The Two Covenants

 

The Two Covenants Introduction: Many questions come up when we talk with our religious neighbors. One very common one is, “Why do you go by the New Testament and not the Old?” Usually, they are asking, " Why do you base your beliefs and practices solely on the New Testament and not the Old? " This is a very important question—and answer to which we need to be able to give. 1.  The law of Moses It is often called the “Old Covenant” or the “Old Testament”. ·  The old law was given to only a certain through (Deuteronomy 5:1-4). It was given to the nation of Israel. ·  This covenant was made with them to help them understand what sin was and its horror (Romans 7: 7- 11 ). It was also given to lead men to Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). The law of Moses pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It prepared people for that great event. ·  The law of Moses could not truly justify anyone (Galatians 3: 10- 11), nor could it take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4) ·  This covenant with Israel was only meant to be temporary, never intended to last to the end of the world (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Galatians 3:19,16). 2.  The law of Christ- New Testament- new covenant ·  Consider Matthew 17:1-5. Peter, after witnessing Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, offers to make three tabernacles, making no distinction between them. But God the Father says, " No. Hear, my son. He is the one to listen to now.” That covenant and law that Moses or Elijah represented would soon be taken out of the way and a new one established (Colossians 3:17). ·  Paul wrote that Jews and Gentiles are now in the same covenant relationship (Ephesians 2:11-18 ). The old law was done away with at the cross. ·  Paul points out in another place that we are all dead to the law of Moses (Romans 7: one- 6 ). When the law of Moses died (Jesus nailed it to the cross). The Jews died to their responsibility to it. ·  The new law- the new covenant is far superior to the old one (Hebrews 8:6). Conclusion/invitation: The Lord's church does not turn to the Old Testament for its beliefs and practices because the covenant is over. That law fulfilled its purpose. We can still learn from its examples, but we are to listen to Jesus and submit to his authority, not that of Moses. Will you submit to Jesus today? February 13, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/   Sermon Library on: Covenants       Bobby Stafford

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What Can We Learn From Noah?

 

What Can We Learn From Noah? Introduction: Throughout the ages, men have discussed the question, " How is man saved?” Numerous opinions have been put forth. Some say man is saved by grace alone. Others say man is saved by faith alone. While others say works save us. Which one is it? Can we be sure? The only answer we can be sure of is found in God's word. While we live in the gospel age today, we can still learn much about God's dealings with his people. In the Old Testament, we will focus primarily on Noah's life to see how he was saved. 1.      Noah was saved by grace Noah lived in a time of gross immortality and wickedness (Genesis 6: 5- 6). But Noah also sinned. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There was a difference between Noah and the world around him (Genesis 6: 9). His qualities caught God's eye (Genesis 6: 8). Noah found favor in God's sight. This meant Noah wouldn't suffer the wrath of God like the rest of mankind. Grace did not overlook or excuse Noah’s sins, but it was an undeserved gift. We are like Noah in many respects. We also live in a world that is overflowing with sin. Also, we sin, as did Noah. We can be saved from the punishment. We are due by receiving the grace of God (Ephesians 2: 8- 9). We do not deserve nor can we earn God's grace period, while Noah, who was saved by grace, was not saved by grace alone. Neither are we. 2.      Noah Was Also Saved by Faith Consider Hebrews 11: 6-7. Jehovah warned Noah about the coming flood (Genesis 6: 17. God's grace is apparent here. Without it, Noah would have perished. But grace did not build the ark. Noah believed God and trusted God that he would do what he said. God said it, and Noah believed it. It was this faith that moved him to build the ark. This faith saved him. But he wasn't saved by this faith alone. Noah was saved by grace and faith. We today must have faith as well. Especially we must believe that Jesus is the son of God, who died for our sins on the cross and was raised from the dead on the third day. Jesus said, “For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins” John 8: 24. Then consider Romans 10: 9- 10, which adds that we must also believe that he arose from the dead. That faith leads us to salvation. It is coupled with the grace we see in Ephesians 2:8.  God's grace and Noah's faith worked together. 3.      Noah Was Also Saved by works consider Genesis 6:22. God's grace warned Noah about the coming flood, and he believed God was telling the truth. But if he had not built the ark, he would have died like everyone else. Noah's faith caused him to build the ark- to do the work god told him to do to be saved. God did not build the ark for Noah. Noah had to do that for himself. So, we see grace, faith, and works.  All involved in Noah's being saved from the flood. Analogy: my wife makes the most delicious homemade bread. I have watched her make this bread on many different occasions and noticed that it requires several ingredients. She puts in flour, sugar, and eggs and always puts in a little pinch of yeast. I confess that I do not know my way around a kitchen, but I know little about yeast. Yeast does not make the bread nor gives it that wonderful taste; the other ingredients do that. Apart from the other ingredients, it really has little use, but don't think for a minute that the yeast is not important. The bread resembles a hard, blunt weapon without the yeast instead of an edible delight. In a crude way, yeast is to bread what works are to the Christian.  Without the grace of God and faith, works are useless. The opposite is true as well.   James 2:14-17. Faith that does not work is dead and good for nothing. Faith alone does not save (James 2: 24- 26 ). We access God's grace through works of obedience, not works of merit. So grace, faith, and works are all involved in our salvation.   4.      Noah Was Also Saved by water consider 1 Peter 3:20. The water destroyed All of the wicked.  This sinful world was washed away by water. But eight precious souls were saved by water. So, Noah was saved by grace, faith, works, and water. All four were working together! Consider 1 Peter 3:21. God says in his word that baptism now saves us—it washes away our sins just like the waters of the flood washed away the sins of the world. Our sins today are washed away by water (Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16). Mark 16:16 shows us how faith and baptism are tied together for our salvation. Invitation/Conclusion: God's word says grace, faith, works, and water save us. But we are not saved by grace alone, faith alone, works alone, or water alone. Any of these alone saves no one. God's grace made salvation and an eternal home in heaven possible. Our faith trusts in God and should lead us to repent, confess, and be immersed in water. February 13, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/           Sermon Library on: Salvation

