Saturday, December 26, 2015
Who Are You Feeding?
Who Are You Feeding?
Introduction:
While Jesus is eating bread in the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, He uses the occasion to teach a lesson about being hospitable.
Text: Luke 14:12-14 “Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’ ” NKJV
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
My Soul Is Troubled | church of Christ
My Soul Is Troubled | church of Christ
My Soul Is Troubled
Psalm 77
Introduction:
All of God’s children go through times of suffering. They have mental and spiritual trials. Some of these may seem overwhelming. Our spirit is depressed and our soul is heavy. Life may get us down and we become discouraged.
This psalm teaches us that the good man is not exempt from life’s troubles but that the God of all grace provides a way to lead us out of our troubles.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Saul Begins to Preach Christ | Book of Acts | church of Christ
Saul Begins to Preach Christ | Book of Acts | church of Christ
Introduction:
Saul sees Christ on the road to Damascus; Ananias tells him what he needs to do to be saved; and he is baptized to wash away his sins. What does Saul do next?
A Sweet Smelling Fragrance | church of Christ
A Sweet Smelling Fragrance | church of Christ
Introduction:
“The traveler to the tropics is introduced to many fruits that are new to his taste – pawpaw, mango, mangosteen, pumelo, passion fruit, and durian. After the first experience, some are eagerly welcomed again, others received sparingly, still others positively rejected. Christians have been born again that they “should be a kind of first fruits of His creation.” (James 1:18) “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” NKJV “Some, like the mangosteen, are universally admired. Here is a sweetness that does not cloy. Some, like pawpaw, are taken on trial. Perhaps one may grow to like that sort of thing. For still others, once is enough; yea, too much. In every contact, we are leaving the bitter odor of ourselves or the fragrance of Christ’s presence within.” Author Unknown
Theme:
Fragrance as it is seen in the lives of the children of God.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Be Aware of Satan's Devices
Be Aware of Satan's Devices
Be Aware of Satan’s Devices
Introduction:
We are at war with Satan! (Ephesians 6:12) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” NKJV He has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. He uses a variety of tricks and traps to try and defeat us. (II Corinthians 11:3, 14) “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” NKJV We must not be ignorant of his devices. (II Corinthians 2:11) “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” NKJV So what are these devices and how can I defend myself.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Why Should I believe The Bible?
Why Should I believe The Bible?
Why Should I Believe the Bible?
Introduction:
There is no doubt that Christianity is based upon the Bible. The Bible claims to be the Word of God. (II Timothy 3:16-17) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” NKJV These claims are often rejected without an investigation. This lesson will show that the Bible is truly the Word of God by examining the external evidences for its inspiration, especially the Bible’s scientific foreknowledge.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Book of Acts | The Conversion of Paul | church of Christ
Book of Acts | The Conversion of Paul | church of Christ
The Book of Acts
The Conversion of Saul
Introduction:
The conversion of Saul might very well be the most famous conversion in all of the New Testament. The Book of Acts records three accounts of his conversion: Acts 9 [Luke’s recording of it as it happened], Acts 22 and Acts 26 [Paul’s retelling of it]. Two important questions will be answered in this lesson: 1. When was Saul saved? 2. How was Saul saved?
Text: Acts 9:1-19
Body:
I. On the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)
Acts 9:1-2 “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” NKJV Saul was passionate about destroying this new movement – the Way. After persecuting Christians in Jerusalem, he then turned to areas outside Jerusalem. (Acts 26:9-11) “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” NKJV He got arrest warrants from the high priest so he set out for Damascus, 140 miles N.N.E. of Jerusalem. Acts 9:3-5 “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”NKJV Nearing Damascus at noon an extremely bright light shone from heaven. He and his companions fell to the ground. A voice spoke to him in Hebrew and said, “Saul, Saul.” He probably knew he was in trouble! The voice identified himself as Jesus. So Saul had been wrong. Jesus was alive. By persecuting Christians, Saul had been persecuting Jesus. It was “hard to kick against the goads.” A goad was a long, pointed stick used to prod stubborn animals. Saul had resisted the Lord’s “goading” him to become a Christian.
Acts 9:6 “So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ ” NKJV Saul wanted to know what he could do. Was there any hope for him? The Lord revealed that he needed to go on to Damascus and it would be told him what he must do. Acts 9:7-9 “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” NKJV The vision of Jesus was for Saul’s eyes only. He couldn’t see; so he was led by hand. He was overcome with remorse, no doubt remembering all the Lord’s disciples that he had put to death. He could not eat or drink. Saul now believed in the resurrected Christ, he was penitent, and he had even confessed Jesus. (Acts 22:10) “So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ ” NKJV But the guilt of sin still ate away at his soul. He was still lost!
II. Saul Meets Ananias in Damascus (Acts 9:10-19)
Acts 9:10-16 “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.’ Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priest to bind all who call on Your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’ ” NKJV Ananias was chosen by God as a messenger. (Acts 22:12) “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,” NKJV Paul was told to go to a street called Straight. This street, about a mile long, is still in Damascus. Ananias was told about Saul and that he was praying [probably begging for mercy from the Lord]. Ananias was reluctant to go because Saul was a persecutor of the saints – those who call on the name of Christ. (Acts 2:21) “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.” NKJV While Ananias called Saul a persecutor, Jesus called him a chosen vessel. (Acts 26:16-18) “But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” NKJV Acts 9:17-19 “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.” NKJV Ananias didn’t argue with the Lord. He just obeyed His command. Saul’s sight was restored. In Acts 22:14-15, “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.’ ” NKJV Ananias alluded to the fact that Saul will be an apostle of Christ. Then Saul is told to be baptized and wash away his sins.
