Name ______________________________________
Word Scramble Apostles and Disciples
1. AMSJE ONS FO HELAPUSA
2. MESJA ONS FO EEBZDEE
3. SUARETS
4. ENWARD
5. ASOTMH
6. PLHPII
7. ASISL
8. LUPA
9. OMISN ETH NACATNIE
10. LSOPOLA
11. TOIHTMY
12. OAWMOLBTREH
13. AMWTHTE
14. PEERT
15. SARABBNA
16. HNOJ
17. IHMSATAT
18. HUDTSAEAD
19. UDAJS
20. NAATISP
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Puzzle for enjoyment
Can you find 16 books of the Bible in the paragraph below??
I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts, and for others, it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of the 16, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you compete. Relax now, for there are really sixteen names of the books of the Bible in these sentences.
I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts, and for others, it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of the 16, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you compete. Relax now, for there are really sixteen names of the books of the Bible in these sentences.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Separation
Throughout the Bible we read and witness a Separation. Separation is not always a bad thing. In the Old Testament we read about Israel and, how Israel was separated from the rest of the world. They were special to God. In the beginning Abraham was promised that he was special because of his great faith in God (Genesis 12:2).
In the new Testament there are a few different ideas of this. Just like in the Old Testament there again will be a separate people to God. Just like Israel they are and will be special to God (I Peter 2:9). Christ has become our chief cornerstone (I Peter 2:6-8). We are to build upon Christ and His teaching (Mark 1:15). We are told that if he do believe that Jesus is the Christ we have hope (John 8:24). We are to live in the world but we are not to be of this world (John 18:36). We are to be separate, different, unique, and a light in all the darkness of this world because Christ is our light of the world (John 8:12).
In another sense it is used to describe the separation that those will have on the judgment. Jesus uses parables to give this understanding and also was preaching and warning those that this will happen.
In one of these parables Jesus mentions this separation while using the parable of the Wheat and Tares in Matthew 13:24-30. The seed was being spread and is being spread by many. It is a good seed that comes from God through His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:37). This good seed instructs us on how to live our life. It gives a true understanding of being a true light in the world while the world is loving the passing pleasures of sin.
The seed is to be continue to be spread throughout all the world (Mark 16:15). This has been available for all people to be saved (Romans 1:16-17). This is part of our responsibility through being a true example in word and conduct (I Timothy 4:12). Our example can and will go a long way in this life!
However with this seed being spread it will be spread throughout the entire world. However, man being influenced by Satan, will come in after the seed is being planted and sow some sort of discord to cause the word to be entangled and threatened to be thrown out because it is no good.
However perseverance is key. God will not separate those who receive the word and those who will not until time is over, whether it would be death or Christ coming.
In all this God will be our eternal Judge when this life is over (I Corinthians 5:10). God will judge the righteous and the unrighteous on that great last and final day. God on this day will judge and will separate the disobedient from the obedient.
Again, many in the world will reject the word of God for reasons of their own desire and passion to hear something other than the one and true gospel (II Timothy 4:2-5). That discord has been sown and contaminated the word sadly sometimes to the point where other can and will turn away from the gospel and turn to their own passions and desires.
On that day those that are found disobedient will hear the most saddest words that one can ever hear from this life. It comes from Christ and it is "I never knew you depart from you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23). That is when the terrible fate of being eternally separated from God will come. It is a sad day for many because many take that road (Matthew 7:13). It is a separation that will last forever because of sin (Romans 3:23) and because many will no and do not correct it (Romans 6:23).
However there is hope and that is to receive the word and obey it (Matthew 13:8). We need our ears to be open. We need them to be listening and taking the implanted word that can save our souls (James 1:21) and this will help us avoid this eternal separation from God.
The wheat and tares will both be reaped. The wheat will be received and ready for the harvest. However, the tares will also be collected but they will be burned and consumed by fire forever. Which one are we part of? Are we prepared or will we be separated from God eternally?
