Pressing Toward Our Goals
Phil. 3:12-16
Introduction:
A. Our text talks about moving toward our goals.
a. We as people have many goals that we make through life.
B. It may be in our jobs, family, school etc.
C. What about our spiritual lives?
a. Are you making goals thinking in a spiritual mind?
b. It is a priority to make goals for our spiritual lives.
i. (II Tim. 4:7) Here Paul talks about how he has pushed toward his goals in his spiritual life to follow Christ.
D. Today let us look at three things that we goals we should push towards spiritually.
I. Home in Heaven
A. First thing we should think about is a home in Heaven.
i. Song Here I Labor and Toil.
ii. We must work as the song says and we will be rewarded for our work through Christ.
B. (Matthew 6:19-21) our treasure should be a home in heaven not earthly things.
a. If we put our goals toward heaven they can’t be destroyed compared to earthly goals.
C. (Matthew 7:13-14) The narrow way is the way we need to choose.
a. It is hard to choose this path because people seem to choose earthly things first.
b. We need to have our goals toward a home in Heaven and keep with that thought and we can achieve that goal.
D. (Matthew 19:16-22) We read here of a passage of a man who was looking for a goal of heaven.
a. However we can’t be like him and keep our earthly treasures.
b. Our goal needs to be heaven not earth!
c. This example is what we don’t do.
II. Being Baptized.
A. Obtaining that goal of Heaven we need to have another goal of being baptized.
B. Part of obtaining the goal of being Baptized is hearing the Word.
i. It is an Inspired by God (II Tim 3:16-17)
ii. (Heb. 4:12) The word that is inspired by God can separate body from spirit.
iii. We need to obtain spiritual goals so reading the Bible can help since it splits the body from spirit.
C. (Mark 16:15-16) The Bible tells us that if we hear the word and act upon we read we can be baptized.
i. It is an act upon belief.
ii. (Acts 2:38) We read of people who heard the gospel preached from the word and acted upon the belief and was baptized.
D. (Acts 8:32-40) Scripture talks about another example of a person hearing the word.
i. He needed help to understand what he was reading.
ii. Once he understood he acted upon what he heard and was baptized.
iii. This person understood his goals and wanted the home in Heaven and he obtained it by pressing toward another goal and that is Baptism.
III. Living in Christ through Life Faithfully
A. After pressing a goal of being baptized toward another goal of heaven our goal to still obtain it is continuing to live on Faithfully.
B. (II Tim 4:2) Our goal of living through Christ Faithfully means being ready and preaching the gospel of Christ.
i. Constantly doing what we can to personally evangelize.
ii. Not only pressing our goals but showing other people what goals they need to prioritize first in life.
C. (Romans 12:1) Part of pressing this goal means to being a living sacrifice.
i. (James 4:14) We don’t know how long we have so we must do everything we can to press the goal of heaven.
ii. That means to being this living sacrifice through Christ (I Cor. 11:1)
D. (Matt. 10:37-39) Pressing the goal of heaven we need to a mind of having Christ first.
i. (Lk. 9:59-62) Family, work, school, friends, funerals, etc. need to be second.
ii. We need to show everyone that our goals need to be focused first on Heaven.
Conclusion:
A. Where are your goals focused on?
a. Are you pressing the goal of heaven?
B. Do you need help of pressing toward that goal?
C. We are here to help and encourage everyone.
D. The gospel is for all
E. If you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God
F. Repenting of your sins
G. Confessing his name
H. Then you can be baptized today.
a. Or if you are a Christian and have sin on your life then you need to repent right now and get the prayers of the church right now.
I. Whatever the case may be please come while together we stand and sing.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Giving More
Giving More
Text: II Thess. 2:13-14
Introduction:
Usually when you think of a sermon on giving you think of the subject of the contribution.
Today is not one of those sermons.
I want you to think of things that we all can give more to better our spiritual lives.
(Matthew 22:37) Giving more is for the satisfying of the soul by devoting your self to Christ.
We need to look forward to the home of Heaven (Phil. 3:14).
The reason being because Christ gave his life for us (Galatians 1:3-4)
So today let’s take a closer look at three things we can give more of.
I. Giving more Prayer
A. It never hurts anybody to pray more for everyone (I Thess. 5:17)
B. Prayer comes from the heart (Matthew 6:5-9)
1. Christ gives us an example of what we should pray for (Matthew 6:9-13)
2. Prayer is the way we talk to God (Matthew 6:6)
C. However prayer should be for spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
D. Today in our world we use pray during our worship service.
a. One thing that comes to mind of our prayers is when one confesses (James 5:16).
b. (Romans 12:15) Our prayers can show different attitudes as well.
E. So giving more prayer is never a bad thing it is more of an encouragement to others throughout our lives.
II Giving more Faith
A. Giving more faith?
a. What do I mean by giving more faith?
B. (Hebrews 11:1-3) Gives us a definition of faith.
a. We do things through faith by not seeing what we believe in.
C. Where does our faith come from?
a. (Romans 10:17) We get our faith through the belief in the Word of God.
b. (John 1:1) Here we find that the Word was God. Our faith is through God.
c. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Also the word comes inspired by God.
D. Giving more Faith comes through our conduct (Romans 12:1).
E. Part of this means attitude.
a. (I Tim. 4:12) Presentation of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
III. Giving More Time
A. (I Cor. 11:1) Giving more time means we should be like Christ
a. (Matthew 16:24-27) Giving more time means risking your life through Christ from being persecuted by others.
B. (II Tim. 4:2) Giving more time to preach the word.
a. Personal evangelism from preaching the word and constantly being ready to share the gospel of Christ.
C. (I Tim. 1:18-20) Giving more time means to fight the fight for Christ.
a. (Eph. 6:11-17) We are given an armor to help fight that good fight.
D. Giving more time to preach Christ means to preach the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Mark16:15-16).
Conclusion:
A. Are you giving more time in life to follow Christ?
a. Are doing as much as we can?
B. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?
a. Repenting of your sins (Luke13:3).
b. Confessing his name, as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10)
c. Then you can be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)
d. Then continually through life following Christ.
C. If you are Christian and have sin in your life you must repent and do it right now (Acts 8:22).
a. Whatever we can do to help you get on the path of following Christ, then please come while together we stand and sing.
Text: II Thess. 2:13-14
Introduction:
Usually when you think of a sermon on giving you think of the subject of the contribution.
Today is not one of those sermons.
I want you to think of things that we all can give more to better our spiritual lives.
(Matthew 22:37) Giving more is for the satisfying of the soul by devoting your self to Christ.
We need to look forward to the home of Heaven (Phil. 3:14).
The reason being because Christ gave his life for us (Galatians 1:3-4)
So today let’s take a closer look at three things we can give more of.
I. Giving more Prayer
A. It never hurts anybody to pray more for everyone (I Thess. 5:17)
B. Prayer comes from the heart (Matthew 6:5-9)
1. Christ gives us an example of what we should pray for (Matthew 6:9-13)
2. Prayer is the way we talk to God (Matthew 6:6)
C. However prayer should be for spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
D. Today in our world we use pray during our worship service.
a. One thing that comes to mind of our prayers is when one confesses (James 5:16).
b. (Romans 12:15) Our prayers can show different attitudes as well.
