STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST


For Trey & Marlena Williams...

DATE SUBJECT
2/20/2005 CONFESSION OF A BELIEVER
2/27/2005 IT'S NOT FAIR
3/6/2005 SPIRITUAL LIVING
3/6/2005 UNITY IN CHRIST
3/13/2005 WALK BY FAITH & NOT BY SIGHT
3/20/2005   BLIND GUIDES, WHO STRAIN OUT A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL!  
3/20/2005 TO GLORY IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST
3/27/2005 TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE
3/27/2005 GUARDING OUR HEARTS
4/3/2005 JESUS VERSUS
4/3/2005 THE SAMARITAN RELIGION
4/17/2005 THREE CALVERY CROSSES
4/17/2005 WHERE IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
4/24/2005 THINGS I DON'T HAVE TO DO TO BE SAVED
4/24/2005 LIFE IS A RACE
5/1/2005 TRADITION
5/1/2005 DAILY
5/8/2005 WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
5/15/2005 SEEK LIFE
5/15/2005 CONDEMNED BY A LIE
5/22/2005 CITY PEOPLE
5/22/2005 SINCERITY
5/29/2005 SALVATION THROUGH GRACE BY FAITH
5/29/2005 EXHORTATIONS OF THE FAITHFUL
6/5/2005 DEACONS
6/5/2005 HEALING FROM SIN'S CONSEQUENCES
6/12/2005 CHOOSE TO LISTEN
6/12/2005 THE LAST WILL BE FIRST, AND THE FIRST LAST
6/19/2005 WE NEED TO BE REVIVED AGAIN
6/25/2005 EASIER TO CRITICIZE THAN TO HELP
6/25/2005 SIGNIFICANCE OF READING THE WORD OF GOD
6/27/2005 DO YOU LOVE LIKE JESUS?
7/10/2005 WHY WE DON'T HAVE WOMEN PREACHERS
7/17/2005 WHEN THE LORD PRAYED
7/24/2005 THINKING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
7/24/2005 DISCIPLES
8/7/2005 CAN THE CHRISTIAN FALL FROM GRACE?
8/21/2005 GO HOME AMOS!
8/28/2005 DO NOT WAIT
9/4/2005 SEEKING FINE PEARLS
9/4/2005 IN SEASON
9/19/2005 NEVERTHELESS
9/21/2005 BEING A CHRISTIAN
9/22/2005 UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD
9/23/2005 BOOKS WILL BE OPENED
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2/20/2005 ~ CONFESSION OF A BELIEVER


Christ ~ Matthew 10:32-33

Confession of faith that Jesus Christ is the Christ ~ Galatians 6:17

Individual Belief and Salvation ~ Acts 8:37

... with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ~ Romans 10:9-10

A mindset to be baptized, Confession of individual belief:
● I want to be a child of God ~ Galatians 3:26-29
● I want my sins washed away ~ Acts 22:16
● I want to be in the Kingdom of God ~ John 3:5
One cannot save oneself ~ Romans 10:3

Salvation is not in the self, it is not in Moses.
The only way one receives salvation is through Jesus Christ.
God requires that we make Jesus Lord through confessing Him.
All salvation comes only by God.

Know yourself, remember that you are of not being worthy,
discern in the death of Christ.
~ 1st Corinthians 11:26-30


All are unworthy ~ Luke 18:9-14

You can not buy salvation ~ Acts 8:20-24

One must stand against a sinful past ~ Acts 19:11-20

Confess sins ~ James 5:16

Important and good for the soul to confess sins. How do you stand?
~ 1st John 1:9


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2/27/2005 ~ IT'S NOT FAIR


God is in control/doesn't want us to think we are, even at best
~ Ecclesiastes 8:16-17


Time and chance happen to all ~ Ecclesiastes 9:1-3, 11-12

Events happen to all ~ Matthew 5:45

Life is not fair. What is really not fair is:
● Sin against God ● Judging ourselves unworthy
                (Acts 13:46)
What attitude causes:
● Comparisons
● Bitterness
● Murmurings
● Hatred/Wars
● Defiance to God
● He must serve me on my terms

God can be merciful/but when He chooses ~ Romans 9:14-16

1. God is in Control, no guarantees.
2. Fear God and Keep His Commandments/Time & Chance Happen to All.
3. We need to trust God despite circumstances.
    We must endure what He allows.

Life is fair by the hand of God and the opportunity that we
have for life by God’s grace is that we might have everlasting
life through His Son Jesus Christ, Nothing that this world
can throw at us can take that away unless we let it.


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3/6/2005 ~ SPIRITUAL LIVING


... Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ...
~ Romans 8:1-17


To be spiritual we must be:                                                           

● Free from sin
● Mind the Spirit of God (John 4:24)
● God's Spirit needs to be in us
● Have a relationship with God,
   ~ not just obeying a set of laws

To live spiritually we must abandon living by the flesh:                  
● Sin = Debt
● We can not bear sin
● We are called to repent

SIN   =   (1st John 3:4), (Galatians 5:15-21)


To stay away from sin & be spiritual = (Galatians 5:22-26), (Ephesians 3:17), (Ephesians 5:18-21)

... By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. ~ 1st John 4:1-6

... if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ~ 1st John 4:7-11

... he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. ~ 1st John 4:12-16

... But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ... ~ 1st John 4:17-19

... that he who loves God must love his brother also. ~ 1st John 4:20-21

If we are spiritually minded we have salvation.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ... ~ Proverbs 23:7

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3/6/2005 ~ UNITY IN CHRIST


... speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:10


Right attitude = HOW = ... walk worthy of the calling with
which you were called, ...
~ Ephesians 4:1-3

WHAT = There is one body and one Spirit, ...
~ Ephesians 4:4-6

TOOLS = But to each one of us grace was given
according to the measure of Christ's gift. ...
~ Ephesians 4:7-16

●  God sent His Son as His choice for the salvation of souls in His
     kingdom. There are no subordinates that would or could replace
     Him; not Confucius, Buddha, Mohammad, angels, etc.
     ... a more excellent name than they. ~ Hebrews 1:4

●  On this planet, Jesus Christ is God's proclamation for us
     to understand His word, His love, His salvation.
     ... He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
~ 1st John 2:22

●  Our choices define our church and how or what we worship.
     Each individual is called and may practice the gospel of Christ
     by simply reading and obeying His word, The Bible.
     ... building yourselves up on your most holy faith, ...
~ Jude 1:20-21

The basis of our unity is that as a pure sacrifice,
Christ died for us ... ~ Christ gave us our foundation.


... the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ...
~ Matthew 3:13-17


... All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth. ...
~ Matthew 28:18-20


... they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe
that You sent Me. ... ~ John 17:20-23


... that He might reconcile them both to God in one body
through the cross, ... ~ Ephesians 2:14-16


... that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, ...
~ Ephesians 3:6


All people can find unity in Christ.

... of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, ...
~ Colossians 3:8-11


... He who has seen Me has seen the Father; ... ~ John 14:5-11

"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that
which judges him ..." ~ John 12:48-49


... the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
~ 1st John 5:7


Jesus was given by the Father and Jesus gave to the Holy Spirit.
The three work participating in One enlightenment.


... when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;
... ~ John 16:13-15


UNITY
Christ died for us All
Christ prayed for us All
Father, Son, Holy Spirit agree as One

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2

We must individually be dedicated to grow in Christ
and the word of God so that through our relationship with God,
we may fellowship with others of the same faith.

A relationship that declares victory in God
open for reproof and correction as we become more complete.

... He who has begun a good work in you will complete it ...
~ Philippians 1:5-6

So often we arrogantly and stubbornly turn against our brothers.

First turn to God
We Will Be United In Love
We Need Each Other


... in fact the body is not one member but many. ~ 1st Corinthians 12:11-14

... indeed there are many members, yet one body.
~ 1st Corinthians 12:18-20


We must value being part of one another.

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3/13/2005 ~ WALK BY FAITH & NOT BY SIGHT


2nd Corinthians 5:1-11

Walk By Faith & Not By Sight
FAITH ~ SIGHT
VISION ~ BODY
DELIVERED ~ PERSECUTION
SERVES ~ CONFORMS
ETERNITY ~ HERE & NOW
Living For Eternity & Not Here and Now


It is the gift of God that we can live the way we do.

Living by faith overcomes the world and serves God.
If you only have fear, you don’t have faith.

We have choices:


Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; ... ~ Hebrews 11:1

... that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10


... that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:12-15


... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
~ 2nd Timothy 3:12


... yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:16

... do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1


... than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, ... ~ Hebrews 11:24-26


  Mistake
  People
  Make
                           WORSHIP
= Trust in creation over the Creator  
 
                            CREATURE


We can't trust ourselves, the Heart is deceptive

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; ... ~ Jeremiah 10:23

... But its end is the way of death. ~ Proverbs 14:12

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3/20/2005 ~ Blind Guides, Who Strain Out a Gnat
                     and Swallow a Camel!



... who strain Out a gnat and swallow a camel! ... ~ Matthew 23:23-26

Our major emphasis should be to serve God.
Mistake = Major in the minor


MINOR MAJOR
~ Gnat ~ Camel
Tithe Love
10 Commandments Justice
Food Mercy
Exercise Faith
Word
Godly
Christ Christ

To live without any of the Major points is to miss out on them all.

Acts, Chapter 13, calls for us to embrace and live by the word of God.


"... to you the word of salvation has been sent." ~ Acts 13:26

... bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things,
... ~ 1st Timothy 4:8


"Do not labor for the food which perishes, ..." ~ John 6:27

... but according to His mercy He saved us, ... ~ Titus 3:3-7

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ..."
~ Matthew 6:33


... undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: ... ~ James 1:27

Godly behavior profits all.

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3/20/2005 ~ To Glory in the Cross of Christ


~ Not what man has done.
~ What GOD Has done.


... God forbid that I should boast except in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ, ... ~ Galatians 6:11-18


... and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; ...
~ Romans 2:27-29


We need to make the focus Christ and not cultural differences.

... who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, ...
~ Hebrews 12:2


... "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" ... ~ Galatians 3:13-16

... they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, ...
~ Philippians 3:17-19


How can your enemy be a stick of wood?
~ It is what the cross represents; Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
The purpose of God was to show all the powers of God.


Cutting from this world.
We need to glorify Christ over anything we have done or do.

... purifying their hearts by faith. ~ Acts 15:9

... "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17

Circumcision of faith.
We need to pay special attention to our fellow Christians.

... created in Christ Jesus for good works, ... ~ Ephesians 2:10

We need to check out Christ and Look at Him.

... if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ ...
~ 1st John 2:1-2


... that we should be holy and without blame before Him in Love, ...
~ Ephesians 1:3-4


                        /Our worship.
                       /Our obedience.
CHRIST ~ Deserves
     \__ Of Him I am well pleased.
          (Matthew 3:17), (Matthew 17:5)

... confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
~ Philippians 2:9-11


Base our eternity on Him.
To fulfill the meaning of our souls.


... the Lord has called each one, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 7:17

"... Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
~ Luke 2:49


... Who will deliver me from this body of death? ~ Romans 7:24

Our example is pointing people to Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:17


No favorite preacher but Christ.

... lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
~ 1st Corinthians 1:14-17


... serving the Lord with all humility, ... ~ Acts 20:17-20

... to declare to you the whole counsel of God. ~ Acts 20:26-27

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:37


... If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. ~ Acts 15:29
                 └─> Teach the word of Christ.

~ Not to occupy yourselves in idle worship.

... gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
~ 1st Timothy 5:13


We can be brand new everyday in Christ,
~ proving our dedication, morality.

We need to reflect God’s image and not our own.
Our identity should be that we reflect Christ.

           
Do you Glory in the CROSS of Christ?
It is what gives us our confidence.


Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, ... ~ 1st John 5:14

Christ is for all and this is His glory.

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3/27/2005 ~ To Keep a Pure Conscience


When Paul wrote the letters of Timothy,
The Heart was something to guard and protect.

God demands responsibility here and in eternity.

Conscience can become our greatest enemy.