Daniel Sanders
In the new Testament there are a few different ideas of this. Just like in the Old Testament there again will be a separate people to God. Just like Israel they are and will be special to God (I Peter 2:9). Christ has become our chief cornerstone (I Peter 2:6-8). We are to build upon Christ and His teaching (Mark 1:15). We are told that if he do believe that Jesus is the Christ we have hope (John 8:24). We are to live in the world but we are not to be of this world (John 18:36). We are to be separate, different, unique, and a light in all the darkness of this world because Christ is our light of the world (John 8:12).
In another sense it is used to describe the separation that those will have on the judgment. Jesus uses parables to give this understanding and also was preaching and warning those that this will happen.
In one of these parables Jesus mentions this separation while using the parable of the Wheat and Tares in Matthew 13:24-30. The seed was being spread and is being spread by many. It is a good seed that comes from God through His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:37). This good seed instructs us on how to live our life. It gives a true understanding of being a true light in the world while the world is loving the passing pleasures of sin.
The seed is to be continue to be spread throughout all the world (Mark 16:15). This has been available for all people to be saved (Romans 1:16-17). This is part of our responsibility through being a true example in word and conduct (I Timothy 4:12). Our example can and will go a long way in this life!
However with this seed being spread it will be spread throughout the entire world. However, man being influenced by Satan, will come in after the seed is being planted and sow some sort of discord to cause the word to be entangled and threatened to be thrown out because it is no good.
However perseverance is key. God will not separate those who receive the word and those who will not until time is over, whether it would be death or Christ coming.
In all this God will be our eternal Judge when this life is over (I Corinthians 5:10). God will judge the righteous and the unrighteous on that great last and final day. God on this day will judge and will separate the disobedient from the obedient.
Again, many in the world will reject the word of God for reasons of their own desire and passion to hear something other than the one and true gospel (II Timothy 4:2-5). That discord has been sown and contaminated the word sadly sometimes to the point where other can and will turn away from the gospel and turn to their own passions and desires.
On that day those that are found disobedient will hear the most saddest words that one can ever hear from this life. It comes from Christ and it is "I never knew you depart from you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23). That is when the terrible fate of being eternally separated from God will come. It is a sad day for many because many take that road (Matthew 7:13). It is a separation that will last forever because of sin (Romans 3:23) and because many will no and do not correct it (Romans 6:23).
However there is hope and that is to receive the word and obey it (Matthew 13:8). We need our ears to be open. We need them to be listening and taking the implanted word that can save our souls (James 1:21) and this will help us avoid this eternal separation from God.
The wheat and tares will both be reaped. The wheat will be received and ready for the harvest. However, the tares will also be collected but they will be burned and consumed by fire forever. Which one are we part of? Are we prepared or will we be separated from God eternally?
Daniel Sanders
Friday, December 31, 2010
More Time For Study
It is that time of the year again to make the resolutions and seek some way to improve their life or be better this or that. I know that many will make a New Year’s resolution that one wants to read the whole Bible. This is a great goal to have and try to accomplish. However is reading enough? I can read the whole Bible and once I reach the last verse in Revelation and close the Bible I still could not know a single thing about the Bible or how to truly improve oneself according to God’s will!
Reading is important Paul instructed Timothy to give a necessary amount of attention to reading (I Timothy 4:13). However, it also said here that we must give attention to exhortation and doctrine. How do we understand doctrine and encouragement? Can reading alone do this? Alternatively, is there something else behind it all?
We need to give more time to studying. When we read and it should be our goal to better apply things to our life and to gain more knowledge. This means we should be giving more time to studying.
In II Timothy 2:15 the King James Version says to study to show thyself approved. Meaning we do have to have a working attitude to prove we are faithful workers of God. The American Standard and New King James versions by state to give diligence. This means to actively approach and be consistent in the efforts. Can reading alone do such a thing? Can reading and studying do this for us?
As individuals, we must give the much needed attention to God’s word! We are constant students of God’s word. We will always be the one that is learning. The reason is that the ways of God are higher, better, farther, and deeper than our own logic that we can come up with (Isaiah 55:8-9). The ways of God go in every way farther than what we can think. It is with this that we can see that there is a need for much time to be given towards studying.
