teaching?
3. How can a person be expected to PROVE (1 Thessalonians 5:21; cf. 1 John 4:1) what the Bible says if the truth cannot be distinguished from error?
4. How can a person be expected to CONTEND (Jude 3) earnestly for the truth if the truth is unattainable?
5. How can a person be expected to BEWARE (Matthew 7:15; cf. 2 John 7) of false teachers if there is no discernible way of telling whether or not they are teaching error?
6. How can a person be expected to SPEAK (Ephesians 4:15) the truth in love if he is unable to differentiate between truth and error?
7. How can we UNDERSTAND the will of the Lord ( Ephesians 5:17) if it is unattainable?
Yes, we can know the truth.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; 2 Timothy 3:13-17).
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 05:08-09 Obeying The Truth Brings Salvation – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:8-9
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).
- Man must continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain eternal salvation (John 8:31-32).
- Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation by departing from the faith (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 (falling away); 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 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. However, this does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that 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 on Faithfulness
- • To obtain and retain eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God, and 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 which is condition of your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- We are admonished repeatedly to overcome all things that we might obtain the crown of life that 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 Christians must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (we access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make your 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. Simon was baptized and then erred from the truth and was admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:18-24).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