I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 1:3

... not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, ...
~ 1st Timothy 1:3-7


... having faith and a good conscience, ... ~ 1st Timothy 1:18-20


Conscience has to be:                     
                 1. TAUGHT - learned
        2. OBEYED - actions
        3. PURIFIED - employs memory

... That I might not sin against You. ~ Psalm 119:10-11

... their conscience also bearing witness, ... ~ Romans 2:15-16

Educate the conscience that we might not be accused.

... not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, ...
~ Ephesians 6:6


... Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ...
~ Romans 14:22-23


Don't exceed the conscience. If it is questionable, don't do it.

... I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! ... ~ Romans 7:24-8:1

Memory can be a helper but also a curse.
Cleanse erroneous errors from your mind.

How do you cleanse, purify your heart from guilt?


Trust yourself - it won't work.
             \->
reflections of the heart.

Trust God - I Am the truth.
             \->
import the word.

... So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them ... ~ Acts 15:6-10

... "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."
~ Acts 11:18


Hang-ups - guilt ---> I shall be set free to live!
Don't be trapped by your past.


'... wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' ~ Acts 22:16

... you must be subject, ... but also for conscience' sake. ~ Romans 13:3-5

Pay your taxes.

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3/27/2005 ~ Guarding Our Hearts


Heart disease is the greatest reason we fall away from God.
Sign of the times, an American dies every 33 seconds from heart disease.


"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, ..." ~ Matthew 15:19-20

"... For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." ~ Luke 6:45

Our heart controls what we do in our lives.

1.  Intellect  - Thoughts
2.  Feelings  - Emotions
3.  Actions   - Act

1) ... "Why do you think evil in your hearts? ..."
~ Matthew 9:4


... Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, ...
~ Matthew 13:15

2) ... 'You shall love the LORD you God with all your heart, ...'
~ Matthew 22:37


... my heart's desire and prayer to God ...
~ Romans 10:1

3) ... you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine ...
~ Romans 6:17-18


... with purpose of the heart they should continue with the Lord.
~ Acts 11:23


To stay spiritually healthy...

Apply your heart to instruction, And give your ears ... ~ Proverbs 23:12

... give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways. ~ Proverbs 23:26

... anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: ... ~ Galatians 5:19-23

Aspects we need to focus on in our lives:

... for if you do these things you will never stumble; ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:1-10

... the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11


We must make an effort to focus on good things versus the bad things.

... comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17


Hearts can be injured by deciet and cunning.
Hang your hert on Heaven.


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4/3/2005 ~ Jesus Versus


            
T                              
I                              
R                              
I                                    
P                               
JESUS versus problems people have.

It is not in man to correct his own steps


... and on this rock I will build My church, ... ~ Matthew 16:16-18
Jesus is the Rock
                    /    \
    One Builds or Stumbles upon
Jesus is against:
   1. Worldliness
   2. Wrong Religion
   3. Error
   4. Hypocrites

       / honest heart - (Matthew 7:7)
     / desire to be with Him
   /
Religion is about God, not about man
   \
     \ not fear of a higher being
       \ not church traditions

                       / the world was already zealously infested with religions.
Jesus did not come to make people religious.
\ proclaim the One true religion.        

... If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ...
~ 1st John 2:15-17


... that in all things you are very religious; ... ~ Acts 17:22-23

... and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." ~ Acts 24:5

"... For this hope's sake, ..., I am accused by the Jews." ~ Acts 26:5-7

Sin is a glorious thing to Satan, but not to God.

... in the last days perilous times will come: ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:1

I do not want that separation from God.

... but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
and by the Spirit of our God.
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11


... I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ... ~ Matthew 5:17-18

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. ~ Psalm 42:2

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 5:6

... contrary to the doctrine which you learned, ... ~ Romans 16:17

... in the later times some will depart from the faith, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-5

Popular movements or charismatic speakers
do not necessarily make it right with God.


... speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: ... ~ Titus 2:1

... why has Satan filed your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit ... ~ Acts 5:1-11

... that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, ...
~ Matthew 23:34-36


Hypocrites stand against God, Christ.
   \_ without a sincere heart.


... and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. ... ~ Matthew 24:51

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4/3/2005 ~ The Samaritan Religion


... However they did not obey, but they followed their former rituals. ...
~ 2nd Kings 17:24-41


  I.  A Religion of Fear
 II.  A Religion of Custom
III.  A Religion of Compromise


These men only served God when in physical fear.

Proper fear of God is that you have life.

"... whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
~ Acts 10:34-35


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, ... ~ Proverbs 1:7

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, ... ~ Proverbs 14:26-27

... There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, ...
~ 1st John 4:16-18


A religion based solely on fear is one that prays and shows
temporary respect only in time of suffering.


How often do we pray to God when things are going good?

Empty worship includes not obeying God and participating in
traditions and customs of man that are directed at worshiping God.


... keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. ~ 1st Corinthians 11:1-2

... stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:15


... withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-7


... through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:12


... making the word of God of no effect through your tradition ...
~ Mark 7:3-13


Customs get in the way of proper worship of God.

... and not according to Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8

Religious custom today would include:
       ●  That is how we have always done it.
       ●  That is the way my parents did it.
       ●  Your okay and I'm okay.

God demands we obey His traditions, not our own.

The Samaritans did not abandon their rituals as instructed.
While they included God as God, they did not obey His instructions
and held to their ritual practices of many gods.


God's word is simple and plain.

... I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, ... ~ Exodus 20:5

... He is a jealous God; ... ~ Joshua 24:19-20

Many religions today are potpourri religions.
                                           |_ Their own ideas
                                            \ Add
                                              ----->What fits.
                                            /Subtract



God does not want His word to be convoluted by man.

God can destroy you or be your best friend.

Does one worship and serve God or self serving interests?



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4/17/2005 ~ Three Calvery Crosses



\   |   |   |   /
–  CHRIST  –
(1)

════╬════
   Transgressor     ║     Transgressor   
(2)            ║            (3)





1) Died 'for' our sins
2) Dead 'in' sin
3) Dead 'to' sin

... But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ... ~ Luke 23:32-43

2

DEAD IN SIN
         \_spiritually

- Does not believe


... They lurk secretly for their own lives...
~ Proverbs 1:10-19


They don't care about you.

Believe in honor between thieves.

I'm lost, who cares.

Depleats us from ambition, hope, love of ourselves.

... unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
~ Luke 13:1-3


Did not realize the value of redemption.

The judgmental one.


... and they did not repent and give
Him glory.
~ Revelation 16:9


... into the hands of the living God.
~ Hebrews 10:30-31


1

DIED FOR OUR SINS

... shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. ...
~ Isaiah 53:10-12


Anyone of us can become an example of what Christ taught.

... who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, ...
~ 1st Peter 2:21-24


... it is appointed for men to die once, ...
~ Hebrews 9:27-28


... in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth ...
~ John 5:28-29


With His death, we might be redeemed.



3

DEAD TO SIN

... saying, "Do you not even fear God, ... ~ Luke 23:40

Willing to admit his error.

Might I obtain mercy.

Sin is oposed to God.

If He is the light, we are the darkness.


... to turn them from darkness to light, ...
~ Acts 26:18


Changed himself.

Don't be disrespectful.

Every person is responsible for their deeds.

God wants us to know ourselves.


Seek the LORD while He may be found, ...
~ Isaiah 55:6-7


... and He will draw near to you, ...
~ James 4:8-10



"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."
~ Matthew 10:38


... we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:10


... "will render to each according to his deeds" ... ~ Romans 2:4-8

All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

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4/17/2005 ~ Where is Righteousness?


GOSPEL
SALVATION
BELIEVE

... gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation ...
~ Romans 1:16-32


Gospel = Good News

... beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, ...
~ Romans 10:14-15


News is not always good news.

So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. ~ Matthew 14:10

Good News was Jesus had risen.

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. ... ~ Matthew 28:6

Power of God unto salvation.

... "Be saved from this perverse generation." ... ~ Acts 2:40-47

Individual souls could be reclaimed through God.
What do you want?


... the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ...
~ Romans 1:16


... through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
~ 1st Peter 1:3-5


... for if you do these things you will never stumble; ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:5-11

Obedience is evidence of salvation.

GOSPEL ---> The Word of God.
SALVATION ---> Puts us in a position for a sustained relationship.
BELIEVE ---> or you can't understand parables such as Matthew 13.

... "Why do you speak to them in parables?" ... ~ Matthew 13:10-16

Security of the believer is belief in the Gospel.
Sometimes we don't want to see the truth.
~ We do want the truth.

"... does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." ~ Luke 14:33

                                      /---> tools are sacrifice; one must give up things.
... and burned them in the sight of all. ... ~ Acts 19:19
              \---> forsake or crucify the flesh.

"He who is not with Me is against Me, ..." ~ Luke 11:23

Is this good news?
Get on board.   
Join the body of Christ.    

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4/24/2005 ~ Things I Don't Have To Do To Be Saved


   1.  ANCESTRY
   2.  BEAUTY
   3.  FAME
   4.  SMARTER
   5.  EQUAL RIGHTS     

Christ is our example.

... There is no beauty that we should desire Him. ... ~ Isaiah 53:1-12

    1) Ancestry

Pedigree is rubbish.

... and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ... ~ Philippians 3:1-8

    2) Beauty

Is only skin deep.
Have to be young, muscular, and skinny.
You can transform yourself through money.
Or is it that Ugly is now 'In'?

Jesus probably wouldn't have been picked as an “outward” star,
for His true wealth was from within.
Like an old community black & white photo,
everyone and anyone is included.


Do not let your adornment be merely outward - ... ~ 1st Peter 3:3-5

"... and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, ..."
~ Revelation 3:17


No one’s beauty has left an enduring beneficial legacy.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, ... ~ Proverbs 31:30

... for a whole year they assembled with the church ~ Acts 11:25-26
        └─ Clearly, Christ had an appeal far deeper than the visible.

    3) Fame

Fame can cause one to stumble
away from the truth if they are full of themselves.


... who loves to have the preeminence among them, ... ~ 3rd John 1:9-11

... But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ...
~ Matthew 23:2-12


    4) Smarter

... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25


... did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom ...
~ 1st Corinthians 2:1-5


Don't have to be smarter than anyone.
To be saved you have to be honest.
~ A good honest heart is what is required.

    5) Equal Rights

It does not matter, one's race, male, female, socioeconmic status.

... whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. ...
~ John 4:7-14


... All things were created through Him and for Him. ... ~ Colossians 1:15-18

One will never be equal to others
other than through salvation in Christ Jesus.


... you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ... ~ Galatians 3:23-29

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4/24/2005 ~ Life is a Race


... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ...
~ Hebrews 12:1-2


When running, time can seem endless.
Many ask what can we do to be saved?
The simple answer is to get baptized.
~ Being a Christian is a long race, not a sprint.
The course is designed by God, not man.

... "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" ... ~ Acts 16:30-33

The Philippian jailer was saved from previous sins.
He didn't want a watered down answer.
I've only got one chance.
I want the right answer.

... he is not crowned unless he completes according to the rules.
~ 2nd Timothy 2:3-5


... Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 9:24-27

Course is set before us.
We have to finish our course.
Don't disqualify yourself.


... that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are disqualified.
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5


Guideline to eternity.
                                           \_Word of Life.

Instructions are to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.


  • COURSE
  • QUIT SINNING   
  • FINISHER

.. present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, ...
~ Romans 12:1-2


... unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, ... ~ Hebrews 12:2

He laid out the course and finished it.
He is waiting for us there.

Victory is in Christ.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1st Corinthians 15:57


... He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ... ~ Hebrews 11:1-13

Enoch, Noah, Moses, etc. have already won or finished.

"... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
~ Revelation 2:10


When you're through you quit.
Until the point of death or worldly choices derail one's efforts.


... he who loses his life for My sake will find it. ~ Matthew 10:32-39

Course is a marathon
                \_Think of yourself (focus)

... "Be saved from this perverse generation." ~ Acts 2:40

... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ...
~ Philippians 2:11-12


... that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. ~ Philippians 2:16

... so that I may finish my race with joy, ... ~ Acts 20:24

Have you been thrown off your course?
Have you stopped your course?

... who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:10


Life is a Race.
                                    \_What must I do to be saved?

"You know the commandments: Do not ..." ~ Mark 10:19

I will run the course of Your commandments, ... ~ Psalm 119:32

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5/1/2005 ~ Tradition


Matthew 15:1-20






Articles, Collectables, Hand-Me-Downs, Dinners together, etc.
\_ It dosen't take long to establish one.

