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
Friday, December 10, 2010
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
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Spirituality Vs. Friendship
Over the years I have gained and lost friends. I am sure we all have been in the same boat before where we have gained friendship and we have also lost friends. It can be an emotional roller coaster at times but we need to be watchful of all things. Especially when we talk about being a Christian. Over the years because of our spiritual life we have lost friends and even sometimes family over such issues.
Paul gives clear direction about such things. We do need to be watchful of whom we associate with and call our friends as a Christian (I Corinthians 15:33). Our company and those we surround ourselves with can and will corrupt our good habits. It was never a matter of if it ever happens it is a matter of when it will happen. This is what Paul was trying to warn us about happening. The reason is that even though we may be a good and morally right person a person that we associate with having sinful habits will rub off on a person if we continue to be around them. It is a dangerous path to be walking and we have to be leery about walking down this road.
We as a Christian must decided what the more important thing is: Is it a life a having friends that may be living in sin and influencing us to sin or is our soul the most valuable thing? What are we willing to give in exchange for our soul (Matthew 16:24-27)? Is there anything that has a higher value than our soul? If there is then we must come back to reality and notice that there should be nothing we are willing to exchange for our soul. Our soul is eternal! It is everlasting and will dwell eternally with God or in flaming fire! Let’s ask the question again will we exchange our soul for anything? Are having friend the most important and primary thing that we are to focus on?
We must decipher friendship and spirituality! God has blessed us with our brethren who are here to be working for the hope of heaven and to live a righteous and godly life. These are people we need to surround ourselves with. We need people to encourage and help us in our path of following and obeying God not hindering it in any way.
Our brethren are here to rejoice and weep with us (Romans 12:15). They are to help and encourage when we rejoice and sorrow. That is a great blessing that God has given us to work with. Those who are not Christians may not always help us. Sadly some take the role of wanting to blame God like in the case of Job’s wife (Job 2:9). Instead of helping draw closer to God many try to and encourage pushing further away from God. How will this help our spiritual state.
We must take on the responsibility of drawing closer to God and resist the devil and his sinful ways (James 4:7-10). We must cleanse hearts and rid ourselves from a living a life of sin. Sin is what keeps us from obedience to God and His will (Romans 6:23).
Our association must be with those of light and not of darkness (I John 1:5-7). We cannot mix both because our light will not shine its brightest because of the darkness of sin. We must be watchful of all things and be careful that we do not allow darkness and sin to dwell within our hearts.
However even though we are not to follow those who practice worldly things we are to live in the world (John 15:19). What this means is that we do have the responsibility of living in the world but we must be able to not partake of things in the world. We should not give in to sin we should still be able to live a godly and righteous life in the world but not sin.
This is how we can know the difference between a spiritual life and sin. We can know that friends are not the most important thing in this life (James 4:4). Yes, I will admit they are very nice to have but we can survive with or without them. If friendships interfere or threaten our spiritual life then we must be able to withdraw and not give in to such temptations. It is then that we know that God will take care and will be our friend eternally just life Abraham (James 2:23). What is the most important thing in your life?
Daniel Sanders
Paul gives clear direction about such things. We do need to be watchful of whom we associate with and call our friends as a Christian (I Corinthians 15:33). Our company and those we surround ourselves with can and will corrupt our good habits. It was never a matter of if it ever happens it is a matter of when it will happen. This is what Paul was trying to warn us about happening. The reason is that even though we may be a good and morally right person a person that we associate with having sinful habits will rub off on a person if we continue to be around them. It is a dangerous path to be walking and we have to be leery about walking down this road.
We as a Christian must decided what the more important thing is: Is it a life a having friends that may be living in sin and influencing us to sin or is our soul the most valuable thing? What are we willing to give in exchange for our soul (Matthew 16:24-27)? Is there anything that has a higher value than our soul? If there is then we must come back to reality and notice that there should be nothing we are willing to exchange for our soul. Our soul is eternal! It is everlasting and will dwell eternally with God or in flaming fire! Let’s ask the question again will we exchange our soul for anything? Are having friend the most important and primary thing that we are to focus on?