III. When and How Was Saul Saved?
· Some say Saul was saved on the road to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him. This can’t be true because after appearing to Saul, the Lord told him to go to Damascus and it would be revealed to him what he must do. When he got there, Ananias told him “to wash away his 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.” NKJV So Saul’s sins still had to be forgiven. He was still lost while on the road to Damascus.
· This text also reveals how Saul was saved. The vision of the Lord had not saved him. His prayers and fasting had not saved him either. He was saved when his sins were “washed away” in the waters of baptism. This agrees with what Peter proclaimed in 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.’ ” NKJV
· We also see from the conversion of Saul what it means to “call on the name of the Lord.” One acknowledges Jesus as Lord by being baptized, by His authority for the forgiveness of sins.
Conclusion:
We should always let the Bible speak for itself. It clearly reveals that the penitent believer must confess the name of Christ and be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins.
Bobby Stafford October 25, 2015 [Evening]
Acts: Lesson 23 Acts 9:1-19
The Book of Acts
The Conversion of Saul
Introduction:
The conversion of Saul might very well be the most famous conversion in all of the New Testament. The Book of Acts records three accounts of his conversion: Acts 9 [Luke’s recording of it as it happened], Acts 22 and Acts 26 [Paul’s retelling of it]. Two important questions will be answered in this lesson: 1. When was Saul saved? 2. How was Saul saved?
Text: Acts 9:1-19
Body:
I. On the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)
Acts 9:1-2 “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” NKJV Saul was passionate about destroying this new movement – the Way. After persecuting Christians in Jerusalem, he then turned to areas outside Jerusalem. (Acts 26:9-11) “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” NKJV He got arrest warrants from the high priest so he set out for Damascus, 140 miles N.N.E. of Jerusalem. Acts 9:3-5 “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”NKJV Nearing Damascus at noon an extremely bright light shone from heaven. He and his companions fell to the ground. A voice spoke to him in Hebrew and said, “Saul, Saul.” He probably knew he was in trouble! The voice identified himself as Jesus. So Saul had been wrong. Jesus was alive. By persecuting Christians, Saul had been persecuting Jesus. It was “hard to kick against the goads.” A goad was a long, pointed stick used to prod stubborn animals. Saul had resisted the Lord’s “goading” him to become a Christian.
Acts 9:6 “So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ ” NKJV Saul wanted to know what he could do. Was there any hope for him? The Lord revealed that he needed to go on to Damascus and it would be told him what he must do. Acts 9:7-9 “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” NKJV The vision of Jesus was for Saul’s eyes only. He couldn’t see; so he was led by hand. He was overcome with remorse, no doubt remembering all the Lord’s disciples that he had put to death. He could not eat or drink. Saul now believed in the resurrected Christ, he was penitent, and he had even confessed Jesus. (Acts 22:10) “So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ ” NKJV But the guilt of sin still ate away at his soul. He was still lost!
II. Saul Meets Ananias in Damascus (Acts 9:10-19)
Acts 9:10-16 “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.’ Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priest to bind all who call on Your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’ ” NKJV Ananias was chosen by God as a messenger. (Acts 22:12) “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,” NKJV Paul was told to go to a street called Straight. This street, about a mile long, is still in Damascus. Ananias was told about Saul and that he was praying [probably begging for mercy from the Lord]. Ananias was reluctant to go because Saul was a persecutor of the saints – those who call on the name of Christ. (Acts 2:21) “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.” NKJV While Ananias called Saul a persecutor, Jesus called him a chosen vessel. (Acts 26:16-18) “But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” NKJV Acts 9:17-19 “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.” NKJV Ananias didn’t argue with the Lord. He just obeyed His command. Saul’s sight was restored. In Acts 22:14-15, “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.’ ” NKJV Ananias alluded to the fact that Saul will be an apostle of Christ. Then Saul is told to be baptized and wash away his sins.
III. When and How Was Saul Saved?
· Some say Saul was saved on the road to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him. This can’t be true because after appearing to Saul, the Lord told him to go to Damascus and it would be revealed to him what he must do. When he got there, Ananias told him “to wash away his 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.” NKJV So Saul’s sins still had to be forgiven. He was still lost while on the road to Damascus.
· This text also reveals how Saul was saved. The vision of the Lord had not saved him. His prayers and fasting had not saved him either. He was saved when his sins were “washed away” in the waters of baptism. This agrees with what Peter proclaimed in 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.’ ” NKJV
· We also see from the conversion of Saul what it means to “call on the name of the Lord.” One acknowledges Jesus as Lord by being baptized, by His authority for the forgiveness of sins.
Conclusion:
We should always let the Bible speak for itself. It clearly reveals that the penitent believer must confess the name of Christ and be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins.
Bobby Stafford October 25, 2015 [Evening]
Acts: Lesson 23 Acts 9:1-19
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Book of Acts | The Conversion of Paul | church of Christ
Book of Acts | The Conversion of Paul | church of Christ
The Book of Acts
The Conversion of Saul
Introduction:
The conversion of Saul might very well be the most famous conversion in all of the New Testament. The Book of Acts records three accounts of his conversion: Acts 9 [Luke’s recording of it as it happened], Acts 22 and Acts 26 [Paul’s retelling of it]. Two important questions will be answered in this lesson: 1. When was Saul saved? 2. How was Saul saved?