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A Good Servant

 

A Good Servant Introduction: A servant of Jesus Christ submits to Jesus as Lord and spends their life serving him. Those who will hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant” on the day of judgment will be those who have been faithful in carrying out their duties, Matthew 25. Sermon text:1 Timothy 4: 6-11 Body: 1.      Good servants are nourished in the faith (verse 6). “These things” in this context; some would depart from the faith, (verses 1 and 2). In principle, this means that they are departing from all that God's word teaches. A good servant warns others about false teachers and does what he can to prevent them from leaving the faith (2 Timothy 4:1- 5). Good servants must be nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine. Servants must feed upon the word of God and be sustained by it (Acts 20: 32).  Timothy had been nourished by the truth of scripture (2 Timothy 3: 14, 15 ). Good doctrine implies that there is such a thing as bad doctrine. Christians who feed upon bad doctrine become bad servants. “Which you have carefully followed” is extremely important. Good servants are diligent in learning the truth and following it closely. 2.      Good servants must exercise (versus 7- 9) being a good servant includes rejecting certain things: ·         Profane is any unholy belief and does not come from God's holy word. ·         Old wives' fables are fictitious stories or superstitions (Titus 1: 13, 14).  Instead, a good servant exercises with a view toward godliness. ·         “Exercise” - the noun form of the Greek verb translates gymnasium. Just as athletes must train vigorously to attain their goals, the good servant must strenuously exercise to attain a life of godliness. Developing a Christian character involves continuing, putting in the effort and practice. A life of unending study and effort is necessary ( 2 Corinthians 7: 1). ·         “Godliness” - means reverence and respect for God and his word. This must be The goal of every good servant of Jesus Christ.  Bodily or physical exercise only profits the outward man and is of short duration and limited degree. Its benefits pertain only to our time on earth. On the other hand, godliness provides benefits both on earth and in heaven, in both time and eternity. It is far more important to have a healthy strong soul that you have a healthy, strong body (Matthew 6: 33). ·         “Faithful saying” means Dependent and worthy of acceptance by all. 3.      Good servants must labor and suffer reproach (verses 10, 11) to receive that reward in heaven is why Paul labored and suffered reproach. All good servants must labor- work to the point of exhaustion! Christians must give their life to this effort (Romans 12:1).  To suffer reproach- all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3: 12 ). This means suffering for doing what is right! A life of service to Christ is a life of trust and should be fully confident in God's promise (Revelation 2: 10). How is God the savior of all men? ·         Jesus is the potential savior of all men. Jesus died so that all could be saved. ·         He is the savior of everyone who is saved. There is no salvation anywhere else. Saved people have an active and obedient faith (James 2 ). (Verse 11) there is something absolute that must be taught and obeyed.    Conclusion: A good servant places their faith in Christ and obeys him in all things, closely following the gospel and trusting the promises of God. April 26, 2020 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/ Christian Living

