Chardon church of Christ

Some Can Not be Saved

Some Can Not be Saved
John 3:16

Good evening to everyone. It's a pleasure to be here. Mark said don't worry if he passes out. I've never had that problem with anybody when I've been preaching, but I have had a problem with people going to sleep sometimes. That's the one I have to watch out for.

It is a privilege to be here. It is great to see Ralph and his family and to be with Dale and have some of us guys that were in class together for two years at the Memphis School of Preaching. That was certainly some great days. We look back on them with fondness and it's hard to believe it's been that long since we were in school.

Time goes by in a hurry. I've enjoyed time this week. I got to go to Lake Erie yesterday and to go to see the Graveside of James Garfield today and John D. Rockefeller and Elliot Nest and the man that invented the phrase rock and roll. I never knew that.

We learned that today that tomorrow we get to go to the NFL Hall of Fame. My daughter said, I didn't know there was that much up there to do. I didn't either, but am finding out there's a lot to do here. It's good to be here and study God's word. There's nothing better that we could be doing, is there?

That's the greatest thing that we need to know is what is the will of God. How does God want us to live? The Bible tells us. Let's look at the topic first. It may sound strange to you, but our topic tonight is Some Cannot be Saved. That seems contrary to what we've already been studying because we're here to teach the Gospel and we've offered if anybody wants to study the word of God we would be glad to do that at any point.

Let's look at some things first. Let's notice in John 3:16 and a verse that we've used a couple of times already in this meeting and a passage that everybody knows well. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. What? Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

That seems to defeat the case that I just said, doesn't it? Jesus Christ came, that man may have life and live forever with God when he comes back. Let's notice some other passages.

First Timothy 2:4. The Apostle Paul is writing to a young evangelist. Notice what he says in reference to God who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. God wants people to know truth. Notice how very important truth is.

He wants men to come to the knowledge of the truth, not just any thought, but what is truth? It still sounds like I'm building the case that people can be saved and we're going to go through some things tonight. We'll eventually come to a conclusion before this is over.

Second Peter 3:9. I remember in school, by the way, in Brother Liddell's class, having this chapter given to me to present a sermon on in class. We had to be timed. You had to have a time. If it was ten minutes or 15 minutes, whatever it was, you were not to go over. If it was 15 minutes, don't stop at ten minutes, don't go to 20 minutes.

We were taught those things. Notice what is said in Second Peter three, verse nine. The Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as some men count slackness. God keeps his promises. We know that.

We know that God does what He says that He will. Notice what he goes on to say, but is long suffering to usward not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Why hasn’t the world come to an end already? Sometimes people get into a conversation. You see what's going on here and there in our country and around the world.

Why does God keep putting up with it? That verse answers that right there. Because God is long suffering. He doesn't want anyone to perish. There are people out there that when the Gospel is presented to them, they will still obey the Gospel.

We have some brethren out there, and this is at every congregation. It doesn't matter where you're at. We have brethren that have fallen away. God knows that some can be brought back, maybe not all, but some can. God is long suffering.

He doesn't want any to perish, so he bears with us. When you stop and think about it, God bears with us for a lot of things, doesn't He? We as his children sometimes don't always do what God wants us to do, but he's long suffering. Notice another passage, Hebrew 7:25. The Hebrews writer said wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, Jesus, He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

All these passages look like this is leading to salvation. That's true. Jesus makes intercession for us. Aren't we glad that we have that? I'm glad that I have somebody pleading my case.

We have the greatest attorney that we could ever have in Jesus Christ. I know you probably have them here, too. We have those back home. We call them ambulance chasers. When these attorneys get on TV and say call them if you're in some kind of automobile accident.

That's not really the kind of attorney I want to represent me. I want somebody that is upright. We have the one that is the most upright in Jesus Christ. He pleads our case. What does that mean? We're in good hands, right? Let's go back to what I started with. There are some that cannot be saved. Let's notice some of those situations tonight. With this being said, maybe we as God's children can help them to get over the hump with these things.

We want to always keep that in mind as we go through this. That's always important, because if you look back in our lives, before we were Christians, what were we? I know this is pretty simplistic, but before we were Christians, we were lost? Right? We were living in sin.

God, through his Son, through the blood that he shed on the cross, made it possible for our salvation. We didn't stay in the same condition that we were. There are other people that can do the same thing. Notice first some people that cannot be saved. There are those who do not desire salvation. Yes, there are some that simply don't want to have anything to do with God. That would certainly include the atheists, the evolutionists, but much more than that. There are some people that know and believe in God. That's not really the problem. I'm not going to obey Him. I'm going to do what I want to do. They can't be saved because they don't desire salvation. They had rather be on the weekends or in the evenings when they get home drinking and doing whatever they do. They had rather do that than serve God. They don't desire the salvation that is made possible by God.

Notice in Romans 1:28, and there's some other reading there we could do, but we won't cover that in this particular sermon. Romans 1:28 says, even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, didn't even want to think about Him. That's getting pretty bad, isn't it? God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. The King James says not convenient, not right, and not proper. Go do those things, but when you read the entire context there in Romans one, you're not going to enter the kingdom of God living like this.

There's some that just simply don't have the desire to serve God. One thing that we do and have done since I've been at Chalmette is knocked on doors. It has to be in the thousands. Ralph and Dale and myself, when we were in school, we learned in campaigns about knocking on doors. I don't know if I ever told you two guys about being there.

I don't know who went to Godfrey, Illinois, and somewhere in Indiana. I got with Patrick Morrison. I know you remember he was a year behind us. We were out knocking on doors, and we went to one apartment. We knocked on this one. Patrick and I would take time about, and it happened to be Patrick's time, and this one worked out well for me. He knocked on this door. I'm Patrick Morrison. This is Mark Lance. A woman said, I don't care who you are, and she slammed the door. She didn't want to hear about God. So we proceed. You don't stop because somebody slams a door in your face. You can't do that.

Think about what Jesus went through. Are we going to stop because somebody slams a door in our face? Of course not, but it's not over just yet. We went on to the other apartments up above. We come back. She had put the dog outside on a chain. She certainly didn't want to hear about the Gospel. Some people don't want to be saved. They're not interested in what God has to offer. That's a shame, isn't it? They just don't want anything to do with it.

Think of the great price that has been paid so that we can be saved. Remember what we've already read. God wants everybody to be saved. That's his goal. That's the reason that Jesus died, that all men could be saved. It doesn't mean they're all going to be saved.

Number two, some cannot be saved because they reject the Bible. We have the word of God, and we mentioned that last night. If we read the Bible tonight, come back next year. Next year it's going to read the same. It doesn't change. It doesn't need to be updated. It still tells man how to be saved, how to live, how to treat other people. Yet some are not satisfied with this. They want to come up with something else and teach for themselves what will benefit them, what they like. We could go into other subjects that I'm not going to go into tonight, but we don't have the time for that. They change, even the worship. Why do they do it? It pleases them. I like it. That's not the way that we look at it when we worship God. It's not what pleases me.

When we come together to worship, as God has commanded us, we should enjoy that, so don't misunderstand, but there are some that are not satisfied with what God said and they want to go beyond that and worship in a manner that is not pleasing to God. They reject the Bible and set their own standard. Notice in John 17:17 what Jesus said sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth. Thy word his word. The apostles that he sent out were guided by the Holy Spirit, thy Word is truth.