E. So giving more prayer is never a bad thing it is more of an encouragement to others throughout our lives.
II Giving more Faith
A. Giving more faith?
a. What do I mean by giving more faith?
B. (Hebrews 11:1-3) Gives us a definition of faith.
a. We do things through faith by not seeing what we believe in.
C. Where does our faith come from?
a. (Romans 10:17) We get our faith through the belief in the Word of God.
b. (John 1:1) Here we find that the Word was God. Our faith is through God.
c. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Also the word comes inspired by God.
D. Giving more Faith comes through our conduct (Romans 12:1).
E. Part of this means attitude.
a. (I Tim. 4:12) Presentation of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
III. Giving More Time
A. (I Cor. 11:1) Giving more time means we should be like Christ
a. (Matthew 16:24-27) Giving more time means risking your life through Christ from being persecuted by others.
B. (II Tim. 4:2) Giving more time to preach the word.
a. Personal evangelism from preaching the word and constantly being ready to share the gospel of Christ.
C. (I Tim. 1:18-20) Giving more time means to fight the fight for Christ.
a. (Eph. 6:11-17) We are given an armor to help fight that good fight.
D. Giving more time to preach Christ means to preach the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Mark16:15-16).
Conclusion:
A. Are you giving more time in life to follow Christ?
a. Are doing as much as we can?
B. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?
a. Repenting of your sins (Luke13:3).
b. Confessing his name, as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10)
c. Then you can be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)
d. Then continually through life following Christ.
C. If you are Christian and have sin in your life you must repent and do it right now (Acts 8:22).
a. Whatever we can do to help you get on the path of following Christ, then please come while together we stand and sing.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Where are YOU in Attendance?
Where Are You In Attendance?
Psalms 122:1
Introduction:
A. Part of our work in the Lord comes through our attendance
a. The Psalmist writes about how they were glad when coming to the house of the Lord
i. We should have this same exact attitude
ii. We should be happy, glad, and even rejoicing in the fact we can come and worship God
B. It is sad and unfortunate that there are those who are willing to not come as often as one should
a. Does one not feel glad or even rejoice when it comes to gathering in the house of the Lord?
b. What are the reasons that are behind this line of thought?
i. What kind of thought or excuse can we give?
ii. What idea can we think of in trying to neglect God
1. Should we even think that we can make up excuses and neglect coming to the House of the Lord
C. Yes there are times when we are sick and even have to work at times when it will interfere or we are unable to worship God with our brethren
a. We should try and make every attempt to come and worship and give praise, glory, and honor back to God
D. That is what we do when we gather together
a. We sing songs or praise and glory to God
b. We thank God through prayer
c. We study and learn about the will of God
d. It all comes down to the attending and being part of it
E. The question is: Where are you?
F. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. When is it wrong?
A. The biggest question is when is it wrong?
a. Is it 1 time maybe 10 times or what about 100 times
b. When is it wrong to miss services?
B. What are we forsaking? (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Is it the building that we are forsaking
i. What does it really mean to forsake?
1. Neglect, abandon, or even departure
b. No it isn’t the building
i. It doesn’t say assembly
ii. It says assembling
1. It means the gathering together
C. Look at the what the church truly and really is
a. It isn’t the building that is holy
b. It is a collected group of members representing Christ that is holy(Ephesians 1:22-23)
i. He gave the members all different abilities (Ephesians 4:7-16)
D. So when is it wrong to neglect or lack of attending?
a. When the saints are gathered together
b. Notice what is said next (Hebrews 10:26)
i. It is wrong when we do such things deliberately
ii. When we neglect and abandon the church not because of work or illness
1. But when it is more out of want
c. It is considered sin when we choose or give preference to neglecting the body of Christ
II. What does it mean to choose not to attend?
A. It means and demonstrates one’s contempt for spiritual things
a. It shows ones disapproval for the spiritual things
i. When we choose or prefer not to attend, is it because of spiritual reasons or worldly reasons (Romans 8:5-9)
b. When we gather together on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings and we choose not to attend what reasons are we giving
i. Are we choosing not to attend because of preference or deliberate reasons for this neglect
1. If so it is considered sin!
B. It means choosing not to give or receive encouragement
a. It is difficult to encourage others when we see each other infrequently or even speaking to one another on the phone
i. It makes it even harder to help and give the encouragement to live a better life (Hebrews 10:23-24)
C. It means to chose and violate a direct command (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Isn’t that transgressing and going against the law of God (I John 3:4)
b. What does sin do? (Romans 6:23)
D. We allow sin to creep in at the door and let it stay and infiltrate our hearts
a. Causing more temptations of neglecting the body of Christ
i. Once it happens once then it becomes more easier to do it more often
III. What can we do?
A. Well first of all be here
a. If you can’t come because of car problems or something call one we can pick anyone up
i. We are here to try and uplift each other and show that encouragement (Hebrews 10:23-24)
b. Coming to services by choice (Psalms 122:1)
i. Being glad at the fact that we can come together
B. We also need to let others see our example (I Timothy 4:12)
a. Coming on a consistent basis at all times we meet and gather together
b. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers all see what is important and they are curious as to why we go so often
C. Let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:13-16)
a. Let others see that we prefer to serve God and attend and show love and encouragement for the work of Christ
b. Don’t hide it or show neglect let it shine!
D. Follow the scriptures (Romans 12:1-2)
a. Understanding the work that God has for us to do
b. Let’s attend and show that we want to be here rather than showing neglect
Invitation:
A. Following the commandments of God our required for us to follow for the hope and promise of eternal salvation
B. Attendance is just one of these things
C. In order to become one of the body of Christ one must be submissive and willing and wanting to start in their service to God
D. Are we ready to start today?
a. There isn’t a better time than now
b. We can help you today
c. Invitation
Psalms 122:1
Introduction:
A. Part of our work in the Lord comes through our attendance
a. The Psalmist writes about how they were glad when coming to the house of the Lord
i. We should have this same exact attitude
ii. We should be happy, glad, and even rejoicing in the fact we can come and worship God
B. It is sad and unfortunate that there are those who are willing to not come as often as one should
a. Does one not feel glad or even rejoice when it comes to gathering in the house of the Lord?
b. What are the reasons that are behind this line of thought?
i. What kind of thought or excuse can we give?
ii. What idea can we think of in trying to neglect God
1. Should we even think that we can make up excuses and neglect coming to the House of the Lord
C. Yes there are times when we are sick and even have to work at times when it will interfere or we are unable to worship God with our brethren
a. We should try and make every attempt to come and worship and give praise, glory, and honor back to God
D. That is what we do when we gather together
a. We sing songs or praise and glory to God
b. We thank God through prayer
c. We study and learn about the will of God
d. It all comes down to the attending and being part of it
E. The question is: Where are you?
F. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. When is it wrong?