Monday, October 26, 2015
The Love of Money
The Love of Money
The Love of Money
Introduction:
Jesus was the Master Storyteller. On one occasion while a multitude of thousands was gathered, a man in the crowd told Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Note Christ’s reply in Luke 12:14-21. “15 And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. . . . 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater,’ . . . 19 ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ 20-21 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” NKJV Greed, or covetousness, is the desire for wrong things. It is the desire to gain worldly possessions for your own sake; not to help others. Note I Timothy 6:9-10. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” NKJV
There was nothing wrong with the possession of wealth. It was the wrong use of it that Jesus condemned. Wealth and possessions can lead one away from God and into ruin. See Proverbs 15:27 “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.” and James 5:1-6. “5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.” NKJV
Monday, October 19, 2015
The Days of Creation
The Days of Creation
Introduction:
Up until recently, the creation of the universe as revealed in Genesis Chapter One was believed to have taken place in six literal 24-hour days. But with the advent of the Theory of Evolution, many have been deceived into believing that billions of years must be fit into the days of Genesis One. While Jehovah could have created the world in six seconds, six hours, or six billion years, what does God’s Word say?
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit
Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit
People throughout the ages have wondered about what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was and whether people can still be guilty of it. Let’s see what the Bible says about it.
People throughout the ages have wondered about what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was and whether people can still be guilty of it. Let’s see what the Bible says about it.
Monday, October 5, 2015
What It Means To Remain Faithful
What It Means To Remain Faithful
It's a bad thing for a Christian to fall away from God's righteousness and lose their home in heaven. But it's a far worse thing for a Christian to die in a fallen state. While we yet have breath in us, if we have fallen away, we, like the prodigal son can return home.
It's a bad thing for a Christian to fall away from God's righteousness and lose their home in heaven. But it's a far worse thing for a Christian to die in a fallen state. While we yet have breath in us, if we have fallen away, we, like the prodigal son can return home.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Book of Acts | Chapter 8 | church of Christ
Book of Acts | Chapter 8 | church of Christ
The Gospel Comes to Samaria
Introduction:
Not too long after the beginning of the church in Jerusalem, a great persecution arose against it. (Acts 8:1) “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” NKJV This began with the stoning of Stephen. Those Christians scattered throughout Judea and Samaria went preaching the word. (Acts 8:4) “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” NKJV The Bible records the preaching of one of these, Philip. Read Acts 6:5. “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,” NKJV
Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ
Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ
A series of Expository Sermons on the book of Acts
A series of Expository Sermons on the book of Acts
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Saved By What? | church of Christ
Saved By What? | church of Christ
Imagine you are on a ship in a severe storm. You are on deck trying to get to safety. A strong gust of wind blows you off into the water. A man on board sees you and throws you a life preserver. You grab it and swim back to the ship and climb to safety. The question is: “What were you saved by?” The ship, the man who threw the life preserver, the life preserver, the water or yourself – The truth is you were saved by all of them. If you take any one of them away, you will be lost.
The Bible informs us that one is saved by many things. What are we to make of that? Jesus said that we are governed by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ ” NKJV So anything which God declares as necessary for salvation in one passage of Scripture must be implied and included in all other passages which speak of salvation. So what does the Word of God declare we are saved by?
What Does the Bible Say | church of Christ | Lesson
What Does the Bible Say | church of Christ | Lesson
The Word of God says a lot about what's wrong in our society today. Let me encourage you who may be reading this to get your Bible some time today and everyday thereafter and read for yourself, 'What does the Bible Say?'
The Word of God says a lot about what's wrong in our society today. Let me encourage you who may be reading this to get your Bible some time today and everyday thereafter and read for yourself, 'What does the Bible Say?'
Saturday, September 26, 2015
This World is Not My Home | church of Christ | Lesson
This World is Not My Home | church of Christ | Lesson
Our number one goal in this life must be for heaven to
be our home. "Enter by the narrow
gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that
leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by
it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way
which leads to life, and there are few who find it"
(Matthew
7:13-14). No one will accidentally go to
heaven.
Our number one goal in this life must be for heaven to
be our home. "Enter by the narrow
gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that
leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by
it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way
which leads to life, and there are few who find it"
(Matthew
7:13-14). No one will accidentally go to
heaven.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
The church of Christ at Granby
The church of Christ at Granby
Monday, September 14, 2015
What It Means To Preach Christ | church of Christ
What It Means To Preach Christ | church of Christ
Preaching Christ involves the great truths of the gospel. These truths need to be proclaimed to the whole world. When believed and obeyed, they bring life everlasting.
Preaching Christ involves the great truths of the gospel. These truths need to be proclaimed to the whole world. When believed and obeyed, they bring life everlasting.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Monday, September 7, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Book of Acts | Chapter 6 | church of Christ
Book of Acts | Chapter 6 | church of Christ
After the death of Stephen, a severe persecution arose against the Lord’s church. Verse 1 Acts 8:1 “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” NKJV Christians, with the exception of the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. A young man by the name of Saul was instrumental in this persecution. Verses 2-3 Acts 8:2-3 “And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” NKJV But who was this Saul and why was he so zealous in persecuting followers of Christ?
After the death of Stephen, a severe persecution arose against the Lord’s church. Verse 1 Acts 8:1 “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” NKJV Christians, with the exception of the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. A young man by the name of Saul was instrumental in this persecution. Verses 2-3 Acts 8:2-3 “And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” NKJV But who was this Saul and why was he so zealous in persecuting followers of Christ?
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Overcoming Pride and Arrogance | church of Christ | Sermon
Overcoming Pride and Arrogance | church of Christ | Sermon
(Micah 6:8) “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” NKJV Let’s follow this advice and work at cultivating humility in our lives. Instead of seeking seats of honor, let us take the lowly places among men.