People are sensitive to tradition.
Hat on or off, Color or even shoes left on.
\_ Some get upset.

Even the cliché, "Cleanliness is Godliness."


'... gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make ...' ~ Exodus 20:20-23
└─ Certain positions and traditional demands of God are clear.

... you hold the tradition of men - the washing of pitchers ... ~ Mark 7:3-13
└─ tradition comes up as a routine.

Just because it is logical dosen't put it to the test of God.
More concerning should be those things of the heart.
                                         ♥
No one alive on earth has seen past the grave.
Tradition for Christians is we follow Him who has risen from the grave.

Individuals successfully following God
has blessed future generations with affirming traditions.

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:1-2
└─ there are many back burner parents.

We must look for tradition from the Word of God.

... hold the traditions which you were taught, ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:15
└─ keep in step or mark

... may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:16


What upsets people is alligning and agreeing with what to do.

TRADITION:
---> Word
---> Examples
---> Handed Down


... and saw in me, those do, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:9


... even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. ~ Galatians 2:7-13
└─ some depict bad examples such as despising gentiles

... we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you ...
~ Acts 10:33-34


... For the promise is to you and to your children, ... ~ Acts 2:38-39

In example, what is approved by God.

... as you eat this bread and drink this cup, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:26-29
\_ Practicing the Lord's Supper in His church is proper traditional worship.

Remember What JESUS Did.

... who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead ...
~ 1st Peter 1:21


If it contradicts what the Father says, don't do it.

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions ..." ~ Matthew 6:7
└─ repetitive prayers go useless and are against God's tradition.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, ... ~ Ephesians 6:1-4
└─ obeying one's parents is a tradition of God.

When children rebel against instruction it is a test of their character.

Do not remove the ancient landmark ... ~ Proverbs 22:28
└─ build for and with enduring respect.

Tradition should not be because of the extent of Time.
IT should be of God.


... each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
~ 1st Corinthians 3:2-8


Covenants change.
The order of Service is not written in stone.
As things change, we must adapt.


"No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; ..." ~ Mark 2:21-22
└─ as civilization ages, traditions must adapt so as to be useful or workable.

If our tradition conflicts with Christ's, it needs to be changed.

... contend earestly for the faith which was once for all delivered ...
~ Jude 1:3-4


... foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone, ... ~ Ephesians 2:20


                                                        Man's new ideas, carnival traditions.
                                                                        ↑
The foundation is at the beginning, not the end.
                  ↓
                    God's Word, Book of Life.


Matthew 15 shows a people more interested in serving themselves
rather than God.

As new generations rise, they make their own choices.

This can be difficult for parents
but parents must remain open for correction and or change
if it enhances all of our approaches to God.

Message for everyone should be: "Go with the Lord."

Ritual often overlooks the meaning or importance of an act.
Traditions should go from bad to good.
Give up what is proven wrong.
We can all become stronger and more efficient.


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5/1/2005 ~ Daily


 DAILY 

False Salvation = Part Time Christian


     1. STUDY

... searched the Scriptures daily to find out ... ~ Acts 17:11
└─ Searched scripture daily.

"... Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; ..." ~ John 5:39-40
└─ Lived on a self centered physical AND spiritual basis.

     2. TAUGHT

... continuing daily with one accord in the temple, ... ~ Acts 2:42-47
└─ Paul taught daily.

     3. PRAY

... steadfastly ... in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ~ Acts 2:42
└─ Steadfastly.

Give us this day our daily bread. ~ Matthew 6:11
└─ Daily.

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. ~ Psalm 86:3

Jesus most likely prayed everyday.

... three times that day, and prayed ... ~ Daniel 6:10
└─ Daniel prayed often everyday.

We need God all of the Time, no moment without.

... prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:1-4
└─ Sincerley everyday.

     4. TEMPTED

... exhort one another daily, while it is call "Today," ... ~ Hebrews 3:12-13
\_ Faught temptation daily.
                        │  └─ another step away from God.
                   \_ further falling into darkness.

And do not lead us into temptation, ... ~ Matthew 6:13
└─ Lead me not into temptation

... God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ...
~ James 1:13-14


... No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 10:6-13


     5. HELPING

... their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ... ~ Acts 6:1-7
└─ An important matter, assisting.

... visit orphans and widows in their trouble, ...~ James 1:27

... If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, ...
~ 1st Timothy 5:16


People like to orchestrate it so
that they do not have to get their hands dirty or simply
they would rather choose to ignore those that would require help.



Reasons We Should Be Daily Christians:


     1. EQUIPTED

... one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:1-2
└─ opprotunity to do good over all.

... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, ... ~ Romans 12:1-2

... "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ~ Romans 13:7-9
└─ reponsibility

     2. TEMPTATIONS

... "Away with you Satan! For it is written, ... ~ Matthew 4:1-11
└─ temptation of Christ by Satan

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; ... ~ James 1:12

... Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ~ James 4:7

     3. ALL-NOTHING

Jesus demands all or nothing

...because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you ...
~ Revelation 3:15-16


Jesus does not go for lukewarm, hot only.

... be doers of the word, and not hearers only, ... ~ James 1:22

     4. BURDEN

Hardship and tragety enters our homes everyday.
We lock our doors without a sense of security.


... even if you should suffer for righeousness' sake, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:8-17
└─ God is mindful of it.

... the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, ... ~ Psalm 68:19

     5. EXAMPLE

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
~ John 13:15


... leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ...
~ 1st Peter 2:21-22


... but be an example to the believers in the word, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:12-13

Ready to carry our responsibility today.

Because we are moving forward daily.

Today we are ready.


... Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God,
and that you will walk in His ways ... ~ Deuteronomy 26:16-17


To Know, Be of God, Involves Today.

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5/8/2005 ~ What Are You Doing?


RIGHT                    WRONG

... Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. ... ~ Matthew 26:36-46

Where will you stand when the Master returns?
Sleeping? Unfaithful? Lame?


  ? SLEEPING
  ? NOTHING
  ? DISOBEYING
  ? WORSHIPPING  

If Jesus came today, would you be ready?

"... Nevertheless, in the day when when I visit for punishment, I will
visit punishment upon them for their sin." ~ Exodus 32:31-34


"... be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
~ Luke 12:37-40


How will the servant serve if the master is not there?

... as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ...
~ Ephesians 6:5-9


... are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:1-8


Are you back-peddling, half-hearted, and uncommitted to God?
Asleep in the soul, ~ "I'll wait for the Lord to come back."
           └─ to late.


... And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. ...
~ Matthew 25:24-30


Everything that we have is a gift of God.

... gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:
~ Romans 12:6-8


... But to each one of us grace was given ~ Ephesians 4:7-8

If we do nothing with what God gives us, He sees us as unprofitable.

... Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? ... ~ 1st Samuel 15:18-21
└─ better to obey.          

... glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
~ 1st Corinthians 6:18-20


We are meant for usage, not as a defilement of God.
At any instance, what would Jesus find?


... he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses' anger became hot, ...
~ Exodus 32:19


... and I have not made supplication to the LORD.' ... ~ 1st Samuel 13:8-12

"... those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." ~ John 4:24

God has given us the ability.
We must worship in Spirit and Truth.
Do you have a relationship with God?


... Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, ...
~ Luke 6:46-49


"... but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 7:21

Christ will come back and find some of us worshipping.

... "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?" ~ Matthew 26:40

What Do I Need To Do?

1) WATCH
2) PRAY
3) DUTY

... Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. ...
~ Matthew 24:36-51


... pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:12-18


What is the duty of the pure before God and faithful before men?

... among whom you shine as lights in the world, ... ~ Philippians 2:12-16

... a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; ...
~ Philippians 1:6
\ | /
Are you being a light before others?
Are you starving for and feasting on the word of God?


We can all find improvement.

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5/15/2005 ~ Seek Life


┌─> Jesus brings up life.
"... a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." ~ John 4:1-14
                     └─> Jesus offers her everlasting life.

Do you want life Now?

You can have eternal life right Now.

Live it as it is going to last.
      └─> Prepare as such.

God knows men fail, suffer, and face challenges everyday.

A well of up-springing life.
                 └─> How can we get this optimism?


... "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." ~ John 8:4-11
                             └─> Judged her as sinful, but with an opportunity of redemption.

... He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
~ John 8:12


┌─> Jesus knows everything.
... when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; ...
~ John 4:15-29


Do you thirst for eternal life?

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. ~ Psalm 42:2

... "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." ~ John 8:56-58
└─> God is there.

1) GOD
2) WORSHIP
3) HARVEST
Keys to God

"... God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." ~ Matthew 22:31-32

                                               ┌─> Source of life was and is God
... into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
~ Genesis 2:7


People have been and are a dissapointment to Him. <─┐
... perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 3:1-5


The power of this world is mostly found in death.

Not in a specific geographical location. <─┐
                       
"... for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." ~ John 4:23-24
└─> In God we recharge.         

Worship in scripture is not confined to a place.

                           ┌─> If you truly want to live, you need the word.

"... 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds ..."
~ Matthew 4:4


"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ..."
~ Matthew 6:33-34


┌─> Solomon thought he had life.
... to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, ..." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

... Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ...
~ Ecclesiastes 12:1


Get your focus off of yourself and on God.
People keep trying to justify their life on what they want.


... Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. ...
~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14


... look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ~ John 4:30-39
└─> To have life, we need to harvest.

"... "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ..."
~ Matthew 9:37-38


People are thirsty everywhere.

... the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. ... ~ John 6:36-39

Walk with wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
~ Colossians 4:5


We are instructed to use our time wisely.

... not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, ... ~ Ephesians 5:15-16

We can benefit now, we have God Now!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4
└─> Joy in life Now.

Christ has empowered us so that we might have this.
Satan waits to entrap/divide us away from this.


... all been made to drink into one Spirit. ~ 1st Corinthians 12:13

Will you drink of this water? ...

It is too short in this life not to.

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5/15/2005 ~ Condemned By A Lie


... a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD, ...
~ 1st Kings 13:1-9


Jereboam was the 1st king of northern Israel.
He had made two golden calves to worship.
A young prophet from Judah came to rebuke him.
Jereboam was condemned because he was in sin.


Three Characters:
1) KING JEREBOAM
2) YOUNG PROPHET
3) OLDER PROPHET

... It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah ...
~ 2nd Kings 23:15-17


... with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria. ...
~ 2nd Kings 23:18-20


... It is the man of God who was disobedient to the word of the LORD ...
~ 1st Kings 13:10-31

                                                                     
Young Prophet Problem, he believed a lie
Heard a story <─┘                └─> Could lose his life.         


He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward ... ~ Proverbs 28:23

┌─> Some want to believe in lies.
... the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12


┌─> Forget loyalty to man.
... in the later times some will depart from the faith, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-7

"... if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." ~ Matthew 15:14

... do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, ... ~ 1st John 4:1-6

... Therefore by their fruits you will know them. ~ Matthew 7:15-20

Christians should not be eternal judges, but inspectors of fruits.

Many adjust to suit what man is pleased with, not God.
One has to identify with the truth, Not what is introduced by man.


          ┌─> The call for instrumental musical ensembles is not found in scripture.
... singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. ~ Ephesians 5:19
└─> Passionate songs from individual hearts have been requested.

We must be careful not to believe in simple lies.

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are ... ~ Proverbs 6:16-19

Older Prophet Wanted younger prophet to come eat.
  He lied. <─┘                └─> But then God gave him the truth.


... even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. ~ Galatians 2:11-13
     └─> Problems can creep in. <─┐
... men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away... ~ Acts 20:29-30

The older prophet went from wrong to right.
The younger prophet went from right to wrong.


┌─> Judas was remorseful.
... seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful ... ~ Matthew 27:3-5

Remorse ≠ Sincerity in God's Light

... offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, ... ~ Acts 8:18-24
└─> You can't buy salvation.                     

Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and ...
~ Proverbs 23:23


We need to clean up our misunderstandings.

... God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, ...
~ John 3:16-18


... as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ~ Romans 12:18

"... and the truth shall make you free." ~ John 8:32

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5/22/2005 ~ City People


┌─> Time for all to Hear.
... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 6:1-18


Corinth was much like New York
It was a commercial city.
The people lived by the flesh.

