It is that time of the year again to make the resolutions and seek some way to improve their life or be better this or that. I know that many will make a New Year’s resolution that one wants to read the whole Bible. This is a great goal to have and try to accomplish. However is reading enough? I can read the whole Bible and once I reach the last verse in Revelation and close the Bible I still could not know a single thing about the Bible or how to truly improve oneself according to God’s will!
Reading is important Paul instructed Timothy to give a necessary amount of attention to reading (I Timothy 4:13). However, it also said here that we must give attention to exhortation and doctrine. How do we understand doctrine and encouragement? Can reading alone do this? Alternatively, is there something else behind it all?
We need to give more time to studying. When we read and it should be our goal to better apply things to our life and to gain more knowledge. This means we should be giving more time to studying.
In II Timothy 2:15 the King James Version says to study to show thyself approved. Meaning we do have to have a working attitude to prove we are faithful workers of God. The American Standard and New King James versions by state to give diligence. This means to actively approach and be consistent in the efforts. Can reading alone do such a thing? Can reading and studying do this for us?
As individuals, we must give the much needed attention to God’s word! We are constant students of God’s word. We will always be the one that is learning. The reason is that the ways of God are higher, better, farther, and deeper than our own logic that we can come up with (Isaiah 55:8-9). The ways of God go in every way farther than what we can think. It is with this that we can see that there is a need for much time to be given towards studying.
The moment we declare that we no longer need to study is the moment that Satan will catch us at the weakest moment. Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour the weak in mind and heart of God’s will (I Peter 5:8). With all of this being said studying needs more than just a quick glance or when we come together.
We have to give attention to studying at every point of the day. We always complain about the fact that we do not have enough time in the day to accomplish everything we want. Has time changed? Have we not always had the same amount of time to do all the things that we need and want to do? We just need to be batter managers of our time that has been allotted to us by God.
Is our soul the most important thing to us? Will we give anything in exchange for the soul (Matthew 16:26)? If our soul is the most important thing then we will give the wholesome things to grow by (Hebrews 5:12-14). How can we know sin? How can discern right and wrong? How will we know the way of God? All great questions that concern our soul require us to give more time to studying!
Again, we must be better managers of our time. We should sit down and study at some point every day. One of my personal favorite things to do is when I wake up and get downstairs I pick up the Bible and begin reading Psalms 119:97-105 and then I go from there to give more attention to studying God’s word. In these verses, I reminded of the great vastness of the knowledge of God and how we should give constant attention to reading and understanding more.
This is what it means as said in verse 97 of how God’s word needs to be our constant focus. We have to study in order for it to be our meditation. We are giving the necessary attention to know more about God and His ways of life.
You may have a favorite verse that you like to read. Read however study it also! Do this with entire books of the Bible. It is one thing to read the verses, and it is another to study them. Take the time to study and give all the attention to God that God richly deserves. He has shown us all the things that we need to have eternal life. Is the soul the most valuable thing? Then take the necessary time out of everyday to study and give attention to God and God’s Word.
Daniel Sanders
Friday, December 31, 2010
Apostle "One Sent Forth"
Throughout the New Testament, we read of the apostles. We see their works, who they were, and what their role. Some have the misconception there are apostles here today. Is this true? There are many things to consider about an apostle and we want to examine those for a few moments.
Sent By Christ
The Disciples of Christ were followers. They followed during His time here. They witnessed the message Christ preached about his kingdom being at hand (Mark 1:15). The need for a change in life and it was found through Christ.
However, there was an even closer group of individuals that followed Christ. Christ named each as His closer follower (Mark 3:13-19). These were ones that Christ would have continue to deliver the message throughout the world (Mark 16:15-16).
Paul as we know also was one that encountered by Christ (Acts 9:1-19). He was sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Christ had work for Paul to do. The rest of apostles were of the Jewish background. Thus, it would be very difficult during this time for them to help many of the Gentiles. This was the advantage Paul especially. He could relate to the Gentiles. This is how he was useful to Christ (Acts 9:15-16). Apostles were ones that were sent by Christ (John 20:21) Paul included (I Corinthians 9:1).
Can a Disciple be an Apostle?
A disciple is a follower of one. As a Christians we are followers of Christ (I Peter 2:18-25). Christ left us a perfect example to follow. However, can a disciple be an apostle? The answer is yes! The apostles were followers of Christ. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all apostles were first called to be disciples. The rest were under this same understanding. They were all disciples before we know them as apostles. Why would Christ pick apostles if they were not disciples?
Now let us look at the reversal of this question: Is a disciple an apostle? No. Not all disciples were and are apostles. However, those that were mentioned being close to Christ and handpicked by Christ were apostles but first disciples. Apostles were able to do some things that disciples could not do. They were able to perform miracles for instance. This was to be done for proof that the apostles were close to Christ. They were specifically chosen by Christ and had this great power to do deliver the message (Luke 24:46-49) again Paul included in this.