Where does that leave the other words of men? Another testament? It's not the word of God is it? God has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness. What else do we need? We've already got it. We have all that we need.

Notice also John 8:31-32. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him. If you continue in My word—conditional now they believed on Him. Here's a condition if you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Who's the audience? It always matters who's speaking, who's being spoken to. Jesus speaking, speaking to people that believe. He says if you continue in His word, not the words of some other men.

There were people in the days of Jesus and the apostles that were teaching things that were not true. Jesus had to deal with that. There were false apostles claiming to be from God. Jesus said if you abide in My truth, you can be saved. He also said something else—you can know the truth.

Do you realize some people think that you can't really understand what the Bible says, you just can't know it. God didn't give us this word right here and give us a word that we can't comprehend. That wouldn't be a loving God, would it? He gave us a word that we can understand. Even me, I can understand the plan of salvation, how hard it is.

Is it to understand? He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. How many years do you have to go to school to understand that one? That's pretty simple, isn't it? That's not a complicated plan.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Then again, in John 14:6, Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one cometh unto the Father but by Me. Well, there are some that have said, some are very popular people too in our society, “Jesus can't be the only way.”

That would make Jesus a liar then, wouldn't it? Because he says you can't come to the Father except by Him. There's somebody teaching that Jesus is not the only way. There's another way that you can be saved.

They both can't be right, can they? Because they're teaching different doctrines, different things. Abide in the truth, the word of God. We read also back in the book of Hebrews again chapter four, verse twelve, where he says for the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow and as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God knows even our thoughts.

This Word, it pierces even to the heart. This Word does all that it needs to do. We don't need anything else. Some are not content with that, are they? They want more than that. You can't be saved that way. Jesus said I am the way.

Number three, those who trust in their own goodness. Some of you are going to think of some situations like this. That sweet lady, she seems so nice and she does good things. She even takes baked goods to people. That's wonderful, isn't it? That is great that she does that. Here's the problem with people like that. Think about this. If we could be saved by our own goodness, if I could be good enough to be saved, Jesus would not have to have come here and died on the cross. I cannot be saved by what I do.

I can't earn my salvation. That is that very thing. That is when somebody says, what did I do that was wrong? There's something sometimes that we misunderstand about being Christians. Sometimes people think of the list. Here's what the Bible says don't do. There it is. There's certainly some things the Bible says don't do. No doubt about that. You know that God's going to say some things of that nature.

There's another part of that that's just as important. There's things that God tells us to do, to be out doing and helping, helping others. When we are Christians, members of the body of Christ, and we help, it brings glory to God.

Hurricane Ida, we get the hurricanes where I live. I guess you guys get the snow and the tornadoes and different things. During Hurricane Ida we were able to set up and power was out, but we still had enough people that showed up and cooks came. We fed over 17,000 people with hot meals doing that. That brings glory to God. Who did that?

Who helped people? We had a whole semi that came down from Nashville of boxed goods and we gave those out. We had a group from Mississippi that came over, young people that have stronger backs than I do, and they unloaded that truck in a heartbeat. It helped a lot of people. That also happened to be the week that I caught COVID. That was a difficult week. No electricity and we've got a hurricane and now I've got COVID. Anyway, we could help people by the things that were there. There's something also that's interesting. There was a man that showed up just by his own desire to do it and wanted to help. How many times do you see that? Not a lot. Do you? It's usually you're trying to find somebody who will help.

This guy showed up and he helped. The next day he was there again. Next day he said, I'd like to talk to you. I said sure. We went in the office and sat down and he asked the question that any preacher wants to hear. What do I need to do to be saved? We covered that.

Sometimes you go through lengthier studies. You can do things different ways. When people ask you that direct question, you might start in a different place. We went through that study. He did not obey the gospel that day and we studied more. A few months later he became a Christian.

On the third Sunday nights, we have singing and a fellowship meal afterwards. This past Sunday night and the one before, he led a song. Here's a man that just simply showed up to help people, but along with that, he learned the word of God. He was saved by that.

He didn't trust in his own goodness. He said what must I do? I know there's something that I have to do. He was willing to do that. He is always ready when somebody needs something to be done, you can call upon him. We still study to this day. We study normally once a week when things are intact.

Now to get back to the passage I was on. Let's look at Matthew 7:21-23. We were talking about those that trust in their own goodness. This passage covers that not everyone that saith unto me, lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. You can stop there. There are a lot of people that do that very thing. Lord, we love you, Lord, this.

Keep on reading. But not everyone that saith. Lord, Lord, unto me shall enter the kingdom of heaven. But he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in heaven, many will say to me in that day, lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out devils and in thy name done many wonderful works? What is Jesus going to say? Then will I profess unto them. I never knew you depart from me, ye workers of iniquity. There's only one way you can be saved, and that is through Jesus Christ.

They had devised their own plans. Here's how we're going to serve God. We still see people like that today. I used to work at a community college, even did through Hurricane Katrina. I worked there for 15 years. We had a guy and I knew him quite well, talked to him often when he came up to me and said, I want to be baptized. You would think, well, that's great, isn't it? I said, I'd like to sit down and study with you a little bit. He got extremely mad because I said that I wanted I'd like to sit down and talk to you, son. There were certainly some things to talk about because I knew him. I knew that he was living with a woman. I knew that he was living a worldly life, drinking and everything. I also understood we needed to talk.

Are you ready to repent? Not just be baptized. You need to repent first. He didn't like the repentance part, just the baptism part. Obviously somebody else in a different group baptized him. That's one thing we need to learn in the Lord's church. Some people are not ready to be baptized. They have to repent first. Don't they? Peter told those on the day of Pentecost, repent and be baptized and you shall be saved. Your sins will be washed away. Just because one had never sat down to speak to him, he was very angry. People were looking around, what's going on here? Some people refuse to obey the will of God. I want to be saved my way.

In Jeremiah 10:23, he said, O Lord, I know the way of man. It's not in himself to direct his own steps. It's only in thee to walk and direct his steps. It is in God, isn't it? That's the only way that we can do it. Jeremiah understood that. Go back to the days of Jeremiah. Can you imagine anybody that has stepped in a pulpit? Jeremiah was told to preach. Go preach to the people, and they're not going to listen.

That would be a tough one. That would be a hard one, but that's what he was told and he did it. There were some false prophets that said, it's not going to be like Jeremiah said, all those things are not going to come to pass. What happened? Just like the word of God said, it came to pass. What those false prophets said, they couldn't be saved by their own goodness, by any other man's way of salvation. It had to be by the way of God. That was the only way they could be saved.

Number four, those that can't be saved—those who refuse God's call. We are called. Some misunderstand that badly. They think that the Holy Spirit comes and speaks to them. He does not.

Once we have the completed will of God, once the last letter and all the books were put together, what we call the Bible, we don't need anything else. It's finished. God is not going to reveal anything else to us. One example you can look at a building. When I was growing up, my father, he built houses and various things and he laid the bricks on the outside. When you were laying the bricks, you had to have some scaffolding on the outside when you got to a certain point. When you got there and all the bricks were laid, what did you do? The scaffolding came down and was taken away. It's not even there anymore. Those miraculous indwellings that people had, like the apostles had, they don't exist anymore.