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Conduct between slaves and masters

 

Conduct between slaves and masters introduction: In Paul's letter to Timothy, he discusses the church's conduct concerning preachers, widows, elders, and now, in our text, slaves and masters. It has been estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire at the time of this letter was written. Some say the entire economy was built on slavery. Masters could legally do whatever they wanted with their slaves. They were considered merely property. It is in this background of the times that Paul writes about how Christian slaves are to conduct themselves. Text: 1 Timothy 6: 1, 2 1.      conduct toward all masters (verse 1) Christian slaves were to respect their owners, whether they were Christian or not. Ephesian 6: 5-8 points out how this respect can be shown. Two reasons are given as to why Christian slaves were to respect their masters: ·         So God's name would not be blasphemed. If these slaves rebelled and caused their owners difficulty, God's name would be dishonored. Christian slaves needed to remember they were not just slaves to their owners, but to the lord as well (Colossians 3: 22-25). ·         So godly doctrine would not be blasphemed. It is supposed to make people better.  If they show disrespect, their owners would speak of Christ’s teachings. If the Christian slave didn't act any better than the non Christian slaves, what difference would Jesus teaching have? Do we have a good moral reputation in our community in mark 2.      Conduct towards believing masters (verse 2 ) a Christian slave should not despise, think likely of, or be disrespectful to his Christian owner. A slave was to remember his own position as well as that of his master. Even though they were both brothers in Christ, their working relationship had not changed. Rather Christian slaves were to serve or slave for them all the more. This would be benefiting, producing fruit, for a fellow Christian (Christian master). The book of Philemon touches upon the conduct between a Christian slave (Onesimus) and his Christian owner (Philemon). That relationship did not change when Paul converted Onesimus to Christ. Paul sent him back to Philemon for this was the right thing to do. But a new additional relationship had been formed. They were both now brothers in Christ. 3.      Appropriate lessons: ·         Christianity has the power to enter any culture and mold people so they can live with one another even the master slave relationship is bearable if both parties show godly characteristics and both exhibit brotherly love ( 1 john 4: 10, 11 ). ·         Search is not appointed by God to excite social reform. It is not a political tool. The issue of slavery is an excellent example. For the church to have encouraged slaves to revolt and rebel against their masters would have been fatal. It would have caused chaos, civil war and the complete discredit of the church. Christianity did teach that Christians were to be good, responsible citizens of society. The gospel, when believed and obeyed, did eventually change society into a better one. It teaches that all men are created equal and are made in the image of God, and that all life is precious. 4.      Invitation: the gospel changes people from the inside out (Romans 12: 1, 2). The world should see Christ living in us. Christians make any society a better one by living and abiding by Christian principles.   May 24, 2020 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/    Christian Living

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A Living Sacrifice

 