We are Disciples of Christ we have taken on the name of Christ by becoming a Christian (I Peter 2:9). We are special individuals chosen of God. However, we cannot perform miracles, can we? Have we personally come in contact the way the apostles have? Many claim they have, however, as we can see shortly after one makes this proclamation the ability to perform signs, wonders, and miracles are not there. We cannot be apostles however; we can and will be disciples through our obedience to God.
The Work of an Apostle
Jesus gives the Great Commission to the apostles to “go and preach the gospel” to “everyone” baptizing them in “the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” beginning in “Jerusalem” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49).
However, they also had more understanding of things. Jesus gave them the “keys” to open the doors of the kingdom that Christ built upon. He speaks to Peter while establishing this and giving Peter and the apostles theses keys (Matthew 1618-19). These keys were speaking of the gospel that the apostles were commissioned to preach. We can see this carried out on the day of Pentecost where those who believed and were baptized continued in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42). This was done not by their own authority but by Christ!
We can see that the apostles can also be known as ambassadors or messengers. They were delivering the message of Christ to everyone: those who knew who Christ was and those who did not know who Christ was. This is the great power of the gospel that was delivered for all men everywhere (Romans 1:16).
There is a difference today between the work of a preacher and an apostle. The apostle delivered the message hence the word messenger. As an evangelist or a preacher, we already have the message. The word has been preserved down to this day for us however; the apostles first delivered it. We today are more of a preserver of the word.
Hence this is what Jesus says in his sermon on the mount that we are salt (Matthew 5:13). Not only is salt used to make things taste better but it is also used a preserving agent. We are to preserve the message. This is why we are also warned to not add or take away from (Revelation 22:18-19). It is not our duty to bring a new message. The new message has already been delivered and accomplished by the apostles.
Jesus called his disciples and named all of them. They were different from a disciple however; they were still followers of Christ. They had a more significant work to be done and commissioned by Christ than a disciple. They were given special powers to be able to give proof they were of God to establish the new message. Let us be mindful and thankful of the dedication they showed to Christ to continue to spread the gospel.
Daniel Sanders
Sent By Christ
The Disciples of Christ were followers. They followed during His time here. They witnessed the message Christ preached about his kingdom being at hand (Mark 1:15). The need for a change in life and it was found through Christ.
However, there was an even closer group of individuals that followed Christ. Christ named each as His closer follower (Mark 3:13-19). These were ones that Christ would have continue to deliver the message throughout the world (Mark 16:15-16).
Paul as we know also was one that encountered by Christ (Acts 9:1-19). He was sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Christ had work for Paul to do. The rest of apostles were of the Jewish background. Thus, it would be very difficult during this time for them to help many of the Gentiles. This was the advantage Paul especially. He could relate to the Gentiles. This is how he was useful to Christ (Acts 9:15-16). Apostles were ones that were sent by Christ (John 20:21) Paul included (I Corinthians 9:1).
Can a Disciple be an Apostle?
A disciple is a follower of one. As a Christians we are followers of Christ (I Peter 2:18-25). Christ left us a perfect example to follow. However, can a disciple be an apostle? The answer is yes! The apostles were followers of Christ. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all apostles were first called to be disciples. The rest were under this same understanding. They were all disciples before we know them as apostles. Why would Christ pick apostles if they were not disciples?
Now let us look at the reversal of this question: Is a disciple an apostle? No. Not all disciples were and are apostles. However, those that were mentioned being close to Christ and handpicked by Christ were apostles but first disciples. Apostles were able to do some things that disciples could not do. They were able to perform miracles for instance. This was to be done for proof that the apostles were close to Christ. They were specifically chosen by Christ and had this great power to do deliver the message (Luke 24:46-49) again Paul included in this.
We are Disciples of Christ we have taken on the name of Christ by becoming a Christian (I Peter 2:9). We are special individuals chosen of God. However, we cannot perform miracles, can we? Have we personally come in contact the way the apostles have? Many claim they have, however, as we can see shortly after one makes this proclamation the ability to perform signs, wonders, and miracles are not there. We cannot be apostles however; we can and will be disciples through our obedience to God.
The Work of an Apostle
Jesus gives the Great Commission to the apostles to “go and preach the gospel” to “everyone” baptizing them in “the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” beginning in “Jerusalem” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49).
However, they also had more understanding of things. Jesus gave them the “keys” to open the doors of the kingdom that Christ built upon. He speaks to Peter while establishing this and giving Peter and the apostles theses keys (Matthew 1618-19). These keys were speaking of the gospel that the apostles were commissioned to preach. We can see this carried out on the day of Pentecost where those who believed and were baptized continued in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42). This was done not by their own authority but by Christ!
We can see that the apostles can also be known as ambassadors or messengers. They were delivering the message of Christ to everyone: those who knew who Christ was and those who did not know who Christ was. This is the great power of the gospel that was delivered for all men everywhere (Romans 1:16).
There is a difference today between the work of a preacher and an apostle. The apostle delivered the message hence the word messenger. As an evangelist or a preacher, we already have the message. The word has been preserved down to this day for us however; the apostles first delivered it. We today are more of a preserver of the word.
