Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Motivational Speaking Vs. Bible Teaching and Preaching
A. Paul is writing in the last part of his life to Timothy to Preach the word.
a. A lesson that still speaks to us today
B. We need to be preaching the word everyday of our lives
C. Have you noticed that within the last 10-15 years more and more people are broadcasting religious TV shows?
a. It is one that is bringing in lots of income and posted on a lot of different TV stations every week
b. Some but very few can and are doing a good work preaching and teaching according to the scriptures
c. But have you noticed these “mega churches” are going as we say “way out in left field”.
i. Doing what they may think is a great work but limiting God in the lessons they present
D. Paul gives ample warning to Timothy to be ready
a. And it is something for us to be aware of also
b. Time will come in life when one doesn’t care what they scriptures say because it isn’t itching there ears
i. It isn’t drawing their attention to God
ii. But you Timothy continue and don’t falter
c. It’s a true lesson today
E. As I look throughout the media one thing has occurred
a. They are drawing a lot of people to what they are teaching
b. This “Feel Good Religion”
i. The I’m okay your okay thought
ii. It doesn’t matter what you do the Lord will still love you
iii. Do what you want because God cares and doesn’t want you to go to the other place
iv. Say this prayer with me and we all can be saved tonight
c. All actions that are made to make one feel good on the inside when really we should be worrying about what the scriptures say
F. Society is now tending to build up one another through the feel good words that we all will have salvation
a. Jesus says in Matthew 10:34-36 that through him there will arise conflicts within the family
i. Within our own families will arise conflicts
ii. Not make us all feel good.
G. We need to be aware of this and build each one up to be stronger in faith
a. Motivational Speaking is a subject that needs to be focused on because it is a problem in the world
i. The scriptures are being eliminated and need to be brought back in
H. Let’s open our Bible’s and study on this matter
I. Ears are Itching
A. The scriptures say that people will have itching ears
a. But they will make their own teacher and turn aside to fables (II Tim 4:3-4)
i. Fables as we understand is NOT truth
ii. Man’s own opinions
iii. False knowledge
iv. False doctrine
v. Warnings made by Paul
1. And Christ (Matthew 24:11)
2. Many will falsely testify Christ but deceive many (Matthew 24:24)
B. People today have itching ears
a. It’s evident
b. When we watch the majority of these religious shows there are extreme numbers of people at each one these assemblies
c. But what is being taught?
i. Is it truth?
ii. Is it fables
1. Does it make one feel good rather than obeying to God’s will?
d. These are questions that need to asked and answered at the same time
C. Motivational speaking rides on the fact of people having itching ears
a. The thought coming from what better way to have these people start following false doctrine than to make them feel good and give false prophecies that go away from the commands of the scriptures and into one’s own opinion
b. That’s all it is an opinion.
c. Turn away from the scriptures (II Peter 2:1-3)
i. Play with people’s emotions with the I am okay attitude
1. There own desires (II Tim. 4:3)
2. I am okay just the way I am
3. It’s false Paul points it out in Ephesians 4:17-24
a. I am not okay just the way I am
b. The old man is one that leads me to death
c. The new man is one that turns and changes from the old ways
i. Turning from sin (repentance Luke 13:5)
II. Stand for Truth
A. Ears are itching
a. It’s evident people are looking fro acceptance in the religion world
b. Acknowledgement of God but not obedient
i. Turning away from the scriptures and God
B. Paul gives the warning to Timothy that this will occur
a. But also gives him positive reinforcement to stand for the truth
i. Song Stand Up for Jesus Number 397
1. As a soldier of Christ
b. Don’t let this discourage you
i. Be strong and don’t let your own desires cloud judgment on truth
C. We need to keep up the fight and finish the race and keep the faith (II Tim. 4:7)
a. Keeping the faith through the scriptures (Romans 10:17)
i. Our foundation of faith
1. Having and furthering our knowledge
2. Being the new man renewed in the Knowledge of Christ (Col 3:10)
a. Awaking to Righteousness (I Cor. 15:34)
b. Teaching rebuking encouraging doing the work of an evangelist (II Tim 4:2;5)
c. Using Scripture the Inspired work and word of God (II Tim. 3:16-17)
i. It gives TRUE:
ii. Doctrine-teaching
iii. Reproof- judging in what is right and wrong
iv. Correction-showing the error of sin in one’s life
v. Instruction-action that is needed to be made in order to follow the true doctrine
1. To have the Promise of eternal life laid up for us (Phil. 3:14)
D. All of this to stand for truth comes from the scriptures
a. Not my opinion or yours
b. Not from a creed book
c. Not given down by declaration
E. But from the scriptures
a. It’s one that can build and motivate and give us zeal as long as we use the book properly in standing for truth
b. Motivational speaking will build me up for a short amount of time
c. But truly in the end it will still leave me empty
i. Without a true promise
ii. Returning to sin and the end is worse (II Peter 2:18-22)
1. Empty words that lead to lust of the flesh which leads to sin which leads to death (James 1:14-15)
Conclusion:
A. We have looked on the topic of motivational speaking vs. Bible teaching and Preaching
a. Motivational speaking is a good tool and a very dangerous tool
b. Using it without the scriptures leads one to deception
i. It may build us up and make us feel good but that is where it ends
c. However using it with scripture properly gives us encouragement instruction doctrine correction and leads us to the promise
B. Do you want to start applying your life to building each one of us up through the scriptures today?
a. We can help you!