The moment we declare that we no longer need to study is the moment that Satan will catch us at the weakest moment. Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour the weak in mind and heart of God’s will (I Peter 5:8). With all of this being said studying needs more than just a quick glance or when we come together.
We have to give attention to studying at every point of the day. We always complain about the fact that we do not have enough time in the day to accomplish everything we want. Has time changed? Have we not always had the same amount of time to do all the things that we need and want to do? We just need to be batter managers of our time that has been allotted to us by God.
Is our soul the most important thing to us? Will we give anything in exchange for the soul (Matthew 16:26)? If our soul is the most important thing then we will give the wholesome things to grow by (Hebrews 5:12-14). How can we know sin? How can discern right and wrong? How will we know the way of God? All great questions that concern our soul require us to give more time to studying!
Again, we must be better managers of our time. We should sit down and study at some point every day. One of my personal favorite things to do is when I wake up and get downstairs I pick up the Bible and begin reading Psalms 119:97-105 and then I go from there to give more attention to studying God’s word. In these verses, I reminded of the great vastness of the knowledge of God and how we should give constant attention to reading and understanding more.
This is what it means as said in verse 97 of how God’s word needs to be our constant focus. We have to study in order for it to be our meditation. We are giving the necessary attention to know more about God and His ways of life.
You may have a favorite verse that you like to read. Read however study it also! Do this with entire books of the Bible. It is one thing to read the verses, and it is another to study them. Take the time to study and give all the attention to God that God richly deserves. He has shown us all the things that we need to have eternal life. Is the soul the most valuable thing? Then take the necessary time out of everyday to study and give attention to God and God’s Word.
Daniel Sanders
Reading is important Paul instructed Timothy to give a necessary amount of attention to reading (I Timothy 4:13). However, it also said here that we must give attention to exhortation and doctrine. How do we understand doctrine and encouragement? Can reading alone do this? Alternatively, is there something else behind it all?
We need to give more time to studying. When we read and it should be our goal to better apply things to our life and to gain more knowledge. This means we should be giving more time to studying.
In II Timothy 2:15 the King James Version says to study to show thyself approved. Meaning we do have to have a working attitude to prove we are faithful workers of God. The American Standard and New King James versions by state to give diligence. This means to actively approach and be consistent in the efforts. Can reading alone do such a thing? Can reading and studying do this for us?
As individuals, we must give the much needed attention to God’s word! We are constant students of God’s word. We will always be the one that is learning. The reason is that the ways of God are higher, better, farther, and deeper than our own logic that we can come up with (Isaiah 55:8-9). The ways of God go in every way farther than what we can think. It is with this that we can see that there is a need for much time to be given towards studying.
The moment we declare that we no longer need to study is the moment that Satan will catch us at the weakest moment. Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour the weak in mind and heart of God’s will (I Peter 5:8). With all of this being said studying needs more than just a quick glance or when we come together.
We have to give attention to studying at every point of the day. We always complain about the fact that we do not have enough time in the day to accomplish everything we want. Has time changed? Have we not always had the same amount of time to do all the things that we need and want to do? We just need to be batter managers of our time that has been allotted to us by God.
Is our soul the most important thing to us? Will we give anything in exchange for the soul (Matthew 16:26)? If our soul is the most important thing then we will give the wholesome things to grow by (Hebrews 5:12-14). How can we know sin? How can discern right and wrong? How will we know the way of God? All great questions that concern our soul require us to give more time to studying!
Again, we must be better managers of our time. We should sit down and study at some point every day. One of my personal favorite things to do is when I wake up and get downstairs I pick up the Bible and begin reading Psalms 119:97-105 and then I go from there to give more attention to studying God’s word. In these verses, I reminded of the great vastness of the knowledge of God and how we should give constant attention to reading and understanding more.
This is what it means as said in verse 97 of how God’s word needs to be our constant focus. We have to study in order for it to be our meditation. We are giving the necessary attention to know more about God and His ways of life.