Hence this is what Jesus says in his sermon on the mount that we are salt (Matthew 5:13). Not only is salt used to make things taste better but it is also used a preserving agent. We are to preserve the message. This is why we are also warned to not add or take away from (Revelation 22:18-19). It is not our duty to bring a new message. The new message has already been delivered and accomplished by the apostles.
Jesus called his disciples and named all of them. They were different from a disciple however; they were still followers of Christ. They had a more significant work to be done and commissioned by Christ than a disciple. They were given special powers to be able to give proof they were of God to establish the new message. Let us be mindful and thankful of the dedication they showed to Christ to continue to spread the gospel.
Daniel Sanders
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Until I come Give Attention
As a young man, Timothy needed guidance and instruction. This was a work that Paul gave two letters to Timothy that we have record. He as we might say took Timothy under his wing. In his first letter, he gives Timothy some pointers and instructions on what he really needs to focus upon.
When we look at these simple instructions for us today, we need to take the same notes. We need knowledge. Growing up I have had two different trades in life. I took Heating and Air Conditioning in high school and Business in college. When I began these courses did I know how to do everything? Of course not! It was important for me to give attention to reading and studying for me to know these things. The more I knew the better grasp I had on such trades.
The Bible is no different on this matter! How many of us know the Bible inside out? Paul could not stress the importance of reading and giving attention to doctrine. Not one of us knows the Bible entirely. We need to constantly give attention to reading and doctrine on a consistent basis. Meditate on the word of God. The young and the old both need to give attention. There is no required age group to start or end of giving attention to our Bibles. It is all of our responsibility to give the attention that is needed.
Let the words of God be our guide through life (Psalms 119:97-105). The Word of God is wiser than what any man has. It is a lamp and constant guide in life. The words that God gives to us are the sweetest words that can touch our lives. It gives instructions on how we can reach heaven. Is that everyone’s eternal goal in life is to have an everlasting home with God? If we answer yes then it is of the utmost importance to follow God and give our attention to the things that God has explained through His Word (The Bible).
Our Bible needs to be open. We need to be like those of Berea (Acts 17:11). We need to open our Bibles and find the answers. As individuals, we should never rely on someone else. The answers are for us to find. It is okay to have that extra push or guidance to help in the situations. However, we need to open our Bibles to know God’s truth on the matter. Seek the answers for ourselves in all matters. God’s word is complete and needs to be our focus (II Timothy 3:16-17). Wherever we may be, we need our Bibles open to shed truth on the matter.
This was the instruction and stressing factor Paul was trying to give to Timothy. Give your constant attention to God’s Word. We cannot stress how important it is to give attention to doctrine and teaching. In fact, Jesus has said that His way is the only way that leads to life (John 14:1-6). It is imperative to know the way that leads to eternal life. Our soul is on the line and the question we need to ask is “Do we care where our eternal home is?”
If we answer yes to this question then we will do whatever it takes to obey God and his way of life. The answers are clear and evident for us to follow. They are neither impossible nor burdensome (I John 5:3). We can follow God but we need to have an open Bible and an open understanding and willingness to follow.
It needs to be stressed of how important it is to have a willing attitude to give attention to God. If we are not willing to open our Bible and give attention to God through His inspired word, then how will we know God? How will we know the way of life that Christ ahs laid out for us? What is the purpose in life then? If we neglect and decide not to be willing in giving attention, we will be like those tossed in the wind (Eph. 4:14). We will go with whatever we want.
This is a problem that we face today. The problem is that we, instead of opening our Bible like we should and what it is intended for use it as a prop or an heirloom. We neglect and let our Bible continually collect dust and thus, we do not know the way of life. We do not have our Bible open and not giving attention to the teaching and reading that is required of us.
Our duty in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How will we know God and His commandments if we do not study and give attention to His doctrine through reading? The importance of reading and studying are not stressed enough. The more we know the better off we will be. We will be better servants of God. We will be better lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We will be better prepared for eternal life. Are we giving attention?
In doing so those that are willing to hear you will also know the way of life (I Timothy 4:16)!
Daniel Sanders
When we look at these simple instructions for us today, we need to take the same notes. We need knowledge. Growing up I have had two different trades in life. I took Heating and Air Conditioning in high school and Business in college. When I began these courses did I know how to do everything? Of course not! It was important for me to give attention to reading and studying for me to know these things. The more I knew the better grasp I had on such trades.
The Bible is no different on this matter! How many of us know the Bible inside out? Paul could not stress the importance of reading and giving attention to doctrine. Not one of us knows the Bible entirely. We need to constantly give attention to reading and doctrine on a consistent basis. Meditate on the word of God. The young and the old both need to give attention. There is no required age group to start or end of giving attention to our Bibles. It is all of our responsibility to give the attention that is needed.
Let the words of God be our guide through life (Psalms 119:97-105). The Word of God is wiser than what any man has. It is a lamp and constant guide in life. The words that God gives to us are the sweetest words that can touch our lives. It gives instructions on how we can reach heaven. Is that everyone’s eternal goal in life is to have an everlasting home with God? If we answer yes then it is of the utmost importance to follow God and give our attention to the things that God has explained through His Word (The Bible).