It is a letter to all of us today
Much as a result of television that now overwhelms us.

Paul pondered that these people weren't worth saving.
They caused problems, dissention in the church.

However, Paul hit it head on, he did not give up.
In his second letter to the Corinthians progress was made
for the people that wanted to worship the true God.
Some were fed up with Paul and did not want to hear him.
Paul's choice was clear: He was sent by Christ.

He knew people would be apprehensive of him
being he had mudered Christians in the past.
                      ┌─> Did not want to exalt himself.
He purposely wrote simply to further the word of God.
└─> Wanted them to remember not based on his talents.
He said he also needed the blood of Jesus Christ to be saved.

Paul's problem was not that he was:
                • A SINNER
                • UNTALENTED


Paul's problem was:
                • BAD REPUTATION
                • NOT LIKE THEM


What Paul did was:
                • TAUGHT THE TAUGHT
                • HELPED THE SAVED STAY SAVED


                                                                            So Paul confesses <─┐
... that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
~ 1st Timothy 1:15


... I also was standing by consenting to his death, ... ~ Acts 22:20

       ┌─> We all need the saving blood of Jesus.
... Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
~ Revelation 1:5


┌─> Paul was defamed, ridiculed.
... and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 4:11-13


But he delivered them from the foolishness of this world.

... their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
~ Romans 10:1-3


I'm not here to slam you but to fellowship with you.

┌─> Each person is a minister of conduct.
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 6:3-10


Paul was their scapegoat.

... not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh that is, of the heart.
~ 2nd Corinthians 3:1-3


Corinthians were inconsistant.
Paul presented to them a choice:
~ Be with Christ or take a chance on the world.


... but you are restricted by your own affections. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 6:11-14


           ┌─> Separate yourselves away from the ways of the wicked one.
... "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord, ..."
~ 2nd Corinthians 6:15-18


Materialism and Covetness was their biggest draw.

... For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; ... ~ Nahum 1:15

Immorality and uncontrolled lusts are certainly a social illness to God
and should not be condoned by anyone who would choose to worship our One True God.
... nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, ... will inherit the kingdom of God. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11


                                    ┌─> Paul's letter was one of rebuke.
... let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 7:1-8


Put your animosities away.

... godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 7:9-12


Problems Corinthians had:
           • Affections - Fruit of the world or that of above.
           • Did not like his rebukes.

... a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. ~ Proverbs 13:1

Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. ~ Proverbs 29:8

If you can’t hear rebuke, you can’t be helped.
We need to accept rebuking and be refreshed by it.

When people stand for God
– they do not write each other off.


We need to bind our fellowship together.
We need the right affection.

Love of truth.

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5/22/2005 ~ Sincerity


... You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. ~ Psalm 4:8

... whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. ~ Proverbs 29:25

Do you feel secure where you are at?
Do you find comfort with brethren?
We all struggle for security.   

Material security is disappearing as people trust one another less and less.
Most people used to keep their doors unlocked.
People today worry about family and jobs.

Most important:
           • Our feelings with God.
           • Where we stand with Him.

┌─> Do we believe in God or the world?
"... But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
~ Matthew 10:28


Each one has to answer for themselves.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5


But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 9:27
└─> Paul knew his weaknesses but kept them under control.

If you're feeling secure beware that you’re not over confident.

... Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
~ 1st Corinthians 10:1-12


"... beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." ~ Matthew 16:6

... "Take heed that no one deceives you. ... ~ Matthew 24:4-5

... let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ...
~ James 1:6-8


God is looking for people to hear and follow His word.

... for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ... ~ John 4:23-24

... but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ~ John 1:17

... "Let all the angels of God worship Him." ... ~ Hebrews 1:1-13

Using God's word as our security.

... let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ...
~ Hebrews 10:14-24


Even with security, we must remain on our guard.
We know when we fall short.
We don’t like to fail or hear about complacency.


... hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, ...
~ Hebrews 3:12-14


... but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 10:13


Walk with wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
~ Colossians 4:5


... but understand what the will of the Lord is. ~ Ephesians 5:15-17

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, ... ~ James 1:22

We should feel secure with God and Christ.
~ But that doesn't mean we don't have to work for Him.


... If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Romans 8:31

... Moreover by them Your servant is warned, ... ~ Psalm 19:7-14

True security is in these words.

... to all who have loved His appearing. ~ 2nd Timothy 4:8

... love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. ~ Ephesians 6:24

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5/29/2005 ~ Salvation Through Grace by Faith


Ephesus was a city of Asia Minor.
                                  └─>Paul stopped here a second time on his way back to Jerusalem.

Ephesians is a practical letter more as a story or pattern of Christianity.
It is a story of how did we get here and what is it?

Second Ephesians chapters begin as such:


1 - Preeminence of Christ.
2 - Where we have come from and where we are going.
3 - Unspeakable wisdom of God.
4 - Conduct ... what to do ...

Submission to God

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ...
~ Ephesians 2:1-10


If we take God for granted we could leave or depart or forget Him.

by grace you have been saved through faith, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8

┌─> untwisted truth.                                           
├─> identified with this as a way of life.              

... fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, ... ~ Ephesians 2:1-3

... seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 6:31-33
└─> What do you seek? ●○                                                                    

The Ephesians worshipped the Goddess Diana.
"BOOBS" ├─> What made the city tick.
└─> The way they walked.

Ephesians had worked out a way of life for survival though corrupt.
~ Like today, many divorce as a means of government subsidies.

... the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ...
~ Colossians 3:1-7

                 └─> A twin letter to Ephesians

... "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:17

Are you living according to the prince of darkness?

... my heart's desire and prayer to God ... ~ Romans 10:1

What is your prayer or purpose in life?

... let him ask in faith, with no doubting, ... ~ James 1:6-8

What is our desire?

... we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, ...
~ Ephesians 2:3


For the Ephesians it was to feel good and be entertained by the flesh.
┌─> Can not be overstated <─┐
... made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ...
~ Ephesians 2:4-5


Are we unfruitful or fruitful?
How rich is God who can give to us all?
Autobiographies can leave out all encompassing truth;
~ The saying, "The older I get, the better I was."
Many are fooled with quiescent minds.


... in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ... ~ Ephesians 2:6
             └─> To be esteemed by God where the earth can’t touch us.

... His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:7
├─> We have the riches of God. <─────┘                          
 └─> Richer than anyone without it.                                     


... it is the gift of God, not of works, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

By grace we have salvation and we don't have it without it.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, ...
~ Ephesians 2:10


He tells us what to do.
Work we must participate in.
It is a letter of what God requires.


But without faith it is impossible to please Him, ... ~ Hebrews 11:6

God has given us the ability to do it.
His word enables us to get it done.
He did it so that we might become empowered.
To be fruitful and joyful.

So we are empowered.
            └─> To do good works through Him.


... a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ... ~ James 2:24-26

Opportunity = Grace = Participant in faith

... to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up ... ~ Acts 20:28-38

The Ephesians made it work by believing in the grace of God,
and though future generations fell away by making individual choices,
they did choose at the time to practice the word delivered by Paul.


What do we Choose?

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5/29/2005 ~ Exhortations of the Faithful


... but exhorting one another, ... ~ Hebrews 10:19-27

Why Christians are pressured to give it up:
Peers
Pleasures
Error in religion
We need to associate with one another, exhort one another.
We are to told to put out that extra effort among brethren
to strengthen one another.


... Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
~ Galatians 6:1-2


To help us remain faithful, God tells us to seek each other out.

... with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God ... ~ Acts 2:46-47

Fellowship was created at the price of His own Son.

... and insulted the Spirit of grace? ~ Hebrews 10:27-29

Willful Sin = Pleasure

You cannot justify yourself by the flesh.

... But recall the former days in which after you were illuminated, ...
~ Hebrews 10:30-34


You had endured but now choose to revert.
It only takes one sin.
~ Do you want fellowship with Me or not?

The truth is the truth that can withstand the weight of time
and the test of any and all fires.


The words of the LORD are pure words, ... ~ Psalm 12:6

Some think they can sin if no one tells them their wrong,
so they avoid preachers.

They do not confront errors.
└─> Justify dishonesty, are lazy.

~ One must ask why our country is broke.

... according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 4:2-5


"Keep the faith" is the message in the book of Hebrews.
           └─> Describing the way of the Christian.

┌─> One must stay the course.

"... But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." ...
~ Hebrews 10:35-39


... This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, ... ~ Hebrews 6:13-20

Admonition: Read the word of God.
                         └─> What our prescription is.
• Seek out other brethren.
• Watch and reflect daily upon the word.
• So we have continuing faith.

... in the light, we have fellowship with one another, ... ~ 1st John 1:7

... unless you are converted and become as little children, ...
~ Matthew 18:2-4


Are you innocent of heart? Whether 10, 20, 80?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, ... ~ Galatians 6:9
   └─> In due season.

It's tough.

... let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ...
~ Hebrews 10:24


"... will He really find faith on the earth?" ~ Luke 18:1-8

... pray without ceasing, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:17

As Christians, we need to be fervent prayers.
We need to know the value of today.


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6/5/2005 ~ Deacons


The Lord God Almighty calls all good men to service.

There is a need.
People are desperate for a local church
with qualified elders and deacons.
Do not look for a title but ask what your service could be.


Our commitment should be to service.
Too often, busy people are expected to do most of the work.
Excellence involves quantity.


Widows in the 1st century were being neglected.
Some though would look to the church for a free lunch.
There was no Social Security (or Insecurity).
It was serious, people were dying of starvation.


           ┌─> How would responsibility be delegated?
... because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ...
~ Acts 6:1-7


... is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. ...
~ Exodus 18:18-23


Power must be delegated in order to assist all.

┌─> The church had created a general welfare fund.
... So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, ... ~ Acts 2:45-46

... do not let the church be burdened, ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:16
   └─> They wanted to make sure it was a widow in need.

                                                         Not desirable work. <─┐
... It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve
tables. ~ Acts 6:2


The Apostles needed to preach.

... For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 3:3


The failing is people not taking responsibility.

... we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 3:9

... each one's work will become clear; ... ~ 1st Corinthians 3:13
             
               Which should befall every Christian man. <──┐
                  ┌─> Each church has responsibilities.        │
... in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ...
~ Philippians 1:1-2


We need to care about souls in need.
             └─> What are "her" needs.


... visit orphans and widows in their trouble, ... ~ James 1:27

Things that need to be done should not just fall through the cracks.
Men need to assume assignments so those in the church may appreciate
what has been done.

We need to help elders so they can get on with their work.


... elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, ...
~ 1st Timothy 5:17-18


Good men in service is the backbone of the church.

... seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, ... ~ Acts 6:3

┌─> Being filled with the word of God.
... submitting to one another in the fear of God. ~ Ephesians 5:18-21

                                                       ┌─> And from them were chosen.
┌─> Christians who had grown up in Christ.
Likewise deacons must be reverent, ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:8-13
   └─> Mystery of faith = Deep, core of Godliness

To have better elders and deacons, we need better Christians.
Thank God we have deacons.
We need to pray for them.

We need good men to be fruitful for Him.

... to conduct yourself in the house of God, ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:14-16

We need to be in Christ and serve Him.

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6/5/2005 ~ Healing From Sin's Consequences


Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. ... ~ James 5:13-20

... he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save a soul ... ~ James 5:20
│   
What SIN does to a person.                                    │   
└─> reverse verse 20. <──────────────┘   
├─> Inflicts death.                              
└─> Walk with haste against salvation. 

God took great lengths to reveal His will.
~ God did this through His Holy Spirit.
Sin is we come short of the glory of God.

People wanted to be healed of their sickness.

┌─> Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, leprosy healed.
... his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, ... ~ 2nd Kings 5:14-15

... fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, ... ~ Leviticus 10:1-2

┌─> Men of Sodom try to rape Lot's guests.
... struck ... with blindness, both small and great, ... ~ Genesis 19:10-11

... the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, ... ~ Acts 13:6-12

In the past God's punishments have been swift.

... "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? ..."
~ Acts 5:1-11


For this reason many are weak and sick among you, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:30

What is the price of integrity?

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, ... ~ Proverbs 22:1

The greatest sin is that we are separated from God.