We must decipher friendship and spirituality! God has blessed us with our brethren who are here to be working for the hope of heaven and to live a righteous and godly life. These are people we need to surround ourselves with. We need people to encourage and help us in our path of following and obeying God not hindering it in any way.
Our brethren are here to rejoice and weep with us (Romans 12:15). They are to help and encourage when we rejoice and sorrow. That is a great blessing that God has given us to work with. Those who are not Christians may not always help us. Sadly some take the role of wanting to blame God like in the case of Job’s wife (Job 2:9). Instead of helping draw closer to God many try to and encourage pushing further away from God. How will this help our spiritual state.
We must take on the responsibility of drawing closer to God and resist the devil and his sinful ways (James 4:7-10). We must cleanse hearts and rid ourselves from a living a life of sin. Sin is what keeps us from obedience to God and His will (Romans 6:23).
Our association must be with those of light and not of darkness (I John 1:5-7). We cannot mix both because our light will not shine its brightest because of the darkness of sin. We must be watchful of all things and be careful that we do not allow darkness and sin to dwell within our hearts.
However even though we are not to follow those who practice worldly things we are to live in the world (John 15:19). What this means is that we do have the responsibility of living in the world but we must be able to not partake of things in the world. We should not give in to sin we should still be able to live a godly and righteous life in the world but not sin.
This is how we can know the difference between a spiritual life and sin. We can know that friends are not the most important thing in this life (James 4:4). Yes, I will admit they are very nice to have but we can survive with or without them. If friendships interfere or threaten our spiritual life then we must be able to withdraw and not give in to such temptations. It is then that we know that God will take care and will be our friend eternally just life Abraham (James 2:23). What is the most important thing in your life?
Daniel Sanders
The Church Directory is not The Book of Life
We have a record that is kept by God of those who will enter into eternal life (Revelation 20:12). It is a record kept by God. A record that reveals those who are going to have eternal life. Any of those that are outside of this book have a home and it will be the lake fire know as the second death (Revelation 20:13-15).
However there many who have a serious misconception about the book of life. That is the church directory is the book life. This is a very dangerous line to stay on! There are some who may not say it but, they do show it by actions one makes.
There is a similarity between the Book of Life and the church directory and that is both have names on them. This is the only similarity that both truly have.
As we consider this let’s point out a couple of things concerning the church directory. First of all the directory shows names of those who have decided to be part of the local body of Christ in a specified community. Secondly, it shows both Christians and non-Christians. So as we can see with the church directory there are things that are revealed in it to the members of the Christians represented in said local community.
However just because one is put on the said directory it doesn’t mean one will have eternal life. One can still fall prey to sin and make one disqualified from entering into eternal life. Just because one is recognize as being part of the congregation where they live it doesn’t mean that one will have eternal life. The directory is to list information about people that attend there.
However in matters concerning the Book of Life that lists those who remain faithful to God (Revelation 21:22-27). It is a place for those continue to live faithfully to God. It is for those that have desired a righteous life where one remains faithful to God (Revelation 2:10). A place where God rewards the righteous (Romans 6:23). Those on this list are faithful servants to God and His will knowing what it takes to have their name written there (Matthew 7:21).
It is with this that we can see a difference to the church directory and the Book of Life. One can have their name on the directory and not do what Jesus says (Luke 6:46) and still practice lawlessness which in the end will have its own “reward” (Matthew 7:23). The Book Life is kept by God and not men and therefore we still have a responsibility to God. Are we doing the things God commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)?
Daniel Sanders
However there many who have a serious misconception about the book of life. That is the church directory is the book life. This is a very dangerous line to stay on! There are some who may not say it but, they do show it by actions one makes.
There is a similarity between the Book of Life and the church directory and that is both have names on them. This is the only similarity that both truly have.