Our Bible needs to be open. We need to be like those of Berea (Acts 17:11). We need to open our Bibles and find the answers. As individuals, we should never rely on someone else. The answers are for us to find. It is okay to have that extra push or guidance to help in the situations. However, we need to open our Bibles to know God’s truth on the matter. Seek the answers for ourselves in all matters. God’s word is complete and needs to be our focus (II Timothy 3:16-17). Wherever we may be, we need our Bibles open to shed truth on the matter.
This was the instruction and stressing factor Paul was trying to give to Timothy. Give your constant attention to God’s Word. We cannot stress how important it is to give attention to doctrine and teaching. In fact, Jesus has said that His way is the only way that leads to life (John 14:1-6). It is imperative to know the way that leads to eternal life. Our soul is on the line and the question we need to ask is “Do we care where our eternal home is?”
If we answer yes to this question then we will do whatever it takes to obey God and his way of life. The answers are clear and evident for us to follow. They are neither impossible nor burdensome (I John 5:3). We can follow God but we need to have an open Bible and an open understanding and willingness to follow.
It needs to be stressed of how important it is to have a willing attitude to give attention to God. If we are not willing to open our Bible and give attention to God through His inspired word, then how will we know God? How will we know the way of life that Christ ahs laid out for us? What is the purpose in life then? If we neglect and decide not to be willing in giving attention, we will be like those tossed in the wind (Eph. 4:14). We will go with whatever we want.
This is a problem that we face today. The problem is that we, instead of opening our Bible like we should and what it is intended for use it as a prop or an heirloom. We neglect and let our Bible continually collect dust and thus, we do not know the way of life. We do not have our Bible open and not giving attention to the teaching and reading that is required of us.
Our duty in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How will we know God and His commandments if we do not study and give attention to His doctrine through reading? The importance of reading and studying are not stressed enough. The more we know the better off we will be. We will be better servants of God. We will be better lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We will be better prepared for eternal life. Are we giving attention?
In doing so those that are willing to hear you will also know the way of life (I Timothy 4:16)!
Daniel Sanders
I Need to Be here
It has been said on countless occasions that there is a need to being here when it comes to our worship. I have heard many a sermons that have talked about attendance. I have read many articles about attendance. I have heard about debate over the need for attendance. As much as we talk about attendance, we can still see a problem. That is, people are still not coming! It has been stressed to the point that there is a need for members to be here. Then again, still people do not come as often as they should.
We all make commitments. We make commitments in our marriage to make it last through thick and thin. We make a commitment to our job. An employer will not tolerate a person not coming in for work when they are supposed to. We also have commitments to God in fulfilling our worship service and also in living a righteous life. Even just, members coming to service it seems that we have to almost pull many kicking and screaming at times. It seems like the case is becoming more and more consistent in the view of the church today. It has been an ongoing battle but it seems now the battle has become extremely great in all local churches.
I have heard many people call or email me since I have been preaching. Really, I have heard it since my childhood since my dad was the preacher. There were times where I would take the call and here what is going on. They are sick, working, tired, etc. One thing that greatly concerns me over time is that many will say that they are sick and then they are out shopping the same day or the next day they are at work and at full strength. Many have said these several things. Some are true and sadly, some are not. Many times though sadly many just do not care and again they push God off to the side. It is sad but true and we have to be watchful of such things.
As we search throughout the Bible about this subject, there are verses that point the need for attendance. One that I know comes to mind for many is in Hebrews 10:24-25. The secondary part of this verse is talking about the attendance part. However, the purpose behind it is to stir up good works in one another. In wanting others to come to worship with us, we do it to give an understanding that this is what God expects. We are here to worship God. We seem to mix up our priorities in this life and God gets pushed aside primarily.
This is where our mistake lies! It shows that the care for God is not as important as it should be. When we neglect our duties and responsibilities, we endanger ourselves with our souls being in jeopardy.
Where has the gladness went when it comes to our worship to God (Psalms 122:1)? It seems more and more that assembling and worshipping is a chore. People just do not want to go but then come up with an excuse and believe in the lie many times. When one is not coming to worship because of just pure neglect I respect it (even though it still is not right) when one says that they just do not feel like coming. At least they are telling the truth. We can work from there to try to build up and exhort one another.
When we look at this subject we need to ask “Am I doing everything I possibly can to glorify God?” “Am I fulfilling my responsibility to the lord without having a grudgingly type attitude?” “Do I desire to obey God and His will?” “Do I desire a home in heaven?” “Do I see and understand that I have responsibilities and I must put my best foot forward to keeping hold of it?” These are questions we must remind ourselves constantly about. We can know more about God in understanding our responsibility in this life!
We all have responsibilities in this life. They may not seem great at times but our attendance is needed to fulfill part of it. We must ask ourselves “How can I be encouraged?” Or, “How can I encourage others?” We need to ask ourselves that and see that if we are not here it is almost impossible to do! We must take advantage of this great opportunity of worshipping and assembling together to worship God with our fellow brethren. It makes us stronger when we do such things (Ephesians 4:16).
