All In!
II Timothy 3:16-17
Introduction:
A. Have we ever heard this term?
a. The though and term of being all in
b. We put all of our chips in
i. The risk of being eliminated
ii. We don’t hold anything back
B. We have a problem and involves a liberal vs. conservative battle
a. This has been an ongoing battle with the church and also
b. People will tweak the scriptures and away from truth and this is where the problem as really generated
i. They have the name of church of Christ and believe that it is still okay
ii. For example we follow the scriptures entirely but we have a kitchen
iii. I follow the scriptures almost entirely but I still like fornicate
iv. I follow the scriptures except I still like to _____________
c. One believes they are okay at percentage of following the scriptures
C. We are now coming up in our election and we have a few candidates that have different views
a. The Republican and Democratic parties
i. More or less the Conservative vs. Liberal
ii. This is a battle that has been going on with the church
iii. It also a battle in society with government
b. Conservative vs. Liberal
i. What the Bible says vs. Everything else
c. The problem with this election is that there isn’t really a true conservative left
i. This is the problem with Christians today
ii. They aren’t all in with the Bible
iii. As is the candidates left that call themselves conservatives
D. The scriptures as we read in II Timothy 3:16-17 are complete
a. They give all sustenance for what we need to follow God faithfully and entirely
b. The scriptures are complete
i. We need to be all in with the scriptures
ii. It comes with a well devotion to God and want for God
iii. Because God provides everything for us that we do need
E. Let’s open out Bibles and study more on this matter
I. All in with Faith
A. Our faith is our foundation as a Christian
a. We start with our faith and then build from there
b. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
i. We can’t do any less than 100 percent
B. If we are all in with faith then we are all in with the scriptures
a. After all faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)
b. Our faith is built in the Bible
i. The things that were written were so that we would believe
ii. Through our trust in God (Psalms 37:5)
C. It is our duty to live by faith (Romans 1:17)
a. Those that are of God and have full obedience to God are commanded to live by faith
b. This is an action that requires an all in attitude
i. Not just a half dedication
D. We walk by faith (II Cor. 5:7)
a. We walk by the scriptures and let them be our guide
b. We don’t go by the physical things but the things that are ahead
i. Things that we haven’t seen, felt, or seen before
E. Having an all in attitude of faith will give us understanding of Christ (Eph 3:17-19)
a. Unimaginable heights and depth and breadth with love
II. All in For Service
A. We are all servants of God
a. Nobody is any more special than anybody
b. The preacher is a servant just as the member
B. We all have the same goal and though in mind of heaven (Acts 2:38)
a. Having the gift of the Holy Spirit
C. In order to achieve this goal we all need to be servants of God
a. Jesus was to serve (Mark 10:45)
i. He said he was to serve
ii. After all we are to follow the example of Christ
iii. He devoted His life for service for us
iv. He asks us to do the same
D. Jesus said it clearly of who we are to serve (Luke 4:8)
E. We can’t be half way in our service
a. When we have a choice to serve God or serve man
i. We have to choose
ii. Joshua spoke of it (Joshua 24:15)
iii. Christ spoke of it (Luke 16:13)
1. Our loyalty will be affected if we are not all in for service to God
2. How are we choosing?
III. All in with God
A. How dedicated are we to God?
a. Are we allowing outside distractions hinder us?
b. The world vs. God
i. What is close and important to us
ii. Is it God?
iii. Is it our soul?
iv. It is eternal and the world is temporal
B. Have we counted the cost (Luke 14:25-33)
a. Have we looked at our life and counted the cost
b. Are we all in with God?
c. God commands obedience but entirety with it
i. Follow with all our heart (Luke 10:27)
ii. Love obedience and mind must be complete
C. Phillip said to the Eunuch to believe
a. The eunuch needed to be all in with God through obedience and belief
b. He said yes and was baptized
D. To bear the name Christian it means to be all in with God
a. God will not accept anything less
E. He even spoke to Israel about their Sacrifice wasn’t worthy a lesson that shows we need to all in with God (Malachi 1:7-8)
a. God spoke to Israel to give the best and it is required of us also
Conclusion:
A. Are we all in with our faith?
a. Our Service
b. All in with God
B. The plan of salvation has been laid out for us
a. It requires us to be all in
b. Are we willing?
C. What better time than now to start!
D. Invitation
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New, Better, Different
New, Better, Different
Romans 6:4
Introduction:
A. In order to follow the Bible, as we should, we run into a word and become a great obstacle to many.
1. The word is “change”.
a. Whether it is our human nature, the culture of our times, or just the thought patterns we have been taught, people don’t like to change.
2. One thing that it very clearly seen by observation is that if we just get out of our own way we can serve God as we should everyday of our life.
a. When we decide that we want something else; that is when we falter and fail.
b. We must take on the mindset presented in Galatians 2:20.
i. When we take on this way of thinking we will certainly desire God’s way and whatever changes are necessary.
3. Perhaps we are not quite there yet. We may need some more encouragement toward change and commitment.
B. In order to desire change we must be motivated to that desire.
1. This perhaps leads us to a place of questioning:
a. Why change and become a Christian?
b. What does Christ offer for all of the effort of change?
c. Why is His way better than mine?
C. These are honest questions.
1. Questions with straightforward answers.
a. Why change? If you don’t change you will die in your sins (John 8:24).
b. What does Christ offer? Everlasting life as opposed to everlasting punishment (John 4:14)
c. Why is His way better? You can’t find anyway out of death (Proverbs. 14:12) Christ provides the way to life (John14:6)
D. Perhaps we need a closer examination, we need to be inspired to change and that requires a little more work.
1. Let’s take a few moments to consider the fact that a life in Christ is New, Better, and Different.
I. New:
A. What a great feeling, when we get something new.
1. Perhaps a new home, car, appliance, anything new has a certain appeal.
a. Some thing new is not the same old thing it is new and we are excited to use whatever that new thing is.
2. One of the things that we have come to do in our country is to stop maintaining newness.
a. Do you know the difference between that new car that you are so proud to own and drive and a car that is just the same old car that we use to get from here to there?
i. The new becomes the old when we stop checking the oil at each fill-up; we stop visiting the car wash; we stop dusting the dash; we quit taking the time to apply a fresh coat of wax or polish; we start taking the new thing for granted and stop appreciating it for what it is.