A. The biggest question is when is it wrong?
a. Is it 1 time maybe 10 times or what about 100 times
b. When is it wrong to miss services?
B. What are we forsaking? (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Is it the building that we are forsaking
i. What does it really mean to forsake?
1. Neglect, abandon, or even departure
b. No it isn’t the building
i. It doesn’t say assembly
ii. It says assembling
1. It means the gathering together
C. Look at the what the church truly and really is
a. It isn’t the building that is holy
b. It is a collected group of members representing Christ that is holy(Ephesians 1:22-23)
i. He gave the members all different abilities (Ephesians 4:7-16)
D. So when is it wrong to neglect or lack of attending?
a. When the saints are gathered together
b. Notice what is said next (Hebrews 10:26)
i. It is wrong when we do such things deliberately
ii. When we neglect and abandon the church not because of work or illness
1. But when it is more out of want
c. It is considered sin when we choose or give preference to neglecting the body of Christ
II. What does it mean to choose not to attend?
A. It means and demonstrates one’s contempt for spiritual things
a. It shows ones disapproval for the spiritual things
i. When we choose or prefer not to attend, is it because of spiritual reasons or worldly reasons (Romans 8:5-9)
b. When we gather together on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings and we choose not to attend what reasons are we giving
i. Are we choosing not to attend because of preference or deliberate reasons for this neglect
1. If so it is considered sin!
B. It means choosing not to give or receive encouragement
a. It is difficult to encourage others when we see each other infrequently or even speaking to one another on the phone
i. It makes it even harder to help and give the encouragement to live a better life (Hebrews 10:23-24)
C. It means to chose and violate a direct command (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Isn’t that transgressing and going against the law of God (I John 3:4)
b. What does sin do? (Romans 6:23)
D. We allow sin to creep in at the door and let it stay and infiltrate our hearts
a. Causing more temptations of neglecting the body of Christ
i. Once it happens once then it becomes more easier to do it more often
III. What can we do?
A. Well first of all be here
a. If you can’t come because of car problems or something call one we can pick anyone up
i. We are here to try and uplift each other and show that encouragement (Hebrews 10:23-24)
b. Coming to services by choice (Psalms 122:1)
i. Being glad at the fact that we can come together
B. We also need to let others see our example (I Timothy 4:12)
a. Coming on a consistent basis at all times we meet and gather together
b. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers all see what is important and they are curious as to why we go so often
C. Let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:13-16)
a. Let others see that we prefer to serve God and attend and show love and encouragement for the work of Christ
b. Don’t hide it or show neglect let it shine!
D. Follow the scriptures (Romans 12:1-2)
a. Understanding the work that God has for us to do
b. Let’s attend and show that we want to be here rather than showing neglect
Invitation:
A. Following the commandments of God our required for us to follow for the hope and promise of eternal salvation
B. Attendance is just one of these things
C. In order to become one of the body of Christ one must be submissive and willing and wanting to start in their service to God
D. Are we ready to start today?
a. There isn’t a better time than now
b. We can help you today
c. Invitation
Doing Some Listening
Doing Some Listening
Matthew 11:15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Introduction:
A. How significant is listening?
1. Listening is the fullness of hearing: It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen.
a. In order to listen, one must be a paying of attention.
B. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen.
1. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen.
2. The lesson I learn from all of that is my wife is like most everyone else she does not like to repeat her self after she has said it once.
a. I should give her my attention and listen.
C. Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
1. We need to open our ears, and pay attention.
2. We need to listen to some important things in this life.
D. Many opportunities for “listening” come once in a life time.
1. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, “I should have listened…”
E. Let’s consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them.
I. We Need To Listen To God:
A. Our God is a communicator.
1. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25).
a. We have His words preserved for us, even today—the Bible is the word of God.
b. According to those “words” the section known as the New Testament is our source of God’s teachings for today.
2. We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume, He will not send it again—He will not repeat Himself).
a. Jude 3 tells us, the faith was once delivered…
b. Hebrews 1:1-2 “God has spoken in these last days through His Son.
i.. The words for these last days—the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament.
i. John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26.
B. Why listen to God?
1. The will of God (His word) is about you.
a. The preparation and the possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament’s examples, instructions, warnings and promises.
i. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end.
a) You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible.
2. You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23),
a. So God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25).
i. True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31).
ii. True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26)
iii. True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
C. God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven.
a. Are you listening?
II. We Need To Listen to Our Brethren:
A. We are not looking for further instructions from our brethren.
1. We are listening for something else.
2. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction.
3. We have already spoken of God’s willingness to supply our needs.
a. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith.
i. God designed a church (Ephesians 1:4)
ii. The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18)
iii. The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
iv. The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2).
4. The church is a family:
1. Brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
a. We are to be unified (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
B. Why do we need to listen to our brethren?
1. To be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25)
a. Often, we offer suggestions of need without openly saying we need.
b. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully).
2. To come to the right conclusions.
a. We can hear and not listen completely at the same time.
b. We are to guard ourselves from “conclusion jumping” (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4).
i. Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren.
ii. Give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you did not understand them.
3. To develop our relationship one with another (Romans 12:9-15)
C. Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life.
a. Are you listening?
III. We Need To Listen To Others:
A. Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God’s revealed word.
1. Whether they are aware or not, the world will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
a. They are accountable to their Creator if they are able minded and old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong as well as the significance of those choices.
2. The world is filled with souls:
a. Souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son.
B. Why listen to others?
1. We have to listen for their cries for help.
a. The world is lost and dying in their own sins, following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9).
b. We have what they need—the hope salvation and life everlasting—the gift of God (Romans 6:23).
2. The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12).
a. We must carry His message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
b. We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16).
C. The world is in need. Those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help.
1. Are you listening?
Conclusion:
A. We have some listening to do:
1. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God.
2. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another be pleasing to God.
3. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God.
B. Are you listening?
1. To God, to your brethren, to others?
C. Perhaps you are not a Christian today.
1. I want to listen to me very carefully so that you may know today, how to become a pleasing to God by becoming a Christian.
D. Invitation
Matthew 11:15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Introduction:
A. How significant is listening?
1. Listening is the fullness of hearing: It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen.
a. In order to listen, one must be a paying of attention.
B. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen.
1. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen.
2. The lesson I learn from all of that is my wife is like most everyone else she does not like to repeat her self after she has said it once.
a. I should give her my attention and listen.
C. Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
1. We need to open our ears, and pay attention.
2. We need to listen to some important things in this life.
D. Many opportunities for “listening” come once in a life time.
1. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, “I should have listened…”
E. Let’s consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them.
I. We Need To Listen To God:
A. Our God is a communicator.
1. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25).
a. We have His words preserved for us, even today—the Bible is the word of God.
b. According to those “words” the section known as the New Testament is our source of God’s teachings for today.
2. We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume, He will not send it again—He will not repeat Himself).
a. Jude 3 tells us, the faith was once delivered…
b. Hebrews 1:1-2 “God has spoken in these last days through His Son.
i.. The words for these last days—the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament.
i. John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26.