Are we doing our best always and being here as often as we can fulfilling part of our responsibilities to God?
Daniel Sanders
We all make commitments. We make commitments in our marriage to make it last through thick and thin. We make a commitment to our job. An employer will not tolerate a person not coming in for work when they are supposed to. We also have commitments to God in fulfilling our worship service and also in living a righteous life. Even just, members coming to service it seems that we have to almost pull many kicking and screaming at times. It seems like the case is becoming more and more consistent in the view of the church today. It has been an ongoing battle but it seems now the battle has become extremely great in all local churches.
I have heard many people call or email me since I have been preaching. Really, I have heard it since my childhood since my dad was the preacher. There were times where I would take the call and here what is going on. They are sick, working, tired, etc. One thing that greatly concerns me over time is that many will say that they are sick and then they are out shopping the same day or the next day they are at work and at full strength. Many have said these several things. Some are true and sadly, some are not. Many times though sadly many just do not care and again they push God off to the side. It is sad but true and we have to be watchful of such things.
As we search throughout the Bible about this subject, there are verses that point the need for attendance. One that I know comes to mind for many is in Hebrews 10:24-25. The secondary part of this verse is talking about the attendance part. However, the purpose behind it is to stir up good works in one another. In wanting others to come to worship with us, we do it to give an understanding that this is what God expects. We are here to worship God. We seem to mix up our priorities in this life and God gets pushed aside primarily.
This is where our mistake lies! It shows that the care for God is not as important as it should be. When we neglect our duties and responsibilities, we endanger ourselves with our souls being in jeopardy.
Where has the gladness went when it comes to our worship to God (Psalms 122:1)? It seems more and more that assembling and worshipping is a chore. People just do not want to go but then come up with an excuse and believe in the lie many times. When one is not coming to worship because of just pure neglect I respect it (even though it still is not right) when one says that they just do not feel like coming. At least they are telling the truth. We can work from there to try to build up and exhort one another.
When we look at this subject we need to ask “Am I doing everything I possibly can to glorify God?” “Am I fulfilling my responsibility to the lord without having a grudgingly type attitude?” “Do I desire to obey God and His will?” “Do I desire a home in heaven?” “Do I see and understand that I have responsibilities and I must put my best foot forward to keeping hold of it?” These are questions we must remind ourselves constantly about. We can know more about God in understanding our responsibility in this life!
We all have responsibilities in this life. They may not seem great at times but our attendance is needed to fulfill part of it. We must ask ourselves “How can I be encouraged?” Or, “How can I encourage others?” We need to ask ourselves that and see that if we are not here it is almost impossible to do! We must take advantage of this great opportunity of worshipping and assembling together to worship God with our fellow brethren. It makes us stronger when we do such things (Ephesians 4:16).
Are we doing our best always and being here as often as we can fulfilling part of our responsibilities to God?
Daniel Sanders
Caring For God and The Work
Care has been offered to us (I Peter 5:7). It is an abundant care, an everlasting care, and an active care. It continues as long as we seek God for it. God will never leave us, nor will he ever forsake us. This happens when we are the ones who make the decision to longer seek God. It is when we have this type of mentality that we lose sight of God and our work and care for God shows the lack thereof.
Over the years I have seen it happen where many have taken the “back seat” approach when it comes to our work for God. What I am getting at with this is that, when work needs to be done some tend to back away from it or we will put someone else in front to do the work. Many will start to depend on them and will give it all to one person that way one does not have to do anything. Brethren, I tell you that these things should not be so. We all need to take the active approach of working in God’s kingdom.
I also have witnessed it before where one “retires” from the work of God. Can this actually be acceptable before the Lord? Is it possible that I can withdraw myself from working in the fields for God? Jesus says that He and His Father are needing laborers (John 4:35-38), can one then retire from it.
We should look at every opportunity that we have in this world as an opportunity to continue to do Gods’ will. This means to take an ongoing active approach in fulfilling God’s work. We must care about our work for God as we continue to labor here on this earth. This is our future! We are continuing to work for God and lay an example down for our future in the work to continue and press on.
Paul took an active approach and encouraged Timothy to do the same (I Timothy 4:7). It was all in efforts to work for a crown of righteousness in the end when are life is over. Jesus says our role is to first go second preach the gospel third to everyone (Mark 16:15-16) this means our work never ends. As people come into the world our work never stops.
It is our future. We are working on a future for our younger members. It should matter to us considering that we have work to do. We should care about our work for God and care for God in general. We are to continue in this work so that others may continue to follow in this work for God.
We must take responsibility for carrying out this work. Remember our duty as Paul mentions is to plant and water the seed (I Corinthians 3:5-9). This needs to remain being our focus and in return God will give the increase as it happens. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost.
We should never neglect or have anyone else take the responsibility. We are all to be working together (Ephesians 4:11-16) for the same cause. We have different abilities and should use them in working for the same cause and that is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let us build each other up in good works to have care for the work of God. Let us not take the back seat in working for God. We need to take the step forward in working for God. There is not room for retirement in the work of God as we live on this earth. The time to enjoy the fruit of labor is when we pass away from this earth for those who have obeyed Gods’ will in all things. We cannot retire we must go and take this active approach in continuing the work for God! Are we doing everything we can for obeying God and in the name of God Colossians 3:17)?