You may have a favorite verse that you like to read. Read however study it also! Do this with entire books of the Bible. It is one thing to read the verses, and it is another to study them. Take the time to study and give all the attention to God that God richly deserves. He has shown us all the things that we need to have eternal life. Is the soul the most valuable thing? Then take the necessary time out of everyday to study and give attention to God and God’s Word.
Daniel Sanders
Apostle "One Sent Forth"
Throughout the New Testament, we read of the apostles. We see their works, who they were, and what their role. Some have the misconception there are apostles here today. Is this true? There are many things to consider about an apostle and we want to examine those for a few moments.
Sent By Christ
The Disciples of Christ were followers. They followed during His time here. They witnessed the message Christ preached about his kingdom being at hand (Mark 1:15). The need for a change in life and it was found through Christ.
However, there was an even closer group of individuals that followed Christ. Christ named each as His closer follower (Mark 3:13-19). These were ones that Christ would have continue to deliver the message throughout the world (Mark 16:15-16).
Paul as we know also was one that encountered by Christ (Acts 9:1-19). He was sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Christ had work for Paul to do. The rest of apostles were of the Jewish background. Thus, it would be very difficult during this time for them to help many of the Gentiles. This was the advantage Paul especially. He could relate to the Gentiles. This is how he was useful to Christ (Acts 9:15-16). Apostles were ones that were sent by Christ (John 20:21) Paul included (I Corinthians 9:1).
Can a Disciple be an Apostle?
A disciple is a follower of one. As a Christians we are followers of Christ (I Peter 2:18-25). Christ left us a perfect example to follow. However, can a disciple be an apostle? The answer is yes! The apostles were followers of Christ. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all apostles were first called to be disciples. The rest were under this same understanding. They were all disciples before we know them as apostles. Why would Christ pick apostles if they were not disciples?
Now let us look at the reversal of this question: Is a disciple an apostle? No. Not all disciples were and are apostles. However, those that were mentioned being close to Christ and handpicked by Christ were apostles but first disciples. Apostles were able to do some things that disciples could not do. They were able to perform miracles for instance. This was to be done for proof that the apostles were close to Christ. They were specifically chosen by Christ and had this great power to do deliver the message (Luke 24:46-49) again Paul included in this.
We are Disciples of Christ we have taken on the name of Christ by becoming a Christian (I Peter 2:9). We are special individuals chosen of God. However, we cannot perform miracles, can we? Have we personally come in contact the way the apostles have? Many claim they have, however, as we can see shortly after one makes this proclamation the ability to perform signs, wonders, and miracles are not there. We cannot be apostles however; we can and will be disciples through our obedience to God.
The Work of an Apostle
Jesus gives the Great Commission to the apostles to “go and preach the gospel” to “everyone” baptizing them in “the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” beginning in “Jerusalem” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49).
However, they also had more understanding of things. Jesus gave them the “keys” to open the doors of the kingdom that Christ built upon. He speaks to Peter while establishing this and giving Peter and the apostles theses keys (Matthew 1618-19). These keys were speaking of the gospel that the apostles were commissioned to preach. We can see this carried out on the day of Pentecost where those who believed and were baptized continued in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42). This was done not by their own authority but by Christ!
We can see that the apostles can also be known as ambassadors or messengers. They were delivering the message of Christ to everyone: those who knew who Christ was and those who did not know who Christ was. This is the great power of the gospel that was delivered for all men everywhere (Romans 1:16).
There is a difference today between the work of a preacher and an apostle. The apostle delivered the message hence the word messenger. As an evangelist or a preacher, we already have the message. The word has been preserved down to this day for us however; the apostles first delivered it. We today are more of a preserver of the word.
Hence this is what Jesus says in his sermon on the mount that we are salt (Matthew 5:13). Not only is salt used to make things taste better but it is also used a preserving agent. We are to preserve the message. This is why we are also warned to not add or take away from (Revelation 22:18-19). It is not our duty to bring a new message. The new message has already been delivered and accomplished by the apostles.
Jesus called his disciples and named all of them. They were different from a disciple however; they were still followers of Christ. They had a more significant work to be done and commissioned by Christ than a disciple. They were given special powers to be able to give proof they were of God to establish the new message. Let us be mindful and thankful of the dedication they showed to Christ to continue to spread the gospel.