How did people get the power to do various things? Acts eight, verse 18 says, when the apostles laid their hands on them, they imparted the power to do that. When those people died, and the apostles died, we have the complete revelation of God. That's the end of that period.

Notice this and this passage will answer that Second Thessalonians 2:13-14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. Notice sanctification of the spirit. Now we're seeing that thing. We’ve got to keep on reading. You can't stop there. That's not the end of the writing. Whereunto? What was already said whereunto he called you. How did he do that? He called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. How are we called by the gospel? By the word of God. That's the only thing that will save people. The preacher can't save anybody. It's not within me or any other man. We don't have that ability. God does.

There's power in that word, power that saves man. In Romans 1:16, Paul said, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it, the gospel of Christ, is the power of God unto salvation. He understood there's power in the gospel. One time I was preaching, actually when we were in school, and I think Dale went over to this congregation and preached one time, just a small group. We would go over on Sunday mornings and preach.

There was an older man, member of the church, but he wanted to entangle a young preacher. Sometimes you meet those guys and that subject came up, well, how do you know that's how God speaks to us? I referred to this passage and then after that he didn't say anything else. That happens sometimes, you meet those people.

How does God speak to us? Through his word. Stop and reason. If God gave some this plan of salvation and gave others another plan of salvation, I might like that one better than this one. God's not fair.

God is fair. He gave the one gospel in order to be saved. In Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please God. For they that come to God must believe that he is and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

We can put some emphasis on that word, diligently. That takes some effort, doesn't it? We should want to put our heart, our entire being into knowing God's will. Our salvation is the most important thing that we have. It's not our houses, our cars, our 401K, those things are all going to perish at some point. The house that we live in, do you realize at some point somebody else is going to stand in front of that house and say, this is my house. It used to be ours, didn't it? It's going to change. It won't always be ours. It may have the same number on it, going to be in the same location, it won't belong to Mark anymore. We can't keep those things, but you can keep what God has given unto us and what we call the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16, and Jesus said unto them, go into all the world.

What are you supposed to do? Would you go into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature? He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned. Preach the gospel. Preach the word of God. Jesus, why do you want us to preach the word of God? Because that is the only thing that will save man's soul. We see even people in the Bible, like Demas that once was faithful, but for whatever reason, he went back out into the world. He forsook Paul. He turned away from that. He turned away from the salvation that he had and no longer followed God as he should.

Number five, those who will not turn from their sins. That covers quite a few people, doesn't it?

They are not willing to change their life. God, here's how I'm going to serve you and you better accept it. They don't say it in those words, do they? Their life, that's exactly what it is. Yes, they may even go to services sometimes, or may not go to services sometimes. If you ask them are you going to heaven…

I know you have been to funerals and you know the people. Of course, the preacher gets them right into heaven. I knew them pretty good. I didn't know all those things about them.

We go to heaven based upon God's word. Jesus is the judge, not man. I can't preach anybody into heaven or out of heaven. Only the word of God can lead us to heaven. Notice in Isaiah 59:1,2, what the Old Testament prophet had to say. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save. God can reach out and save us. That's not the problem. He can. He will. Keep on reading. Neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. God could hear us if we would call to Him in the right manner. What is the problem? He tells them, but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear.

I'm living a life of sin, but I still want to go to heaven. It won't work. You've got to turn from those sins. I will not stick out my hand to save you. I will not hear your prayers. He knows the people pray, but if they're not serving him according to his will, he will not save them. It must be according to his will. Sin is a bad thing. Sometimes we do this. I think we've been guilty of this, probably a lot of us. Big sins, little sins. You know what the big sins are and what the little sins are, don't you? Other people have the big sins, I have the little sins. That's usually how that works. I don't have those big sins.

What the problem is? Sin period. That is the problem. Isaiah said, it will separate you from God. That's pretty powerful, isn't it? Isaiah spoke some powerful words. He was inspired to write this. Isaiah also foretold about the coming of the Christ. He never saw that, but he wrote about him some 750 years before he ever came. Isaiah had some strong faith, didn't he? And he was willing to teach the truth.

Sometimes they didn't treat the prophets so well. Today what's the worst usually here, at least in America now, it could change. Don't think that it couldn't change, but the worst thing is somebody slams the door, somebody says something bad to you. It’s not that we like those things. That's not what they went through. They went through beatings, or like Jeremiah put in a mirey pit, but they still stood for God.

Notice in Luke 13:3, let's go to the New Testament and the time period of Jesus. Jesus said, I tell you nay except (unless) you repent, you shall all likewise perish. I thought Jesus was loving. Didn't you? Jesus is supposed to just save. Isn't he just like a big teddy bear? Jesus loves us more than anybody could ever love us. Dying on that cross like he did, that is true love. Man's never seen any love like that. He says, except you repent, change your life, change the direction you're going. That was verse three. Go to verse five. He says exactly the same thing again. Why? For emphasis sake. This means something. It's important. Does Jesus love us? Did he love us when he said those things? Yes.

He wanted them to repent. He wants all of us to repent. That would include those who have never become Christians. Those that are, when we do sin, go to First John, of course. If we walk in the light, as is in the light, we have fellowship one with another in the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son cleanses us from all sins. It's a continual walk, a continual cleansing. Even though we've become Christians, we're not going to be perfect.

I had a brother one time, he had become a Christian, I studied with him. Unfortunately, he's fallen away since then, and this may be one of the reasons he fell away when he was a member and he was doing some good things. Anything that he did that was wrong, yes, if it's wrong, you shouldn't do it. We agree with that. It was like, I can't be saved anymore. What was happening he depended upon himself. You can't do it that way. You can only be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. Quit carrying that weight on your shoulder. Turn things over to God.

There's going to be some big things in life that happen. You can't bear them by yourself, but with the help of God, you can. Notice Matthew 16:24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples (Who's speaking? Jesus unto the disciples), if any man come after me, (any man doesn't matter who it is, and that means mankind.) Let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

I thought we were saved by the grace and mercy of God. We are. Absolutely. You can't be saved without the grace of God, can you? You can't be saved without the mercy of God, but we're also saved when we do our part. God wants us to do something. He said, Take up your cross you're following me, you're teaching God.

We were talking on the way over here as we were riding here. There's a shortage of preachers in the brotherhood. Sometimes in congregations there's a shortage of members. There's that small nucleus, and the weight of the congregation should be upon everybody. You will notice in most congregations, I think you will find this to be true. Likely here. There's usually more women carrying the weight than men. Men? Where are they? They need to do what this says right here and take up their cross and follow Jesus.

The last one, number six, those who reject the death of Christ cannot be saved. This is the last group that we're going to look at. In Romans 3:23-25, it says for all have sin. Again, who's writing? Paul. Who's he writing to? This is important. He's writing to Christians. Christians. You need to understand this.

You need to understand some things that have taken place in life and that are taking place in life and that will take place in life. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, been justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God. Look at the plan God has for us. Jesus is bearing our sins.