Daniel Sanders
Over the years I have seen it happen where many have taken the “back seat” approach when it comes to our work for God. What I am getting at with this is that, when work needs to be done some tend to back away from it or we will put someone else in front to do the work. Many will start to depend on them and will give it all to one person that way one does not have to do anything. Brethren, I tell you that these things should not be so. We all need to take the active approach of working in God’s kingdom.
I also have witnessed it before where one “retires” from the work of God. Can this actually be acceptable before the Lord? Is it possible that I can withdraw myself from working in the fields for God? Jesus says that He and His Father are needing laborers (John 4:35-38), can one then retire from it.
We should look at every opportunity that we have in this world as an opportunity to continue to do Gods’ will. This means to take an ongoing active approach in fulfilling God’s work. We must care about our work for God as we continue to labor here on this earth. This is our future! We are continuing to work for God and lay an example down for our future in the work to continue and press on.
Paul took an active approach and encouraged Timothy to do the same (I Timothy 4:7). It was all in efforts to work for a crown of righteousness in the end when are life is over. Jesus says our role is to first go second preach the gospel third to everyone (Mark 16:15-16) this means our work never ends. As people come into the world our work never stops.
It is our future. We are working on a future for our younger members. It should matter to us considering that we have work to do. We should care about our work for God and care for God in general. We are to continue in this work so that others may continue to follow in this work for God.
We must take responsibility for carrying out this work. Remember our duty as Paul mentions is to plant and water the seed (I Corinthians 3:5-9). This needs to remain being our focus and in return God will give the increase as it happens. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost.
We should never neglect or have anyone else take the responsibility. We are all to be working together (Ephesians 4:11-16) for the same cause. We have different abilities and should use them in working for the same cause and that is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let us build each other up in good works to have care for the work of God. Let us not take the back seat in working for God. We need to take the step forward in working for God. There is not room for retirement in the work of God as we live on this earth. The time to enjoy the fruit of labor is when we pass away from this earth for those who have obeyed Gods’ will in all things. We cannot retire we must go and take this active approach in continuing the work for God! Are we doing everything we can for obeying God and in the name of God Colossians 3:17)?
Daniel Sanders
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Social Gospel
It ceases to amaze how much man tries to dip their hands in the worship service for the wrong reasons. I will admit that there are some good things that man can do however, as we have opportunity to talk to others, we can the necessity focused on the wants instead of the needs when it comes to God!
You see where the social gospel has been introduced into the religious world as being the thing that a church needs. Let me share with you an example of this. I was talking with a friend here recently and she had attended the “mega-church” here in town recently. She said they had two different styles of worship the traditional and contemporary worship. She ended up going with a friend to the contemporary and she described it as not even a worship time. It was more of a concert the music and bands that were playing during this and I use it loosely “worship” time was missing a laser light show to be the full-blown concert. Yet this is what people say is needed in church today. Times are changing and the reasoning is that we must change and spice up services.
It has gotten to a point today where we see this being the norm of all things. It seems that as a church one must provide more services than that of the gospel alone. Yet it is the gospel and the gospel alone that saves us through our obedience to it (Romans 1:16-17). The apostles were to carry on and continue to build upon the foundation of Christ through spreading the gospel. They were not providing other services to draw people in to worship God.
Yet again today, people believe that we must provide services and entertain those who come in the doors with other ways than that of the gospel. It seems that we have to provide meals to draw people in, offer the instrumental music because it makes worship more pleasant, or even a babysitting service for parents that way they can enjoy worship more often. One of the most popular ones is education. The thinking behind it is that we can provide educational services an income for the church and plus we can offer a discount for those who are members and want a religious type background of education for their children. Preschool and up can receive this education and it is a way to draw people in to their worship.
Yet I have not come across anything of this nature that we are to provide any type of services or anything to draw people in. Yet we even have members who are of the body of Christ that still believe that we must advertise gimmicks to get more to come in and then we can have fellowship after services but if we can get them in the door for any reason then we can share the gospel and teach about the necessities to obey God.
Let me share with you an example we had our first child and we were trying to encourage my in-laws to come to worship services. I had one come up to me and say “hey, tell them they need to hold their grandchild during services and we can get them in the doors and then we can teach to them about the gospel.” After thinking about this it was just as bad as offering a service to get someone to be part of the worship service. Shouldn’t the gospel be what draws one into a worship service. I mean we do have things like gospel meetings and a VBS both are centered around the gospel being shared and perfect opportunities to draw others in. However, when we do not have these, what are we doing to draw people in? Is it a gimmick or is it the gospel? We as Christians must be mindful of the fact that it is the gospel that we must use to draw the lost in.
We should not believe in fables (I Timothy 4:7) that we need more services to draw people into worship God. Man believes that with the changing of times we must change our ways to draw people in. The gospel that has been given through Jesus Christ has not changed with the changing of times. In an ever changing world we must be mindful to not change our ways and give into the social gospel.