Daniel Sanders
Sent By Christ
The Disciples of Christ were followers. They followed during His time here. They witnessed the message Christ preached about his kingdom being at hand (Mark 1:15). The need for a change in life and it was found through Christ.
However, there was an even closer group of individuals that followed Christ. Christ named each as His closer follower (Mark 3:13-19). These were ones that Christ would have continue to deliver the message throughout the world (Mark 16:15-16).
Paul as we know also was one that encountered by Christ (Acts 9:1-19). He was sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Christ had work for Paul to do. The rest of apostles were of the Jewish background. Thus, it would be very difficult during this time for them to help many of the Gentiles. This was the advantage Paul especially. He could relate to the Gentiles. This is how he was useful to Christ (Acts 9:15-16). Apostles were ones that were sent by Christ (John 20:21) Paul included (I Corinthians 9:1).
Can a Disciple be an Apostle?
A disciple is a follower of one. As a Christians we are followers of Christ (I Peter 2:18-25). Christ left us a perfect example to follow. However, can a disciple be an apostle? The answer is yes! The apostles were followers of Christ. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all apostles were first called to be disciples. The rest were under this same understanding. They were all disciples before we know them as apostles. Why would Christ pick apostles if they were not disciples?
Now let us look at the reversal of this question: Is a disciple an apostle? No. Not all disciples were and are apostles. However, those that were mentioned being close to Christ and handpicked by Christ were apostles but first disciples. Apostles were able to do some things that disciples could not do. They were able to perform miracles for instance. This was to be done for proof that the apostles were close to Christ. They were specifically chosen by Christ and had this great power to do deliver the message (Luke 24:46-49) again Paul included in this.
We are Disciples of Christ we have taken on the name of Christ by becoming a Christian (I Peter 2:9). We are special individuals chosen of God. However, we cannot perform miracles, can we? Have we personally come in contact the way the apostles have? Many claim they have, however, as we can see shortly after one makes this proclamation the ability to perform signs, wonders, and miracles are not there. We cannot be apostles however; we can and will be disciples through our obedience to God.
The Work of an Apostle
Jesus gives the Great Commission to the apostles to “go and preach the gospel” to “everyone” baptizing them in “the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” beginning in “Jerusalem” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49).
However, they also had more understanding of things. Jesus gave them the “keys” to open the doors of the kingdom that Christ built upon. He speaks to Peter while establishing this and giving Peter and the apostles theses keys (Matthew 1618-19). These keys were speaking of the gospel that the apostles were commissioned to preach. We can see this carried out on the day of Pentecost where those who believed and were baptized continued in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42). This was done not by their own authority but by Christ!
We can see that the apostles can also be known as ambassadors or messengers. They were delivering the message of Christ to everyone: those who knew who Christ was and those who did not know who Christ was. This is the great power of the gospel that was delivered for all men everywhere (Romans 1:16).
There is a difference today between the work of a preacher and an apostle. The apostle delivered the message hence the word messenger. As an evangelist or a preacher, we already have the message. The word has been preserved down to this day for us however; the apostles first delivered it. We today are more of a preserver of the word.
Hence this is what Jesus says in his sermon on the mount that we are salt (Matthew 5:13). Not only is salt used to make things taste better but it is also used a preserving agent. We are to preserve the message. This is why we are also warned to not add or take away from (Revelation 22:18-19). It is not our duty to bring a new message. The new message has already been delivered and accomplished by the apostles.
Jesus called his disciples and named all of them. They were different from a disciple however; they were still followers of Christ. They had a more significant work to be done and commissioned by Christ than a disciple. They were given special powers to be able to give proof they were of God to establish the new message. Let us be mindful and thankful of the dedication they showed to Christ to continue to spread the gospel.
Daniel Sanders
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Until I come Give Attention
As a young man, Timothy needed guidance and instruction. This was a work that Paul gave two letters to Timothy that we have record. He as we might say took Timothy under his wing. In his first letter, he gives Timothy some pointers and instructions on what he really needs to focus upon.