B. Why listen to God?
1. The will of God (His word) is about you.
a. The preparation and the possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament’s examples, instructions, warnings and promises.
i. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end.
a) You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible.
2. You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23),
a. So God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25).
i. True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31).
ii. True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26)
iii. True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
C. God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven.
a. Are you listening?
II. We Need To Listen to Our Brethren:
A. We are not looking for further instructions from our brethren.
1. We are listening for something else.
2. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction.
3. We have already spoken of God’s willingness to supply our needs.
a. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith.
i. God designed a church (Ephesians 1:4)
ii. The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18)
iii. The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
iv. The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2).
4. The church is a family:
1. Brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
a. We are to be unified (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
B. Why do we need to listen to our brethren?
1. To be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25)
a. Often, we offer suggestions of need without openly saying we need.
b. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully).
2. To come to the right conclusions.
a. We can hear and not listen completely at the same time.
b. We are to guard ourselves from “conclusion jumping” (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4).
i. Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren.
ii. Give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you did not understand them.
3. To develop our relationship one with another (Romans 12:9-15)
C. Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life.
a. Are you listening?
III. We Need To Listen To Others:
A. Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God’s revealed word.
1. Whether they are aware or not, the world will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
a. They are accountable to their Creator if they are able minded and old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong as well as the significance of those choices.
2. The world is filled with souls:
a. Souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son.
B. Why listen to others?
1. We have to listen for their cries for help.
a. The world is lost and dying in their own sins, following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9).
b. We have what they need—the hope salvation and life everlasting—the gift of God (Romans 6:23).
2. The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12).
a. We must carry His message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
b. We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16).
C. The world is in need. Those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help.
1. Are you listening?
Conclusion:
A. We have some listening to do:
1. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God.
2. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another be pleasing to God.
3. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God.
B. Are you listening?
1. To God, to your brethren, to others?
C. Perhaps you are not a Christian today.
1. I want to listen to me very carefully so that you may know today, how to become a pleasing to God by becoming a Christian.
D. Invitation
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Abraham: The Faithful Traveler
Abraham: The Faithful Traveler
Hebrews 11:8-10
Introduction:
A. Hebrews 11 speaks of faith
a. Examples that we can see and associate ourselves with
B. Can you imagine for a moment traveling to a place we have never been before
a. A place we may have heard of before
b. A place where our children or descendants would enjoy
i. Our future children and generations would have
c. We don’t know where it is or the direction or anything
C. Would we go on this journey?
a. No true directions or knowledge of how to get there
b. Would we go?
D. Abraham was in this position (Our text)
a. He did so with a great faith
i. IN GOD!!!!!
E. How many of us would do such a thing?
a. Probably not many at all
b. But faith is critical and important in our service to God
i. It is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6)
ii. After all he is the author of our eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9)
c. We do these things without the physical evidence
i. No physical contact with our senses
F. Just like Abraham here
G. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. By faith He went to a place not knowing where he was going
A. Abraham was a nab that had an incredible amount of faith
a. Especially with his faith in God
B. He was a blessed man already (Genesis 11:31)
a. He was taken with his family out to Ur
C. Notice what God said to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)
a. He told him that he would be blessed
b. He also told him he would receive an inheritance
c. A Place for his descendants to dwell
d. He would have a great nation from him
i. God will bless Him
1. How comforting is that for Abraham
2. Having God with Him
D. What did he do? (Genesis 12:4-6)
a. He obeyed God
i. He understood and went like God told him (Hebrews 11:8)
b. He went and took all of his possessions and those with him and they left from Ur
c. Where was he going?
i. He did not know!
d. He got to Canaan to a certain point
i. He Then received more comfort from God (Genesis 12:7-9)
E. By faith Abraham left for a country with no direction of where he was going
a. Through faith and trust in God it was all made possible
b. God knew where Abraham was going and that was all that mattered
c. He followed and listened to the Lord as his Guide
F. Abraham had a faith that showed itself because God chose him and his seed for the promised land
a. He had faith and this is just one of the examples of faith he had in God
II. The land was for him and His descendants
A. In verse 9 of Hebrews 11 we read about this land that he did not know where he was going was going to be for his children and all of the future generations that were here on the earth
a. Thus it was for Isaac and Jacob
B. This blessing was passed from Abraham to Isaac (Hebrews 11:18)
C. The blessing was passed onto to Jacob through Isaac (Genesis 27:22-29)
a. Jacob posed as being Esau and brought food to his father
b. The blessing that was passed from God through Abraham now comes to Jacob also
c. He blesses him through the blessings of God
i. He was preparing Jacob for the inheritance that God promised Abraham for his descendants
D. The children of Israel represented through the children of Jacob went for through the conquest for the promised land.
a. They encountered many things (Deut. 1:1-8)
i. They had more to do and go through and God still had the land ready for those of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
E. It was passed on to Joshua to lead them into the land (Josh. 1:1-9)
a. It was then fulfilled (Josh 13:1-7; -chapter 22)
b. The land was divided to each nation
III. The inheritance has been passed down to us today
A. Abraham knew there would be a land given to his seed
a. Though he did not see it with his own eyes
B. The inheritance was given to those of Israel and the land was divided
a. However because of their disobedience to God and not following and abiding in God they did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6)
b. Thus leading to separation from God because of their neglect
C. The promise that was given to the seed of Abraham was now given to common man or the “Gentile” (Acts 10:45)
D. Have we ever been to heaven?
a. We should want this and grope for this
b. A place we haven’t seen felt smelled before (Hebrews 11:1)
E. That inheritance is a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16)
a. It is one that God built for those of the promise given to them
i. For those that will obey to His commandments
b. Jesus spoke of this way also (John 14:1-6)
i. Through Christ the heavenly hope and promise is ours
F. Abraham may not have known the way to the promised land but he followed through and by faith
a. We are to do the same also (II Cor. 5:7)
b. We are given what we need to know the way to the eternal inheritance
i. The scriptures
ii. We follow them and apply them through our faith
G. We have trust and are willing to obey by faith we will be blessed (Psalms 2:10-12)
a. We can be like faithful Abraham following by faith to place he didn’t know where he was going to
Conclusion:
A. Are willing to trust the God as our Guide starting today?
a. What better time than now!
B. Abraham followed by faith and let God be his guide
a. He trusted and obeyed!
C. He did for the inheritance God promised
a. God has promised us a land also (Rev. 21:22-27)
D. Do we want this land?
a. The Bible gives us the instruction to follow faithfully!
b. For those that are willing to obey God
c. Invitation
Hebrews 11:8-10
Introduction:
A. Hebrews 11 speaks of faith
a. Examples that we can see and associate ourselves with
B. Can you imagine for a moment traveling to a place we have never been before
a. A place we may have heard of before
b. A place where our children or descendants would enjoy
i. Our future children and generations would have
c. We don’t know where it is or the direction or anything
C. Would we go on this journey?
a. No true directions or knowledge of how to get there
b. Would we go?