Do you want to be eternally separated from God?
                                                           └─> You are if you continually sin.

... There is sin leading to death. ... ~ 1st John 5:14-17

Repentance is the pivotal thing.

Attitude of some who won’t repent:
We want to sow of the flesh and still receive redemption.


... they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, ... ~ Romans 1:24-32

┌─> Look for the hope, the refreshing.               
... be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, ... ~ Acts 3:19

~ But I can't see God helping me.
└─> What Satan wants.

... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ~ James 5:16

God is not interested in self-important prayers.

... this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; ...
~ Luke 18:9-14


We need to pray to God and put Him first in truth.

One man, one prayer means alot.

If you really want to get past sin,
you have to ask those who believe to pray for you.

... If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, ... ~ 1st John 1:7-10

Admit your sins, humble yourself in the face of God.
-> Pride is hard to overcome.

      • REPENT
      • PRAY
      • CONFESS     
      • ELDERS

We need to go to our elders with our problems.
God wants us to succeed.

... Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: ... ~ 1st Corinthians 12:7-11
                   └─> Gifts were given to 1st century Christians.
┌─> Miraculous healings.       

... and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ... ~ Acts 8:5-8

When James was written, some of these miracle workings
of the Holy Spirit were still occurring.

The Bible gives us the answer.
We may have to live with certain consequences.
What we can't do is sell what is not true.
There is no longer miraculous healers.


... they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 13:8-13


WE NEED TO TAKE FAITH IN THE GRACE OF GOD

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6/12/2005 ~ Choose To Listen


The WORD of GOD applies to us all.

... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:14-17

Transcendent and powerful words that can and will govern
all of our decisions for the rest of our lives From Our Hearts.


                   ┌─> God calls for all people to return.
Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"
~ Genesis 3:9


Will we do what we choose to do - or what God wills us to do?
~ One chooses from the heart.

... rather to suffer affliction with the people of God ... ~ Hebrews 11:24-26
└─> Moses chose God.
               Chose to know and then teach. <─┐
... had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, ... ~ Ezra 7:10

For sinners the decision is repentance.

Repentance goes down to the innermost depths of one's heart.
~ Repent and do not forget God.
God's mercy waits, He is always there.

He knows there is pain, can you have hope?

Simply, one must make up one's mind to follow the will of God.

                  ┌─> Christians must obey authority.
... whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, ...
~ Romans 13:1-2


┌─> Christians must abide in God’s given ordinances.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as fitting in the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:18

...in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
~ Ephesians 4:1-3


... be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, ...
~ Ephesians 4:31-32


... walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, ...
~ Ephesians 5:1-7


It will be a struggle, but continual attempts
and striving to get it right eventually
is the path for every soul.

Not giving up gets people to heaven.


... so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, ... ~ Philippians 1:20

... acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ... ~ Romans 12:1-2

Everything we have is of our Lord God Almighty.


     ┌─> God wants us all and nothing less.
"... went out and sold all that he had and bought it." ~ Matthew 13:45-46

Submit, and yield everything to the Lord.

... they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
~ 2nd Corinthians 8:5


We are all stewards.

... we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:5


Everything is for Christ.
One has to ask, my will, or God's will?
We do it because we know we can not do it alone.


... It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. ~ Jeremiah 10:23

Have you faced the fact that you can not live without God?
Nothing does any good unless we commit and submit to God.
We must transform ourselves through Christ.


REPENT
SUBMIT

... you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ ...
~ Ephesians 3:3-5


... to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, ... ~ Ephesians 3:9

When you read My word you will see My truth and beauty.

... And the firmament shows His handiwork. ~ Psalms 19:1

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; ... ~ Psalms 19:7

Recognize the Lord, submit, then and only then
will His words have meaning.
We are all lost in darkness.


... And in His law he meditates day and night. ... ~ Psalms 1:1-3

Continual meditation on His word is what a Christian does.

... That I may meditate on Your word. ~ Psalms 119:147-148

Part of are commitment is reading the word and obeying it in prayer.

... fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us ...
~ Deuteronomy 6:24


Making up your mind can be a problem.
Where is the bottom of your heart?

Do you live by the word?
It must be the way you want to live, choose to live.


... and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
~ Colossians 2:8-10


Christ is our sufficiency.

... we speak in the sight of God in Christ. ~ 2nd Corinthians 2:14-17

I trust in the Lord is of the HEART.

... but pursure righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:20-22


Transformed Life = Godly Life

               Do you get the message? <─┐
... we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ...
~ Titus 2:11-14


We need to be content with God's arrangement.

KEY = ATTITUDE

God gives you the power to do it.

┌─> God will know.                  

"I know your works, that you are ..." ~ Revelation 3:15-16

If you submit, you will treasure the word and it will be sufficient.
If you are not Christian, you choose your own will.
Some make a choice by not making a choice.

You are lost until you commit.
Do you serve God or do you serve yourself?

We must train our hearts to remember to turn to God and give our all.
He is our only hope for eternal life.

Only committed souls
will enter the kingdom of God.


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6/12/2005 ~ The Last Will Be First, and the First Last


                            Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. <─┐
"So the last will be first, and the first last. ..." ~ Matthew 20:16

The last first and the first last?
This can seem opposite to common sense.

Contradiction = Direct opposition between things compared

Clearly though:
If you put God first, you put the cares of the world last.
If you put the cares of the world first, you put God last.

... who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
~ Galatians 5:19-24


Do you have fruits of the spirit or works of the flesh?

... haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, ... ~ Romans 1:29-32
                   └─> Do not let these happen to you if you want a spiritual life.

... the foolishness of God is wiser than men, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25

God's ways are much greater than man's.

"... But many who are first will be last, and the last first." ~ Matthew 19:27-30

Those who suffer in the name of Jesus may be last in the material
possessions of this world, but first in the spiritual rewards of the next.


... "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
~ Mark 9:33-35


But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ...
~ Matthew 23:11-12


"... he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger,
and he who governs as he who serves. ... ~ Luke 22:24-27


... whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all." ~ Mark 10:43-44

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, ..."
~ Mark 10:45


┌─> All Christians should work on this.                               
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
~ James 4:10


How we become first in God’s eyes is to put material importance last.

... Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
~ Colossians 3:1-2


... conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
~ Romans 12:1-2


We need to put God first.
We need to be a living sacrifice.

We need to be spiritually minded and set a spiritual example.

... but be an example to the believers in the word, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:12
└─> If we focus enough on this, evil won’t have a place or time in us.

"... there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last."
~ Luke 13:22-30


Every one must choose what is first, and what is last in this life.

"... But many who are first will be last, and the last first." ~ Mark 10:29-31

FIRST LAST RESULT
Spirituality Worldliness Life
Worldliness Spirituality Death

... My reward is with Me, to give every one according to his work. ...
~ Revelation 22:12-15


God will judge what we have put first and His word will be last.

"... and as for your works, the last are more than the first." ~ Revelation 2:19

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. ~ 1st Corinthians 15:26

... seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 6:33

We love Him because He first loved us. ~ 1st John 4:19

Heaven is for those
that put the things of the world away
and love God Almighty with their all in faith.


Do your best to please Him
and your eternal reward will be more than great.

\│/ 
JESUS IS LIFE!

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6/19/2005 ~ We Need to be Revived Again


Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice ... ~ Psalm 85:6

Revival has two definitions.
One is to be raised from the dead,
yet another is a re-energizing, becoming alive again.


... that you may how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:15


1. Make the effort.
2. Attention during lessons.

... to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, ... ~ Ephesians 3:9-10
                                 └─> We are here to present the Gospel.
                                                                └─> Purpose of the church.


1. Recognize yourself.

... know that you are the temple of God ... ~ 1st Corinthians 3:16
└─> About the church, us.      

... by your good works which they observe, glorify God ... ~ 1st Peter 2:11-12
└─> The way we live.                                                                              
            └─> People know if you are living what your preaching.


... acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service ... ~ Romans 12:1-2

"... that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:13-16


We have a big job in front of us.

LOVE, HARMONY

We need to be concerned for the welfare of each other.

~ Each of us needs to take responsibility.

... keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3

~ PEACE ~

... but he who does the will of God abides forever. ~ 1st John 2:15-17
└─> Sums it up.

1. Building ourselves up,
    becoming more enthusiastic.

2. Teaching those who are not Christian.



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6/26/2005 ~ Easier to Criticize Than to Help


Now it happened, ..., that they watched Him closely. ... ~ Luke 14:1-6

Again Jesus was on the spot.
Dropsy = Water retention.

Jesus wants them to tell Him, He asks.
They could not reply.

~ It is easier to accuse than to answer.

Jesus is always composed, always says the perfect thing.
His will is to instruct and teach.

Always easier to criticize than to help.

Some people are ready to critique and never ready to help.

When you are part of the solution it changes your perspective.
Saying, "What are you (others) going to do," is wrong.
~ We need to be part of the team.


... For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, ... ~ Luke 14:7-11

We should not promote ourselves but be recognized by others.
People are not eager to work but eager to be boss.
Campaigning for status is wrong.


"... lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid." ~ Luke 14:12

Invite the people that need it the most.
We need to serve with no eye to our benefit.


... "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" ~ Luke 14:15

Jesus is tender at times but always very frank and truthful.
He is worried more about our well being than our feelings.
We need to receive rebukes well.


... A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ... ~ Luke 14:16-24

The guests snubbed the host.
The Lord is preparing a spiritual feast.
Do not let worldly ties or social commitments hinder one's worship of God.


... weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, ...
~ Luke 21:34


"... let him not turn back." ~ Luke 17:31

... cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
~ Luke 8:14


"... he cannot be my disciple." ~ Luke 14:26

Do not get bogged down in the world.
What value do we place on God?

Too often we get too attached to things.
The original guests did not love the kingdom of God,
~ the heavenly banquet.

One must not miss the Lord’s dinner or what He has to offer.

Do you place a high priority on the Lord
and His gospel?


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6/26/2005 ~ Significance of Reading the Word of God


... for the joy of the LORD is your strength ... ~ Nehemiah 8:1-12
└─> God's word was studied for hours while standing out of respect.

We owe Respect to the Word.
HIS letter to us to learn what HE wants.

... in order to understand the words of the Law. ... ~ Nehemiah 8:13-18

So they wanted to learn more.
They studied with an open heart freshly
≈ We need to do what it says.

Scripture takes priority over tradition.


... read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God ... ~ Nehemiah 9:1-3
└─> Reading more of the word.

They confessed and worshipped.
A long prayer follows.

-> We need to spend more time praying.
Do we talk to God?
Our conversation with God should include scripture.

We pray too economically as Ameicans.
"Canned prayers."

God wants us to talk to Him and open our hearts to Him.


... We make a sure covenant and write it; ... ~ Nehemiah 9:38

... and their villages; in Lachish and its fields; ... ~ Nehemiah 10:28-32
└─> Willing to comit.                            

~ Here is what we are willing to do.
We can be indefinite until we get down to specifics.


... So it was, when they had heard the Law, ... ~ Nehemiah 13:1-3
└─> Forceful man.

There are things more important than being nice.

... struck some of them and pulled out their hair, ... ~ Nehemiah 13:25

If reading the word of God in Nehemian times was that important,
how much more is it today.

The word of God is the suave for the heart of the soul of man.


~ Commitment to study His words.


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6/28/2005 ~ Do You Love Like Jesus?


... be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also ...
~ Ephesians 4:32-5:1-4


We need to Love one another just as Jesus lved us.

... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering: ...
~ Colossians 3:12


... that you love one another; as I have loved you, ... ~ John 13:34

And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.
~ Leviticus 19:33


God has asked us to love one another for a long time.
What is new is, 'as I have loved you.'

┌─> Characteristics of Jesus' love.                               

... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ... ~ Philippians 2:1-7

Jesus lived a life of self-sacrifice.
He gave up more than any one of us could ever have to give up.

- We have to sacrifice - we have to give up to serve.

Jesus had His comforts trampled upon.
~ Do we comprehend how much He gave up?


... by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. ... ~ Romans 5:17-21

He was gracious in His giving.

... that he may have something to give him who has need. ~ Ephesians 4:28

... that we should remember the poor, ... ~ Galatians 2:10

Remember the poor.
Money and things are only part of the things we should give.
Time involved has always been what is genuine.