A Living Sacrifice Text: Romans 12: 1, 2 Romans chapter 12 is often referred to as “the Christian manual.” This chapter summarizes how a Christian is to live in this world. A pivotal verse (1-11) discusses the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Then, verses 12-16 focus on duties and applications based on those doctrines—“service.” Never forget that what we believe helps determine how we behave. For example, evolutionary teaching suggests no moral guidelines, equating animal behavior with human life that lacks value. Not only do we need to understand these doctrines in verses 1-11, but we must also allow them to change who we are and how we act. Knowledge by itself is not enough. 1.  Presentation (verse 1) Paul “Beseeches” them, meaning he appeals, implores, and pleads with them. This appeal is based on God’s mercy—what He has already done in sacrificing His Son (Romans 5:8-10). Because the Father has shown us mercy, Paul says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God." Present means to offer, to make a decisive dedication, a one-time presentation to place your bodies at God’s disposal. Under the law of Moses, the priests made sacrifices, usually by killing an animal and offering it on the altar. Under the law of Christ, each Christian is the sacrifice and must die to self (Matthew 16:24-25). As a result of that presentation, we live no longer for ourselves! We are to be a “living” sacrifice of our “whole” bodies—our entire being—our all. It is to be a sacrifice of: a)  The ears-hearing instructions from the Bible (Luke 10: 16 ). b)  The hands - working to help those in need (Ephesians 4:28). c)  The feet-should not flee responsibility, but instead take the gospel to the world (Romans 10: 15 ). d)  The tongue should not produce corrupt speech but instead, teach and edify (Ephesians 4: 29 ). e)  Our affections- our love for family and friends is second to our love of God (Matthew 10: 37 ). This type of sacrifice is described by Paul as our “reasonable service.” The spiritual service you perform is the logical result of your faith in God. They go hand in hand. It is an act of your will to determine to serve the Lord with your whole heart and mind. 2.  Consecration "Do not be conformed to this world." Be separate in speech and lifestyle. Listen to Peter's words (1 Peter 1:14). Do not become worldly! The world is anything and everything contrary to the will of God. This “world” belongs to Satan, and since Satan and Christ have no fellowship, we, who have been set apart to serve Christ, cannot have any fellowship with it either. Remember, we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). Worldliness is subtle; it creeps up gradually on a Christian. Friendship with the world (James 4:4) and love for the world (1 John 2:15-17) lead to conformity to the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Separation means consecration. 3.  Transformation It refers to the change from one form to another—commonly known as "metamorphosis." This transformation occurs through the renewing of our minds and is a continual process that happens daily. It must start with an inward change of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions before any outward change can be observed. As stated, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). This principle is also seen in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:22-24), which discusses “putting off, renewing, and putting on.” When transformation takes place, a person is able to prove, discern, discover, and follow the will of God by focusing on the right things (Philippians 4:8). The Christian can find and follow God's will as revealed in His Word. Conclusion\ Invitation: Christians, are you being conformed to the world or transformed into the image of Christ? Have you dedicated your bodies as a living sacrifice? If you have, you won't find it hard to attend every assembly possible, to put forth more effort to teach the gospel to those around you, to be even more generous in your giving, and to be spouses, parents, and children that God is proud of. Or maybe some need to put on the Lord and be baptized? February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/   Sermon Library on: Christian Living       Bobby Stafford February 2025

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The Christian At Work

 

The Christian At Work Introduction: Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention. 1.  Work is ordained by God. From the very beginning of mankind's history, God has desired for man to labor in the same capacity (Genesis 2:15). Therefore, work or labor is not inherently evil; rather, it was made more difficult because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19). The New Testament reinforces the principle that work is ordained by God (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Brother Leroy Brownlow, in his book The Christians' Everyday Problems, lists several reasons why work is beneficial for people. For instance, it strengthens both our mind and body; one cannot truly appreciate rest unless one understands what work is. A lack of labor and activity can lead to idleness and being a busybody (1 Peter 4:15), among other issues. 2.  Christians Should be Obedient in the Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9). a.  Obedience is emphasized. This is, of course, as long as we are not told to do something that violates God's law. “We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We are to be in subjection to our employers, even if they are harsh (1 Peter 2:18). b.  These verses tell us that we are submissive to our masters because we are truly serving the Lord when we do so (Colossians 3:22-24). c.  The Christian performs his work not just when the boss is looking but at all times. This is pleasing to the Lord. 3.  Christians Must Remember Who They Are We belong to Christ on Monday as well as on Sunday. Consider Titus 2:9-10. Note that Christians are, first and foremost, to be honest. Christians should be the most honest employees in the company. We are guided by a higher standard. Christians should be trustworthy in all things. By being like our Master, we adorn the doctrine before our earthly masters. Similar to 1 Timothy 6:1, others should see God in us. 4.  Some Observations About the Workplace a.  We should let our employers know our religious obligations and then be consistent. If you inform your employer that you cannot work on Sundays, but later learn that the company is offering double pay for those shifts and decide to work, where's your consistency? Where is your faithfulness? Are you truly putting the Kingdom first? b.  Christians should consider job promotions, among other things, in terms of how they will affect their service to God. Will it result in less time for family and church? c.  A Christian should never become a slave to their job. Christians must avoid being lured by materialism. d.  Christians should avoid every form of evil in the workplace. Office pools—lottery pools—are simply another form of gambling, which is a sin! e.  Christians should sow the seed of the Kingdom in the workplace. They should have tracks available and keep their Bible handy. During breaks and lunch periods, they should always be willing to answer a coworker's religious questions. Conclusion: a Christian can genuinely let his light shine in the workplace. This may influence those around him, and hopefully, some will be drawn to the cause of Christ. What about you? Are you on the Lord's side? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of sins? February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/ Christian Living       Bobby Stafford February 2025