(Micah 6:8) “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” NKJV Let’s follow this advice and work at cultivating humility in our lives. Instead of seeking seats of honor, let us take the lowly places among men.
Gideon an unlikely hero | church of Christ | Sermon
Gideon an unlikely hero | church of Christ | Sermon
Gideon was truly an unlikely hero. He is an example of how God can use anyone to bring about His will. When God looks at us He does not see us for what we are, but for what we can become through Him.
Gideon was truly an unlikely hero. He is an example of how God can use anyone to bring about His will. When God looks at us He does not see us for what we are, but for what we can become through Him.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Wrong Thinking | church of Christ | Sermon
Wrong Thinking | church of Christ | Sermon
There is a lot of wrong thinking in our society today. Wrong thinking about what constitutes marriage, about drinking alcohol, about tolerance, about the Bible, and many others. In this lesson, we will focus on three areas of wrong thinking: sin, repentance, and God.
There is a lot of wrong thinking in our society today. Wrong thinking about what constitutes marriage, about drinking alcohol, about tolerance, about the Bible, and many others. In this lesson, we will focus on three areas of wrong thinking: sin, repentance, and God.
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Sunday, August 23, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
New Testament Church | church of Christ | Sermon
New Testament Church | church of Christ | Sermon
The New Testament Church
Jesus, while on His missionary journey, asked His disciples a question as recorded in Matthew 16:13, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Several of the disciples present answered that question. And then Jesus asked them a different question in verse 15, “But whom say ye that I am?” Simon Peter spoke up and told Jesus exactly who he thought Him to be. His answer is recorded in verse 16, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In the original language, The term “Christ” comes from the Greek word, “Christos” which means ‘anointed one’. It has a Hebrew equivalent which is ‘mashiyach’, which in our language has come to mean ‘Messiah’. So Peter’s answer to Jesus’s question was, “you are the anointed one, the Son of the living God”
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Reverence in Worship | church of Christ | Sermon
Reverence in Worship | church of Christ | Sermon
Read Psalm 89:7 again. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” NKJV God is to be exalted above all else. The natural question then is this: Have you personally placed Him above everything? Have you worshipped Him reverently?
Read Psalm 89:7 again. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” NKJV God is to be exalted above all else. The natural question then is this: Have you personally placed Him above everything? Have you worshipped Him reverently?
Monday, June 15, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
How do I avoid hell? (John 3:36) | church of Christ
How do I avoid hell? (John 3:36) | church of Christ
How do I avoid Hell? The scriptures portray a very real and vivid of picture of what Hell is and what it is like. Suffice it to say that Hell is a place we need to stay out of. We need to avoid it. It's real, it's awful, it's dark, it's hot, its scary, and it's eternal. What does eternal mean? We are mortals caught up in an existence where there is a beginning and an end to everything we see. We live a few decades on this earth and then our earthly bodies grow old and die. At some point in our earthly existence we will wake up one morning and have fewer days ahead of us than we have behind us. In Hell there is no end. There will never be a time in Hell where we can say that there are fewer days ahead of us than we have behind. We sing a song called Amazing Grace which has a verse that speaks about the everlasting joys of of Heaven. 'When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's grace then we first begun.' The same holds true of Hell with the exception that those who are there won't be singing about God's grace. When they've been there ten thousand years, they have no less days to endure the torment of Hell than when they'd first begun.
How do I avoid Hell? The scriptures portray a very real and vivid of picture of what Hell is and what it is like. Suffice it to say that Hell is a place we need to stay out of. We need to avoid it. It's real, it's awful, it's dark, it's hot, its scary, and it's eternal. What does eternal mean? We are mortals caught up in an existence where there is a beginning and an end to everything we see. We live a few decades on this earth and then our earthly bodies grow old and die. At some point in our earthly existence we will wake up one morning and have fewer days ahead of us than we have behind us. In Hell there is no end. There will never be a time in Hell where we can say that there are fewer days ahead of us than we have behind. We sing a song called Amazing Grace which has a verse that speaks about the everlasting joys of of Heaven. 'When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's grace then we first begun.' The same holds true of Hell with the exception that those who are there won't be singing about God's grace. When they've been there ten thousand years, they have no less days to endure the torment of Hell than when they'd first begun.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Faith, Grace and God's Law | church of Christ | Sermon
Faith, Grace and God's Law | church of Christ | Sermon
Faith, Grace and Law
1. What is law?
Law is a rule or a set of rules, enforceable, regulating the behavior of those under which it has authority. The short definition is a rule of conduct.
2. Is there law under the new covenant?
There are two laws spoken of in the new testament. The most common one directly mentioned as law is in reference back to the law of Moses. In Acts 13:39, Paul made a reference to the law of Moses that is of particular relevance to this lesson. Paul said, "And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Paul made a reference here to the law of Moses and in doing so he made a very important observation. The law of Moses cannot justify anyone. The word justify means to 'make just' or to declare one to be innocent. The Hebrew writer further explains this in Hebrews 10:4, where he wrote, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." The animal sacrifices under the law of Moses were incapable of taking away the sins of the people. All they did was to accomplish what is referred to as atonement. Atonement is another word for appeasement. The animal sacrifices were only capable of appeasing God's wrath for a period of time. The Hebrew writer tells us when this time was in Hebrews 9:15, where we read, "And for this cause he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Under the law of Moses, the sins of the people were only atoned for until the death of Christ on the cross at which time His blood then provided the total and complete forgiveness of their sins.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Faith and Works | church of Christ | Sermon
Faith and Works | church of Christ | Sermon
Faith and Works
Now when we
read on to Ephesians 2:9 we see another point that Paul makes in
that context. "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
So how do works operate in our faith response? This is a
very important question that needs to be answered because there
a vast number of people who believe and teach that faith is
really faith only and that no works are necessary. They
support this teaching by saying that works don't save us.