Why did he die on that cross? Not a single sin was his, was it? Mine were part of it. All of ours were, weren't they? Every man that has ever lived and that means mankind, all of those sins he died for, all mankind. He was the only perfect sacrifice. No animal sacrifice could do it. The blood of bulls and goats can't take away the sins, but the blood of the Lamb of God could. Do you remember Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane? Father, if there be any other way, let this cup pass from me. What? But thy will be done. He's bearing his cross. Thy will be done. Father, I'm going to do what you told me to do. What did he say on the cross after he'd been there? Father, it is finished. Into thy hands I commend my spirit. I did what you wanted me to do. This wonderful plan works.

We're going to stay in Romans for just a little bit. Let's go to Romans 5:-8-9. But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners there, there's where we are. And remember Paul's writing to members of the body, that's where I was. I need to remember that Christ died for us much more than being now justified by his blood. We shall be saved from wrath through him.

That's how we're going to be saved, through him. You reject that. If you reject that, there's no other way, there's no other plan that will save you. There may be something that becomes popular with some people, but it won't save you. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can.

One thing to think about, sometimes is people may try to make the Christians look like they're not very smart people. You ever watched a movie and somebody's supposed to be the religious person and he looks like a dork all the time? That happens so often, and evolutionists and the atheists, they think we're not smart. I beg to differ.

I beg to differ if you think that there was nothing and it became all that we have. It became the Earth, the sun, all the planets and all the stars, and everything is perfectly aligned. If the sun was any closer, we would burn to death or any further away, we would freeze. Look at this earth. Some of the things I've seen even today like Lake Erie.

You go down where I live. We got the Gulf of Mexico. I love to fish. I've seen a lot of the kind of different, various fish. They say man crawled out of that did and he became male and female, and they procreated and finally become to what we are. You think my faith is crazy? I think you're the one that has the problem--not being a Christian.

Do you understand? Never be ashamed. Remember what Paul said. I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Never be ashamed to be a child of God. You don't have to be.

In Romans 6:3-4, Paul said, no, you not. We might say today, don't you know that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death, therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life. I remember the date, the time when I became a Christian. I remember I had boots on, they were shaking just a little bit, but I still remember the time, of course, the person that baptized me. You buried something, he said, something was buried. What did you bury? That old man of sin. What was resurrected? He said, resurrected to walk in newness of life. What did Jesus talk to Nicodemus about in John chapter three you must be born again. There's that new birth you see Paul even telling about it. It’s the same thing here.

The last passage I want us to look at is First Corinthians 15:3-4. Paul says, for I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received. What he received, not what some man says, how that Christ died for our sins. How do you know that? He says, according to the scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day.

How do you know that? According to the scriptures? Brethren, we have the same message today, don't we? According to the scriptures. This evening if anybody here is not a child of God, we can certainly help you. We've covered several scriptures that talk about becoming a Christian, and that's important. If there's something in our life that we need to take care of, never let it stand between you and God.

Let me tell you, it's not worth it, is it? Then I mentioned also sometimes people fall away because they didn't take action at one time themselves when they needed help, not necessarily living in sin. That's not what we're talking about. They were struggling, needed help, but didn't ask. They could have had the help they needed.

Brethren that are faithful, we need to be built up, don't we? That's what it is about being a child of God. If we can help you in any way, please let it be known as we stand, as we sing.

The Church that Jesus Built

It’s Great to be a Christian

It’s Great to be a Christian
Acts 8:35-38

Good afternoon. I hope you're as full as I am. When you hear preachers say it is challenging to preach after lunch, it is because I just like you feel right now. To tell the truth, you'd like to lay down and take a nap, but we're going to try to not do that for at least a little while. Maybe afterwards, everybody can go home and take one.

But it's wonderful to be here. I appreciate all the people that have prepared food. It was a wonderful lunch and especially the fellowship with each other. This evening I'd like for us to think about It's Great to be a Christian. Sometimes it's presented in the world, as I don't want to become a Christian? All these things I can't do.

That's actually not the way we need to think. You think about people, what they can't do, I can't get out and drink and do all these things. Think about the Christian for just a moment. He didn't wake up this morning with a hangover. He didn't wake up in jail.
He didn't wake up wondering where his car was. He didn't wake up in trouble with his wife because he got drunk and did whatever. Why is that a bad thing not to do? You could do that with a lot of things. It is actually great to be a child of God.

Anything that God has said don't do is for our benefit. On the other hand, there are things God does tell us to do. Let's notice and you're familiar with this event in the Book of Acts, chapter eight, verses 35 through 39 about the Ethiopian eunuch. Beginning in verse 35, it says, then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water. And the eunuch said, see, here is water. What doth hinder me to be baptized.

If you back up, what had taken place? He had told him about Jesus. When you teach people Jesus, it doesn't mean just to say, let Jesus come into my heart. He said, See, here is water. What does hinder me? What stops me, what prevents me from being baptized? That was obviously taught. Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they were come up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip that the eunuch saw him no more. Notice this last part and we want to think about this last part—and he went on his way rejoicing.

He didn't think that all these things have been taken away from me. He looked at what he had gained—salvation and all the benefits of being a Christian. There's a lot of people that pray, but God will only hear the prayers of the righteous. We have that benefit. Think about that for a moment, that we can actually go before the throne of God and present our petitions to him and have this communication with him.

What a wonderful blessing that we have because we are a Christian. Think back to the day that you were baptized. You became a Christian. I can remember that day, July the 13th, 1986, at 10:45 A.M. I remember that day. My feet were shaking.

I was a little bit nervous, but I became a Christian that day. I have never regretted that. It's one of the greatest blessings. The greatest blessing that we can ever have is by being a child of God. Notice also in Acts 5:41 and they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

They suffered because of being a Christian. They didn't come out and complain about it. They weren't happy that they had suffered. That's not what they're saying, but they were thankful that the reason that they did suffer was because they were a Christian.

Remember, Paul said, yea, all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. They have these things in our lives, but they were thankful. They rejoiced, “We're children of God even if they take our lives.”

The apostles dealt with this. Even if they take our lives, we win the victory. That's still true today. It's no less true today and it's still true. It's still true that even if we lose our lives serving God, and it's still that way in some countries. In some countries, being a Christian is not the most popular thing to do, especially in some Muslim countries. They're not too happy with that idea.

In Philippians 4:4 This has always impressed me greatly that Paul could write this from prison. What would we write if we were in prison and we were writing to a family member or maybe even to the church and telling them the conditions that we're in? Let's see what Paul wrote. Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice. He was thankful even when he suffered. It didn't mean that the suffering was not there. It was real, very real, but he was still thankful. He still rejoiced. He still counted it a blessing because he was a child of God.

Let's look at some reasons today besides what we have mentioned just in the introduction of this, but some reasons we have to rejoice.

Number one, because God loves me and wants me to be saved. God wants me to be saved. God, before this world existed, had a plan for us. If it had just been one person, you or me, it would still have been the same plan. God loves us that much. It's hard for me to comprehend with my grandchild saying, I'll give my grandchild to get some murderer out of prison. I don't know that I could make that deal. God sent his only begotten son Jesus in order for us to have this salvation that we have, and Jesus was willing to come.