D. Abraham was in this position (Our text)
a. He did so with a great faith
i. IN GOD!!!!!
E. How many of us would do such a thing?
a. Probably not many at all
b. But faith is critical and important in our service to God
i. It is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6)
ii. After all he is the author of our eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9)
c. We do these things without the physical evidence
i. No physical contact with our senses
F. Just like Abraham here
G. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. By faith He went to a place not knowing where he was going
A. Abraham was a nab that had an incredible amount of faith
a. Especially with his faith in God
B. He was a blessed man already (Genesis 11:31)
a. He was taken with his family out to Ur
C. Notice what God said to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)
a. He told him that he would be blessed
b. He also told him he would receive an inheritance
c. A Place for his descendants to dwell
d. He would have a great nation from him
i. God will bless Him
1. How comforting is that for Abraham
2. Having God with Him
D. What did he do? (Genesis 12:4-6)
a. He obeyed God
i. He understood and went like God told him (Hebrews 11:8)
b. He went and took all of his possessions and those with him and they left from Ur
c. Where was he going?
i. He did not know!
d. He got to Canaan to a certain point
i. He Then received more comfort from God (Genesis 12:7-9)
E. By faith Abraham left for a country with no direction of where he was going
a. Through faith and trust in God it was all made possible
b. God knew where Abraham was going and that was all that mattered
c. He followed and listened to the Lord as his Guide
F. Abraham had a faith that showed itself because God chose him and his seed for the promised land
a. He had faith and this is just one of the examples of faith he had in God
II. The land was for him and His descendants
A. In verse 9 of Hebrews 11 we read about this land that he did not know where he was going was going to be for his children and all of the future generations that were here on the earth
a. Thus it was for Isaac and Jacob
B. This blessing was passed from Abraham to Isaac (Hebrews 11:18)
C. The blessing was passed onto to Jacob through Isaac (Genesis 27:22-29)
a. Jacob posed as being Esau and brought food to his father
b. The blessing that was passed from God through Abraham now comes to Jacob also
c. He blesses him through the blessings of God
i. He was preparing Jacob for the inheritance that God promised Abraham for his descendants
D. The children of Israel represented through the children of Jacob went for through the conquest for the promised land.
a. They encountered many things (Deut. 1:1-8)
i. They had more to do and go through and God still had the land ready for those of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
E. It was passed on to Joshua to lead them into the land (Josh. 1:1-9)
a. It was then fulfilled (Josh 13:1-7; -chapter 22)
b. The land was divided to each nation
III. The inheritance has been passed down to us today
A. Abraham knew there would be a land given to his seed
a. Though he did not see it with his own eyes
B. The inheritance was given to those of Israel and the land was divided
a. However because of their disobedience to God and not following and abiding in God they did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6)
b. Thus leading to separation from God because of their neglect
C. The promise that was given to the seed of Abraham was now given to common man or the “Gentile” (Acts 10:45)
D. Have we ever been to heaven?
a. We should want this and grope for this
b. A place we haven’t seen felt smelled before (Hebrews 11:1)
E. That inheritance is a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16)
a. It is one that God built for those of the promise given to them
i. For those that will obey to His commandments
b. Jesus spoke of this way also (John 14:1-6)
i. Through Christ the heavenly hope and promise is ours
F. Abraham may not have known the way to the promised land but he followed through and by faith
a. We are to do the same also (II Cor. 5:7)
b. We are given what we need to know the way to the eternal inheritance
i. The scriptures
ii. We follow them and apply them through our faith
G. We have trust and are willing to obey by faith we will be blessed (Psalms 2:10-12)
a. We can be like faithful Abraham following by faith to place he didn’t know where he was going to
Conclusion:
A. Are willing to trust the God as our Guide starting today?
a. What better time than now!
B. Abraham followed by faith and let God be his guide
a. He trusted and obeyed!
C. He did for the inheritance God promised
a. God has promised us a land also (Rev. 21:22-27)
D. Do we want this land?
a. The Bible gives us the instruction to follow faithfully!
b. For those that are willing to obey God
c. Invitation
Your Caught!
You’re Caught!
I John 3:20
Introduction:
A. How many times have we been caught?
a. The time we had our hand caught in the cookie jar
B. I am reminded so many times hearing about people getting caught for their actions
a. Examples:
i. Robbery
ii. Murder
iii. Cheating
1. Test or spouse
iv. Having our hand caught in the cookie jar or potato chip bag
C. But ask a question
a. Are they truly sorry
b. They tend to show it after they get caught
i. Sorry for robbing
ii. Sorry for murdering
iii. Sorry for cheating on a spouse
iv. They show the “sincere” regret for doing these things
D. Truly more than half will do it again
a. They show sincerity when they get caught and then that is it
E. This goes along with our soul also
a. We put our souls in jeopardy
b. We do things that are against the Law of God
i. We don’t care until we get caught
ii. By someone
F. However if we don’t get caught by a person we usually would continue
G. What if I told you that you are already caught!!! (Eccl. 12:14)
a. Not by a human being
b. But by God!
i. After all He is all knowing (I John 3:20)
ii. He knows are thoughts (I Cor. 3:20)
1. Thus he knows our actions
H. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. Caught in Sin
A. Sin has brought the destruction and doom for man
a. It has hidden them from God (Isaiah 59:2)
i. This is sad and pathetic!
ii. Because of sin one does not know God
B. Man has the foolishness of thinking that they will be okay just for who they are
a. Or they can continue what they are doing
b. They fail to realize that they are caught
i. In sin (Romans 3:23)
1. Jews and Greeks also (Romans 3:9)
a. Nobody can escape this!
2. Everyone has committed it
3. Everyone is caught in sin
4. One must realize the danger of sin (Romans 6:23)
a. Eternal death
C. We have sinned when one is drawn by their own desires through temptation (James 1:14)
a. Temptation has been here since the beginning of time
i. It started with Adam and Eve to their demise of being kicked out of the Garden
ii. To Jesus shedding his blood for sinners everywhere
iii. To us today in understanding all this in God’s word
D. It continues to dwell and build up and leads to sin and sin leads to eternal death (James 1:15)
E. The sad point of all of this is that everyone has been given warnings about us all being caught by God
a. But how many have responded?