Many individuals have lost the desire to hear the truth (II Timothy 4:3-4). The truth has left their ears and they now have been drawn to fables. Therefore they have turned to teachers that would encourage the social gospel. With this being said we have to stand for truth. Believe in the gospel and believe that is this alone through our desire to obey that will draw others in! Do we believe in gimmicks or the gospel that will help meet the needs not wants of people?
Daniel Sanders
You see where the social gospel has been introduced into the religious world as being the thing that a church needs. Let me share with you an example of this. I was talking with a friend here recently and she had attended the “mega-church” here in town recently. She said they had two different styles of worship the traditional and contemporary worship. She ended up going with a friend to the contemporary and she described it as not even a worship time. It was more of a concert the music and bands that were playing during this and I use it loosely “worship” time was missing a laser light show to be the full-blown concert. Yet this is what people say is needed in church today. Times are changing and the reasoning is that we must change and spice up services.
It has gotten to a point today where we see this being the norm of all things. It seems that as a church one must provide more services than that of the gospel alone. Yet it is the gospel and the gospel alone that saves us through our obedience to it (Romans 1:16-17). The apostles were to carry on and continue to build upon the foundation of Christ through spreading the gospel. They were not providing other services to draw people in to worship God.
Yet again today, people believe that we must provide services and entertain those who come in the doors with other ways than that of the gospel. It seems that we have to provide meals to draw people in, offer the instrumental music because it makes worship more pleasant, or even a babysitting service for parents that way they can enjoy worship more often. One of the most popular ones is education. The thinking behind it is that we can provide educational services an income for the church and plus we can offer a discount for those who are members and want a religious type background of education for their children. Preschool and up can receive this education and it is a way to draw people in to their worship.
Yet I have not come across anything of this nature that we are to provide any type of services or anything to draw people in. Yet we even have members who are of the body of Christ that still believe that we must advertise gimmicks to get more to come in and then we can have fellowship after services but if we can get them in the door for any reason then we can share the gospel and teach about the necessities to obey God.
Let me share with you an example we had our first child and we were trying to encourage my in-laws to come to worship services. I had one come up to me and say “hey, tell them they need to hold their grandchild during services and we can get them in the doors and then we can teach to them about the gospel.” After thinking about this it was just as bad as offering a service to get someone to be part of the worship service. Shouldn’t the gospel be what draws one into a worship service. I mean we do have things like gospel meetings and a VBS both are centered around the gospel being shared and perfect opportunities to draw others in. However, when we do not have these, what are we doing to draw people in? Is it a gimmick or is it the gospel? We as Christians must be mindful of the fact that it is the gospel that we must use to draw the lost in.
We should not believe in fables (I Timothy 4:7) that we need more services to draw people into worship God. Man believes that with the changing of times we must change our ways to draw people in. The gospel that has been given through Jesus Christ has not changed with the changing of times. In an ever changing world we must be mindful to not change our ways and give into the social gospel.
Many individuals have lost the desire to hear the truth (II Timothy 4:3-4). The truth has left their ears and they now have been drawn to fables. Therefore they have turned to teachers that would encourage the social gospel. With this being said we have to stand for truth. Believe in the gospel and believe that is this alone through our desire to obey that will draw others in! Do we believe in gimmicks or the gospel that will help meet the needs not wants of people?
Daniel Sanders
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Too Many Dogs
I have used this phrase on several occasions in talking with others, in sermons, and in classes. The idea of “too many dogs” came from a recent situation where myself and brother Eric Krieg were door knocking around the community where he works with in Medina Ohio.
We hit a certain part of the community and it was kind of hit and miss the entire day with people being at home. We came to this one home and the door was open but the storm door was shut. You could see in the kitchen a couple of people were sitting down, younger folks. We rang the door bell and there were two as I call them ankle biter dogs yipping away. They were quiet until the door rang. The young man came to the door opened it and said “I have too many dogs” and shut the door. We did not get a single word out and that was it.
I think about this event quite often not thinking about the fact we couldn’t a word out but the fact that many have this same concept. What this is, is a crutch is used to get out of obeying God. Whatever excuse can be used one will use it and think that it is okay.
I think quite often about the Judgment Day and how we will be judged by God (II Corinthians 5:10). I think about one who has made an excuse on every occasion to not obey God and think of how sad and pitiful of condition one will be in. On that day if one said Lord I had too many dogs or just fill in the blank with anything, do you think that will be acceptable?
Jesus says that those who deny Him will be denied in heaven (Matthew 10:33). If we reject Christ and His teachings and His purpose and God and His will we will be denied in heaven. There will be no excuses to get by God on the Judgment Day! There isn’t a do-over or a second chance to change what we could have changed. The gospel has been presented and given once and for all (Jude 3-4). It is up to us to make the change of attitude and heart to obey God’s will before it is too late. Will we make the excuse or will we have an open heart, and open mind, and open ears to hear the gospel?