As we consider this let’s point out a couple of things concerning the church directory. First of all the directory shows names of those who have decided to be part of the local body of Christ in a specified community. Secondly, it shows both Christians and non-Christians. So as we can see with the church directory there are things that are revealed in it to the members of the Christians represented in said local community.
However just because one is put on the said directory it doesn’t mean one will have eternal life. One can still fall prey to sin and make one disqualified from entering into eternal life. Just because one is recognize as being part of the congregation where they live it doesn’t mean that one will have eternal life. The directory is to list information about people that attend there.
However in matters concerning the Book of Life that lists those who remain faithful to God (Revelation 21:22-27). It is a place for those continue to live faithfully to God. It is for those that have desired a righteous life where one remains faithful to God (Revelation 2:10). A place where God rewards the righteous (Romans 6:23). Those on this list are faithful servants to God and His will knowing what it takes to have their name written there (Matthew 7:21).
It is with this that we can see a difference to the church directory and the Book of Life. One can have their name on the directory and not do what Jesus says (Luke 6:46) and still practice lawlessness which in the end will have its own “reward” (Matthew 7:23). The Book Life is kept by God and not men and therefore we still have a responsibility to God. Are we doing the things God commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)?
Daniel Sanders
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Abraham: The Friend of God
Abraham a man that we can relate to is know in James 2:23 as being a friend of God. Abraham was a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to follow God. He left us an example that we should follow to also be known as a friend of God. It was counted to Abraham because of his righteousness.
We may ask ourselves “how we can be known as a friend of God?” All we have to do is look at the example of Abraham. Abraham was a man who lived under the law but it was not the law that justified Abraham as being a friend of God it was his righteousness (Galatians 3:1-9). He was a man who desired to follow what God commanded.
Notice in James 2:14-25 leading up to Abraham being called a friend of God. James is pointing out the need for faith and works both needed together to be pleasing in the eyes of God. Without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without works how can faith be justified James 2?
Abraham was a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to trust God in helping him through all things.
He left his home land not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8-12). How many of us would do this? Leaving our home and packing up what we could and leaving not knowing the direction. This is what Abraham did. Why? Because God told him to do so (Genesis 12:1-4)! Abraham placed his faith (trust) in God and proved it through his works, by doing what God commanded of him.
This is not all that Abraham did, he also offered his son Isaac, the son of promise as a sacrifice (Hebrews 11:17-19). Abraham was told that through Isaac the inheritance would come (Genesis 18:1-15). Then God commanded Abraham to offer his son as a burnt sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2). How can any of this make sense? Offer the son of promise yet he was the chosen one of Abrahams seed.
How would we respond? Would we be willing? This is a great question and a very hard question. It is difficult to answer! Is there anything that we would put ahead of Christ?
How did Abraham respond? Isaac asked where the sacrifice was and Abraham responded “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:8). Abraham knew in his heart that God would take care of him as long as he heeded God’s word. This says a lot about the character of Abraham. There was nothing that he would put in front of him and his devotion to obeying God’s will in all things.
Abraham justified his faith and works together by obeying God. In all this he was known as a friend of God. He devoted his life to obeying God and it was actions like this that we see God took care of Abraham and his family.
Abraham was a man that put God first in his life (Genesis 22:12). He is a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to put God first in all things. Why we may ask? The reason is that God will provide take care and Abraham trusted God, for this he in return was remembered by all as a faithful man. He as we should fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This is our whole duty. This was Abraham’s duty in life. This is how he was recognized as being a friend of God.
We have the same opportunity to be counted as a friend of God and receive blessings just as Abraham. We have to obey God and his will and we now can do this through baptism (Galatians 3:26-29). We then can be counted as a friend of God and receive an inheritance just as Abraham received his inheritance. Are we desiring to obey God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
We may ask ourselves “how we can be known as a friend of God?” All we have to do is look at the example of Abraham. Abraham was a man who lived under the law but it was not the law that justified Abraham as being a friend of God it was his righteousness (Galatians 3:1-9). He was a man who desired to follow what God commanded.