b. We all will be judged (II Cor. 5:10)
i. Whether we have been caught in sin or we have turned away from sin
II. The Remedy for this Problem
A. There is remedy to fix and relieve this situation
a. First of all is admittance
b. Admitting to the fact that we are in sin
B. Admitting and realizing that sin is there and we have been caught is the only way of this realization
C. We need to catch ourselves
D. In the words of Solomon (Eccl. 12:13)
a. Our whole duty is to fear God
b. Keep God’s commandments
i. Keeping God’s Law
ii. This is the knowledge of knowing God
iii. Knowing God is all knowing and powerful
iv. Every action we take will be made account of
1. Why?
2. Because God knows!!!
E. The remedy for this problem is admitting and then not turning back to it
a. Realizing we have been caught but not going back to this problem of being caught (Eph 4:22-23)
b. True and genuine repentance
F. It means to make a change
a. Jesus says repentance (Luke 13:5)
b. Or we perish
i. Lay aside the weight of sin (Heb. 12:1)
c. It means to have endurance and continue
G. The blood of Christ is the only thing that will cleanse us from sin (I John 1:7)
a. It requires a pure heart and true obedience
Conclusion:
A. Are we ready and willing to let the blood of Christ cleanse us from being caught in sin?
a. It is through baptism that we come in contact with that cleansing blood
B. We read through the scriptures that it takes
a. Hearing and believing (Romans 10:17/John 12:46)
b. Repenting (Luke 13:5)
c. Confessing (John 20:28)
i. Our own mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
d. Baptism (Acts 2:38/22:16)
e. Continuing Faithfully until death (I Cor. 4:2)
C. Are you ready?
D. What better time than now!
E. We all have been caught in sin and now we need to act now!!!!
I John 3:20
Introduction:
A. How many times have we been caught?
a. The time we had our hand caught in the cookie jar
B. I am reminded so many times hearing about people getting caught for their actions
a. Examples:
i. Robbery
ii. Murder
iii. Cheating
1. Test or spouse
iv. Having our hand caught in the cookie jar or potato chip bag
C. But ask a question
a. Are they truly sorry
b. They tend to show it after they get caught
i. Sorry for robbing
ii. Sorry for murdering
iii. Sorry for cheating on a spouse
iv. They show the “sincere” regret for doing these things
D. Truly more than half will do it again
a. They show sincerity when they get caught and then that is it
E. This goes along with our soul also
a. We put our souls in jeopardy
b. We do things that are against the Law of God
i. We don’t care until we get caught
ii. By someone
F. However if we don’t get caught by a person we usually would continue
G. What if I told you that you are already caught!!! (Eccl. 12:14)
a. Not by a human being
b. But by God!
i. After all He is all knowing (I John 3:20)
ii. He knows are thoughts (I Cor. 3:20)
1. Thus he knows our actions
H. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. Caught in Sin
A. Sin has brought the destruction and doom for man
a. It has hidden them from God (Isaiah 59:2)
i. This is sad and pathetic!
ii. Because of sin one does not know God
B. Man has the foolishness of thinking that they will be okay just for who they are
a. Or they can continue what they are doing
b. They fail to realize that they are caught
i. In sin (Romans 3:23)
1. Jews and Greeks also (Romans 3:9)
a. Nobody can escape this!
2. Everyone has committed it
3. Everyone is caught in sin
4. One must realize the danger of sin (Romans 6:23)
a. Eternal death
C. We have sinned when one is drawn by their own desires through temptation (James 1:14)
a. Temptation has been here since the beginning of time
i. It started with Adam and Eve to their demise of being kicked out of the Garden
ii. To Jesus shedding his blood for sinners everywhere
iii. To us today in understanding all this in God’s word
D. It continues to dwell and build up and leads to sin and sin leads to eternal death (James 1:15)
E. The sad point of all of this is that everyone has been given warnings about us all being caught by God
a. But how many have responded?
b. We all will be judged (II Cor. 5:10)
i. Whether we have been caught in sin or we have turned away from sin
II. The Remedy for this Problem
A. There is remedy to fix and relieve this situation
a. First of all is admittance
b. Admitting to the fact that we are in sin
B. Admitting and realizing that sin is there and we have been caught is the only way of this realization
C. We need to catch ourselves
D. In the words of Solomon (Eccl. 12:13)
a. Our whole duty is to fear God
b. Keep God’s commandments
i. Keeping God’s Law
ii. This is the knowledge of knowing God
iii. Knowing God is all knowing and powerful
iv. Every action we take will be made account of
1. Why?
2. Because God knows!!!
E. The remedy for this problem is admitting and then not turning back to it
a. Realizing we have been caught but not going back to this problem of being caught (Eph 4:22-23)
b. True and genuine repentance
F. It means to make a change
a. Jesus says repentance (Luke 13:5)
b. Or we perish
i. Lay aside the weight of sin (Heb. 12:1)
c. It means to have endurance and continue
G. The blood of Christ is the only thing that will cleanse us from sin (I John 1:7)
a. It requires a pure heart and true obedience
Conclusion:
A. Are we ready and willing to let the blood of Christ cleanse us from being caught in sin?
a. It is through baptism that we come in contact with that cleansing blood
B. We read through the scriptures that it takes
a. Hearing and believing (Romans 10:17/John 12:46)
b. Repenting (Luke 13:5)
c. Confessing (John 20:28)
i. Our own mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
d. Baptism (Acts 2:38/22:16)
e. Continuing Faithfully until death (I Cor. 4:2)
C. Are you ready?
D. What better time than now!
E. We all have been caught in sin and now we need to act now!!!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Is My Name Written There
Is My Name Written There?
Luke 10:17-20
Introduction:
A. There is a record kept in Heaven of those who belong to God.
a. Those as we understand that are obedient, faithful, doing everything in the name of the Lord. (Col. 3:17)
B. We have a song that poses the same question.
C. I am thankful for many reasons of not being able to say whether one has their name there or not.
a. Not having to play God.
b. All that I can say is that from what I have seen in my live so and so was faithful to God and obedient.
c. Then on the other hand I can say “well it is in God’s hands”
D. What I do understand is that those who follow the word and obey and are faithful are ones who will be able to enter.
a. There name is written there.
E. As we encounter many in life entertain themselves that there name is written there based on incoherent reasons.
a. They may think that well it doesn’t matter what I do I will be accepted.
b. Or I have suffered enough in my life and now I will be saved.
F. What does the Bible say on these matters?
G. So let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter.
I. Why some think their names are written?
A. Based on morality alone
a. Well I have been a good person.
i. I didn’t cheat, steal, or lie
ii. I was a good spouse, friend parent, child, brother or sister, co-worker
b. Morality is important
i. We must have good morals in order to have our name written there
c. But one still needs salvation
i. Look at Cornelius
ii. Devout man who gave alms (Acts 10:2)
iii. Still needed to be baptized for remission of sins to be able to have his name written there (Acts 10:3-8; 47-48)
B. Some think it is based on doctrines of men
a. This is described as vain (Matt 15:7-9)
b. Of no effect (Col. 2:20-22)
i. Can only be a doctrine of God (Acts 5:33-39)
C. Based on conscience (Acts 23:1)
a. Many think well he had the right thought attitude is okay
b. As long as we seem good in our mind it is okay
D. Based on sincerity (Matt 7:21-23)
a. We have done many great things and everything isn’t that worthy enough?
b. It doesn’t matter whether or not I am obedient to doing the will as long as I am doing things for God it’s okay attitude
i. Well I have opened up schools for the Church Kitchens for the Church and Libraries for the Church
ii. They are all great things but did we obey?