3. So what does all this mean?
B. In Christ we are given a new life, what are you going to do with it?
1. Romans 6:1-4 Faithful obedience results in the newness of life.
a. Through the waters of baptism our old life is ended and then we rise and walk in the newness of life—free from our sins (Acts 2:38).
2. We have to set our minds on a continuous maintenance program in order to maintain our newness.
a. Consider Ephesians 4:17-5:5
i. We should no longer walk as the rest of the world walks (vs. 17).
ii. We should not give time or energy to the practice of sin (vs. 19)
iii. Put off the former conduct (vs. 22)
iv. Change your actions by first changing your thoughts (vs. 23)
v. Put on the new—righteousness and holiness (vs. 24)
vi. If you have sinned, sin no more, work at the good works (vs. 28)
vii. Watch yourself (vs. 29, 31, 3-4)
ix. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (vs. 30)
x. Be an imitator of God (5:1).
b. Colossians 3:1-15
i. If you became a Christian, seek the things of Christ (vs. 1-4).
ii. Put the old ways to death (vs. 5-9)
iii. Put on the new way—the new life (vs. 9-15).
iv. Be thankful (vs. 15).
3. Never take the forgiveness and salvation for granted maintain their newness every day (2 Thessalonians 3:13).
II. Better:
A. The life that Christ offers is better.
1. We usually desire change when we become dissatisfied with the frustrations of the old way.
a. Those in the world who never find true satisfaction and direction fail to have a good life.
2. Which of these verses sounds like a better life and hope?
a. Galatians 5:19-21 “Those who practice such things will not go to Heaven”
b. Galatians 5:22-25 “The fruit of the Spirit”
B. In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better.
1. He offers us purpose (Acts 17:24-27)
2. He offers us direction toward freedom (John 8:31-32)
3. He offers us a life of honesty, integrity, and wellbeing (Romans 12:16-21).
4. He offers us the comfort of knowing God cares (Romans 8:31-39; 1 Peter 5:7).
5. He offers us a relationship with both Himself and the Father (2 John 9).
III. Different:
A. In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better if we truly commit.
1. This is usually the greatest weakness in our approach.
a. We want to have a good life; we desire to be made new; but the real challenge is the follow through.
b. The life that Christ offers is different and we must be willing to be different in order to have that life and receive its benefits.
B. Jesus Himself said that we cannot be happy when we are torn between two masters (Matthew 6:24).
1. Those who try to hold on to the world and God will loose, “you cannot serve God and mammon.”
2. We cannot grow the fruit of the Spirit while we are cultivating the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:24-25).
3. We cannot play games with God (1 John 2:15-17).
a. We are given a life that is better than what the world offers we will realize that fact when we fully commit to walking in that life.
Conclusion:
A. Out of all of God’s vast creation.
1. We stand out as the only part to whom God has offered the opportunity of forgiveness and salvation (1 Peter 1:10-12)
2. Are we going to rejoice in that fact and take the hope into our lives?
a. Or, are we going to treat that hope like just any other thing?
B. If you are a Christian you should be rejoicing in a new, better, and different life in Christ.
1. If you have not found that joy, perhaps you have never fully committed.
a. It is time to change. It is time to put away the world and its lusts, it is time to put away the sins and it is time to fully commit to God’s divine will.
C. If you are not a Christian, you are given a wonderful opportunity, right now.
1. You can have a new, better, and different, life… right now.
Romans 6:4
Introduction:
A. In order to follow the Bible, as we should, we run into a word and become a great obstacle to many.
1. The word is “change”.
a. Whether it is our human nature, the culture of our times, or just the thought patterns we have been taught, people don’t like to change.
2. One thing that it very clearly seen by observation is that if we just get out of our own way we can serve God as we should everyday of our life.
a. When we decide that we want something else; that is when we falter and fail.
b. We must take on the mindset presented in Galatians 2:20.
i. When we take on this way of thinking we will certainly desire God’s way and whatever changes are necessary.
3. Perhaps we are not quite there yet. We may need some more encouragement toward change and commitment.
B. In order to desire change we must be motivated to that desire.
1. This perhaps leads us to a place of questioning:
a. Why change and become a Christian?
b. What does Christ offer for all of the effort of change?
c. Why is His way better than mine?
C. These are honest questions.
1. Questions with straightforward answers.
a. Why change? If you don’t change you will die in your sins (John 8:24).
b. What does Christ offer? Everlasting life as opposed to everlasting punishment (John 4:14)
c. Why is His way better? You can’t find anyway out of death (Proverbs. 14:12) Christ provides the way to life (John14:6)
D. Perhaps we need a closer examination, we need to be inspired to change and that requires a little more work.
1. Let’s take a few moments to consider the fact that a life in Christ is New, Better, and Different.
I. New:
A. What a great feeling, when we get something new.
1. Perhaps a new home, car, appliance, anything new has a certain appeal.
a. Some thing new is not the same old thing it is new and we are excited to use whatever that new thing is.
2. One of the things that we have come to do in our country is to stop maintaining newness.
a. Do you know the difference between that new car that you are so proud to own and drive and a car that is just the same old car that we use to get from here to there?
i. The new becomes the old when we stop checking the oil at each fill-up; we stop visiting the car wash; we stop dusting the dash; we quit taking the time to apply a fresh coat of wax or polish; we start taking the new thing for granted and stop appreciating it for what it is.
3. So what does all this mean?
B. In Christ we are given a new life, what are you going to do with it?
1. Romans 6:1-4 Faithful obedience results in the newness of life.
a. Through the waters of baptism our old life is ended and then we rise and walk in the newness of life—free from our sins (Acts 2:38).