And within the proper context, they are absolutely right.
Works don't save us. The remainder of this lesson is going
to examine the role of faith and how it relate to works.
read on to Ephesians 2:9 we see another point that Paul makes in
that context. "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
So how do works operate in our faith response? This is a
very important question that needs to be answered because there
a vast number of people who believe and teach that faith is
really faith only and that no works are necessary. They
support this teaching by saying that works don't save us.
And within the proper context, they are absolutely right.
Works don't save us. The remainder of this lesson is going
to examine the role of faith and how it relate to works.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ
Acts of the Apostles Online KJV Bible the church of Christ
Church of Christ Commentary and Study Guide for the book of Acts | ||||||||||||||||||
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Tuesday, April 14, 2015
God's Grace and Man's Faith | church of Christ | Sermon
God's Grace and Man's Faith | church of Christ | Sermon
God's Grace and
First of all, what is
God's Grace and
Our Faith
As I travel across
this nation working in various places, I meet a lot of people who
claim Jesus Christ as their savior and when you engage them in
conversation about their beliefs, they have this notion that grace
and faith are the tickets to heaven and in a sense they are right.
But their understanding of just what grace and faith is as a
comprehensive Biblical term is not always in line with reality.
They know that grace and faith is there but they really don't have a
clear understanding of just what grace and faith are and how each
one of these functions in our justification and subsequent
salvation.
this nation working in various places, I meet a lot of people who
claim Jesus Christ as their savior and when you engage them in
conversation about their beliefs, they have this notion that grace
and faith are the tickets to heaven and in a sense they are right.
But their understanding of just what grace and faith is as a
comprehensive Biblical term is not always in line with reality.
They know that grace and faith is there but they really don't have a
clear understanding of just what grace and faith are and how each
one of these functions in our justification and subsequent
salvation.
For the purpose of
this lesson, we are going to examine these two vital and essential
elements that play such an important role in our lives as Christians
and try to gain a better understanding of them from an overall
Biblical perspective.
this lesson, we are going to examine these two vital and essential
elements that play such an important role in our lives as Christians
and try to gain a better understanding of them from an overall
Biblical perspective.
First of all, what is
Grace?
Most people have no idea what grace really is and how
it functions in the life of a Christian. Several people,
especially those among our denominational neighbors have this belief
that God's grace is some kind of mystical, magical thing that
transforms an all powerful, perfectly holy, just and omniscient God
into Santa Clause. You know, that red suited jolly character
that promises children a bucket of coal or a bundle of switches if
they haven't been good but when its all said and done nice presents
are received anyway?
it functions in the life of a Christian. Several people,
especially those among our denominational neighbors have this belief
that God's grace is some kind of mystical, magical thing that
transforms an all powerful, perfectly holy, just and omniscient God
into Santa Clause. You know, that red suited jolly character
that promises children a bucket of coal or a bundle of switches if
they haven't been good but when its all said and done nice presents
are received anyway?
I did not deserve the
nice things I received. I certainly did not earn them, Santa
was under no obligation whatsoever to give them to me. Now
while there are some elements to this little illustration that
parallel God's grace, we are overlooking one very important fact.
nice things I received. I certainly did not earn them, Santa
was under no obligation whatsoever to give them to me. Now
while there are some elements to this little illustration that
parallel God's grace, we are overlooking one very important fact.
When you strip all
the layers away and get down to the facts, Santa lied to me. I
had not been a good little boy for the past year and I knew it.
Santa promised me something that he did not deliver on. While
that was perfectly fine with me at the time, the fact remains that
Santa promised me a bundle of switches and I got candy, clothes and
hot wheels. Santa gave me grace, but Santa
did not keep his word.
the layers away and get down to the facts, Santa lied to me. I
had not been a good little boy for the past year and I knew it.
Santa promised me something that he did not deliver on. While
that was perfectly fine with me at the time, the fact remains that
Santa promised me a bundle of switches and I got candy, clothes and
hot wheels. Santa gave me grace, but Santa
did not keep his word.
God is not Santa.
And Santa most certainly is not God. Inspiration teaches us in
Titus 1:2 and other places in scripture that God cannot lie.
One thing that we can be absolutely sure of is that neither grace or
faith rightly applied in our lives will ever make God out to be a
liar. God does not say things that He does not mean. God
doesn't make promises that He does not keep.
And Santa most certainly is not God. Inspiration teaches us in
Titus 1:2 and other places in scripture that God cannot lie.
One thing that we can be absolutely sure of is that neither grace or
faith rightly applied in our lives will ever make God out to be a
liar. God does not say things that He does not mean. God
doesn't make promises that He does not keep.