C. Submitting yourself entirely to the scriptures and following the commandments of God
a. A path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14)
D. HBRCBF For the promise of the Hope of Eternal Salvation
E. Invitation
Open to Truth
A. Truth is a never changing fact
a. Truth is defined as being absolute and without question
B. How confusing is it today that people can disregard the word truth
a. Today’s standards people tend to accept the thinking of your truth on the matter is okay and mine is different but is okay also and everyone is happy.
C. When there is multiple “truths” there is a need to resolve and clarify t6eh situation.
a. We need a standard or pattern (hence the Bible is our standard of truth)
D. Our Text demonstrates this fact.
a. Everyone wants to do the will of God but in their own Fashion not according to the Standard.
b. This passage demonstrates people were very religious. They thought they were right and truthful in their conduct.
c. Jesus clearly states they weren’t following the truth.
d. According to Jesus the “truth” is “doing the Heavenly Father’s will” not your own individual thing.
E. We apparently can’t decide what is acceptable and then expect God twill adjust himself to us.
a. Shouldn’t we adjust ourselves to God’s will?
b. God created us with the desire that we should worship him and be thankful to him (Acts 17:27)
c. He also revealed his will to us the TRUE TRUTH.
i. So we would follow his will not our own. (James 1:17-22)
d. It is that which was revealed that gives us absolute truth (John 17:17)
e. The path toward true salvation (John 14:6)
f. Also the standard by which we will be judged. (John 12:48)
F. The scriptures declare that truth is specific, absolute and necessary for salvation.
G. All of us should desire salvation and therefore the absolute truth.
I. We need Open Eyes To See The Need For Truth
A. One of the hardest things to do is look at our self.
a. We need to take a reality check and look at our own condition.
b. Before one will change they must see the need to change.
c. Before one will obey God to the Truth they must realize they are lost and need to be saved. So where are we???
B. Every person once the age of accountability has been reached needs salvation through the obedience of the truth. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
a. Christ quote’s Isaiah’ prophecy concerning the lack of sight. (Matt. 13:14-16)
b. His final proclamation from that was “Blessed are your eyes for they see…” (V.16)
C. When we open our own eyes to the Gospel we can realize the understanding of the Truth.
a. Truth causes reactions. (Acts 2 ;8; 22:12-16)
b. One who sees the error from understanding the truth will truly understand the need for salvation.
II. We Need Ears To Hear The Truth
A. Once we realize where work isn’t over, neither is God’s help for us.
a. God has delivered the required knowledge.
b. When we see and realize we need God, He continues by giving us right direction.
c. That is when we need to open our ears and listen to the absolute truthful direction.
d. In His message we hear about salvation.
e. We learn we must be obedient to God’s will alone (Matt. 7:21)
f. We must conform our lives to the example of His Son (I. Peter 2:21-23)
g. We learn to be faithful everyday of our lives continually. (Heb. 10:35-39)
h. All these things require us to have open ears.
B. Jesus used an excellent statement at the End of one his parables “He that has ears to hear let him hear” (Matt. 13:9)
a. In other words if we have ears so… use them.
b. We must be willing to listen and have our ears open to the truth always.
i. There will be times when it is harder.
ii. But we need to Challenge ourselves.
c. (Romans 12:1-2) instructs us to be different from the world.
i. (I John 2:15-17) Instructs to deny the world and the things of the world.
d. This isn’t easy and it is very challenging for us.
e. However if we have ears to hear and we have open ears through the knowledge of the Truth we can overcome these obstacles.
III. We Need to Open Our Mouths With The Truth
A. We need to see the change we need to make in our lives.
B. We see the need to have OPEN Ears to hear the truth and fully understand and show we were seeing the changes we need to make in our lives.
C. Ethically we are now bound to share the Truth.
D. Let’s ask ourselves when was the last time you spoke the name of Jesus outside these walls?
a. To our Family, Friends, Co-Workers, Neighbors
b. Have we explained how we heard the gospel the good news for our salvation?
c. Have we explained what we did and are doing to obey that gospel?
d. Have we told other’s it’s available to them?
e. We must realize that there are souls who need this truth.
E. Once we understand the danger of sin and the hope of salvation we can’t ignore the fact that other’s need the same knowledge.
F. Our eyes should look on sinners with great concern. (Matt. 9:36)
G. We should go the next step to strive to give others the knowledge and Understanding of the need for the Truth and bring them to repentance and salvation. (II Peter 3:9)
H. By talking to others and giving them an opportunity to share the greatest gift through the gospel (Romans 5:8)
a. That we may save another soul from condemnation
Conclusion:
A. Do you desire to hear the truth this very hour?
B. The truth is never changing in a changing world.
C. Are you looking for freedom that Christ promises?
D. Open your eyes, your ears to the truth.
a. Then open your mouth in letting others know the truth. (John 8:32)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Wanted
People:
Who are as interested in the church on Sunday and Wednesday nights as they are for Sunday morning.