When we look at these simple instructions for us today, we need to take the same notes. We need knowledge. Growing up I have had two different trades in life. I took Heating and Air Conditioning in high school and Business in college. When I began these courses did I know how to do everything? Of course not! It was important for me to give attention to reading and studying for me to know these things. The more I knew the better grasp I had on such trades.
The Bible is no different on this matter! How many of us know the Bible inside out? Paul could not stress the importance of reading and giving attention to doctrine. Not one of us knows the Bible entirely. We need to constantly give attention to reading and doctrine on a consistent basis. Meditate on the word of God. The young and the old both need to give attention. There is no required age group to start or end of giving attention to our Bibles. It is all of our responsibility to give the attention that is needed.
Let the words of God be our guide through life (Psalms 119:97-105). The Word of God is wiser than what any man has. It is a lamp and constant guide in life. The words that God gives to us are the sweetest words that can touch our lives. It gives instructions on how we can reach heaven. Is that everyone’s eternal goal in life is to have an everlasting home with God? If we answer yes then it is of the utmost importance to follow God and give our attention to the things that God has explained through His Word (The Bible).
Our Bible needs to be open. We need to be like those of Berea (Acts 17:11). We need to open our Bibles and find the answers. As individuals, we should never rely on someone else. The answers are for us to find. It is okay to have that extra push or guidance to help in the situations. However, we need to open our Bibles to know God’s truth on the matter. Seek the answers for ourselves in all matters. God’s word is complete and needs to be our focus (II Timothy 3:16-17). Wherever we may be, we need our Bibles open to shed truth on the matter.
This was the instruction and stressing factor Paul was trying to give to Timothy. Give your constant attention to God’s Word. We cannot stress how important it is to give attention to doctrine and teaching. In fact, Jesus has said that His way is the only way that leads to life (John 14:1-6). It is imperative to know the way that leads to eternal life. Our soul is on the line and the question we need to ask is “Do we care where our eternal home is?”
If we answer yes to this question then we will do whatever it takes to obey God and his way of life. The answers are clear and evident for us to follow. They are neither impossible nor burdensome (I John 5:3). We can follow God but we need to have an open Bible and an open understanding and willingness to follow.
It needs to be stressed of how important it is to have a willing attitude to give attention to God. If we are not willing to open our Bible and give attention to God through His inspired word, then how will we know God? How will we know the way of life that Christ ahs laid out for us? What is the purpose in life then? If we neglect and decide not to be willing in giving attention, we will be like those tossed in the wind (Eph. 4:14). We will go with whatever we want.
This is a problem that we face today. The problem is that we, instead of opening our Bible like we should and what it is intended for use it as a prop or an heirloom. We neglect and let our Bible continually collect dust and thus, we do not know the way of life. We do not have our Bible open and not giving attention to the teaching and reading that is required of us.
Our duty in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How will we know God and His commandments if we do not study and give attention to His doctrine through reading? The importance of reading and studying are not stressed enough. The more we know the better off we will be. We will be better servants of God. We will be better lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We will be better prepared for eternal life. Are we giving attention?
In doing so those that are willing to hear you will also know the way of life (I Timothy 4:16)!
Daniel Sanders
When we look at these simple instructions for us today, we need to take the same notes. We need knowledge. Growing up I have had two different trades in life. I took Heating and Air Conditioning in high school and Business in college. When I began these courses did I know how to do everything? Of course not! It was important for me to give attention to reading and studying for me to know these things. The more I knew the better grasp I had on such trades.
The Bible is no different on this matter! How many of us know the Bible inside out? Paul could not stress the importance of reading and giving attention to doctrine. Not one of us knows the Bible entirely. We need to constantly give attention to reading and doctrine on a consistent basis. Meditate on the word of God. The young and the old both need to give attention. There is no required age group to start or end of giving attention to our Bibles. It is all of our responsibility to give the attention that is needed.