Santa told me that a
certain level or standard of good behavior was required in order to
receive the good gifts. In other words, I was expected to obey
my parents if I wanted the good stuff. God certainly has
grace, but unlike Santa, when God promises bad stuff for bad
behavior, God is going to deliver bad stuff for bad behavior, no
matter how much grace He has. God's grace will not cause God
to violate His honest nature or His principles. 2 Timothy
2:11-13 teaches us that God cannot deny His holy nature: 2
Timothy 2:11-13
"11 For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He [God] cannot deny Himself. " NKJV
certain level or standard of good behavior was required in order to
receive the good gifts. In other words, I was expected to obey
my parents if I wanted the good stuff. God certainly has
grace, but unlike Santa, when God promises bad stuff for bad
behavior, God is going to deliver bad stuff for bad behavior, no
matter how much grace He has. God's grace will not cause God
to violate His honest nature or His principles. 2 Timothy
2:11-13 teaches us that God cannot deny His holy nature: 2
Timothy 2:11-13
"11 For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He [God] cannot deny Himself. " NKJV
One thing we can be
absolutely sure about is that God's grace will never cause God to
act in a way that is in conflict with Himself or His standards.
God is going to be faithful to His covenant even when we are not
faithful to Him. In other words, God is going to keep his promises
and do what He said He would do no matter what we do.
absolutely sure about is that God's grace will never cause God to
act in a way that is in conflict with Himself or His standards.
God is going to be faithful to His covenant even when we are not
faithful to Him. In other words, God is going to keep his promises
and do what He said He would do no matter what we do.
So what is this grace
that God has towards us? Someone who is gracious has certain
qualities which stand out. Those who are gracious are benevolent,
meaning they do things for others that they are not necessarily
required to do. Those who are gracious are indulgent or
beneficent to others, especially inferiors. And those who are
gracious are merciful and compassionate. Does this sound like
some of the qualities that our God possesses?
that God has towards us? Someone who is gracious has certain
qualities which stand out. Those who are gracious are benevolent,
meaning they do things for others that they are not necessarily
required to do. Those who are gracious are indulgent or
beneficent to others, especially inferiors. And those who are
gracious are merciful and compassionate. Does this sound like
some of the qualities that our God possesses?
The wages of sin is death (Romans
6:23), which means eternal separation from God. Sin is a
violation against God and causes mankind to lose fellowship with
God. The only way man can regain that fellowship is if
he pays the penalty for that sin. Man sinned, man incurred a
debt. The problem is, the payment for all sin is loss of
fellowship with God forever. It doesn't matter what that sin
is, the penalty is the same. We have lost our fellowship with God and that
cannot be restored unless we pay the penalty in full.
6:23), which means eternal separation from God. Sin is a
violation against God and causes mankind to lose fellowship with
God. The only way man can regain that fellowship is if
he pays the penalty for that sin. Man sinned, man incurred a
debt. The problem is, the payment for all sin is loss of
fellowship with God forever. It doesn't matter what that sin
is, the penalty is the same. We have lost our fellowship with God and that
cannot be restored unless we pay the penalty in full.
Thankfully for us, God is rich in
grace and mercy and He doesn't want to see man suffer for all
eternity. He wants man to have a chance to regain that
fellowship so
He came up with a plan where man can have a hope of being
reconciled without having to suffer an eternity of punishment.
God was under no obligation to do this. Nothing man did
compelled God to do this. And this means of reconciliation
came at great personal expense for God. Namely the life of His
Son as a substitutionary death penalty for us. God could have
washed His hands of mankind and walked away to leave mankind to his
fate forever and God would have been perfectly within His right to
do so. He didn't owe man anything. Mankind got himself
into this predicament all by himself without any help from God.
God was absolutely blameless in all that man did. But
because God loves us so much, He graciously came up with a means
whereby man could be reconciled to Him and escape the death penalty of
sin. That's grace. Grace as a comprehensive Biblical
term represents everything God did in securing a means of redemption
for mankind.
grace and mercy and He doesn't want to see man suffer for all
eternity. He wants man to have a chance to regain that
fellowship so
He came up with a plan where man can have a hope of being
reconciled without having to suffer an eternity of punishment.
God was under no obligation to do this. Nothing man did
compelled God to do this. And this means of reconciliation
came at great personal expense for God. Namely the life of His
Son as a substitutionary death penalty for us. God could have
washed His hands of mankind and walked away to leave mankind to his
fate forever and God would have been perfectly within His right to
do so. He didn't owe man anything. Mankind got himself
into this predicament all by himself without any help from God.
God was absolutely blameless in all that man did. But
because God loves us so much, He graciously came up with a means
whereby man could be reconciled to Him and escape the death penalty of
sin. That's grace. Grace as a comprehensive Biblical
term represents everything God did in securing a means of redemption
for mankind.
For God to give man His law is
grace.
grace.
For God to let man know he sinned
is grace.
is grace.
For God to provide a means
of reconciliation through the sacrifice of His Son is grace.
of reconciliation through the sacrifice of His Son is grace.
For God to accept the death of His
Son at the hands of man for the sins of man is grace.
Son at the hands of man for the sins of man is grace.
For God to make this means of
reconciliation known through His word is grace.
reconciliation known through His word is grace.
For God to allow mankind time to
respond is grace.
respond is grace.
The availability of salvation,
under any circumstances whatsoever, is grace.
under any circumstances whatsoever, is grace.
All of the things God did in providing
a way of redemption for mankind is Grace. Grace is God reaching down from
heaven to sinsick, doomed and fallen man with a means and method of
reconciliation. Grace is God's role in the redemption of Man.
a way of redemption for mankind is Grace. Grace is God reaching down from
heaven to sinsick, doomed and fallen man with a means and method of
reconciliation. Grace is God's role in the redemption of Man.
So, are we saved by grace only?
In other words, are we saved simply because God did everything He
did with no response from us on our part? Absolutely not.
If we were saved by grace only, every human that ever lived would be
saved simply by being in existence. Nobody would ever be lost
if man were saved by grace only. Mankind has an obligation to
respond to God's grace before it will be of any benefit at all.
