Spiritual Danger | church of Christ

Spiritual Danger  |  church of Christ

Speaker	Sermon/Lesson Title  (Right Click to Download)	Media	Category
Bobby Stafford	Spiritual Danger		Christian Living

Spiritual Danger

Introduction:

Check-ups are preformed on cars, houses, and people.  They want to see how they are doing.  Then they can make adjustments if needed.  A far greater need is for a spiritual check-up.  (II Corinthians 13:5)  “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.” NKJV  Many are in the process of dying spiritually.  (Jude 23)  “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” NKJV  There are those who are dangerously close to fiery destruction which awaits them.  God’s Word points out symptoms or danger signs of dying spiritually.  Just as a medical doctor asks us about our symptoms to diagnose our physical problems, the Bible lists warning signs for us to look out for.  This is so serious that it should make us nervous.

Body:  Brother Turner lists Seven “Danger Signs” to look out for.

1.  Story of the Cross No Longer Moves You

A.  Some believe it’s foolishness.  (I Corinthians 1:18)  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” NKJV

B.  It should continue to motivate us as it did at first.  (Acts 2:36-38)  “ ‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’  Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’  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  The Lord’s Supper helps us remember it.

C.  Are you bored when Calvary is preached?  Eyes tear up when you hear of the crucified Saviour?  If this doesn’t move you, something’s seriously wrong!

2.  Have You Left Your First Love?

A.  We obey Him and His Word because we love Him.  John 14:15  “If you love Me, keep My commands.”

B.  The church at Ephesus had left its first love.  (Revelation 2:4-5)  “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent.” NKJV  Initial zeal and commitment now gone.  Are you now just serving out of habit, routine, or ritual?  Your heart wasn’t in it.  Why do you worship and obey God?  Be honest!  Are you as zealous as you once were?  Are you in the process of leaving your first love?  May we not fool ourselves.

3.  Do Church Services Bore You?

A.  Do you constantly look at your watch?  You just can’t wait for dismissal prayer?  “I just don’t get anything out of services anymore.”  Are you like the Jews who just couldn’t wait for Sabbath to be over so they could get back to doing what they really liked?

B.  Some blame it on the preacher.  “He’s just not very interesting.”  Remember he is supposed to be a spokesman of God – when the Word is read, it is God speaking.  Some of us can’t sit for thirty minutes in a building without complaining; yet we can watch a sporting event for hours on end.  Something is very wrong!  Be careful.  Don’t forget Matthew 6:33!  “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” NKJV

4.  You Have No Interest in Saving Souls.

A.  Have you stopped teaching the gospel?  Are you ashamed of it? 

B.  Do you think it’s just the job of the preacher and elders?  Let someone else do it.  Do you not tell friends and family the Good News?  The Great Commission is for all.  (Mark 16:15-16)  “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” NKJV

C.  Christ came to seek and save the lost.  (Luke 19:10)  “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” NKJV  We need to be like Him.  Don’t forget James 5:19-20. “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”  NKJV  “It is a danger sign if you are not interested in saving souls.”

5.  Do Things of the World Satisfy You?

A.  Parable of the Sower  (Luke 8:14)  “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” NKJV  Things of the world can lead us away from God.  (James 1:14-16)  “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” NKJV

B.  The world was too great an attraction for Demas.  (II Timothy 4:10)  “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world. . .” NKJV

C.  Where do you find satisfaction?  Christ or world?

6.  Are You Fooling Yourself?

A.  The most deadly disease is the one you can’t detect.  We can fall into the trap of thinking all is well.  (Matthew 7:22-23)  “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?  And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” NKJV

B.  Do you think God is “too loving” to punish your “little sins?”  (Ezekiel 18:4)  “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.” NKJV

C.  James describes a man who hears the Word and assumes all is well.  But he doesn’t allow the Word to sink deeply into his heart and stay there. 

(James 1:22-24)  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” NKJV

 7.  Failing to Do What You Know You Should Do  (James 4:17)  “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” NKJV  Remember Ezekiel 18:4. “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.” NKJV  Many know they need to respond, but don’t.  Many know they need to confess wrongs, but don’t.  Many know they need to teach the lost, but don’t.  Many know they need to give more, but don’t.  Many know they need to get involved, but don’t.  Danger signs!

Conclusion:

Many are on the road to spiritual death.  They need to be restored and revived.  (Psalm 85:4-7)  “Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease.  Will You be angry with us forever?  Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?  Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?  Show us Your mercy, Lord, And grant us Your salvation.” NKJV

Invitation:

Be honest.  Examine yourself.

 Sermon information from J. J. Turner

 Bobby Stafford

March 6, 2016

What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?

What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?

Print What does the Bible say about Baptism?  Where in the Bible can I find verses on baptism?  Scriptures on Christian baptism have been assembled and published here.  The Bible is always its own best commentary. When considering the topic of Christian baptism, it is important to note that we do not learn everything about it and what its significance is from any single context.  To gain a thorough understanding we must consider all of what the inspired writers taught about baptism and put it all together into a single doctrinal teaching and then apply it correctly to our lives.  All scripture references are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.  Baptism is… Baptism is commanded:"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). Baptism is urgent:And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36).  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Baptism is accompanied by belief and confession of Jesus as the Son of God:"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). Baptism is in the name of Jesus: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).  "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5). Baptism is in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is a Burial with Jesus Christ: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12).  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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" (Romans 6:4). Baptism is a resurrection with Christ from death: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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" (Romans 6:4).  "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1), "...wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12). Baptism is how we put on Christ: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Baptism is the way into Christ: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"  (Romans 6:3). "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Baptism is for the remission of sins: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).  "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Baptism is when we are justified from sin: "We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.  For if we have become united with (him) in the likeness of his death, we shall be also (in the likeness) of his resurrection;  knowing this, that our old man was crucified with (him), that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; for he that hath died is justified from sin." (Romans 6:4-7)  (ASV)   Baptism is a washing: "be baptized, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16).  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22). Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5). Baptism saves us: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:16).  "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:40-41).  "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..." (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is a request for a clean conscience: "And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21-22). NASB Baptism is “calling on the name of the Lord.”"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Baptism is how we crucify our old selves: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6) Baptism frees us from sin: "For he that is dead is freed from sin" (Romans 6:7)  "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof" (Romans 6:11-12). Baptism is an operation of God:"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12). Baptism is when we contact Jesus' death: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death" (Romans 6:3). Baptism is when we start in newness of life (Reborn). "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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" (Romans 6:4). Baptism is a requirement to enter the Kingdom of God: "Jesus answered, 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" (John 3:5). Baptism is a submission to God's will: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).  "Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:29-30). Baptism is done before one is added to the Lord's church: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). Baptism is an immersion in water:"And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:38-39). "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"  (Acts 10:47). There is only one Baptism:"One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5).  Baptism is how we obey the Gospel of Christ: The Gospel of Christ is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures".   We obey the Gospel by becoming participants in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Romans 6:3-6 teaches us how to do this, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin". We obey the Gospel by becoming participants in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 6:3-6 "Christ died for our sins" "baptized into His death" "our old man is crucified with him" "he was buried" "buried with him by baptism into death" "planted together in the likeness of his death" he rose again "we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection" Just before Jesus ascended back to Heaven he commanded the disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).  This is the baptism in water that can be administered by man to one another.  This is the baptism commanded by God to be administered to all people on earth.  This is the baptism that can be submitted to.  No other baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, no other baptism is the fulfillment of a command that man can obey.   No other baptism can be the "one baptism" we submit to today.  Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.