Let the words of God be our guide through life (Psalms 119:97-105). The Word of God is wiser than what any man has. It is a lamp and constant guide in life. The words that God gives to us are the sweetest words that can touch our lives. It gives instructions on how we can reach heaven. Is that everyone’s eternal goal in life is to have an everlasting home with God? If we answer yes then it is of the utmost importance to follow God and give our attention to the things that God has explained through His Word (The Bible).
Our Bible needs to be open. We need to be like those of Berea (Acts 17:11). We need to open our Bibles and find the answers. As individuals, we should never rely on someone else. The answers are for us to find. It is okay to have that extra push or guidance to help in the situations. However, we need to open our Bibles to know God’s truth on the matter. Seek the answers for ourselves in all matters. God’s word is complete and needs to be our focus (II Timothy 3:16-17). Wherever we may be, we need our Bibles open to shed truth on the matter.
This was the instruction and stressing factor Paul was trying to give to Timothy. Give your constant attention to God’s Word. We cannot stress how important it is to give attention to doctrine and teaching. In fact, Jesus has said that His way is the only way that leads to life (John 14:1-6). It is imperative to know the way that leads to eternal life. Our soul is on the line and the question we need to ask is “Do we care where our eternal home is?”
If we answer yes to this question then we will do whatever it takes to obey God and his way of life. The answers are clear and evident for us to follow. They are neither impossible nor burdensome (I John 5:3). We can follow God but we need to have an open Bible and an open understanding and willingness to follow.
It needs to be stressed of how important it is to have a willing attitude to give attention to God. If we are not willing to open our Bible and give attention to God through His inspired word, then how will we know God? How will we know the way of life that Christ ahs laid out for us? What is the purpose in life then? If we neglect and decide not to be willing in giving attention, we will be like those tossed in the wind (Eph. 4:14). We will go with whatever we want.
This is a problem that we face today. The problem is that we, instead of opening our Bible like we should and what it is intended for use it as a prop or an heirloom. We neglect and let our Bible continually collect dust and thus, we do not know the way of life. We do not have our Bible open and not giving attention to the teaching and reading that is required of us.
Our duty in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How will we know God and His commandments if we do not study and give attention to His doctrine through reading? The importance of reading and studying are not stressed enough. The more we know the better off we will be. We will be better servants of God. We will be better lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We will be better prepared for eternal life. Are we giving attention?
In doing so those that are willing to hear you will also know the way of life (I Timothy 4:16)!
Daniel Sanders
I Need to Be here
It has been said on countless occasions that there is a need to being here when it comes to our worship. I have heard many a sermons that have talked about attendance. I have read many articles about attendance. I have heard about debate over the need for attendance. As much as we talk about attendance, we can still see a problem. That is, people are still not coming! It has been stressed to the point that there is a need for members to be here. Then again, still people do not come as often as they should.
We all make commitments. We make commitments in our marriage to make it last through thick and thin. We make a commitment to our job. An employer will not tolerate a person not coming in for work when they are supposed to. We also have commitments to God in fulfilling our worship service and also in living a righteous life. Even just, members coming to service it seems that we have to almost pull many kicking and screaming at times. It seems like the case is becoming more and more consistent in the view of the church today. It has been an ongoing battle but it seems now the battle has become extremely great in all local churches.
I have heard many people call or email me since I have been preaching. Really, I have heard it since my childhood since my dad was the preacher. There were times where I would take the call and here what is going on. They are sick, working, tired, etc. One thing that greatly concerns me over time is that many will say that they are sick and then they are out shopping the same day or the next day they are at work and at full strength. Many have said these several things. Some are true and sadly, some are not. Many times though sadly many just do not care and again they push God off to the side. It is sad but true and we have to be watchful of such things.
As we search throughout the Bible about this subject, there are verses that point the need for attendance. One that I know comes to mind for many is in Hebrews 10:24-25. The secondary part of this verse is talking about the attendance part. However, the purpose behind it is to stir up good works in one another. In wanting others to come to worship with us, we do it to give an understanding that this is what God expects. We are here to worship God. We seem to mix up our priorities in this life and God gets pushed aside primarily.
This is where our mistake lies! It shows that the care for God is not as important as it should be. When we neglect our duties and responsibilities, we endanger ourselves with our souls being in jeopardy.