So what is that response? Ephesians 2:8 reads.
By "grace ye have been saved through faith".
Grace operates in our lives through our faith.
In other words, are we saved simply because God did everything He
did with no response from us on our part? Absolutely not.
If we were saved by grace only, every human that ever lived would be
saved simply by being in existence. Nobody would ever be lost
if man were saved by grace only. Mankind has an obligation to
respond to God's grace before it will be of any benefit at all.
So what is that response? Ephesians 2:8 reads.
By "grace ye have been saved through faith".
Grace operates in our lives through our faith.
So since Grace represent God's
role in man's redemption, then what does the term "Faith" mean? Faith is the response that man
must give in order to receive God's grace. "Without faith
it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11:6). We are
saved by Grace through faith. Without faith, grace is
worthless to us. We must have faith if God's grace is going to
benefit us in any way whatsoever.
role in man's redemption, then what does the term "Faith" mean? Faith is the response that man
must give in order to receive God's grace. "Without faith
it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11:6). We are
saved by Grace through faith. Without faith, grace is
worthless to us. We must have faith if God's grace is going to
benefit us in any way whatsoever.
What is Faith?
So does this term "faith" simply
mean belief in God or belief in Jesus Christ? Is faith alone
all that is required or is there something else? That's something we can put to the test very easily.
When we read James 2:18-24 we see this, "But someone will say,
"You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your
works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that
there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and
tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith
without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by
works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that
faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was
made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then
that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (NKJV)
mean belief in God or belief in Jesus Christ? Is faith alone
all that is required or is there something else? That's something we can put to the test very easily.
When we read James 2:18-24 we see this, "But someone will say,
"You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your
works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that
there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and
tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith
without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by
works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that
faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was
made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then
that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (NKJV)
Many many people try and claim
that Paul taught salvation by faith alone. Well if that is the
case, then what about what Paul wrote to in Romans 2:5-11? "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, 6 who "will render to each one
according to his deeds":* 7 eternal life to those who by patient
continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8
but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but
obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and
anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and
also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who
works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For
there is no partiality with God. "
that Paul taught salvation by faith alone. Well if that is the
case, then what about what Paul wrote to in Romans 2:5-11? "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, 6 who "will render to each one
according to his deeds":* 7 eternal life to those who by patient
continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8
but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but
obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and
anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and
also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who
works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For
there is no partiality with God. "
What about the
Philippian Christians? Philippians 2:12-13, "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"... So we know very easily that
faith means more than faith alone. This is very important
because there are vast numbers of people out there who believe that
we can be saved by faith alone and when we get the opportunity we
need to be able to show them in scripture that biblical faith is
more than just belief.
Philippian Christians? Philippians 2:12-13, "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"... So we know very easily that
faith means more than faith alone. This is very important
because there are vast numbers of people out there who believe that
we can be saved by faith alone and when we get the opportunity we
need to be able to show them in scripture that biblical faith is
more than just belief.
Let's look at a few
scriptures which help us to define what faith is as a comprehensive
Biblical term.
scriptures which help us to define what faith is as a comprehensive
Biblical term.
Faith is our Shield:
Above all, taking the shield
of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).
Above all, taking the shield
of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).
Faith is service:Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service
of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all (Philippians
2:17).
of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all (Philippians
2:17).
Faith is a Sacrifice:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1). Yea, and if I be
offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all
(Philippians 2:17).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1). Yea, and if I be
offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all
(Philippians 2:17).
Faith is Perseverance:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and
be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
whereof I Paul am made a minister (Colossians 1:23). Therefore,
brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and
distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the
Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and
be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
whereof I Paul am made a minister (Colossians 1:23). Therefore,
brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and
distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the
Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
Faith is a Walk:
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians
5:7). For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them
(Ephesians 2:10). As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk ye in him (Colossians 2:6).
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians
5:7). For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them
(Ephesians 2:10). As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk ye in him (Colossians 2:6).
Faith is a Work:
Remembering without ceasing your work
of faith , and
labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in
the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Wherefore
also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of
this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and
the work of faith with power (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Remembering without ceasing your work
of faith , and
labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in
the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Wherefore
also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of
this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and
the work of faith with power (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Faith is a Fight:
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 (1 Timothy 6:12)
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 (1 Timothy 6:12)
Faith is a trial:That the trial of
your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1
Peter 1:7).
your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1
Peter 1:7).
Faith is Patient:That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith
and patience inherit
the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
and patience inherit
the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
It's God's grace and
our faith. God's grace represents everything He did to make
salvation available for mankind. Our faith is the response we
must make in order to receive God's grace. By grace we are
saved through faith. The grace that saves us is God's.
The faith that saves us is ours.
our faith. God's grace represents everything He did to make
salvation available for mankind. Our faith is the response we
must make in order to receive God's grace. By grace we are
saved through faith. The grace that saves us is God's.
The faith that saves us is ours.
We all join together
in our hope for eternal life. We are here today because we
want to worship God and to live with Him in heaven after this life
is over. Jesus said in 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 29 and come forth — those who have done good, to the
resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of condemnation." Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians
5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
in our hope for eternal life. We are here today because we
want to worship God and to live with Him in heaven after this life
is over. Jesus said in 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 29 and come forth — those who have done good, to the
resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of condemnation." Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians
5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
There is a day coming
when every single one of us is going to face God and give an account
of the life we have lived. And based upon the life we lived,
we will either live in heaven with God forever or we will suffer in
Hell for eternity. Those are our options. And in the end
it will be the life of faith that we lived that will make the
difference.
when every single one of us is going to face God and give an account
of the life we have lived. And based upon the life we lived,
we will either live in heaven with God forever or we will suffer in
Hell for eternity. Those are our options. And in the end
it will be the life of faith that we lived that will make the
difference.