Notice in James 2:14-25 leading up to Abraham being called a friend of God. James is pointing out the need for faith and works both needed together to be pleasing in the eyes of God. Without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without works how can faith be justified James 2?
Abraham was a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to trust God in helping him through all things.
He left his home land not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8-12). How many of us would do this? Leaving our home and packing up what we could and leaving not knowing the direction. This is what Abraham did. Why? Because God told him to do so (Genesis 12:1-4)! Abraham placed his faith (trust) in God and proved it through his works, by doing what God commanded of him.
This is not all that Abraham did, he also offered his son Isaac, the son of promise as a sacrifice (Hebrews 11:17-19). Abraham was told that through Isaac the inheritance would come (Genesis 18:1-15). Then God commanded Abraham to offer his son as a burnt sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2). How can any of this make sense? Offer the son of promise yet he was the chosen one of Abrahams seed.
How would we respond? Would we be willing? This is a great question and a very hard question. It is difficult to answer! Is there anything that we would put ahead of Christ?
How did Abraham respond? Isaac asked where the sacrifice was and Abraham responded “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:8). Abraham knew in his heart that God would take care of him as long as he heeded God’s word. This says a lot about the character of Abraham. There was nothing that he would put in front of him and his devotion to obeying God’s will in all things.
Abraham justified his faith and works together by obeying God. In all this he was known as a friend of God. He devoted his life to obeying God and it was actions like this that we see God took care of Abraham and his family.
Abraham was a man that put God first in his life (Genesis 22:12). He is a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to put God first in all things. Why we may ask? The reason is that God will provide take care and Abraham trusted God, for this he in return was remembered by all as a faithful man. He as we should fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This is our whole duty. This was Abraham’s duty in life. This is how he was recognized as being a friend of God.
We have the same opportunity to be counted as a friend of God and receive blessings just as Abraham. We have to obey God and his will and we now can do this through baptism (Galatians 3:26-29). We then can be counted as a friend of God and receive an inheritance just as Abraham received his inheritance. Are we desiring to obey God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
Friday, August 20, 2010
Obeying God Reaps Rewards
It is a hard task to be a child of God. But think about all the great rewards child of God can have (Revelation 21:22-27). It is place in the end where we are not ashamed to call God our God and we are His people (Hebrews 11:16).
However there are many battles that we do face today in the world. Things that can hinder our obedience to god if we allow such things to happen. For instance government is making it harder in this world to be a Christian. The rules and laws that are being passed makes it harder to be a Christian. There are many countries that do not have these same freedoms that we can enjoy. In fact they make it illegal to practice Christianity in certain countries.
Still there are people who are continuing to preach the gospel in these areas. We should feel encouraged by their actions like this. We even have examples of people in the Bible who made a stand like this.
Notice in Daniel 3 where we can find this example. We are introduced to three individuals that took a stand to turn to God instead of man. King Nebuchadnezzar made a decree and an image for all to fall down and worship (Daniel 3:4-7). This however is a direct violation of the law as God stated in Deut. 5:6-9. God explained clearly that idolatry was not to be followed. God is jealous and does not want anyone to worship any other gods.
However, in this decree the king decided this was what he wanted. Because of this it was brought to his attention that people in authority under his rule were not following this decree (Daniel 3:8-18). He offered them another chance to fall down and worship this image but they still declined.
They had an understanding like Peter that it was better to serve the living God than the rule of man (Acts 5:29). However we want to be clear on certain things that we do have to follow the laws of man. However if it is different than what the law of God is then we must follow God first man second. This is what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did. They followed until the king made a decree that went against God and His will.
The King be furious went ahead with the consequences that would come upon those who didn’t fall down and worship the king and this image. They were to be thrown in the fiery furnace. Even with death on the line these three individuals wouldn’t not bow down to these rules. It is with this that we can commend them for their obedience to God. It is this example that we see that we should have the same desire to obey God and not falter in this life of turning away from God.