2. We have to set our minds on a continuous maintenance program in order to maintain our newness.
a. Consider Ephesians 4:17-5:5
i. We should no longer walk as the rest of the world walks (vs. 17).
ii. We should not give time or energy to the practice of sin (vs. 19)
iii. Put off the former conduct (vs. 22)
iv. Change your actions by first changing your thoughts (vs. 23)
v. Put on the new—righteousness and holiness (vs. 24)
vi. If you have sinned, sin no more, work at the good works (vs. 28)
vii. Watch yourself (vs. 29, 31, 3-4)
ix. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (vs. 30)
x. Be an imitator of God (5:1).
b. Colossians 3:1-15
i. If you became a Christian, seek the things of Christ (vs. 1-4).
ii. Put the old ways to death (vs. 5-9)
iii. Put on the new way—the new life (vs. 9-15).
iv. Be thankful (vs. 15).
3. Never take the forgiveness and salvation for granted maintain their newness every day (2 Thessalonians 3:13).
II. Better:
A. The life that Christ offers is better.
1. We usually desire change when we become dissatisfied with the frustrations of the old way.
a. Those in the world who never find true satisfaction and direction fail to have a good life.
2. Which of these verses sounds like a better life and hope?
a. Galatians 5:19-21 “Those who practice such things will not go to Heaven”
b. Galatians 5:22-25 “The fruit of the Spirit”
B. In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better.
1. He offers us purpose (Acts 17:24-27)
2. He offers us direction toward freedom (John 8:31-32)
3. He offers us a life of honesty, integrity, and wellbeing (Romans 12:16-21).
4. He offers us the comfort of knowing God cares (Romans 8:31-39; 1 Peter 5:7).
5. He offers us a relationship with both Himself and the Father (2 John 9).
III. Different:
A. In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better if we truly commit.
1. This is usually the greatest weakness in our approach.
a. We want to have a good life; we desire to be made new; but the real challenge is the follow through.
b. The life that Christ offers is different and we must be willing to be different in order to have that life and receive its benefits.
B. Jesus Himself said that we cannot be happy when we are torn between two masters (Matthew 6:24).
1. Those who try to hold on to the world and God will loose, “you cannot serve God and mammon.”
2. We cannot grow the fruit of the Spirit while we are cultivating the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:24-25).
3. We cannot play games with God (1 John 2:15-17).
a. We are given a life that is better than what the world offers we will realize that fact when we fully commit to walking in that life.
Conclusion:
A. Out of all of God’s vast creation.
1. We stand out as the only part to whom God has offered the opportunity of forgiveness and salvation (1 Peter 1:10-12)
2. Are we going to rejoice in that fact and take the hope into our lives?
a. Or, are we going to treat that hope like just any other thing?
B. If you are a Christian you should be rejoicing in a new, better, and different life in Christ.
1. If you have not found that joy, perhaps you have never fully committed.
a. It is time to change. It is time to put away the world and its lusts, it is time to put away the sins and it is time to fully commit to God’s divine will.
C. If you are not a Christian, you are given a wonderful opportunity, right now.
1. You can have a new, better, and different, life… right now.
Why Do Bad Things Happen
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
1 Thess. 5:17
Introduction:
A. How often is your life visited with a bad day or bad news?
1. How often do we suffer in this world?
B. One specific area that I know visits every family at one time or another is sickness.
1. Yes, ailments come and sometimes they bring an end to a loved one’s life.
a. Some find themselves asking if it was God’s will that this individual would stay sick or even die.
C. Many of us whether we fully admit it or not fall prey to the mindset that says, “What have I done to deserve this?”
1. We immediately turn to God with questions as to “Why?” or “What have I done?”
D. This evening we need to look deeper into this reality to see if God has given us any indications in His word to help us understand.
1. Things we consider to be bad things especially when they happen to “love ones”
2. Let’s take the time tonight to look at ending some of the improper assumptions.
I. We Do Not Suffer Because of Some Hidden Sin.
A. It is remarkable, just how many people think that illness is punishment for wrong-doing.
1. This is what Job’s “friends” thought.
2. They witnessed what he was going through and assumed it was because of sin in his life.
a. Eliphaz (Job 4:8,9)
b. Bildad (Job 8:6)
c. Zophar (Job 11:5,6)
B. I know that this thought is still common.
1. I hope that no one here thinks this way.
a. I was told that my Dad’s great-grandmother died of cancer.
i. His grand-mother would not tell anyone that fact. She was ashamed and embarrassed, afraid her mother had committed some horrible sin that caused the cancer.
C. Job’s friends were wrong and my great-grandmother was wrong.
1. Consider what God had to say concerning Job (Job 1:22; 2:10 “in all this Job did not sin”)
a. God states that Job’s friends had not spoken right (Job 42:7-9)
D. Sometimes sinful choices cause illness (STD’s; IV drug users) it is not punishment for the sin as it is merely the results of their actions.
1. If it were punishment for sin no innocent people would have AIDS today.
a. Sin is not punished by physical disease—the wages of sin is death (separation from God) Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23
II. We Do Not Suffer Because God Lacks The Power To Help.
A. For someone to come to this conclusion they must not know God at all.
1. Some, however, do come to this conclusion.
a. We know better, don’t we?
B. God is not limited by any mortal illness.
1. God was able to extend Hezekiah’s life (Isa. 38:1-5).
2. Jesus Christ worked great wonders and healings.
a. Mark 1:38-42 Healed a leper
b. Mark 5:25-34 Healed an long-term illness
c. John 11:39-45 He raised Lazarus from the dead.
C. God created us (Acts 17:26) and His power is limitless within His will.
1. People are just looking for someone to blame.
III. We Do Not Suffer Because God Just Doesn’t Care.
A. Again, to come to this conclusion one must not know God at all.
1. We are commended to cast every care on God because in fact He does care for us” (1 Peter 5:7)
a. We must trust in and rely on God (Matthew 6:25-33; Hebrews 11:6).
B. The Bible makes us aware of the fact that Jesus was the full expression of the His Father (Col 2:9; John 14:8-9).
1. He acted in the same manner as the Father would.
a. And we know that Jesus was moved by compassion.
i. Matthew 9:36, 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; John 11:35
Conclusion:
A. Ailments are simply part of mortality.
1. We must understand, however, that we are human and the fact is that we will know illness and death.
a. Both are part of being in this mortal body.
B. Is it God’s will that any one would become sick or die?
1. In a manner of speaking, I suppose. God created us with mortal flesh; sickness and death are ways of life as we know it.