... he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save a soul from death ...
~ James 5:19-20


The greatest thing you can give is spiritual help.

... and gave them power over unclean spirits. ~ Mark 6:7
    └─> Compassion.

┌─> Lost sheep following without a sheperd.                                        

... many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. ... ~ Mark 6:33

... everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; ...
~ Luke 12:48


We need to listen, willing to give of ourselves.

... that you love one another as I have loved you. ... ~ John 15:12-15

Jesus had open love.
You are not just my slaves, you are my friends.


"But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; ...
~ Luke 6:35


... from his heart, does not forgive his brother ... ~ Matthew 18:35

Jesus was forgiving.
In our love we need to forgive those who hurt us.


... God demonstrates His own love toward us, ... ~ Romans 5:8

Jesus never did anything wrong.

"... as He said to you." ~ Mark 16:7

What a blessing God forgives us.
Jesus chose to Love, Suffer, and Forgive.
Jesus' love was humble.


... He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, ...
~ John 13:5


... whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ...
~ Mark 10:43-44


He will not quarrel nor cry out, ... ~ Matthew 12:19

He was never demanding, put himself out to serve.
He was the servant of servants.
His love was personal.
He cried, touched the lepers, held the children.


... For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord... ~ 1st Thessalonians 3:1-10

~ Paul loved as Jesus did.

Jesus was constructive - He said things to help.


Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." ~ John 4:16
    └─> Jesus exposed her sins so she could see she needed.

Risk of rejection by being frank, candid.
It is because we care about their souls more than their acceptance.


And on some have compassion, making a distinction; ... ~ Jude 1:22

Sometimes people just need encouragement

... hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 13:7-8


... The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. ...
~ John 6:63-64


Jesus kept loving, an enduring love.
Though Peter rejected Him, He still loved him.


  ●  Self-Sacrifice
  ●  Generous
  ●  Compassionate    
  ●  Open
  ●  Forgiving
  ●  Humble
  ●  Personal
  ●  Constructive
  ●  Perserverance

Jesus is the ideal, the model.
We should all feel challenged.
We should love God because we want to.

Do we love as Jesus loves?


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7/10/2005 ~ Why we Don't Have Women Preachers


Along with no denominations called for in the Bible,
~ there is also no mortal 2nd chance millenium.

The Bible also does not instruct us to have women preachers.
Churches with women preachers do not properly follow the gospel.


... that the word of God may not be blasphemed. ... ~ Titus 2:1-6

... He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, ...
~ Ephesians 4:11


Older women should teach younger women.

... For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ...
~ Titus 2:9-12


- In the general assembly, mixed audiences,
-> men need to do the preaching.

It is not because women are inferior,
Not because they know the Bible better or less,
Not because the are less capable.


For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ...
~ Galatians 3:27-29


The same gospel is for all.

Above all, God placed man, not women, in a position of authority.


DIVINE ORDER
GOD
CHRIST
MAN
WOMAN

... the head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is man, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 11:1-3


... All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth. ...
~ Matthew 28:16-20


... hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:15


... they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, ... ~ Romans 1:28

Man, not God, has placed women in authority.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ... ~ Ephesians 5:22-29

... that even if some do not obey the word, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:1-7

Man is to be over women generally.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:16


Men are to be leaders in the church.

... holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, ... ~ Titus 1:5-9

You have to pollute God's word if women are to be church authorities.

... Likewise, their wives must be reverent, ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:8-13

Preachers were all men in the Bible
Peter and the apostles preached

Jesus preached beyond the law of Moses

Paul preached in Athens

Stephen preached

Philip gave instruction
... ~ Acts 2:14

... ~ Acts 13:38-39

... ~ Acts 17:16-17

... ~ Acts 6:8

... ~ Acts 8:30-31

There were no women apostles or preachers.

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:11-14

I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:8

God made man first and then women.

... and He brought her to the man. ... ~ Genesis 2:22-24

                                                ┌─> Eve was tempted, she fell first.
... Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die."
~ Genesis 3:2-4


Let your women keep silent in the churches, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 14:34
└─> It is what God requires.

This is not meant to downgrade women,
but the Lord God has demanded this pattern of obedience.


... singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.~ Ephesians 5:19

... singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:16

Everyone is called to sing and to make your heart known.

To love God is to obey and practice His word.


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7/17/2005 ~ When The Lord Prayed


During trials ...

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, ...
~ Matthew 26:36-46


Some do not regard things as a trial.

Many trials we face alone
One can go to the Lord in prayer for strength.
Many times we worry more than taking action.
Jesus God is faith, steadfastness, our sanctuary.


... Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:21-25

We are to follow Jesus in times of trial.
Many things are written as an example.
When the Lord was troubled, He prayed.
Praying or talking to God is a responsibility.


... but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, ...
~ Philippians 4:6


Don't let the cares of this life or world overwhelm you.

Allow the Lord to work His will.
-> There is a watchfulness of prayer.
Jesus asks His disciples to stay awake.
We need to be watchful in overwhelming trials.


... they went out to the Mount of Olives. ~ Matthew 26:30

Take time.

... "Sit here while I go and pray over there." ~ Matthew 26:36

Take time alone.

We need to make the effort to be with God.
The disciples were not spiritualy alert or watchful.
How do you value God's commands?
~ Do we hear the value after being told?


He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, ... ~ Matthew 26:39

Faith and focus is doing God's will.

... Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. ... ~ Matthew 26:40-41

Prayer helps strengthen us.
~ Trust, hear and act according to His will.


... not what I will, but what You will." ~ Mark 14:36

We must stay faithful in our focus.
Give disbelievers a little of the word at a time.


... yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ...
~ Hebrews 5:7-9


... "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; ...
~ Matthew 26:39


Obedience in prayer; Pray not in doubt.

... But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, ... ~ James 1:5-6

Obeying God's will is always right and will acomplish great things.

... now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation ...
~ Philippians 2:12


If you have conscience one is troubled by wrong doing.
~ Obedience encourages us to obey.


... nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." ~ Matthew 26:39

Jesus was ready to serve.

... if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."
~ Matthew 26:42


... and prayed the third time, saying the same words. ~ Matthew 26:44

Jesus had a readiness to endure.

... be transformed by the renewing of your mind, ... ~ Romans 12:1-2

... not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ...
~ Romans 12:11


... "If your enemy is hungery, feed him; ..." ~ Romans 12:20

Continual frequency of prayer.
└─> Agony did not reduce His prayer.
└─> Increased its urgency.

Don't forget to pray when times are good.


"... today you will be with Me in Paradise." ~ Luke 23:43

... will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7

Prayer helps us stay on course.

... Be at peace among yourselves. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:13

... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, ...
~ Hebrews 12:1-3


Jesus never grew tired of prayer until He was delivered.

... praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, ...
~ Ephesians 6:18-21


We must pray for strength.
We must not grow tired.


... that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ... ~ Luke 18:1-8

... How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? ...
~ Psalm 4:1-8


... Because He poured out His soul unto death, ...~ Isaiah 53:1-12

How much do you pray?

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7/24/2005 ~ Thinking on The Lord's Supper


... Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:17-22

Sometimes division builds strength through diversity
yet the message is clear.
Don’t come to worship God for social reasons
but remember what the Lord did for us with His Body and Blood.


But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:34

The truth will stand out.

The church is meant to edify and build each one up.


... For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
~ 1st Corinthians 11:23-31


We need to examine ourselves; align with God.

... you come together not for the better but for the worse. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 11:17


For there must also be factions among you, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:19

We must move away from division if it is allegiance to man's desires.
~ Anything that is not discerning in the Lord.


For this reason many are weak and sick among you ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:30

Some are spiritually dead.
The word was being misapplied in pursuit of mortal desires.


... Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5


We need to examine ourselves through the word
which is God's instructions for us.

God has shown in the past that He is not tolerant
with human error or folly.
We should remain mindful of His words of truth.


"... those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." ~ John 4:23-24

... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... ~ Hebrews 10:25

                     ┌─> The Lord has promised to reward us and judge us.
... will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. ...
~ Acts 17:30-31


My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? ... ~ Psalm 22:1
└─> Do we look forward to worship?

┌─> Do you accept this simple logic? 

... first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, ...
~ Acts 20:7


"... do this in remembrance of Me." ... ~ 1st Corinthians 11:24-25

The Lord's Supper is done in remembrance of Him.
No scripture instructs us to reenact the crucifying of Christ Daily.
We are called to assemble and sing songs and hymns.


... admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, ...
~ Colossians 3:16


How can we abuse the Lord's Supper?

   1.  When there is no anticipation of worship.

   2.  If we believe that, "This is all that matters!"

   3.  If we think that observance makes up for the time spent

        in sin; indifference and carelessness.
   4.  If we spend the weekend in fun and games.

   5.  When those who willfully absent themselves on Sunday
        morning rise to partake on Sunday evening as though their  
        absence on Sunday morning was beyond their control.


... pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. ...
~ Acts 8:18-24


We need to repent for sins.

... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins ...
~ 1st John 1:7-9


Let all things be done decently and in order. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:40

... if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, ...
~ Hebrews 10:25-29


The Lord does not subsidize negligence.

We need to strive to worship God in spirit and truth.

~ Are we here for better or worse?

No one ever said that being a Christian would be easy.
Narrow is the path, a struggle to remain loyal to God.
Do you humbly partake of the Lord's Supper as instructed?


"... I am the living bread which came down from heaven. ... "~ John 6:48-51

                                            ┌─> Focus on the sacrifice.
Break Bread = Share
└─> Give thanks.

... "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, ..."
~ Matthew 26:27-28


~ Your Body is my sustenance
and Your Blood is the refreshment of my soul.


... For we, though many, are one bread and one body; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 10:15-17


The needles of my sin pierce Thy Brow;
Merciful Lord forgive me.
~ Thank you for your Grace ~


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7/24/2005 ~ Disciples


Jesus calls out to all sinners to repent.

... 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' ... ~ Matthew 9:13-15

"... where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?" ~ Luke 22:11

... And the disciples were first called Chirstians in Antioch. ~ Acts 11:25-26

... Therefore by their fruits you will know them. ~ Matthew 7:15-20

... searched the Scriptures daily to find out ... ~ Acts 17:11

Do you search to find the answers from God's word?

... you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, ...
~ Revelation 2:1-2


"I speak what I have seen with My Father, ..." ~ John 8:38

Disciplehoodship is not an acident.

... "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ..." ~ John 8:31-36

The Bible is exceptional and exclusive.

... for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ...
~ Ephesians 4:1-16


It is a very narrow minded work, Word of instructions.

... to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
~ Colossians 2:5


... be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 15:58


Do you thirst to obey God's word?

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8/7/2005 ~ Can the Christian Fall from Grace?


... No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 10:6-13

└─> Warning by Paul.

"The devil made me do it."
The devil entices us, we choose.


... you have fallen from grace. ~ Galatians 5:4
                     └─> Disregarded Jesus and tried to apply the Law of Moses.

... and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. ... ~ Galatians 5:1
  └─> Suggests that one can fall away from a time in the grace of Jesus.

┌─> Warns that we could depart. 

... an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; ...
~ Hebrews 3:12-15


Clearly, once saved is not nescessarily "always" saved.

┌─> Be aware of the devil.                                        

... the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
~ 1st Peter 5:8


... and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:1-10


1
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-16


2
... those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
~ Galatians 5:15-21


3
... has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ... ~ Ephesians 5:5-7

4
You have become estranged from Christ, ... ~ Galatians 5:4

~ Do not have an evil argumentative heart.

... he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save a soul from death ...
~ James 5:19-20


... beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:17-18


For some have already turned aside after Satan. ~ 1st Timothy 5:15

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, ... ~ 2nd Peter 2:15

... and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. ...
~ 2nd Peter 2:9-15


┌─> We can fall into condemnation.
... lest you fall into judgment. ~ James 5:12

... in the latter times some will depart from the faith, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-3

┌─> What we need to do not to fall away.
... and are not moved away from hope of the gospel which you heard, ...
~ Colossians 1:21-23


Do we move away from the hope of the gospel: eternal life?

... unless you believed in vain. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 15:1-3

Some believe in vain.