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines

A Christian’s Speech

 

A Christian’s Speech  Introduction: I would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town whether they believe the Bible is indeed the word of God, most would say "yes." Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people's speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking God's name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about the Christian? What should characterize his or her speech? It's to those questions in particular that we now turn our attention.  1.  Christian Speech Should Be Truthful  a. Titus 1:2 informs us that God cannot lie. Paul instructed the Christians in Ephesus to be imitators of God. Therefore, we, as His children, are to be those who speak the truth. b. Our speech reveals who we are truly following. Notice Christ's words in John 8:44. Those who lie are actually following the devil, not God. c. Those of us who desire a heavenly home would do well to heed Revelation 22:14-15. How much does heaven mean to you? d. Speaking the truth is especially important when we discuss brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25). Thus, being a new person created according to God, “speak the truth” signifies continual, habitual action. Can you imagine if the parts of your physical body lied to one another? What if your tongue told your stomach that what it had tasted was good when, in reality, it was poisoned? The body wouldn't survive that for long. When honesty is not practiced in the body of Christ, but rather lies and deception are, harm and division will follow. e. Speaking the truth means keeping our promises whenever possible (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). It is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to keep it. Christians today should be known as people who keep their word.  2.  Christian Speech Should Be Godly.  a. Ephesians 4:29 speaks of corrupt, rotten language. Recall that what comes out of your mouth indicates what's in your heart (Matthew 15:18): “But the things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” If Christ indeed dwells in our hearts by faith, our speech should reflect that fact. b. Our ungodly speech can lead to more ungodliness (James 3:5-6). The reverse is also true. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Our words can uplift others and strengthen them (Ephesians 4:29). c. How do we, as Christians, ensure our speech is godly? We must continually focus on what is godly (Philippians 4:8-9). True and upright—everything that stands in opposition to lies and falsehood. “Noble"—honorable; dignified. "Just"—righteous, right with God and men. “Pure"—innocent; free from shame. “Lovely"—worthy, pleasant; agreeable. “Good report"—having a good reputation. "Virtue"—moral excellence. "Praiseworthy"—worthy of praise. We must eliminate anything from our minds that is not deserving of being there. We must not allow anything to dwell in our minds that does not belong there. d. How do we discern what is godly and what is not? By studying the Word! (2 Timothy 3:16-17) His Word helps us to discern between right and wrong, good and evil. We should approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:10). We must use the filter of God's Word to take captive thoughts that may lead to ungodly speech (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We must capture and expel sinful thoughts before they lead to sinful speech.  Invitation/Conclusion:  A Christian’s speech is vital to his eternal destiny (Matthew 12:34-37). Some here today, who are part of the body of Christ, may need to have their speech purified—repent and ask God for forgiveness.   February, 2025 Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit https://granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://granbychurchofchrist.com/   Christian Living Tongue       Bobby Stafford February 2025

Library of church of Christ Sermons and Outlines