Who are as liberal with their money as with their advice.
Who are willing to deny themselves in order to serve God.
Who love God more than pleasures (II Timothy 3:4)
Who are not only church members but also church workers.
Who are willing to let church work interfere with their work and pleasure.
Who can be hald as ethusiastic about a gospel meeting as about the Super Bowl or World Series.
Who are as anxious to tell others the good news of the gospel as they are to tell them the latest gossip.
Who are willing to practice in their lives what they say and believe in their hearts.
Who aspire to be leaders in the church purely for the good they can do for others and teh gerater service they can render to God.
Who can object to something without becoming objectionable, and who can disagree without becoming disagreeable.
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You can't give to others what you don't have yourself. You can't lead others where you haven't been yourself.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A time to be thankful
Thanksgiving comes and goes but our attitude should never change. When we lack with thankfulness we don't appreciate things as much and unfortunately society has taken a big hit on this. But I just want to give words of strength and comfort to everyone who reads this. God wants us to obey Him (Matthew 6:33). To seek Him and His kingdom. But it comes through obedience (Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16). Our best way of showing this thankfulness to Him is to obey Him and want tio seek Him and have the Hope of eternal salvation. It comes through Hearing His Word, Believing it, Repenting of sins, Confessing your Belief, Being Baptized, and Living Faithfully to Death. That is the best way of showing thankfulness to God. Do you want to start today?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
9/11/01
Justina was telling me she was on a field trip somewhere in Ohio. When a huge plane about the same size as those who gave their life to save others flew hundreds of feet above them. Possibly and most likely it was this plane. They didn't realize or hear of the eveents until they got back to school and was sent home. Amazing.
I am reminded of these events. Tragic, yes. A memorial for us yes. A show of heroism, yes. A nation coming together for a moment, yes.
But I want to let everyone know that this is a reminder to us. Not about Armageddon. But about life. It's unexpected. James 4:13-14. We don't know when our life is going to end. It's just a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. These people that day had no idea what was about to come of their life.
Jesus gave his life to save everyone. It seemed tragic to those who followed but it was needed to fulfill prophecy. The ultimate sacrifice for sins. John 3:16. God loved us so much he gave his Son for us. Because He Cares 1 Peter 5:7.
So for a few moments reflect on those who lost their lives on 9/11/01. But remember this also Jesus gave his life for us that we may have the hope of eternal salvation. Through obedience and it's for everyone and that our life is unexpected and could end this very hour.
Daniel
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Obedience
The truth to be obedient will never change but the world is always changing.
The first thing to have true obedience is taking a look in the mirrow and seeing who we need to overcome. Without having the realization of we need to overcome ourselves first then we can never be obedient. Those who think they can do whatever they want when they want and still not be obedient are first of all stubborn and won't change are foolish in their thoughts and will be judged each accordingly. Romans 12:1-2 clearly states in order obedience to be functioned properly we can't let the world conform us we must be a transformer (not a machine that changes into a robot HA!!!)but through obedience changing the world. I John 2:15-17 denying the world and everything in it. The earth will pass away but the word of Christ will never pass away. Matthew talks about laying treasures in heaven where nothing can destroy it.
People will do whatever is right in their own eyes (just like Israel) and will fail to realize what it really is about and that is "doing the will of MY Father in Heaven" Matthew 7:21. Like Israel if those continue to do what they think is right they will fail in according to the Lord's Standards.
Daniel N. Sanders
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Confusion
First off, Ezekiel 18:20 something that was stated back in the Old Testament the very first time talks about we each will be held accountable for ourselves. We don't bear one another's problems or our families sin. If we don't do anything wrong especially as an infant because we can't decifer the difference from right and wrong how can an infants be told they can't inherent Heaven. They can't control themselves they don't know what is right and what is wrong. But yet with traditions people tend put them first rather than what does God say. Still towards the end of the article they say that no matter what happens people still need to baptize children when they are just born. Once again TRADITIONS!
Second, Limbo. Where does it say that an infants will be in Limbo if they aren't baptized. I thought Limbo was a game where you tried to go under a pole and as low as you can. I look and see throughout the Bible and I can't find anything where it talks about "LIMBO." Matthew Chapter 25 talks alot about the coming of Christ. Towards the latter end of the chapter it says in verse 32 there is separation. Verse 34 says enter the kingdom of My Father Heaven. So first we are told we can enter heaven. Second verse 41 everlasting fire prepared for the devil hell. 2 places are mentioned yet neither one of them are called Limbo. Confusion.
A person who can receive heaven. Must Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Repent saying I have sinned, Confess openely admitting your belief in Jesus Christ, and being Baptized and living through Christ faithfully every day of your lives. An infant as far as I can remember especiallyu since I was one I could talk for a while so I couldn't do some of these things and secondly I was wanting to pay more attention tp the pretty colors rather than paying attention to at the time of listening because I still had a short attention span. Pls what sin did I commit as a child who can't decifer good from wrong yet that caused me to not have a chance of inheriting heaven.
Confusion.