1. Are we doing the will of God instead of all these nice things that we may think are necessary
E. Based on deception
a. Salvation by faith only
i. Well as long as I do believe that Jesus is the Son of God I will have my name written there
b. Infant baptism
i. How many times have we run into this one?
ii. Well if an infant isn’t baptized they can’t have their name written there
1. Problem?
2. Well I will do it all for them. (Ezekiel 18:20)
3. Confession come from one’s own mouth
c. Inherited salvation
i. Well there are only select few who get this and they have already been selected.
ii. Predestination
iii. I already know because everyone has already been selected
II. Reasons to have name written
A. In order for us to have the hope of eternal salvation our name must be written there (Rev 21:27)
a. We must not have sin in our lives
i. Leads to Death (Rom. 6:23)
ii. Spiritual death (James 1:15)
b. Sin causes separation from God
i. Abhor it (hate it) (Rom 12:9)
B. The only alternative to having our name there is the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15)
a. Eternal punishment, darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth.
b. Discomfort, pain, sorrow, water to cool the tongue from the tormented flame
C. Which would we rather be?
III. Requirements to have name written
A. The Lord knows who are Hs (II Tim 2:19)
a. It’s who are found doing his will
b. He knows all intents of the heart whether good or bad
B. His seal is on them (II Cor. 1:21-22)
C. They are His own special people (I Peter 2:9)
a. Not predestined
b. Not by faith only but doers of the word also
c. Not following traditions of men
d. Not based on good moral and conscience people
e. But to those who follow and heed His words (hence the Bible, not doctrines of men)
D. Called out of Darkness (II Thess. 2:14)
E. Obedience to the gospel is necessary (II Thess. 1:8)
a. If obedience is not there then there is no hope of eternal salvation.
b. Instead it is eternal condemnation
F. Live faithfully (Rev 3:4-5)
a. To overcome sin and walk in newness of life.
Conclusion:
A. Those whose names are written in heaven are those who are saved.
B. Is your name written there? (Mark 16:16)
C. Invitation
I am indebted to my Dad (Terry Sanders) on this lesson he has been a big part in my life in developing me into the person who I am today. In teaching in being an example and most of all a Christian. I just want to say thank you.
Luke 10:17-20
Introduction:
A. There is a record kept in Heaven of those who belong to God.
a. Those as we understand that are obedient, faithful, doing everything in the name of the Lord. (Col. 3:17)
B. We have a song that poses the same question.
C. I am thankful for many reasons of not being able to say whether one has their name there or not.
a. Not having to play God.
b. All that I can say is that from what I have seen in my live so and so was faithful to God and obedient.
c. Then on the other hand I can say “well it is in God’s hands”
D. What I do understand is that those who follow the word and obey and are faithful are ones who will be able to enter.
a. There name is written there.
E. As we encounter many in life entertain themselves that there name is written there based on incoherent reasons.
a. They may think that well it doesn’t matter what I do I will be accepted.
b. Or I have suffered enough in my life and now I will be saved.
F. What does the Bible say on these matters?
G. So let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter.
I. Why some think their names are written?
A. Based on morality alone
a. Well I have been a good person.
i. I didn’t cheat, steal, or lie
ii. I was a good spouse, friend parent, child, brother or sister, co-worker
b. Morality is important
i. We must have good morals in order to have our name written there
c. But one still needs salvation
i. Look at Cornelius
ii. Devout man who gave alms (Acts 10:2)
iii. Still needed to be baptized for remission of sins to be able to have his name written there (Acts 10:3-8; 47-48)
B. Some think it is based on doctrines of men
a. This is described as vain (Matt 15:7-9)
b. Of no effect (Col. 2:20-22)
i. Can only be a doctrine of God (Acts 5:33-39)
C. Based on conscience (Acts 23:1)
a. Many think well he had the right thought attitude is okay
b. As long as we seem good in our mind it is okay
D. Based on sincerity (Matt 7:21-23)
a. We have done many great things and everything isn’t that worthy enough?
b. It doesn’t matter whether or not I am obedient to doing the will as long as I am doing things for God it’s okay attitude
i. Well I have opened up schools for the Church Kitchens for the Church and Libraries for the Church
ii. They are all great things but did we obey?
1. Are we doing the will of God instead of all these nice things that we may think are necessary
E. Based on deception
a. Salvation by faith only
i. Well as long as I do believe that Jesus is the Son of God I will have my name written there
b. Infant baptism
i. How many times have we run into this one?
ii. Well if an infant isn’t baptized they can’t have their name written there
1. Problem?
2. Well I will do it all for them. (Ezekiel 18:20)
3. Confession come from one’s own mouth
c. Inherited salvation
i. Well there are only select few who get this and they have already been selected.
ii. Predestination
iii. I already know because everyone has already been selected
II. Reasons to have name written
A. In order for us to have the hope of eternal salvation our name must be written there (Rev 21:27)
a. We must not have sin in our lives
i. Leads to Death (Rom. 6:23)
ii. Spiritual death (James 1:15)
b. Sin causes separation from God
i. Abhor it (hate it) (Rom 12:9)
B. The only alternative to having our name there is the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15)
a. Eternal punishment, darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth.
b. Discomfort, pain, sorrow, water to cool the tongue from the tormented flame
C. Which would we rather be?
III. Requirements to have name written
A. The Lord knows who are Hs (II Tim 2:19)
a. It’s who are found doing his will
b. He knows all intents of the heart whether good or bad
B. His seal is on them (II Cor. 1:21-22)
C. They are His own special people (I Peter 2:9)
a. Not predestined
b. Not by faith only but doers of the word also
c. Not following traditions of men
d. Not based on good moral and conscience people
e. But to those who follow and heed His words (hence the Bible, not doctrines of men)
D. Called out of Darkness (II Thess. 2:14)
E. Obedience to the gospel is necessary (II Thess. 1:8)
a. If obedience is not there then there is no hope of eternal salvation.
b. Instead it is eternal condemnation
F. Live faithfully (Rev 3:4-5)
a. To overcome sin and walk in newness of life.
Conclusion:
A. Those whose names are written in heaven are those who are saved.
B. Is your name written there? (Mark 16:16)
C. Invitation
I am indebted to my Dad (Terry Sanders) on this lesson he has been a big part in my life in developing me into the person who I am today. In teaching in being an example and most of all a Christian. I just want to say thank you.