In the end of this they were thrown in the fiery furnace. But, they were not forgotten! God took care of these three men because of their obedience to God. They came out of this fire with no hair burnt on their heads nor even the smell of fire when they came out. Three men went in and four were seen in there (Daniel 3:19-25). God sent help to these individuals in their time of need.
It is a lesson to us that we should recognize that God takes care of His people (I Peter 2:9). We can be His people if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21). In the end God rewards and takes care of His people (Revelation 22:14). In seeing the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego we can see that God prevails takes care and rewards those who will obey His will. Are you obeying God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
However there are many battles that we do face today in the world. Things that can hinder our obedience to god if we allow such things to happen. For instance government is making it harder in this world to be a Christian. The rules and laws that are being passed makes it harder to be a Christian. There are many countries that do not have these same freedoms that we can enjoy. In fact they make it illegal to practice Christianity in certain countries.
Still there are people who are continuing to preach the gospel in these areas. We should feel encouraged by their actions like this. We even have examples of people in the Bible who made a stand like this.
Notice in Daniel 3 where we can find this example. We are introduced to three individuals that took a stand to turn to God instead of man. King Nebuchadnezzar made a decree and an image for all to fall down and worship (Daniel 3:4-7). This however is a direct violation of the law as God stated in Deut. 5:6-9. God explained clearly that idolatry was not to be followed. God is jealous and does not want anyone to worship any other gods.
However, in this decree the king decided this was what he wanted. Because of this it was brought to his attention that people in authority under his rule were not following this decree (Daniel 3:8-18). He offered them another chance to fall down and worship this image but they still declined.
They had an understanding like Peter that it was better to serve the living God than the rule of man (Acts 5:29). However we want to be clear on certain things that we do have to follow the laws of man. However if it is different than what the law of God is then we must follow God first man second. This is what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did. They followed until the king made a decree that went against God and His will.
The King be furious went ahead with the consequences that would come upon those who didn’t fall down and worship the king and this image. They were to be thrown in the fiery furnace. Even with death on the line these three individuals wouldn’t not bow down to these rules. It is with this that we can commend them for their obedience to God. It is this example that we see that we should have the same desire to obey God and not falter in this life of turning away from God.
In the end of this they were thrown in the fiery furnace. But, they were not forgotten! God took care of these three men because of their obedience to God. They came out of this fire with no hair burnt on their heads nor even the smell of fire when they came out. Three men went in and four were seen in there (Daniel 3:19-25). God sent help to these individuals in their time of need.
It is a lesson to us that we should recognize that God takes care of His people (I Peter 2:9). We can be His people if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21). In the end God rewards and takes care of His people (Revelation 22:14). In seeing the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego we can see that God prevails takes care and rewards those who will obey His will. Are you obeying God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
Tutoring
While I was in junior high and high school, I served as tutor to a fellow student who had special needs. I had opportunity to work with him in math and science. Over this time I had helped him continue to study and learn more about these certain subjects. As a tutor, it was my job to make sure the lessons were understood. It was my duty to share with him an understanding of each lesson and what was the point of each one.
It is opportunities like this that we should take in tutoring others and ourselves more about the Bible. As a tutor, we need to take opportunities to not only help others but help ourselves also. We should listen to what we may be tutoring others about! We should not play the hypocrite and not believe in what we are sharing with others (II Timothy 3:16-17).
As we have studied the Old Testament, it served as a tutor for us in this life. The Old Testament served as a tutor to guide to an understanding of obedience that Gods will must be followed (Galatians 3:19-25)! It has been a tutor for us also in the fact that it has led us to Christ. The Old Testament has served as a guide to see the spiritual state of humankind. It served a purpose to see how sinful man was in turning away from God to their own reasoning (Judges 21:25). It is with this mentality that man has pushed further away from God in all this. It has led to the point that God’s only Son had to come into the world to be a Savior for us all (John 3:16). This was God demonstrating His love still for us.