Jesus said in John
3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." We absolutely have to believe and have
faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. But as we saw
earlier, there is more to it than just faith only. Our faith
must be an obedient one if it is to be the proper response to God's
grace.
3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." We absolutely have to believe and have
faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. But as we saw
earlier, there is more to it than just faith only. Our faith
must be an obedient one if it is to be the proper response to God's
grace.
Jesus declared in
Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will
of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will
of my Father which is in heaven."
God's grace and our
faith will not get us into the kingdom of heaven if we fail to do
the will of God.
faith will not get us into the kingdom of heaven if we fail to do
the will of God.
Paul wrote in 2
Thessalonians 1:7-9, "And to you who are troubled rest with us,
when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,
and from the glory of his power"
Thessalonians 1:7-9, "And to you who are troubled rest with us,
when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,
and from the glory of his power"
God's grace and our
faith will not save us if we fail to obey the Gospel.
faith will not save us if we fail to obey the Gospel.
So how do we obey the
gospel? We obey the gospel by by becoming participants
in it.
gospel? We obey the gospel by by becoming participants
in it.
Repentance:
Jesus said in Luke 13:3, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,
ye shall all likewise perish." If we do not repent, Jesus
says we will perish and He's talking about eternal punishment in
Hell here. Repentance is a sorrow of heart that
leads one to a change in behavior. We must stop living for the
world and start living in accordance with God's will.
Those who do not change their behavior did not repent.
Jesus said in Luke 13:3, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,
ye shall all likewise perish." If we do not repent, Jesus
says we will perish and He's talking about eternal punishment in
Hell here. Repentance is a sorrow of heart that
leads one to a change in behavior. We must stop living for the
world and start living in accordance with God's will.
Those who do not change their behavior did not repent.
God's grace and Our
Faith will not save us if we fail to repent. Our faith must
include repentance.
Faith will not save us if we fail to repent. Our faith must
include repentance.
Confession:
Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, "Whosoever therefore shall
confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father
which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will
I also deny before my Father which is in heaven".
Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, "Whosoever therefore shall
confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father
which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will
I also deny before my Father which is in heaven".
God's grace and our
faith will not save us from being denied by Jesus if we fail to
confess Him before men. We have to become participants in the
command to acknowledge our faith to others. Our faith must include
confession.
faith will not save us from being denied by Jesus if we fail to
confess Him before men. We have to become participants in the
command to acknowledge our faith to others. Our faith must include
confession.
Baptism:
Jesus taught in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." He also
said in John 3:5, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God."
Jesus taught in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." He also
said in John 3:5, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God."
Baptism is a very
important step in the salvation process. When we look in
scripture for a clear and concise description of just what the
gospel is we find 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, where Paul wrote:
important step in the salvation process. When we look in
scripture for a clear and concise description of just what the
gospel is we find 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, where Paul wrote:
"Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you,
which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached
unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures"
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you,
which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached
unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures"
Simply put, Paul
declared that the gospel is summed up in the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. So how do we today participate
in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
declared that the gospel is summed up in the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. So how do we today participate
in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Paul tells us how
starting in Romans 6:3
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death?" We obey the gospel
when we become participants in the death of Christ at baptism.
starting in Romans 6:3
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death?" We obey the gospel
when we become participants in the death of Christ at baptism.
Romans 6:4
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death"
We obey the gospel when we become participants in the burial of
Christ through baptism when we are buried/immersed in water.
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death"
We obey the gospel when we become participants in the burial of
Christ through baptism when we are buried/immersed in water.
Romans 6:4
"...that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
We become participants in the resurrection of Jesus Christ when we
arise from the watery grave of baptism to walk in our new life.
Jesus was raised from the dead to a new life. When we arise
from the waters of baptism, we arise to a new life. That new
life is the born of Spirit and water that Jesus taught.
Through baptism we obey the gospel by becoming participants in the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"...that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
We become participants in the resurrection of Jesus Christ when we
arise from the watery grave of baptism to walk in our new life.
Jesus was raised from the dead to a new life. When we arise
from the waters of baptism, we arise to a new life. That new
life is the born of Spirit and water that Jesus taught.
Through baptism we obey the gospel by becoming participants in the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God's grace and our
faith will not get us in to the kingdom of God if we fail to be born
again in the waters of baptism. Our faith must include
baptism.
faith will not get us in to the kingdom of God if we fail to be born
again in the waters of baptism. Our faith must include
baptism.
Faithful living:
Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, "And ye shall be hated of all men
for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
and in Revelation 2:10, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life."
Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, "And ye shall be hated of all men
for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
and in Revelation 2:10, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life."
God's grace and our
faith will not get us a crown of life if we fail to be faithful till
death. Our faith must include being faithful and enduring to
the end.
faith will not get us a crown of life if we fail to be faithful till
death. Our faith must include being faithful and enduring to
the end.
Grace is God reaching
down to the lost from heaven with a chance for eternal life.
Faith is man reaching upward to God in hope of that salvation.
We can't have one without the other. Grace won't save without
faith and faith can't save without grace. It's God's grace and
our faith.
down to the lost from heaven with a chance for eternal life.
Faith is man reaching upward to God in hope of that salvation.
We can't have one without the other. Grace won't save without
faith and faith can't save without grace. It's God's grace and
our faith.
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