There's two parts there, we notice in Psalm 46, verse one. God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble. When Katrina hit and I could do this with Hurricane Ida and various other things, and you could too, with other storms that we know, Hawaii's going through what they're going through, you will see a lot of people say, let's pray to God. That's a good sentiment to have.

The only thing is, as soon as they got the benefits as people helped them. They weren't so interested in God anymore. They got what was good for them and they don't need God anymore. They really didn't want God to start with, they just wanted the benefits. In John 3:16, as we noticed earlier in the other sermon in Bible class, for God so loved the world, not this earth, not this round ball, but the people. God so loved this world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. There's no greater love than that. There's no greater love that man has ever known or ever will know. The greatest event that has ever taken place was when Christ died on that cross, and three days later he was resurrected.

Salvation was gained. Satan did not win. Jesus Christ won not Satan. He may have thought he won the battle, but far from it. Our Lord won the battle.

In Matthew 1:21, it says and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name, Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Do you see that plan? It's in place. It's taking place.

Romans 8:31-32, Paul writes what shall we then say to these things? Notice this if God be for us, this is us, if you're a Christian, this is you. If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spareth not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things? If he gave us His Son, you don't think he'll take care of us in this life?

He'll bless us now, backing up just a little bit, who can be against us? There's people that are against the Christians. They are against Christians. Satan is, but if we're faithful to God, we know that we will win. God will take care of us but if he has provided all the blessings that he has, he will continue to provide in the future the blessings that we need.

Number two, the reason it's great to be a Christian is because Christ died to save me from sin. We talked more about God and what he has done, but Jesus was willing to come. He was willing to come to this world. Go back to the garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, Father, if there be any other way, let this cup pass from me. He knew what was before Him, but he said, “Thy will be done.”

There was no other way. We couldn't be saved any other way so he died on that cross. Salvation had been brought down to mankind. In John 15:13, it says, greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Let's think about something for a minute. I'm sure if our friend was in trouble we would try to help. I have no doubt about that, but you think about us. We were actually enemies of Christ, and he laid down his life. We weren't actually living the life that we were supposed to live before we were Christians. We were lost living in the world, living contrary to God's will. He died for even people that were his enemies. You read it there in Acts, where the apostles preached to those that have gathered there together. They were some that had yelled, crucify him, crucify him. They were in the audience. They hear about this Jesus, this same Jesus whom you have crucified. God has made both Lord and Christ. They now understand what has taken place. Men and brethren, what shall we do?

They see what took place, and because Christ was willing to sacrifice, because he loved us that much, we have the joys of being a Christian. That day, about 3000 obeyed the Gospel. They repented and were baptized. It says in that chapter, those that gladly received his word were baptized. Do you ever take notice of the word gladly? They were happy here's how I'm going to be saved from my sins. This is the way. They were happy about that. It says gladly.

Sometimes we do things in life, and it's not always gladly. I bet sometimes when Monday morning, rolls around, you don't get out of the bed gladly—not ready to go back to work. We don't always do things gladly. But those that gladly received the word of God, they were baptized. They obeyed God. In Hebrews 9:22 it says and almost all things are by the law. Purged with blood and without shedding of blood is no remission. If Jesus hadn't shed that blood, man couldn't be saved.

You could try to devise a plan. It won't work. There's only one, only one plan, and that is the man Jesus Christ. And his blood that washes us. Brethren, think right now, if we are still walking in the light, his blood is still washing away our sins. What a blessing. Why? Because we're Christians. Because we have that benefit of being a child of God.

Hebrews 4:15-16. Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Let us hold fast our profession, for we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, the things that we face, the everyday things of life. He faced much more, but he faced all those things, too. On that Day of Judgment, we'll never be able to say, Jesus, you don't know what it was like being down here. He does. If he wanted to, he could say, you don't know what it's like to go to the cross. Because we didn't, but he did because of His wonderful love.

Number three, because Jesus Christ is my high priest. That's one reason it's great to be a Christian. In the Old Testament, under the Law of Moses, they had the high priest, but he was limited as to what he could do. Our high priest today, Jesus Christ, our high priest, is not limited by the things that he can do. Notice in First John 2:1, my little children. Notice John the apostle, he's called the Apostle of Love. You know what he and his brother James were called earlier, don't you? Sons of thunder. Something changed in John, didn't it? He seems to have grown and mellowed out. See how he addresses them? He's writing to them with encouragement and his love.

He cares for them. My little children, these things I write unto you that ye sin not. There's a problem, though, John. We still have moments when we do sin. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Yes, we still sin not because we want to live a life of sin, but we still fall short, but we have an advocate, somebody pleading our case. We still have the ability, even though we have been baptized, not go back and be baptized again, but that blood washes away our sins as we walk in the light.

We have that advocate. If somebody gets in trouble, especially somebody famous that has a lot of money. What do they do? They hire the best attorney they possibly can, and sometimes, probably too many times, they get off with things they did. You probably could name some. We have somebody far better than anybody that's ever been in any courtroom. Jesus Christ pleads our case. There's not a better attorney around anywhere. Never has been, never will be. He's the one that pleads my case because he loves me. He can plead my case in a way nobody else can.

What a wonderful blessing it is to be a child of God. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a Christian. In Hebrews 2:17, it says wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. You mean He's dying on the cross because of sins? What did he do? He must have done something really bad that they put him on a cross. Not one single sin.

He never committed the first one. It was our sins that put him there. That is love. That is tremendous love. We talked about the love of the Father. We see the love of the Son as well. Yes, it's great to be a Christian, somebody that cares that much about me that they died for my sins, the ones that I committed.

Sometimes in our life there are things we did we wish we never had done, but you can have it as though it never was done. Those sins can be forgiven. Man sometimes doesn't forget like that, but God, once that blood washes away our sins, he forgets as though it never happened. He knows it happened, but he doesn't hold it against us like some people would. That's a tremendous difference.

In John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Do you want to go to the Father? I do. I want to go to the Father.

Again, as we discuss some in Bible class, it's hard to imagine what it will be like to be in his presence. That is beyond what we can comprehend. Man's mind just can't do it. Think about this, brethren. It's going to be a reality. It's going to be a reality. It's going to happen. It's coming because Jesus died. He is our high priest, and like in the Old Testament, they had to continually offer sacrifices. Jesus died once, just one time. That's all that it took.

Number four, why is it great to be a Christian? Because of the purpose and meaning of life. That makes a tremendous difference. I don't know if you've ever had any discussions with people, but there's a lot of people may even surprise you sometimes that wonder what their purpose in life is. Why am I here? Where am I going? I mean, I'm here, but for what reason? People that are out in the world living as they are now in reality, they don't have a purpose in living that way, do they? That means you better enjoy what you have now, because if you continue in that, that's all you're going to have. You're going to live it up now. Then. It's not going to be so good on the other side, but it's different for the child of God.

In Ecclesiastes12:13, we find out the purpose of our life. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Who wrote that is very important. Solomon. Why is that important? The life that he lived? Not that it was all good either. He had more money. I looked it up, what it would be in modern time, (I don’t know how accurate the count was.), but it was in the trillions.