2. We need to be reminded that we are not here forever.
C. There is an even more important illness that we all need to take care of.
1. We have an immortal soul housed in this flesh that needs to be freed from the bondage of sin.
a. Invitation.
1 Thess. 5:17
Introduction:
A. How often is your life visited with a bad day or bad news?
1. How often do we suffer in this world?
B. One specific area that I know visits every family at one time or another is sickness.
1. Yes, ailments come and sometimes they bring an end to a loved one’s life.
a. Some find themselves asking if it was God’s will that this individual would stay sick or even die.
C. Many of us whether we fully admit it or not fall prey to the mindset that says, “What have I done to deserve this?”
1. We immediately turn to God with questions as to “Why?” or “What have I done?”
D. This evening we need to look deeper into this reality to see if God has given us any indications in His word to help us understand.
1. Things we consider to be bad things especially when they happen to “love ones”
2. Let’s take the time tonight to look at ending some of the improper assumptions.
I. We Do Not Suffer Because of Some Hidden Sin.
A. It is remarkable, just how many people think that illness is punishment for wrong-doing.
1. This is what Job’s “friends” thought.
2. They witnessed what he was going through and assumed it was because of sin in his life.
a. Eliphaz (Job 4:8,9)
b. Bildad (Job 8:6)
c. Zophar (Job 11:5,6)
B. I know that this thought is still common.
1. I hope that no one here thinks this way.
a. I was told that my Dad’s great-grandmother died of cancer.
i. His grand-mother would not tell anyone that fact. She was ashamed and embarrassed, afraid her mother had committed some horrible sin that caused the cancer.
C. Job’s friends were wrong and my great-grandmother was wrong.
1. Consider what God had to say concerning Job (Job 1:22; 2:10 “in all this Job did not sin”)
a. God states that Job’s friends had not spoken right (Job 42:7-9)
D. Sometimes sinful choices cause illness (STD’s; IV drug users) it is not punishment for the sin as it is merely the results of their actions.
1. If it were punishment for sin no innocent people would have AIDS today.
a. Sin is not punished by physical disease—the wages of sin is death (separation from God) Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23
II. We Do Not Suffer Because God Lacks The Power To Help.
A. For someone to come to this conclusion they must not know God at all.
1. Some, however, do come to this conclusion.
a. We know better, don’t we?
B. God is not limited by any mortal illness.
1. God was able to extend Hezekiah’s life (Isa. 38:1-5).
2. Jesus Christ worked great wonders and healings.
a. Mark 1:38-42 Healed a leper
b. Mark 5:25-34 Healed an long-term illness
c. John 11:39-45 He raised Lazarus from the dead.
C. God created us (Acts 17:26) and His power is limitless within His will.
1. People are just looking for someone to blame.
III. We Do Not Suffer Because God Just Doesn’t Care.
A. Again, to come to this conclusion one must not know God at all.
1. We are commended to cast every care on God because in fact He does care for us” (1 Peter 5:7)
a. We must trust in and rely on God (Matthew 6:25-33; Hebrews 11:6).
B. The Bible makes us aware of the fact that Jesus was the full expression of the His Father (Col 2:9; John 14:8-9).
1. He acted in the same manner as the Father would.
a. And we know that Jesus was moved by compassion.
i. Matthew 9:36, 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; John 11:35
Conclusion:
A. Ailments are simply part of mortality.
1. We must understand, however, that we are human and the fact is that we will know illness and death.
a. Both are part of being in this mortal body.
B. Is it God’s will that any one would become sick or die?
1. In a manner of speaking, I suppose. God created us with mortal flesh; sickness and death are ways of life as we know it.
2. We need to be reminded that we are not here forever.
C. There is an even more important illness that we all need to take care of.
1. We have an immortal soul housed in this flesh that needs to be freed from the bondage of sin.
a. Invitation.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Pressing Toward Our Goals
Pressing Toward Our Goals
Phil. 3:12-16
Introduction:
A. Our text talks about moving toward our goals.
a. We as people have many goals that we make through life.
B. It may be in our jobs, family, school etc.
C. What about our spiritual lives?
a. Are you making goals thinking in a spiritual mind?
b. It is a priority to make goals for our spiritual lives.
i. (II Tim. 4:7) Here Paul talks about how he has pushed toward his goals in his spiritual life to follow Christ.
D. Today let us look at three things that we goals we should push towards spiritually.
I. Home in Heaven
A. First thing we should think about is a home in Heaven.
i. Song Here I Labor and Toil.
ii. We must work as the song says and we will be rewarded for our work through Christ.
B. (Matthew 6:19-21) our treasure should be a home in heaven not earthly things.
a. If we put our goals toward heaven they can’t be destroyed compared to earthly goals.
C. (Matthew 7:13-14) The narrow way is the way we need to choose.
a. It is hard to choose this path because people seem to choose earthly things first.
b. We need to have our goals toward a home in Heaven and keep with that thought and we can achieve that goal.
D. (Matthew 19:16-22) We read here of a passage of a man who was looking for a goal of heaven.
a. However we can’t be like him and keep our earthly treasures.
b. Our goal needs to be heaven not earth!
c. This example is what we don’t do.
II. Being Baptized.
A. Obtaining that goal of Heaven we need to have another goal of being baptized.
B. Part of obtaining the goal of being Baptized is hearing the Word.
i. It is an Inspired by God (II Tim 3:16-17)
ii. (Heb. 4:12) The word that is inspired by God can separate body from spirit.
iii. We need to obtain spiritual goals so reading the Bible can help since it splits the body from spirit.
C. (Mark 16:15-16) The Bible tells us that if we hear the word and act upon we read we can be baptized.
i. It is an act upon belief.
ii. (Acts 2:38) We read of people who heard the gospel preached from the word and acted upon the belief and was baptized.
D. (Acts 8:32-40) Scripture talks about another example of a person hearing the word.
i. He needed help to understand what he was reading.
ii. Once he understood he acted upon what he heard and was baptized.
iii. This person understood his goals and wanted the home in Heaven and he obtained it by pressing toward another goal and that is Baptism.