Where has the gladness went when it comes to our worship to God (Psalms 122:1)? It seems more and more that assembling and worshipping is a chore. People just do not want to go but then come up with an excuse and believe in the lie many times. When one is not coming to worship because of just pure neglect I respect it (even though it still is not right) when one says that they just do not feel like coming. At least they are telling the truth. We can work from there to try to build up and exhort one another.
When we look at this subject we need to ask “Am I doing everything I possibly can to glorify God?” “Am I fulfilling my responsibility to the lord without having a grudgingly type attitude?” “Do I desire to obey God and His will?” “Do I desire a home in heaven?” “Do I see and understand that I have responsibilities and I must put my best foot forward to keeping hold of it?” These are questions we must remind ourselves constantly about. We can know more about God in understanding our responsibility in this life!
We all have responsibilities in this life. They may not seem great at times but our attendance is needed to fulfill part of it. We must ask ourselves “How can I be encouraged?” Or, “How can I encourage others?” We need to ask ourselves that and see that if we are not here it is almost impossible to do! We must take advantage of this great opportunity of worshipping and assembling together to worship God with our fellow brethren. It makes us stronger when we do such things (Ephesians 4:16).
Are we doing our best always and being here as often as we can fulfilling part of our responsibilities to God?
Daniel Sanders
We all make commitments. We make commitments in our marriage to make it last through thick and thin. We make a commitment to our job. An employer will not tolerate a person not coming in for work when they are supposed to. We also have commitments to God in fulfilling our worship service and also in living a righteous life. Even just, members coming to service it seems that we have to almost pull many kicking and screaming at times. It seems like the case is becoming more and more consistent in the view of the church today. It has been an ongoing battle but it seems now the battle has become extremely great in all local churches.
I have heard many people call or email me since I have been preaching. Really, I have heard it since my childhood since my dad was the preacher. There were times where I would take the call and here what is going on. They are sick, working, tired, etc. One thing that greatly concerns me over time is that many will say that they are sick and then they are out shopping the same day or the next day they are at work and at full strength. Many have said these several things. Some are true and sadly, some are not. Many times though sadly many just do not care and again they push God off to the side. It is sad but true and we have to be watchful of such things.
As we search throughout the Bible about this subject, there are verses that point the need for attendance. One that I know comes to mind for many is in Hebrews 10:24-25. The secondary part of this verse is talking about the attendance part. However, the purpose behind it is to stir up good works in one another. In wanting others to come to worship with us, we do it to give an understanding that this is what God expects. We are here to worship God. We seem to mix up our priorities in this life and God gets pushed aside primarily.
This is where our mistake lies! It shows that the care for God is not as important as it should be. When we neglect our duties and responsibilities, we endanger ourselves with our souls being in jeopardy.
Where has the gladness went when it comes to our worship to God (Psalms 122:1)? It seems more and more that assembling and worshipping is a chore. People just do not want to go but then come up with an excuse and believe in the lie many times. When one is not coming to worship because of just pure neglect I respect it (even though it still is not right) when one says that they just do not feel like coming. At least they are telling the truth. We can work from there to try to build up and exhort one another.
When we look at this subject we need to ask “Am I doing everything I possibly can to glorify God?” “Am I fulfilling my responsibility to the lord without having a grudgingly type attitude?” “Do I desire to obey God and His will?” “Do I desire a home in heaven?” “Do I see and understand that I have responsibilities and I must put my best foot forward to keeping hold of it?” These are questions we must remind ourselves constantly about. We can know more about God in understanding our responsibility in this life!
We all have responsibilities in this life. They may not seem great at times but our attendance is needed to fulfill part of it. We must ask ourselves “How can I be encouraged?” Or, “How can I encourage others?” We need to ask ourselves that and see that if we are not here it is almost impossible to do! We must take advantage of this great opportunity of worshipping and assembling together to worship God with our fellow brethren. It makes us stronger when we do such things (Ephesians 4:16).
Are we doing our best always and being here as often as we can fulfilling part of our responsibilities to God?
Daniel Sanders
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