Sometimes billionaires and somebody's got so many billions. You take all the richest men in the world, the Bill Gates, Elon Musks and all those guys, add them all together, they don't come close to what Solomon had. It's not even in the same ballpark.

Solomon had all that. Since I have all this, I can pretty much do anything that I want. I'm the king. He pretty much tried everything too, didn't he? It didn't all work out so well. He married strange wives. He even married wives just to make allegiance with other countries on different occasions. That wasn't God's commandment. That was not what God wanted him to do. When you start reading the entirety of Ecclesiastes, he says, all's vanity, it was all a waste. Does that remind you of how you see how people are living today? It's all vanity. It's all a waste. What is our purpose?

The next time you're talking with somebody and also for us, show them their purpose. Fear God and keep his commandments. That is our purpose. We have a reason to get up every day. Some people (this is a sad reality) they get up each day and think why continue? What's the purpose? Isn't that a large part of suicides? I know there are other reasons, but people don't see the point of continuing to go on. Jesus is the reason to continue to go on. There is a reason. There's still a reason in life to continue to live even when things are difficult.

We have a reason to live that should make us live differently than the world. The people that sometimes you may see don't live a Godly life. It seems like they do better than I do. You may not want all the headaches that go with it. A lot of their toys they probably can't even pay for. They're probably having problems in their home because of the way that they're living. You may not want what they have. Be careful what you wish for. Be glad that you're a Christian. It is a blessing to live as a child of God.

We also notice in John Six, verse 38, Jesus said, for I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. That should be our purpose. We have that purpose to do the will of God. We became Christians. What did Jesus say? Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

We have a purpose. We have something we're supposed to be doing. Everybody can't go to every country, but we can send people to go. We all work together in this thing, and then we see in John 17:4, Jesus said, I have glorified thee on earth. Notice I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. He did everything that God wanted him to do. He didn't leave anything undone. The work that God sent him to do was finished.

Number five why is it great to be a Christian?

Your setting here today helps me with this point because the fellowship with other Christians what do we call these? A lot of times we call it potlucks, but a lot of times it's called what? A fellowship meal. The food's great, but the fellowship should be great too, shouldn't it? It's great that you can sit and fellowship and eat at the same time. I like that idea. That's a pretty good idea. The fellowship that we have with one another, we have people, if something happens, we can get on the phone and call them, I need help. Even if they can't do it themselves, they can go into action.

We can help one another with these things in life. That's the way it is with the child of God. In First Corinthians 12:26 Paul writes to the church at Corinth. He said, and whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or one member be honored all the members rejoice with it. If one suffers, we all suffer. I don't even know the family that was mentioned this morning with a child that has terminal cancer. That can't help but bother you. That hurts.

We suffer, but we rejoice. Can you think when you see somebody is baptized and everybody goes up and gives them a hug and they're so happy? We suffer with those that suffer. We rejoice with those that rejoice. Philippians 1:27 stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving for the faith of the gospel. One spirit.

Let us all work together. God doesn't want us to be divided. He wants unity based upon the word of God. God didn't tell us to do something that was impossible. God never told us to go do something that we couldn't really do. We're able to do what God set forth to do. We also see in Psalm 133:1. This is a beautiful passage. Psalm 133:1, Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

What a wonderful thing. When a congregation and brethren listen to this it does not matter how big a congregation is. If you have unity and you have the truth, you have a reason to rejoice that you're a Christian. God didn't say you had to have the biggest congregation in the brotherhood to do good to be faithful. You serve God wherever you are. Some people in some countries face things that are very difficult, but they still serve God. What a blessing.

Number six, the last one that, well, sorry folks, there's going to be one more after this one. Those getting ready to get up, don’t put your shoes on yet. Number six, because of the peace it brings by being a Christian.

Somebody told my wife, it's actually a Christian that I have known all my life because he's older than me. When she was baptized, he said, you're going to sleep the best sleep that you ever slept. You could actually have a deathly sickness and still die, still be a child of God, still go to heaven when the Lord comes. What does it mean? We can have a peace that passes all understanding.

It doesn't matter what happens in life when those tragedies come, even when we're shedding those tears and we've all been in those situations in life. It hurts, but it's still so good that we have the peace that it brings. In the book of Colossians 1:20, it says, and having made peace through the blood of his cross. in Matthew 6:34, notice I referred to Matthew 6:33 today seek the kingdom of God in his righteousness, though this should be added unto you. Look at verse 34. Take therefore no thought for tomorrow.

That doesn't mean you don't make plans—things you need to do. We do that. We need to do that. You don't have to worry that you're not going to be taken care of. God will take care of us. We have surgeries. I see some with canes.

I'm tired of having surgeries. I had a preacher elder friend that said some people go play golf for a hobby. He said, some people go fish for a hobby. He said, Mark goes has surgeries for he had so many. We have those difficulties, but God's going to be there for us and with us.

Take no thought for tomorrow. There may be some pain or whatever it may come, but don't think God's left us. He never has, never will. We read in the book of Philippians, this is one of my favorite passages, Philippians four, verses four through seven. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. Notice the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (qualification) let your request be made known unto God. Then notice the rest and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

He's going to keep us. He's going to preserve us. When you think back to when you were just a boy or girl, and usually it would be the mother we would run to most often, but you hurt yourself a little bit. What did you do? Run to Mama. Why should Mama take care of it? Mama's going to hug me and tell me it's going to be okay, and pretty soon we’re back out there going again. In a sense, that's what we do with God. We hurt, we run to God, and He'll be there for us. We're going to have that peace. You don't have to worry about that. God's got us covered. God's got us covered with this.

The last one, number seven, we can rejoice as a Christian because of the assurance of heaven. Brethren, that is a blessing—the assurance of heaven. We can know that we're going.

When is it going to be? I don't know, that could be soon, could be a long time, we don't know the date. I do know the Lord's coming, and I do know when he comes in the clouds, we shall meet Him there. In the book of First Corinthians 15:19, it says, if in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men, most miserable. We don't just have hope in this life only. We have hope beyond this life, don't we?

Not just in this life. Not just this life. We have hope way beyond that. We have hope that will last into eternity. Death is something that we look at, and since we've never been through that door before, I think we all have some kind of fear or uncertainty about it because it's something that's never happened. When you truly think about it and read of the promises of God, you don't have to fear it. Remember when Lazarus was carried to the bosom of Abraham by the angels? There's a day coming for us too. God will send the angels for us when the time is right and we can go to paradise. When the time is right, that trumpet will sound.

Assurance. We have the assurance of heaven in the Book of John 14:2-3, and this is also an encouraging passage, in my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am, there ye may be also.

There's the assurance, isn't it? There's the guarantee he's coming back for us. What, Jesus is doing something now? He's preparing a place for us. When God says this is the time he's coming back, Jesus will come back.

In First John 5:13. We see these things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. That's us, isn't it? We believe on the name of the Son of God. Notice that ye may know that you have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Brethren, it is truly great to be a Christian. We have reasons. The Bible gives us that. It shows us how great it is to be a child of God. Is there an invitation? There is. 605. If there's anybody here I don't know everybody's situation, but if there's somebody that needs to be baptized, we can certainly help with that. If there's somebody that needs to ask for prayers, we'd certainly be glad to help with that as well as we stand as we sing.