III. Living in Christ through Life Faithfully
A. After pressing a goal of being baptized toward another goal of heaven our goal to still obtain it is continuing to live on Faithfully.
B. (II Tim 4:2) Our goal of living through Christ Faithfully means being ready and preaching the gospel of Christ.
i. Constantly doing what we can to personally evangelize.
ii. Not only pressing our goals but showing other people what goals they need to prioritize first in life.
C. (Romans 12:1) Part of pressing this goal means to being a living sacrifice.
i. (James 4:14) We don’t know how long we have so we must do everything we can to press the goal of heaven.
ii. That means to being this living sacrifice through Christ (I Cor. 11:1)
D. (Matt. 10:37-39) Pressing the goal of heaven we need to a mind of having Christ first.
i. (Lk. 9:59-62) Family, work, school, friends, funerals, etc. need to be second.
ii. We need to show everyone that our goals need to be focused first on Heaven.
Conclusion:
A. Where are your goals focused on?
a. Are you pressing the goal of heaven?
B. Do you need help of pressing toward that goal?
C. We are here to help and encourage everyone.
D. The gospel is for all
E. If you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God
F. Repenting of your sins
G. Confessing his name
H. Then you can be baptized today.
a. Or if you are a Christian and have sin on your life then you need to repent right now and get the prayers of the church right now.
I. Whatever the case may be please come while together we stand and sing.
Phil. 3:12-16
Introduction:
A. Our text talks about moving toward our goals.
a. We as people have many goals that we make through life.
B. It may be in our jobs, family, school etc.
C. What about our spiritual lives?
a. Are you making goals thinking in a spiritual mind?
b. It is a priority to make goals for our spiritual lives.
i. (II Tim. 4:7) Here Paul talks about how he has pushed toward his goals in his spiritual life to follow Christ.
D. Today let us look at three things that we goals we should push towards spiritually.
I. Home in Heaven
A. First thing we should think about is a home in Heaven.
i. Song Here I Labor and Toil.
ii. We must work as the song says and we will be rewarded for our work through Christ.
B. (Matthew 6:19-21) our treasure should be a home in heaven not earthly things.
a. If we put our goals toward heaven they can’t be destroyed compared to earthly goals.
C. (Matthew 7:13-14) The narrow way is the way we need to choose.
a. It is hard to choose this path because people seem to choose earthly things first.
b. We need to have our goals toward a home in Heaven and keep with that thought and we can achieve that goal.
D. (Matthew 19:16-22) We read here of a passage of a man who was looking for a goal of heaven.
a. However we can’t be like him and keep our earthly treasures.
b. Our goal needs to be heaven not earth!
c. This example is what we don’t do.
II. Being Baptized.
A. Obtaining that goal of Heaven we need to have another goal of being baptized.
B. Part of obtaining the goal of being Baptized is hearing the Word.
i. It is an Inspired by God (II Tim 3:16-17)
ii. (Heb. 4:12) The word that is inspired by God can separate body from spirit.
iii. We need to obtain spiritual goals so reading the Bible can help since it splits the body from spirit.
C. (Mark 16:15-16) The Bible tells us that if we hear the word and act upon we read we can be baptized.
i. It is an act upon belief.
ii. (Acts 2:38) We read of people who heard the gospel preached from the word and acted upon the belief and was baptized.
D. (Acts 8:32-40) Scripture talks about another example of a person hearing the word.
i. He needed help to understand what he was reading.
ii. Once he understood he acted upon what he heard and was baptized.
iii. This person understood his goals and wanted the home in Heaven and he obtained it by pressing toward another goal and that is Baptism.
III. Living in Christ through Life Faithfully
A. After pressing a goal of being baptized toward another goal of heaven our goal to still obtain it is continuing to live on Faithfully.
B. (II Tim 4:2) Our goal of living through Christ Faithfully means being ready and preaching the gospel of Christ.
i. Constantly doing what we can to personally evangelize.
ii. Not only pressing our goals but showing other people what goals they need to prioritize first in life.
C. (Romans 12:1) Part of pressing this goal means to being a living sacrifice.
i. (James 4:14) We don’t know how long we have so we must do everything we can to press the goal of heaven.
ii. That means to being this living sacrifice through Christ (I Cor. 11:1)
D. (Matt. 10:37-39) Pressing the goal of heaven we need to a mind of having Christ first.
i. (Lk. 9:59-62) Family, work, school, friends, funerals, etc. need to be second.
ii. We need to show everyone that our goals need to be focused first on Heaven.
Conclusion:
A. Where are your goals focused on?
a. Are you pressing the goal of heaven?
B. Do you need help of pressing toward that goal?
C. We are here to help and encourage everyone.
D. The gospel is for all
E. If you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God
F. Repenting of your sins
G. Confessing his name
H. Then you can be baptized today.
a. Or if you are a Christian and have sin on your life then you need to repent right now and get the prayers of the church right now.
I. Whatever the case may be please come while together we stand and sing.
Giving More
Giving More
Text: II Thess. 2:13-14
Introduction:
Usually when you think of a sermon on giving you think of the subject of the contribution.
Today is not one of those sermons.
I want you to think of things that we all can give more to better our spiritual lives.
(Matthew 22:37) Giving more is for the satisfying of the soul by devoting your self to Christ.
We need to look forward to the home of Heaven (Phil. 3:14).
The reason being because Christ gave his life for us (Galatians 1:3-4)
So today let’s take a closer look at three things we can give more of.
I. Giving more Prayer
A. It never hurts anybody to pray more for everyone (I Thess. 5:17)
B. Prayer comes from the heart (Matthew 6:5-9)
1. Christ gives us an example of what we should pray for (Matthew 6:9-13)
2. Prayer is the way we talk to God (Matthew 6:6)
C. However prayer should be for spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
D. Today in our world we use pray during our worship service.
a. One thing that comes to mind of our prayers is when one confesses (James 5:16).
b. (Romans 12:15) Our prayers can show different attitudes as well.
E. So giving more prayer is never a bad thing it is more of an encouragement to others throughout our lives.
II Giving more Faith
A. Giving more faith?
a. What do I mean by giving more faith?