Problems of the World
Problems of the World
I John 2:15-17
Introduction:
A. The world has many issues
a. We are told in fact to not love the things that are of the world or the things in the world
b. The world provides many opportunities to turn from God and the truth
i. We must constantly work at being the best servants of God we can possibly be
B. The things of the world since the beginning of time has caused man to sin
a. It has started with deception by Satan and has since then come to the point of just neglecting God and His ways (Deuteronomy 8:6)
b. To the point of practicing works of flesh which are condemned by God (Galatians 5:19-21)
C. However there are problems with the world that have caused one to stray from the truth
a. These problems must be addressed as soon as we realize these problems
b. The more we know the better prepared we are to address these problems of the world
D. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. Problem #1 Lack of Knowledge
A. We all need knowledge
a. We need it in our jobs
b. In school
c. Even in our life in service to God
B. Today in the world we see that people have a lack of knowledge of God and the will of God
a. This problem was going on also in the Old Testament (Hosea 4:6)
i. This should give us a reminder that this isn’t something new
b. If we forget about God and His ways He will forget about us also
i. A lack of knowledge is serious and we need to know what we can do to alleviate this problem
ii. So Satan will not get an advantage on us (II Corinthians 2:11)
C. Give Attention (I Timothy 4:13;15-16)
a. To reading ,exhortation, and doctrine
b. This means to gain more knowledge!
c. How though?
i. Through doctrine and reading the scriptures
ii. Building upon our faith in God (Romans 10:17)
1. Fear God (meaning obedience) and keeping His commandments (doctrine through knowledge) (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
2. It is our whole duty
D. The more we know the more we can follow God and His ways in being pleasing to Him (II Corinthians 5:9)
a. Make it our aim and goal to Know God
b. Never stop studying
i. If we say or think we know enough we are then at our weakest moment
II. Problem #2 Lack of Standing for God
A. It is sad to see even at times that one who has the knowledge and obeys to the will of God is not willing to stand for God
a. We may back away when one may have a question (aka cowardly)
i. The doom of the cowardly (Revelation 21:8)
b. We may need more knowledge
c. We even allow peer pressure to cause us to not stand for truth (I Corinthians 15:33)
d. Or we may even just choose to not follow God entirely
B. We are commanded to stand and defend the truth (I Peter 3:15-17)
C. This means to:
a. Be ready
b. Answer questions
i. Never turn one away
ii. Search and find or let someone else also help
c. Choose God over the world
i. It is well worth it in the end to choose God than do evil
D. We must stand for God and Choose God and share with others the reason for our obedience
III. Problem #3 Compromise
A. I am afraid that the biggest problem that we face in the world today is compromise
a. When two people have a disagreement and one says Yes and the other says No instead of finding out the truth on the matter they meet in the middle
B. The Bible is a book that should never be compromised on!
a. In fact we should never take away or add to the scriptures (Revelation 22:18-19)
b. The Bible is complete and entirely inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16-17)
i. Thus we should never compromise on the scriptures if we do then we are directly violating the commandments of God
c. Before man was created there was God’s Word (John 1:1)
C. If we compromise when it comes to the scriptures we are PERVERTING THE GOSPEL
a. What is the doom of those who try and do such things? (Galatians 1:6-10)
i. If we or even an angel try and do such things we are considered accursed!
b. Do we need to persuade God with man’s own compromised truth or do we persuade men with God’s truth?
c. Do we seek the glory and praise of men or do we seek to be in the end in the glory of God with God?
D. Do we seek to rightly divide the word of truth or do we choose to compromise (I Timothy 2:15)
a. We must choose to rightly divide the word of truth that is inspired by God
Conclusion:
A. The world that we face have many problems
a. We must however seek to try and fix these problems with the best of our abilities
B. We need to:
a. Gain Knowledge
b. Stand for God
c. Never Compromise when it comes to God
C. The knowledge we gain can and will lead us to God and to stand for God and never compromise the scriptures
D. The question we want to ask is:
a. Are you ready to start seeking that knowledge today?
b. We can help!
c. Invitation
I John 2:15-17
Introduction:
A. The world has many issues
a. We are told in fact to not love the things that are of the world or the things in the world
b. The world provides many opportunities to turn from God and the truth
i. We must constantly work at being the best servants of God we can possibly be
B. The things of the world since the beginning of time has caused man to sin
a. It has started with deception by Satan and has since then come to the point of just neglecting God and His ways (Deuteronomy 8:6)
b. To the point of practicing works of flesh which are condemned by God (Galatians 5:19-21)
C. However there are problems with the world that have caused one to stray from the truth
a. These problems must be addressed as soon as we realize these problems
b. The more we know the better prepared we are to address these problems of the world
D. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. Problem #1 Lack of Knowledge
A. We all need knowledge
a. We need it in our jobs
b. In school
c. Even in our life in service to God
B. Today in the world we see that people have a lack of knowledge of God and the will of God
a. This problem was going on also in the Old Testament (Hosea 4:6)
i. This should give us a reminder that this isn’t something new
b. If we forget about God and His ways He will forget about us also
i. A lack of knowledge is serious and we need to know what we can do to alleviate this problem
ii. So Satan will not get an advantage on us (II Corinthians 2:11)
C. Give Attention (I Timothy 4:13;15-16)
a. To reading ,exhortation, and doctrine
b. This means to gain more knowledge!
c. How though?
i. Through doctrine and reading the scriptures
ii. Building upon our faith in God (Romans 10:17)
1. Fear God (meaning obedience) and keeping His commandments (doctrine through knowledge) (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
2. It is our whole duty
D. The more we know the more we can follow God and His ways in being pleasing to Him (II Corinthians 5:9)
a. Make it our aim and goal to Know God
b. Never stop studying
i. If we say or think we know enough we are then at our weakest moment
II. Problem #2 Lack of Standing for God
A. It is sad to see even at times that one who has the knowledge and obeys to the will of God is not willing to stand for God
a. We may back away when one may have a question (aka cowardly)
i. The doom of the cowardly (Revelation 21:8)
b. We may need more knowledge
c. We even allow peer pressure to cause us to not stand for truth (I Corinthians 15:33)
d. Or we may even just choose to not follow God entirely
B. We are commanded to stand and defend the truth (I Peter 3:15-17)
C. This means to:
a. Be ready
b. Answer questions
i. Never turn one away
ii. Search and find or let someone else also help
c. Choose God over the world
i. It is well worth it in the end to choose God than do evil
D. We must stand for God and Choose God and share with others the reason for our obedience
III. Problem #3 Compromise
A. I am afraid that the biggest problem that we face in the world today is compromise
a. When two people have a disagreement and one says Yes and the other says No instead of finding out the truth on the matter they meet in the middle
B. The Bible is a book that should never be compromised on!
a. In fact we should never take away or add to the scriptures (Revelation 22:18-19)
b. The Bible is complete and entirely inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16-17)
i. Thus we should never compromise on the scriptures if we do then we are directly violating the commandments of God
c. Before man was created there was God’s Word (John 1:1)
C. If we compromise when it comes to the scriptures we are PERVERTING THE GOSPEL
a. What is the doom of those who try and do such things? (Galatians 1:6-10)
i. If we or even an angel try and do such things we are considered accursed!
b. Do we need to persuade God with man’s own compromised truth or do we persuade men with God’s truth?
c. Do we seek the glory and praise of men or do we seek to be in the end in the glory of God with God?
D. Do we seek to rightly divide the word of truth or do we choose to compromise (I Timothy 2:15)
a. We must choose to rightly divide the word of truth that is inspired by God
Conclusion:
A. The world that we face have many problems
a. We must however seek to try and fix these problems with the best of our abilities
B. We need to:
a. Gain Knowledge
b. Stand for God
c. Never Compromise when it comes to God
C. The knowledge we gain can and will lead us to God and to stand for God and never compromise the scriptures
D. The question we want to ask is:
a. Are you ready to start seeking that knowledge today?
b. We can help!
c. Invitation
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