... he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ~ 1st Timothy 5:8

"... I will vomit you out of my mouth." ~ Revelation 3:15-16

"... But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." ...
~ Hebrews 10:35-39


... Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ~ Galatians 5:4-7

If you do not obey the truth,
Have you fallen from grace?


... made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ...
~ Ephesians 2:4-5


... he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, ... ~ John 3:36

One cannot just believe in “part” of what Jesus says.
It is an all or nothing, no in-betweens.

We can be saved by grace, but we can fall from grace.


For we were saved in this hope, ... ~ Romans 8:24
└─> Saved by unstoppable hope.

        ┌─> We can be moved away from hope.

... of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, ...
~ Colossians 1:21-23


For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared ... ~ Titus 2:11

We can be saved by the grace of God!

... lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
~ Hebrews 3:12-13


... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, ... ~ 1st Timothy 1:15

... and insulted the Spirit of grace? ~ Hebrews 10:29

... but according to His mercy He saved us, ... ~ Titus 3:5

We can be saved by the spirit!

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ~ John 8:32

Bottom line, Christians can fall from grace.

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8/21/2005 ~ Go Home Amos!




At some point God's longsuffering runs out and His vengence plays out.

... Yet you have not returned to Me," Says the LORD. ~ Amos 4:11

"... And make the poor of the land fail." ~ Amos 8:1-4
└─> These people were spiritually desolate.

... "Surely I will never forget any of their works. ..." ~ Amos 8:5-8
They had no time for God. <─┘

Amos comes from Southeast of Jerusalem.


... And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. ... ~ Amos 7:7-9

... "Go you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. ..." ~ Amos 7:10-13
└─> How dare you come here!

... "I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, ..." ~ Amos 7:14-17
└─> Amos did not ask to do this.

It was a message anchored in eternity.
They were not interested in Amos.
~ Amos was a Judeian in Israel.

More importantly, they were not interested in God's word;
His eternal truth.


"... Falsifying the scales by deceit, ..." ~ Amos 8:5
More interested in making money than God. <─┘                                  

Does GOD cause interference in your life?
= You don't hear the message if you reject the messenger.


... stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:15-17


The Bible is God's message to us.

... "Behold, a sower went out to sow. ..."~ Matthew 13:3-9

● Do we have ears to hear?
● Do we want to hear?
● Do we want the truth?

The people of Israel rejected Amos.

"And how is it that we hear, each in our own language ... ~ Acts 2:8-12
         └─> God wants us all, the panorama of man.

His message is simple:
Repent, turn to God and be baptized.
Jesus arose from the dead in everlasting glory to show that
God's truth does not go away.
~ Set your heart right with God.


"... Prepare to meet your God O Israel!" ~ Amos 4:12

Prepare to meet your God.

Lve the truth which can give you everlasting life.

Let us be prepared and
Help each other get to heaven.


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8/28/2005 ~ Do Not Wait


People say they believe, but do they?

Baptism is the key to enter the relationship.

~ False religion has schedules of plans for baptism later.


... and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ ...
~ Acts 2:32-40


It is consistent in scripture, specifically, in the book of Acts,
the immediateness of baptism.


... were baptized; and that day ... ~ Acts 2:41
                                             └─> Implied urgency

If you believe the Bible,
how can you not be baptized now,
if you truly believe?


"... What hinders me from being baptized?" ... ~ Acts 8:35-39

Philip taught the gospel and with haste, the eunuch was baptized.

... And immediately he and all his family were baptized. ~ Acts 16:23-33
└─> What one must do to be saved, not later, but now.

Salvation is more important than the time of day.


... why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, ... ~ Acts 22:12-16

Acts gives a consistent picture.
Baptism took place immediately, with urgency and with no delays.
~ ○ ~
If you put off baptism, you show that it is not important.
It is God’s commandment.


... "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized ...
~ Acts 10:44-48


If God has commanded us to do something, should we delay?

... and did not delay To keep Your commandments. ~ Psalm 119:59-60

We should obey God now, not later.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
~ Galatians 3:27


... to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ...
~ Romans 6:4-14


... but the answer of a good conscience toward God ... ~ 1st Peter 3:21

When you are baptized, it is not the water, but
an appeal to God to obey Him with a good conscience in Christ.


... when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" ... ~ 2nd Kings 5:9-14

There is danger in delaying.

                   The seed is the word of God. <─┐

... the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. ...
~ Matthew 13:19


Satan will take the word away from you.

"... the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."
~ John 12:48


Delay will not cut it on the last day.

        ┌─> As one gets older it becomes harder.

... Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near ...
~ Ecclesiastes 12:1


If it is not urgent, you will not do it.
If you have an excuse to do it later you live in sin.


... "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." ... ~ James 4:13-17

DELAY = SIN

... as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ...
~ Romans 6:1-4


Our baptism should not be forgotten.

We must devote our lives to God.

We have all defiled the world and have done great sin.


And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. ... ~ James 3:6

We are all terrible sinners and that is why we need baptism.

If you are a Christian, run, flee from sin.

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9/4/2005 ~ Seeking Fine Pearls


... has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, ...
~ Matthew 13:10-17


What does this mean to me?

... kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, ... ~ Matthew 13:44-46

~ It is not about being religious.
~ It is not about being better or brighter.
~ Not what you have accomplished or how others see you.


... they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him ...
~ Acts 17:24-27


The Kingdom of God is not a physical condition
but a man seeking God's truth.


"... For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." ~ Luke 17:21-22

The Kingdom of God is within us regardless of health or wealth.

┌─> Like finding treasure in the field.

... and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has ... ~ Matthew 13:44

┌─> Knows what he is looking for.
" ...the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ..."
~ Matthew 13:45


I want to be with God for eternity.

~ Do we value eternity or those things of vainity?


"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; ..."
~ John 5:39-40


"... "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! ..."
~ Luke 18:24-25


Like those who found treasure or sold all that they had,
it was for the reward of becoming satisfied.

Search for that which will fill you.
Things of the world cannot satisfy you.
The Kingdom of God will satisfy you.

Riches of the Grace of God.
That which is obtained,
beyond any thing,
and found
through
Jesus Christ.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ... ~ Romans 8:35

Not jobs, things, or relationships gets between us and God.

... seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 6:33

... a kingdom which cannot be shaken, ... ~ Hebrews 12:28

"... and of His kingdom there will be no end." ~ Luke 1:33

... "My kingdom is not of this world. ..." ~ John 18:36

1. The Kingdom of Heaven is valuable
2. The Lord requires that we seek His Kingdom
3. The Lord requires us to put His Kingdom first


Do you treasure the word of God?

... but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 14:17

Do you rush to own what God has to offer?

... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the
kingdom of God. ... ~ John 3:5-7


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9/4/2005 ~ In Season


                                YAHWEH
                                G
Every time the Gospel is taught GOD is glorified.
                                D
                                JEHOVAH


... I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
~ Luke 13:1-5


Society was upset by current events.
              ├─> One was an act of evil.
                      └─> One was a calmity of nature.

... if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, ...
~ Romans 15:25-27


~ There was a famine for the early Christians in Jerusalem,
a shortage of supplies existed where the truth originated.
Seeds of the gospel were planted and material retributions were made.

In parallel, just because we are a God fearing nation
does not necessarily guarantee calamities will not befall us
and that it can only happen to heathen countries.


... worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?
~ Luke 13:2


... Are we better than they? Not at all. ... ~ Romans 3:9

Purely, we must seek His mercy,
Not judging by acts done to individuals or places.

The implosion of a society can come
without an earthquake or hurricane.


... And He changes the times and the seasons; ... ~ Daniel 2:20-23

God never wanted us to think that we would be able
to protect against or prevent calamities.


"But he who endures to the end shall be saved." ~ Matthew 24:13

... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, ... ~ Galatians 6:10

... God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:1-4

This is bigger than any president, governor, or mayor.

... having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1st Timothy 6:7-8


... and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; ... ~ 1st Corinthians 10:6-13

Praying is getting God to do what He can do.
Praying can do more and is better than dialing 911.
God's permanence resides over all that is temporary.


... your life? ... a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes ...
~ James 4:13-17


1. God Controls
2. Physical calamities will occur
          ⭧ emphasizes spiritual

3. Fill your hert in Prayer
4. Vapor = Mortal Life

But concerning the times and the seasons, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:1-8

... breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:8


Calamity has never hurt the word of Jesus.
~ If we have to stay, we can endure and are called to do so.
As Christians, we must join together of one mind and body in Christ.


... heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended ...
~ James 5:11


~ Job stood with God and has become the marquee of patience.

... God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring ...
~ Jonah 3:10


God has mercy on those that repent.

... for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ~ Galatians 6:9

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:1-3


Let us declare that the liGht of God is in us.

\ | /
─   ─
/ | \


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9/19/2005 ~ Nevertheless


... "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." ~ Luke 5:10
      └─> All are called to be fishers of men.

The word of God is effective for those that listen or can hear and obey.


... the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, ... ~ Luke 5:1

You do not see people today clamoring up
or pressing anxiously to hear the word of God.
More in fact, stadiums fill by the 1000s to rock and sporting events.
People look to entertainers, movie stars, etc. to hear what they say.
~ God's word is not so popular.


... He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. ~ Luke 5:3

"... nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." ~ Luke 5:5

~ Called to fish at the wrong time of day,
Today we are also called to let our nets down
contrary to our experience.

Our greatest strength is bravery and courage in the face of insincerity.

If a man will listen and follow Jesus,
though he may have experienced failure,
he can experience tremendous success.


... "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, ... ~ Mark 6:3-4
                                                  └─> A carpenter told a fisherman how to fish?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.
~ Hebrews 11:1


~ They had not seen fish.
Nevertheless is the word that allows entrance into implicit faith.

Peter had to put aside His wisdom in experience and hold faith.
It is a higher way less traveled.



  1.  God's commands are contrary
        to the wisdom of man.

  2.  God's commands are consistent
        since antiquity.

  3.  When God's commands are obeyed  
        great and tremendous things
        will be successfully accomplished.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:1-5


... the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 2:10-14


The wisdom of God is designed that we might know God.

... in these last days spoken to us by His Son, ... ~ Hebrews 1:1-4

... God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than man.
~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25


God warns us and gives His instructions of truth.

... nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness ...
~ Hebrews 12:11


... it has now been revealed by the Spirit ... ~ Ephesians 3:5-6

... So are My ways higher than your ways, ... ~ Isaiah 55:6-9

... I know the way of man is not in himself; ... ~ Jeremiah 10:23

There is a way that seems right to a man, ... ~ Proverbs 14:12

Those who do not trust God hold not His Lve.

Those that have it know it and eternally, humbly, thank Him.

Many profess belief in God but prefer not to speak of Him
in the shadows of their cowering and desire
to remain politically or socially popular.

Belief in God is not the same as trust in God.
Nevertheless, it is faith that consummates trust.

We cannot hold God close in the disobedience of man.


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,... ~ Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, ... ~ Proverbs 9:10

We need to open up our hearts to God's word
in order to understand the revealing of His will through His word.

God is love and more importantly: a God enacting justice.
He created us and deserves our obedience.

Do we blame God for the actions of a free man?
Life praises or criticizes the choices we make.
God waits and listens for He hath said it.


The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, ... ~ Proverbs 15:33

... I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; ... ~ Joel 2:28

Knowledge without wisdom of God is nothing.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:16


... His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:3-5


... for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." ~ Genesis 2:16-17

God means what He says.

... Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, ...
~ Genesis 22:3


... 'On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, ...
~ Exodus 12:3


... So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD"S Passover. ... ~ Exodus 12:7-12

... I have given Jerico into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor...
~ Joshua 6:2-5


Nevertheless, God's word comes to pass.

Some say, "I can't trust in that" and
"I don't understand why I have to be part of the church to be saved."


... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... ~ Hebrews 10:24-25

... who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing ... ~ Ephesians 1:3-14

... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, ...
~ Ephesians 4:4-6


... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
~ John 3:3-5


... There is also an antitype which now saves us - baptism (not ...
~ 1st Peter 3:21-22


... were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ...
~ Romans 6:3-7


... For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:11-13


For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared ... ~ Titus 2:11

... it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ...
~ Romans 1:16


... their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
~ Romans 10:1-3


To question God shows lack of faith abolishing the trust we hope for.