B. (Hebrews 11:1-3) Gives us a definition of faith.
a. We do things through faith by not seeing what we believe in.
C. Where does our faith come from?
a. (Romans 10:17) We get our faith through the belief in the Word of God.
b. (John 1:1) Here we find that the Word was God. Our faith is through God.
c. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Also the word comes inspired by God.
D. Giving more Faith comes through our conduct (Romans 12:1).
E. Part of this means attitude.
a. (I Tim. 4:12) Presentation of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
III. Giving More Time
A. (I Cor. 11:1) Giving more time means we should be like Christ
a. (Matthew 16:24-27) Giving more time means risking your life through Christ from being persecuted by others.
B. (II Tim. 4:2) Giving more time to preach the word.
a. Personal evangelism from preaching the word and constantly being ready to share the gospel of Christ.
C. (I Tim. 1:18-20) Giving more time means to fight the fight for Christ.
a. (Eph. 6:11-17) We are given an armor to help fight that good fight.
D. Giving more time to preach Christ means to preach the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Mark16:15-16).
Conclusion:
A. Are you giving more time in life to follow Christ?
a. Are doing as much as we can?
B. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?
a. Repenting of your sins (Luke13:3).
b. Confessing his name, as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10)
c. Then you can be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)
d. Then continually through life following Christ.
C. If you are Christian and have sin in your life you must repent and do it right now (Acts 8:22).
a. Whatever we can do to help you get on the path of following Christ, then please come while together we stand and sing.
Text: II Thess. 2:13-14
Introduction:
Usually when you think of a sermon on giving you think of the subject of the contribution.
Today is not one of those sermons.
I want you to think of things that we all can give more to better our spiritual lives.
(Matthew 22:37) Giving more is for the satisfying of the soul by devoting your self to Christ.
We need to look forward to the home of Heaven (Phil. 3:14).
The reason being because Christ gave his life for us (Galatians 1:3-4)
So today let’s take a closer look at three things we can give more of.
I. Giving more Prayer
A. It never hurts anybody to pray more for everyone (I Thess. 5:17)
B. Prayer comes from the heart (Matthew 6:5-9)
1. Christ gives us an example of what we should pray for (Matthew 6:9-13)
2. Prayer is the way we talk to God (Matthew 6:6)
C. However prayer should be for spiritual treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
D. Today in our world we use pray during our worship service.
a. One thing that comes to mind of our prayers is when one confesses (James 5:16).
b. (Romans 12:15) Our prayers can show different attitudes as well.
E. So giving more prayer is never a bad thing it is more of an encouragement to others throughout our lives.
II Giving more Faith
A. Giving more faith?
a. What do I mean by giving more faith?
B. (Hebrews 11:1-3) Gives us a definition of faith.
a. We do things through faith by not seeing what we believe in.
C. Where does our faith come from?
a. (Romans 10:17) We get our faith through the belief in the Word of God.
b. (John 1:1) Here we find that the Word was God. Our faith is through God.
c. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Also the word comes inspired by God.
D. Giving more Faith comes through our conduct (Romans 12:1).
E. Part of this means attitude.
a. (I Tim. 4:12) Presentation of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
III. Giving More Time
A. (I Cor. 11:1) Giving more time means we should be like Christ
a. (Matthew 16:24-27) Giving more time means risking your life through Christ from being persecuted by others.
B. (II Tim. 4:2) Giving more time to preach the word.
a. Personal evangelism from preaching the word and constantly being ready to share the gospel of Christ.
C. (I Tim. 1:18-20) Giving more time means to fight the fight for Christ.
a. (Eph. 6:11-17) We are given an armor to help fight that good fight.
D. Giving more time to preach Christ means to preach the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Mark16:15-16).
Conclusion:
A. Are you giving more time in life to follow Christ?
a. Are doing as much as we can?
B. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?
a. Repenting of your sins (Luke13:3).
b. Confessing his name, as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10)
c. Then you can be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)
d. Then continually through life following Christ.
C. If you are Christian and have sin in your life you must repent and do it right now (Acts 8:22).
a. Whatever we can do to help you get on the path of following Christ, then please come while together we stand and sing.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Where are YOU in Attendance?
Where Are You In Attendance?
Psalms 122:1
Introduction:
A. Part of our work in the Lord comes through our attendance
a. The Psalmist writes about how they were glad when coming to the house of the Lord
i. We should have this same exact attitude
ii. We should be happy, glad, and even rejoicing in the fact we can come and worship God
B. It is sad and unfortunate that there are those who are willing to not come as often as one should
a. Does one not feel glad or even rejoice when it comes to gathering in the house of the Lord?
b. What are the reasons that are behind this line of thought?
i. What kind of thought or excuse can we give?
ii. What idea can we think of in trying to neglect God
1. Should we even think that we can make up excuses and neglect coming to the House of the Lord
C. Yes there are times when we are sick and even have to work at times when it will interfere or we are unable to worship God with our brethren
a. We should try and make every attempt to come and worship and give praise, glory, and honor back to God
D. That is what we do when we gather together
a. We sing songs or praise and glory to God
b. We thank God through prayer
c. We study and learn about the will of God
d. It all comes down to the attending and being part of it
E. The question is: Where are you?
F. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. When is it wrong?
A. The biggest question is when is it wrong?
a. Is it 1 time maybe 10 times or what about 100 times
b. When is it wrong to miss services?
B. What are we forsaking? (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Is it the building that we are forsaking
i. What does it really mean to forsake?