The Christian Family

The Christian Family

Genesis 3:16

Good morning to everyone again. We have some here that may have not been here for the Bible hour. We're glad to see you. I think that I have spoken to everyone. If I missed you, I'll catch you after services.

Looking out in the audience, I think I did get to speak with everyone and say hello to you and it is good to be here with you. I want to let you know that I appreciate the support that you are to us, it is of a great help. Let me give you a little history of the Chalmette congregation. At one time, they were self supporting and like a lot of congregations, a lot bigger. Even before I was there, they were like 110-120, but then the oil bust came and some other things, and a lot of people left town and the congregation goes down, but still a decent sized congregation, at least around 60 somewhere in that neighborhood.

Then Hurricane Katrina hit. I know you know about that. In 2005, I mentioned that in Bible class. A lot of people moved off after that, so we had even fewer after that, and then we had some people that died, and since we have had some that have retired from their jobs, and so, as you know, we have become an older congregation. We do have some that are younger, but they're not just ready to lead singing and wait on the table just yet. I want to get to one of those in just so that's kind of where we are, but I do sincerely appreciate your support, I appreciate Tom and Nina allowing me to stay in their home, that is a good blessing. I have met some cats since I've been there, can you believe that?

That I have met some cats and they have introduced themselves to me and I have become friends with at least one. He has finally decided, he's okay, I'll let him pet me. I appreciate that, I appreciate Dale picking me up yesterday at the airport. I have known Dale, we were talking as we were coming from the airport. I've known him for 25 years now, and we went to school together for two years in the same class, so we spent every day together, became good friends. I remember going on the restoration trip together. We did campaigns together, so I spent a lot of time with him and some other good preachers. You miss those days. You go out and everything changes, but it's still good to be with other brethren and meet some new Christians.

I told you I was going to talk about one in particular I do have. My first grandchild was born two months ago, and his name is Calvin. I actually want to tie this in with the lesson. You're going to say, how's he going to do that? I'm going to try at least to do that, but he is named Calvin after an elder in the church in Georgia. How do you name somebody after an elder in the church in Georgia? How does that take place?

They had a tornado hit some years ago, not to the building, but in the community. Some of our members sent some help to them. Calvin is the elder that I got to speak to and talk to. Of course, we had in common, being Christians, number one. After that, we found out that we both were big western fans, and so we talked a long time about westerns.

Then we found out that we both liked to fish, and so we talked about that. Then we found out that we both liked the Atlanta Braves, so we talked about that. Then later on, they went out west on a trip. On their way back through, they actually did this twice, they stopped and stayed with us for a few days. His wife Anne became good friends with my mother, and my mother had since passed away.

Calvin and I did make a fishing trip. I think it was actually Calvin's last fishing trip. He was actually on oxygen then, but we enjoyed ourselves and watched some westerns. He made a great impression upon my daughter. This is where I'm going with this. I think you can maybe see where I'm going to tie this in with this.

He made an impression on a daughter about gardening. Before I went to school, we had a big garden. Every year, my wife and I, we grew a good sized garden, canned and froze different foods. We did a lot of that, but Calvin still did that, and he and my daughter got to be friends with that.

He made such an impression upon her that even though Calvin has since died, they named that child after him. You see the impression that was made. This morning we're going to talk about the family. I know it says fathers, but we're going to expand out just a little bit beyond that. And you see in our nation that the family is in bad shape, to say the least.

You look at our country and you see all the crime that takes place, all the murders that take place. So many things that are really bad are happening. We say, what's the problem? What do we need to do? There actually is an answer.

I know the people that are in power don't want to listen to me and do that, but there is an answer. It's right here—the word of God. If families went back to following the Bible and fathers were in their home, like they need to be with mothers. If the children were obeying their parents like they should be, it would change society rather quickly. You would still have some crime, but nothing like we see taking place in our nation now. Of course, in the school systems and pretty much in all society, they want to shove God out of everything, don't they? We've seen that take place, but now you would think they would reason at some point, but they don't, back when we didn't have all this killing in school and when we didn't have so many things taking place and all the crime that's taking place?

I'm sure you've seen on the news where out in California and various different places, groups of people go in stores and just run out, 20 people, 30 people, and take all they can carry out with them. Nothing happens to them. There's no fear of God, no fear of law enforcement doing anything, because God has not been instilled in those people.

What do we need for our families? We need God. I want to mention this right now, that this week, while I'm here now, whether it be this subject or any other subject, I would be happy to sit down and talk with anybody about anything that I can possibly help with. I would gladly do that. If there's any kind of study that we can have, I would be more than happy to do that.

Always remember, we're never here to win the argument, we're here to teach the word of God. That's what wins souls to God, isn't it? That's what changes our lives now as we present this. And this is something that's hard for me to do, but it will show you some of the reality and some of the background that, hey, I've been in some of those places. I came from a broken home where when I was about kindergarten age, my father left and didn't have a lot to do with us in our lives. What he had to do was not good, it was usually very bad. I grew up with just my mother and that puts a strain on the family.

I know that in our society now, there are a lot of mothers by themselves that are raising their children. It's not unusual in congregations to see where a mother is bringing the children to services and the father's not in the picture or even if he's in the home, he's not spiritually involved in the picture, but he needs to be. That's God's plan for the home. You go back to the very beginning, it was one man and one woman that God put together that made the family and they had children, they procreated. That has been God's plan since the very beginning of time, since Adam and Eve, and it still is today. If we do what God has instructed us to do, we could solve a lot of our problems.

We're going to look at some things today that I hope it will help. I mentioned coming from a broken home. When I was around my father, I saw alcohol every day—every single day, not just on the weekend. It was every day. A lot of times seeing a stepmother with black eyes and bloody mouth and things of that nature. Those things are bad. We need to change those things with the word of God and it can be done. I want us to think this morning even fathers, mothers, whatever the situation may be, grandparents and still with my girls—I have two girls grown, I still should be having an impact upon their life by the life that I live just like Calvin did with my daughter.

Even though he be dead yet speaketh. We see that the impression that has been made in somebody's life can have a great deal to do with the rest of their life. Let me tell you about some things that were good in my life growing up. On the other hand, there were my grandparents that were members of the church, my grandfather an elder in the church, and we got to spend a lot of time in the summer out on their farm. Growing up, he had cows and always had a big garden.

I remember my grandfather kept the garden spotless and he didn't use a tiller or anything. You're going back to the old time way of doing things. They got up and worked, didn't they? That was involved. People were not afraid of work at that time.

I mentioned that I like to fish. They had a pond. That's where I first learned to fish is in that pond with blue gill and bass. Oh, if we caught a bass that weighed a pound or pound and a half we were doing something big back then as boys growing up we had to run back to the house and show our grandmother what we caught. With that being said, see they have made a tremendous impact on my life in a good way.

There's one hand and then there's the other and you see how much of a difference we can make on the lives of our children, our grandchildren and even with those that are around us like my daughter did with Calvin, that has gone on. The lives that we live don't just affect us and our children and grandchildren, it affects other people around us. It has a lot to do with what they see. They see that person lives differently. What causes them to live differently? It's the word of God. They live as God instructs them to do. That's something that they may want to emulate and put into their lives.