No preacher will save you, You have to deal with God's word by yourself.

God is patiently waiting.
We need to think and act God's way.


You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, ...
~ Isaiah 26:3-4


God rules over us.
We need to study.
God tells us what to do and how to live.

Nevertheless
... they forsook all and followed Him. ~ Luke 5:6-11

... "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, ...
~ Isaiah 66:1-2


Listen and Obey.

"... nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." ... ~ Luke 22:39-43

"... you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ...
~ John 8:31-36


Obedience establishes the reward of joyous peace.

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:19


Do you stand with God?

... "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth ..."
~ Matthew 28:18-20


... God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
~ Acts 2:36


"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? ..."
~ Luke 6:46-49


"... 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' "
~ Matthew 7:21-23


Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:13


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9/21/2005 ~ Being A Christian


What it means to be a Christian.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ John 8:32


... that you love one another; as I have loved you, ... ~ John 13:34-35

It is Impossible to be a Christian
and not follow His Words.


"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, ..." ~ Deuteronomy 6:5

... 'You shall love the LORD you God with all your heart, with all your soul, ...'
~ Matthew 22:37


... he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder ...
~ Hebrews 11:6


We must love God with our all as well as other human beings.

             ┌─> The love of the Father and the Son.

... whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16


... And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us ... ~ Ephesians 5:1-7

We are told how to love as Christians.

~ It's about people.
~ It's about family.

Living by God's word delivers happy families.

It's about being together and learning.
Appreciating His word in faith; expressing our gratitude.


... But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. ... ~ Matthew 8:5-13

Our faith must be in Love.

... avails anything, but faith working through love. ~ Galatians 5:6

Submission / Obedience / Conformity

... be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
~ 1st Peter 1:13-16


... be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ...
~ James 1:21-25


... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ... ~ Acts 2:36-39


There was a problem in Cornith,
but they were still in the church of Christ.


                      ┌─> They are God's people now.
                           ├─> They were added to the church.

... And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
~ Acts 18:8


... not to keep company with sexualy immoral people. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 5:9-11


The common bind is the blood of Jesus Christ

┌─> Is Christ divided?
... that there are contentions among you. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:10-13

We base our faith on Jesus Christ.

... whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess
before My Father ... ~ Matthew 10:32-33


... eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:4-8


For in fact the body is not one member but many. ~ 1st Corinthians 12:14

... obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:22


... laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil ...
~ 1st Peter 2:1-3


Receive one who is weak in the faith, ... ~ Romans 14:1

... who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, ...
~ Romans 15:1


┌─> Didn't prove they were good Christians.
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 12:27-31


It was in the use.
Talent does not necessarily include spiritual maturity.


... but have not love, I am nothing. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:1-13

... brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: ... ~ 1st Corinthians 12:1


  1.  Salvation of a soul.

  2.  Presentation of God's word.

  3.  Confirmation of God's word.  


... it is the same God who works all in all. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 12:6-8

... but the Spirit of you Father who speaks in you. ~ Matthew 10:19-20

Faith = by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Paul wanted them to understand,
So men could be saved.


... abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
~ 1st Corinthians 13:8-13


And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:16


... His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:3-5


Corinthian's were not paying attention.

       ┌─> He washed their feet.

"You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am." ~ John 13:13

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
~ Matthew 10:24


As diciples we are open and teachable.
~ How to act.
~ We serve Him working hard to please Him.


... For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, ...
~ Romans 11:33-36


... that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,
... ~ Romans 12:1-2


... differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: ...
~ Romans 12:6-8


... but all the members do not have the same function, ...
~ Romans 12:4-5


All people are unique.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. ... ~ Romans 12:9-19

God teaches us how to live.

... Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. ~ Romans 16:1-8

Many live in this river of life. We need to bond in the raft of unity.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
~ Romans 12:15


Don't slow down, keep going!
~ Pay attention to one another.
Don't ignore new visitors.

Go to funerals, it means volumes to the mourning
~ to receive brethren in numbers during these nibble moments.

Pray for your preacher, elders, deacons, and their wives.
Their paths are challenged with expectations of the congregation.

~ Live right, do right, and be an encouragement for others.

It's about saving souls!

We are not asked to be fools.
Do not cast your pearls before the swine, however,
may we not limit our benevolence and genuine love
to those who are not Christian.

We can Pray.

Belonging to Jesus is to be in service.

~ He died for me and now I Live for Him!


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9/22/2005 ~ Unspotted From the World


"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, ... ~ Matthew 15:19-20

Sin originates in the heart or the "mind"

... your iniquities have separated you from your God; ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2

Sin separates us from God.

... abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:11-12

We need to lift up God Jehovah's name along with His son.

... will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ...
~ Matthew 6:30-33


We should trust in God gladly.

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, ...
~ Romans 15:1


"... I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" ~ Matthew 8:8-10

It is implicit faith that opens up the word of God.

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue ...
~ James 1:26-27


Act on the word of God.

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, ... ~ James 1:18

... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of
God. ... ~ John 3:5-7


Religion is your individual response to God.

And in vain they worship Me, ... ~ Matthew 15:9

World in scripture is used to define the physical form.

... the earth heaves at His presence, Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.
~ Nahum 1:5


"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, ..."
~ John 3:16


Jesus died for people.
~ How God manifested His love.

World can also be spoken in a moral sense.


... been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:3-4


For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
~ Titus 2:11


... you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, ... ~ Romans 12:1-2

Do not love the world or the things in the world. ... ~ 1st John 2:15-17

Anything that would move us away from God should be avoided.

... as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ~ 1st Peter 1:13-19

... according to the riches of His grace ... ~ Ephesians 1:7

According to the riches of God's grace.

... and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. ~ James 1:27

Individual responsibility.

... the testing of your faith produces patience. ... ~ James 1:2-4

... sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, ...
~ James 1:12-16


Recognize the temptations of this world.
So we can ward off the flowery darts of the devil.


... be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ... ~ James 1:19-25

People of God follow His word.

... do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father ...
~ Colossians 3:17


... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 1:13


... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, ... ~ Galatians 6:10

Individual instructions.

... I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, ...
~ Ephesians 3:11-14


Many do not understand God's word.

To save souls.

There is individual versus collective responsibilities.

       ┌─> Pay them back.

... and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.
~ 1st Timothy 5:1-4


... if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his
household, ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:5-10


... widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, ...
~ 1st Timothy 5:16


       ┌─> Corban, elevating their traditions over the word of God.
... making the word of God of no effect through your tradition ...
~ Mark 7:10-13


~ We must individually control our tongues.
~ Visit orphans and widows.
~ Remain unspotted.


We have to make up our minds to obey God.

... receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your
souls. ~ James 1:21


... shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
~ James 2:3-4


Faith is not prejudice.

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. ...
~ James 2:13


... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
~ James 4:7-10


... words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
~ Matthew 12:37


Cursing, euphemisms, gossiping, dirty jokes, untrue speech
is all an abomination to God.


Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
~ Psalm 34:13


... He is a shield to those who put their trust Him. ~ Proverbs 30:5

... in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, ... ~ 1st Peter 4:11

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as fitting in the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:18

We need to keep our tongues under control.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: ... ~ Galatians 5:19-23

In our heathenistic society, many prefer parties and drinking.

~ The Bible deals with principles.

Use the word of God to monitor our hearts.

Religion is God the Father and His Son, not denominations.


... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ... ~ Philippians 2:1-7


  1.  Do not let a day go by without being
       grateful to God for allowing us to know
       the truth. ~ Thank Him for all you have.

  2.  Try to have Christ in your mind;
       make every effort to glorify God.

  3.  Pray without ceasing, stay strong in God.  


... pray without ceasing, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:17

Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, ... ~ Psalm 106:1

Attend services faithfully.
~
Build your family life.

Spend your time with your sisters and brothers in Christ.

Look forward to heaven everyday.

The best is yet to come.


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9/23/2005 ~ Books Will Be Opened


Be Ready ...

"... be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
~ Matthew 24:44


Jesus knows the sting of death and the separation from loved ones.

... I go to prepare a place for you. ... ~ John 14:1-3

Jesus has gone before us and prepares a place for all that are holy.

Are we waiting to get ready or are we waiting ready?

We can not put off being ready.
Being ready today does not necessarily mean that
you'll be ready tomorrow.

Tomorrow is promised to no man.


... you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? ...
~ James 4:14


ARE YOU LOYAL TO GOD?

~ In Revelation the Spirit calls to hear   
what is said to the churches 7 times.


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. ..."
~ Revelation 2:7


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. ..."
~ Revelation 2:11


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. ..."
~ Revelation 2:17


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches."
~ Revelation 2:29


"... He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches."
~ Revelation 3:5-6


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches."
~ Revelation 3:13


"He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches."
~ Revelation 3:22


We must be ready to learn and teach in holiness.

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:3


... He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, ...
~ Romans 8:29


Examples have been presented for our adoration.
God is in Control.


... "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; ...
~ Revelation 14:7


                 ┌─> Jesus is not mentioned as coming back to this world.
... And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. ...
~ Revelation 20:1-10


... And there was found no place for them. ... ~ Revelation 20:11

... All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them
one from another, ... ~ Matthew 25:31-32


He has delivered us from the power of darkness ... ~ Colossians 1:13

... "My kingdom is not of this world. ..." ~ John 18:36

... we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ~ Romans 14:10

All souls shall bare naked in front of our Lord Jesus Christ.

... and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast ...
~ Revelation 14:11


                 ┌─> Christians can fall from grace.
... anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 5:9-11


... making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; ...
~ 2nd Peter 2:4-6


... both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:2-13


Examples have been given; this world will not be rejuvenated.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and
books were opened. ... ~ Revelation 20:12


... it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ...
~ Hebrews 9:27-28


... the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear ...
~ John 5:28-29


The Bible is a Book of Books.
It speaks of three ages called Dispensations:

GOD'S AGES OF HIS DISPENSATIONS TIMELINE -->
Adam   Noah   Abraham
         Isaac    Jacob
MOSAIC AGE
Law of Moses
---------------->
CHRISTIAN AGE
------------------>
PATRTIARCHAL AGE -> Law of conscience

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past ...
~ Hebrews 1:1


... God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:16


Jesus is Now; Now is Jesus.

... the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." ~ John 12:48

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
... ~ Colossians 3:17


We must be doers and not just hearers!

... He who sent Me Is with Me, The Father has not left Me alone, ...
~ John 8:29


In peace our aim is to please Him.

... For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, ...
~ Psalm 90:1-4


We live in a time when
We are all challenged to know God.


... they were judged, each one according to his works. ~ Revelation 20:13

... help ... my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
~ Philippians 4:3


... registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all,
to the spirits of just men ... ~ Hebrews 12:23


... I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; ... ~ Revelation 3:5

... enter ... only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
~ Revelation 21:27


We will be judged by how we responded to His word.
We will be revealed to how we have treated all people.


... and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
~ Hebrews 4:13


... that He might diliver us from this present evil age, ... ~ Galatians 1:3-5

Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, ...
~ 1st Timothy 5:24


                 ┌─> Life can be a series of missed opportunities.
"... And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous
into eternal life." ~ Matthew 25:41-46


Judgment is based on how we live our lives.
God knows your name.

          ┌─> Affirms resurrection.

... Death and Hades dilivered up the dead who were in them, And they were
judged, ... ~ Revelation 20:13


                   Don't want to miss out. <─┐
... the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18


The word rapture does not occur in the Bible however,
rapture = carried away.


Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.
This is the second death. ~ Revelation 20:14


HADES = DEATH

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. ~ 1st Corinthians 15:26

Who else goes to the second death?

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast
into the lake of fire. ~ Revelation 20:15


"... the lake which burns with fire and brimstone,
which is the second death."
~ Revelation 21:8


The only way your name gets in the book of life is to obey God.

God has given us the hope of new bodies without temptation
and all the things of goodness.

Do you look forward to being with great men like
Noah, Abraham, Daniel, and all of God's children?

There are no tears in heaven.
Never having to say good-bye forever.
Don't you want this for all that you love?

Put your faith in Jesus!
For now it is the time to spead the Gospel!


... is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe
will be condemned."
~ Mark 16:16


Disciples = learner, teachable.

Pray that we are welcome.




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