1. Neglect, abandon, or even departure
b. No it isn’t the building
i. It doesn’t say assembly
ii. It says assembling
1. It means the gathering together
C. Look at the what the church truly and really is
a. It isn’t the building that is holy
b. It is a collected group of members representing Christ that is holy(Ephesians 1:22-23)
i. He gave the members all different abilities (Ephesians 4:7-16)
D. So when is it wrong to neglect or lack of attending?
a. When the saints are gathered together
b. Notice what is said next (Hebrews 10:26)
i. It is wrong when we do such things deliberately
ii. When we neglect and abandon the church not because of work or illness
1. But when it is more out of want
c. It is considered sin when we choose or give preference to neglecting the body of Christ
II. What does it mean to choose not to attend?
A. It means and demonstrates one’s contempt for spiritual things
a. It shows ones disapproval for the spiritual things
i. When we choose or prefer not to attend, is it because of spiritual reasons or worldly reasons (Romans 8:5-9)
b. When we gather together on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings and we choose not to attend what reasons are we giving
i. Are we choosing not to attend because of preference or deliberate reasons for this neglect
1. If so it is considered sin!
B. It means choosing not to give or receive encouragement
a. It is difficult to encourage others when we see each other infrequently or even speaking to one another on the phone
i. It makes it even harder to help and give the encouragement to live a better life (Hebrews 10:23-24)
C. It means to chose and violate a direct command (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Isn’t that transgressing and going against the law of God (I John 3:4)
b. What does sin do? (Romans 6:23)
D. We allow sin to creep in at the door and let it stay and infiltrate our hearts
a. Causing more temptations of neglecting the body of Christ
i. Once it happens once then it becomes more easier to do it more often
III. What can we do?
A. Well first of all be here
a. If you can’t come because of car problems or something call one we can pick anyone up
i. We are here to try and uplift each other and show that encouragement (Hebrews 10:23-24)
b. Coming to services by choice (Psalms 122:1)
i. Being glad at the fact that we can come together
B. We also need to let others see our example (I Timothy 4:12)
a. Coming on a consistent basis at all times we meet and gather together
b. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers all see what is important and they are curious as to why we go so often
C. Let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:13-16)
a. Let others see that we prefer to serve God and attend and show love and encouragement for the work of Christ
b. Don’t hide it or show neglect let it shine!
D. Follow the scriptures (Romans 12:1-2)
a. Understanding the work that God has for us to do
b. Let’s attend and show that we want to be here rather than showing neglect
Invitation:
A. Following the commandments of God our required for us to follow for the hope and promise of eternal salvation
B. Attendance is just one of these things
C. In order to become one of the body of Christ one must be submissive and willing and wanting to start in their service to God
D. Are we ready to start today?
a. There isn’t a better time than now
b. We can help you today
c. Invitation
Psalms 122:1
Introduction:
A. Part of our work in the Lord comes through our attendance
a. The Psalmist writes about how they were glad when coming to the house of the Lord
i. We should have this same exact attitude
ii. We should be happy, glad, and even rejoicing in the fact we can come and worship God
B. It is sad and unfortunate that there are those who are willing to not come as often as one should
a. Does one not feel glad or even rejoice when it comes to gathering in the house of the Lord?
b. What are the reasons that are behind this line of thought?
i. What kind of thought or excuse can we give?
ii. What idea can we think of in trying to neglect God
1. Should we even think that we can make up excuses and neglect coming to the House of the Lord
C. Yes there are times when we are sick and even have to work at times when it will interfere or we are unable to worship God with our brethren
a. We should try and make every attempt to come and worship and give praise, glory, and honor back to God
D. That is what we do when we gather together
a. We sing songs or praise and glory to God
b. We thank God through prayer
c. We study and learn about the will of God
d. It all comes down to the attending and being part of it
E. The question is: Where are you?
F. Let’s open our Bibles and study on this matter
I. When is it wrong?
A. The biggest question is when is it wrong?
a. Is it 1 time maybe 10 times or what about 100 times
b. When is it wrong to miss services?
B. What are we forsaking? (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Is it the building that we are forsaking
i. What does it really mean to forsake?
1. Neglect, abandon, or even departure
b. No it isn’t the building
i. It doesn’t say assembly
ii. It says assembling
1. It means the gathering together
C. Look at the what the church truly and really is
a. It isn’t the building that is holy
b. It is a collected group of members representing Christ that is holy(Ephesians 1:22-23)
i. He gave the members all different abilities (Ephesians 4:7-16)
D. So when is it wrong to neglect or lack of attending?
a. When the saints are gathered together
b. Notice what is said next (Hebrews 10:26)
i. It is wrong when we do such things deliberately
ii. When we neglect and abandon the church not because of work or illness
1. But when it is more out of want
c. It is considered sin when we choose or give preference to neglecting the body of Christ
II. What does it mean to choose not to attend?
A. It means and demonstrates one’s contempt for spiritual things
a. It shows ones disapproval for the spiritual things
i. When we choose or prefer not to attend, is it because of spiritual reasons or worldly reasons (Romans 8:5-9)
b. When we gather together on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings and we choose not to attend what reasons are we giving
i. Are we choosing not to attend because of preference or deliberate reasons for this neglect
1. If so it is considered sin!
B. It means choosing not to give or receive encouragement
a. It is difficult to encourage others when we see each other infrequently or even speaking to one another on the phone
i. It makes it even harder to help and give the encouragement to live a better life (Hebrews 10:23-24)
C. It means to chose and violate a direct command (Hebrews 10:25)
a. Isn’t that transgressing and going against the law of God (I John 3:4)
b. What does sin do? (Romans 6:23)
D. We allow sin to creep in at the door and let it stay and infiltrate our hearts
a. Causing more temptations of neglecting the body of Christ
i. Once it happens once then it becomes more easier to do it more often
III. What can we do?
A. Well first of all be here
a. If you can’t come because of car problems or something call one we can pick anyone up
i. We are here to try and uplift each other and show that encouragement (Hebrews 10:23-24)
b. Coming to services by choice (Psalms 122:1)
i. Being glad at the fact that we can come together
B. We also need to let others see our example (I Timothy 4:12)
a. Coming on a consistent basis at all times we meet and gather together
b. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers all see what is important and they are curious as to why we go so often
C. Let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:13-16)
a. Let others see that we prefer to serve God and attend and show love and encouragement for the work of Christ
b. Don’t hide it or show neglect let it shine!
D. Follow the scriptures (Romans 12:1-2)
a. Understanding the work that God has for us to do
b. Let’s attend and show that we want to be here rather than showing neglect
Invitation:
A. Following the commandments of God our required for us to follow for the hope and promise of eternal salvation
B. Attendance is just one of these things
C. In order to become one of the body of Christ one must be submissive and willing and wanting to start in their service to God
D. Are we ready to start today?
a. There isn’t a better time than now
b. We can help you today
c. Invitation
Doing Some Listening
Doing Some Listening
Matthew 11:15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Introduction:
A. How significant is listening?
1. Listening is the fullness of hearing: It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen.
a. In order to listen, one must be a paying of attention.
B. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen.
1. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen.
2. The lesson I learn from all of that is my wife is like most everyone else she does not like to repeat her self after she has said it once.
a. I should give her my attention and listen.
C. Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
1. We need to open our ears, and pay attention.
2. We need to listen to some important things in this life.
D. Many opportunities for “listening” come once in a life time.
1. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, “I should have listened…”
E. Let’s consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them.
I. We Need To Listen To God:
A. Our God is a communicator.
1. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25).
a. We have His words preserved for us, even today—the Bible is the word of God.
b. According to those “words” the section known as the New Testament is our source of God’s teachings for today.
2. We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume, He will not send it again—He will not repeat Himself).
a. Jude 3 tells us, the faith was once delivered…
b. Hebrews 1:1-2 “God has spoken in these last days through His Son.
i.. The words for these last days—the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament.
i. John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26.
B. Why listen to God?
1. The will of God (His word) is about you.
a. The preparation and the possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament’s examples, instructions, warnings and promises.
i. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end.
a) You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible.
2. You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23),
a. So God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25).
i. True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31).
ii. True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26)
iii. True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
C. God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven.
a. Are you listening?
II. We Need To Listen to Our Brethren:
A. We are not looking for further instructions from our brethren.
1. We are listening for something else.
2. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction.
3. We have already spoken of God’s willingness to supply our needs.
a. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith.
i. God designed a church (Ephesians 1:4)
ii. The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18)
iii. The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
iv. The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2).
4. The church is a family:
1. Brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
a. We are to be unified (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
B. Why do we need to listen to our brethren?
1. To be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25)
a. Often, we offer suggestions of need without openly saying we need.
b. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully).
2. To come to the right conclusions.
a. We can hear and not listen completely at the same time.
b. We are to guard ourselves from “conclusion jumping” (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4).
i. Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren.
ii. Give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you did not understand them.
3. To develop our relationship one with another (Romans 12:9-15)
C. Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life.
a. Are you listening?
III. We Need To Listen To Others:
A. Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God’s revealed word.
1. Whether they are aware or not, the world will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
a. They are accountable to their Creator if they are able minded and old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong as well as the significance of those choices.
2. The world is filled with souls:
a. Souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son.
B. Why listen to others?
1. We have to listen for their cries for help.
a. The world is lost and dying in their own sins, following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9).
b. We have what they need—the hope salvation and life everlasting—the gift of God (Romans 6:23).
2. The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12).
a. We must carry His message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
b. We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16).
C. The world is in need. Those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help.
1. Are you listening?
Conclusion:
A. We have some listening to do:
1. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God.
2. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another be pleasing to God.
3. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God.
B. Are you listening?
1. To God, to your brethren, to others?
C. Perhaps you are not a Christian today.
1. I want to listen to me very carefully so that you may know today, how to become a pleasing to God by becoming a Christian.
D. Invitation
Matthew 11:15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Introduction:
A. How significant is listening?
1. Listening is the fullness of hearing: It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen.
a. In order to listen, one must be a paying of attention.
B. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen.
1. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen.
2. The lesson I learn from all of that is my wife is like most everyone else she does not like to repeat her self after she has said it once.
a. I should give her my attention and listen.
C. Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
1. We need to open our ears, and pay attention.
2. We need to listen to some important things in this life.
D. Many opportunities for “listening” come once in a life time.
1. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, “I should have listened…”
E. Let’s consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them.
I. We Need To Listen To God:
A. Our God is a communicator.
1. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25).
a. We have His words preserved for us, even today—the Bible is the word of God.
b. According to those “words” the section known as the New Testament is our source of God’s teachings for today.
2. We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume, He will not send it again—He will not repeat Himself).
a. Jude 3 tells us, the faith was once delivered…
b. Hebrews 1:1-2 “God has spoken in these last days through His Son.
i.. The words for these last days—the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament.
i. John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26.
B. Why listen to God?
1. The will of God (His word) is about you.
a. The preparation and the possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament’s examples, instructions, warnings and promises.
i. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end.
a) You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible.
2. You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23),
a. So God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25).
i. True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31).
ii. True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26)
iii. True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
C. God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven.
a. Are you listening?
II. We Need To Listen to Our Brethren:
A. We are not looking for further instructions from our brethren.
1. We are listening for something else.
2. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction.
3. We have already spoken of God’s willingness to supply our needs.
a. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith.
i. God designed a church (Ephesians 1:4)
ii. The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18)
iii. The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
iv. The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2).
4. The church is a family:
1. Brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
a. We are to be unified (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
B. Why do we need to listen to our brethren?
1. To be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25)
a. Often, we offer suggestions of need without openly saying we need.
b. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully).
2. To come to the right conclusions.
a. We can hear and not listen completely at the same time.
b. We are to guard ourselves from “conclusion jumping” (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4).
i. Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren.
ii. Give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you did not understand them.
3. To develop our relationship one with another (Romans 12:9-15)
C. Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life.
a. Are you listening?
III. We Need To Listen To Others:
A. Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God’s revealed word.
1. Whether they are aware or not, the world will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
a. They are accountable to their Creator if they are able minded and old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong as well as the significance of those choices.
2. The world is filled with souls:
a. Souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son.
B. Why listen to others?
1. We have to listen for their cries for help.
a. The world is lost and dying in their own sins, following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9).
b. We have what they need—the hope salvation and life everlasting—the gift of God (Romans 6:23).
2. The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12).
a. We must carry His message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
b. We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16).
C. The world is in need. Those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help.
1. Are you listening?
Conclusion:
A. We have some listening to do:
1. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God.
2. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another be pleasing to God.
3. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God.
B. Are you listening?
1. To God, to your brethren, to others?
C. Perhaps you are not a Christian today.
1. I want to listen to me very carefully so that you may know today, how to become a pleasing to God by becoming a Christian.
D. Invitation
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