I think a lot about the parable of the Great Supper from Luke 14:15-24. I think about how Jesus uses the illustration the supper that was prepared the supper representing heaven. Many were invited however some decided not to come. Notice what was said: I have bought land and now I must go and see it, I bought oxen now I must go and test them, and then there was I have a wife and cannot come.
Were these reasons or excuses? What happened after this? The person who prepared the supper came to a conclusion and said bring the poor the maimed and the blind bring everyone in to be part of this supper. These individuals that were invited made an excuse and decided they had more important things to do than be part of this supper. How many of us would buy property blindly, and then make sure it was decent property? How many of us would buy a car blindly, without “kicking the tires”? The last one had some reasoning because under some customs then they were allowed time with their wife before getting back to work and getting all adjusted. However we cannot do that when it comes to God (Matthew 10:37-39). We must place God first before anything else.
All these individuals made their choice and decided that God was not that important. That was one of the key and critical lessons from this great parable. The ones who it was offered to first rejected it and if they do not change they will never taste the heaven as a reward.
Do we have too many dogs? Do we have a crutch that we lean on to not obey God? Do we have an excuse that we feel is justified? Will an excuse work? What is holding us back from obeying the will of God? Those who desire and obey God will be saved (Matthew 7:21)
We in fact need God and His doctrine in order to be saved (II John 9)! We need to make the great confession known to others about our belief and obedience to God (Matthew 10:32). In return Jesus will confess our name before God the Father in heaven!
We cannot lean on those crutches or convince ourselves that excuses will be allowed when it comes to rejecting and obeying God. There is nothing more important than our soul in this life. We must take care of it and that is by obeying God and putting off the cares of the world and the excuses of hindering our obedience. It is time to put the ways of a child behind us and now turn to and obey God while we have time now (I Corinthians 13:11). It is time to let the dogs go and obey God, will you?
Daniel Sanders
We hit a certain part of the community and it was kind of hit and miss the entire day with people being at home. We came to this one home and the door was open but the storm door was shut. You could see in the kitchen a couple of people were sitting down, younger folks. We rang the door bell and there were two as I call them ankle biter dogs yipping away. They were quiet until the door rang. The young man came to the door opened it and said “I have too many dogs” and shut the door. We did not get a single word out and that was it.
I think about this event quite often not thinking about the fact we couldn’t a word out but the fact that many have this same concept. What this is, is a crutch is used to get out of obeying God. Whatever excuse can be used one will use it and think that it is okay.
I think quite often about the Judgment Day and how we will be judged by God (II Corinthians 5:10). I think about one who has made an excuse on every occasion to not obey God and think of how sad and pitiful of condition one will be in. On that day if one said Lord I had too many dogs or just fill in the blank with anything, do you think that will be acceptable?
Jesus says that those who deny Him will be denied in heaven (Matthew 10:33). If we reject Christ and His teachings and His purpose and God and His will we will be denied in heaven. There will be no excuses to get by God on the Judgment Day! There isn’t a do-over or a second chance to change what we could have changed. The gospel has been presented and given once and for all (Jude 3-4). It is up to us to make the change of attitude and heart to obey God’s will before it is too late. Will we make the excuse or will we have an open heart, and open mind, and open ears to hear the gospel?
I think a lot about the parable of the Great Supper from Luke 14:15-24. I think about how Jesus uses the illustration the supper that was prepared the supper representing heaven. Many were invited however some decided not to come. Notice what was said: I have bought land and now I must go and see it, I bought oxen now I must go and test them, and then there was I have a wife and cannot come.
Were these reasons or excuses? What happened after this? The person who prepared the supper came to a conclusion and said bring the poor the maimed and the blind bring everyone in to be part of this supper. These individuals that were invited made an excuse and decided they had more important things to do than be part of this supper. How many of us would buy property blindly, and then make sure it was decent property? How many of us would buy a car blindly, without “kicking the tires”? The last one had some reasoning because under some customs then they were allowed time with their wife before getting back to work and getting all adjusted. However we cannot do that when it comes to God (Matthew 10:37-39). We must place God first before anything else.
All these individuals made their choice and decided that God was not that important. That was one of the key and critical lessons from this great parable. The ones who it was offered to first rejected it and if they do not change they will never taste the heaven as a reward.
Do we have too many dogs? Do we have a crutch that we lean on to not obey God? Do we have an excuse that we feel is justified? Will an excuse work? What is holding us back from obeying the will of God? Those who desire and obey God will be saved (Matthew 7:21)
We in fact need God and His doctrine in order to be saved (II John 9)! We need to make the great confession known to others about our belief and obedience to God (Matthew 10:32). In return Jesus will confess our name before God the Father in heaven!
We cannot lean on those crutches or convince ourselves that excuses will be allowed when it comes to rejecting and obeying God. There is nothing more important than our soul in this life. We must take care of it and that is by obeying God and putting off the cares of the world and the excuses of hindering our obedience. It is time to put the ways of a child behind us and now turn to and obey God while we have time now (I Corinthians 13:11). It is time to let the dogs go and obey God, will you?
Daniel Sanders
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