The Old law served its purpose in tutoring us still that obedience to God is still necessary under the new way of life. If you love God and Jesus then keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus has taught us what it takes to be ready for things to come (Mark 1:16-17). We must repent, that is we must recognize sin and then turn away from it. It is through God that we can know the way (John 14:1-6). This is how we have been tutored today to be prepared for the things to come. It demonstrates what God expects through the Old and New law that obedience is necessary (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Also in being a tutor it is our duty in this life to help others after we have helped ourselves know what it takes to be a child of God. We have to practice what we teach. In order to be a tutor or help to others we have to know what we are saying. Many have served as a tutor to others but has done it through teaching a false doctrine. We have to be on guard in being a tutor rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Phillip served as a tutor to the Ethiopian Eunuch in helping him know more of the way (Acts 8:26-40). The Ethiopian Eunuch did not know what he was reading. He knew he had scripture but he did need a tutor to help him understand more. Phillip was guided to the Ethiopian Eunuch to serve that purpose to him. It was Phillip would give an understanding of what he was reading, whom it was about, and what he needed to do. Phillip gave him this guidance by being a tutor for him.
It is with this that we can see the results of the Ethiopian Eunuch that he understood more and understood what he must do to be saved. He went on his way rejoicing through being baptized for the remission of his sins. We have to in this life take the role of Phillip and share with others the good news. It comes through being a tutor and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone (Mark 16:15). Jesus has shared with us what we must do now we must share it with others. Are we being a tutor in the world for Christ? DANIEL SANDERS
It is opportunities like this that we should take in tutoring others and ourselves more about the Bible. As a tutor, we need to take opportunities to not only help others but help ourselves also. We should listen to what we may be tutoring others about! We should not play the hypocrite and not believe in what we are sharing with others (II Timothy 3:16-17).
As we have studied the Old Testament, it served as a tutor for us in this life. The Old Testament served as a tutor to guide to an understanding of obedience that Gods will must be followed (Galatians 3:19-25)! It has been a tutor for us also in the fact that it has led us to Christ. The Old Testament has served as a guide to see the spiritual state of humankind. It served a purpose to see how sinful man was in turning away from God to their own reasoning (Judges 21:25). It is with this mentality that man has pushed further away from God in all this. It has led to the point that God’s only Son had to come into the world to be a Savior for us all (John 3:16). This was God demonstrating His love still for us.
The Old law served its purpose in tutoring us still that obedience to God is still necessary under the new way of life. If you love God and Jesus then keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus has taught us what it takes to be ready for things to come (Mark 1:16-17). We must repent, that is we must recognize sin and then turn away from it. It is through God that we can know the way (John 14:1-6). This is how we have been tutored today to be prepared for the things to come. It demonstrates what God expects through the Old and New law that obedience is necessary (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Also in being a tutor it is our duty in this life to help others after we have helped ourselves know what it takes to be a child of God. We have to practice what we teach. In order to be a tutor or help to others we have to know what we are saying. Many have served as a tutor to others but has done it through teaching a false doctrine. We have to be on guard in being a tutor rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Phillip served as a tutor to the Ethiopian Eunuch in helping him know more of the way (Acts 8:26-40). The Ethiopian Eunuch did not know what he was reading. He knew he had scripture but he did need a tutor to help him understand more. Phillip was guided to the Ethiopian Eunuch to serve that purpose to him. It was Phillip would give an understanding of what he was reading, whom it was about, and what he needed to do. Phillip gave him this guidance by being a tutor for him.
It is with this that we can see the results of the Ethiopian Eunuch that he understood more and understood what he must do to be saved. He went on his way rejoicing through being baptized for the remission of his sins. We have to in this life take the role of Phillip and share with others the good news. It comes through being a tutor and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone (Mark 16:15). Jesus has shared with us what we must do now we must share it with others. Are we being a tutor in the world for Christ? DANIEL SANDERS
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