My grandmother was still living when I became a Christian but my grandfather had already died. I regret that one, that I hadn't become a Christian by then, but I do look forward. I do look forward to that great day of reunion that we can be back together again. Also some Christians that have gone on, my mother and some other faithful children of God that I miss, that have passed on, that have gone on before us. I know you feel the same way.

There are those that have gone on ahead of us and we want to see them again. As much as I love my mother and she was a faithful child of God and my grandparents faithful children of God, I want to be with them again and the example that they set, but if I truly want to be with them again, there's something that Mark's going to have to do. Nobody else can do it for me. You can encourage me, but I will have to make the decision.

When it comes down to it, what will I do? God has shown us the way. Just as they walked in the steps of Jesus, I will have to do the same thing. If I do that, I will get to be with them again, and there won't be any more parting. There won't be any more death, there won't be any more tears.

Let's notice something. In Genesis three, verse 16. It says unto the woman, he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children and thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee. Why was that? Because Eve first sinned, she was the one that first took of the forbidden fruit. Adam did too. Adam had a plan when God confronted him. It's the woman that you gave me. It’s either the woman or you, but not me. Man still does that today, don't we? It's always somebody else's fault, not ours. Adam wanted to blame his wife. God placed man in a leadership role. Men, we need to make sure that we do lead.

Here's something also to remember. As I said about my grandfather, this is important. He didn't live to see me become a Christian, but because of his example that he set, it had a great deal to do with me becoming a Christian. Without that in my life, I may not be a child of God today. That impact that we have upon somebody's life makes such a great difference.

In Ephesians 5:23, it says, for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church and he is the savior of the body. In the New Testament, God has put the man to oversee the affairs. There's a lot more goes with that. I've seen some men that want to take that verse out of context. When you do that, you can make a verse mean anything you want it to mean?

That's pretty much what they do. The man is head of the house. Slow down just a little bit. You may be right about something, but there's a lot more goes with that. Read the rest of the chapter in Ephesians five and you see how the husband is to take care of his wife. He's to cherish her to what point as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.

The father is the one that is to set the tone in the home. Sometimes we have our children and I see people sometimes they want their children to do well, to go off to some university and to be able to get some good job. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm not condemning that, but what about making sure that they have a life in Christ as they're growing up?

You're preparing them for college and we want to make sure when they come home from school that they did their schoolwork. We had to do that with our children. Sometimes what they brought home, I was scratching my head about what I was supposed to help do with it. We want to make sure they have that schoolwork. I wonder sometimes how often do we check to see if they did their Bible lesson for their classes, did they learn the memory verse and did we help them do those things? Those things are important. Actually they're more important than the other, aren't they? It’s important that we help train them to walk in the ways of the Lord. That will have an impact upon them way beyond the job, way beyond the time they leave our homes. They have their own families.

Here's what was taught in my home and it will have an impact upon them. I want to see my grandchild. If you want to see pictures afterwards, I've got some believe me, on my phone. I can spend some time with you and we can look at that. One thing I want to see my grandchild do as he grows up. I want to see him taught the word of God when he's young too. I don't have an impact upon that, but I want to see my daughter and her my son-in-law teach them. They're both members. I want to see him grow up in the time when he's of the age of accountability. I want to see him obey the gospel, whether it's me baptizing him or somebody else, that doesn't matter. I want to see him be a Christian. That will happen when he's taught the will of God. That must take place early. We must teach them when they're young. You only have them when they're young. It seems like you're going to have them in your arms. It's going to be like this forever. They grow up in a hurry, don't they? They don't stay young very long, do they? It changes so quickly. You wonder, how did they grow up so fast? Then you look at your age, you say, well, that's how they got to be the age they are. Look at my age, they have grown up.

Here's something about a father. A father is one who will lead in his household. He should be the head of his house, but he should be considerate of the thoughts of his wife. They're making some major decisions. Here's what I've decided. No, he should consider what his wife thinks, and we're going to buy a house. You certainly would want the wife to be considered with those thoughts about what's going to take place. So he must lead in the home. When the father leads in the home, he will have a home that will be different than what we see taking place in the world. What did Paul say? Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but rather bring them up in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord.

Think of that word for a minute. Provoke not your children unto wrath. That's a pretty strong term, isn't it? A father can actually do so much to his children that as they grow older, they don't want anything to do with them. I've had this happen on a couple of occasions.

A couple people that I work with and they’re older than me, I would see their children about my age, and well, I worked with their father. They didn't want to talk about him, didn't want to mention him because of what he was doing in his life. They didn't want to mention that. I remember one time going to a funeral and I just wanted to pay my final respects to somebody. Didn't have any idea I was going to wind up being a pallbearer because they couldn't find anybody. Not enough people showed up to be the pallbearers. Why was that? Because of the life that was left. He provoked them unto wrath.

We want to respect our parents. Here's something. Let's go back to the children for just a moment. Children, I'm talking about adult children. As we grow up, we still should show respect to our adult parents. We should show our love for them later in life. The last seven or eight years of my mother's life, she came to live with us. She had leukemia, got to the point she couldn't live by herself, so she lived with us. I was glad that we could spend those last years together and spend that time together and help take care of her.

Here's one thing that happens in life when children are young. The parents, they are taking care of the children. You know what happens a lot of times later in life? The roles reverse. The children are taking care of the parents. That's the way that it should be. It shouldn't be that the parents are neglected because the children have their own life. They do, but helping take care of their parents is part of that. It says, children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

You ever been in a store? Let's just do Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s always the place, isn't it? You ever seen somebody in Wal-Mart or anywhere else for that matter, a child's out of control? They'll tell them stop. You stop doing that. You stop doing that. They'll tell them again and they'll tell them again, all right, I'm going to count to 3. One, two, two and a quarter. When are you going to get to three? When are you going to make the child do something? Children obey your parents, but they have to be taught to obey, don't they?

Number two here, a father is a father who is led.

The first one and this are very similar in the way they're titled, but completely different. A father is one who leads, but a father is one who is led. He is led by the word of God, not by the world, not after work, going down with the boys to drink some beers and live that kind of life. No, he is led by the word of God. His concern is for his family, that they will see how God wants them to live and that he will make sure that they are taught the word of God.

You only get one shot at it. You don't get a redo on it. You only have one chance to do that. I want to mention this. If there's anybody in the congregation that is struggling with something in the family, prayer makes the difference. You could go with somebody and pray. You can come before the congregation and let them pray with you. Here's something I'll do. We'll do it this morning as well. We always want to extend the invitation if somebody needs to become a Christian, certainly, don't we? I somebody's a member that has fallen away, but you know, there is a third category and we don't want to forget about them. Th fits in with what we're looking at this morning. Those that are members but are struggling, it could be with the family, could be with something else that it might be. Think about this. In this congregation or Chalmette or any congregation it may be there's going to be the empty pew where somebody used to be.

What if way back over here they had got help and encouragement for somebody and prayed together and stayed strong together? They might still be members of the body of Christ faithfully serving God.

Number three, a father is somebody that is a leader by divine appointment. It's not that he wants to rule his household with an iron fist. Here's an old saying if you treat your wife like a queen, then she'll treat you like a king. That's the best way for that to happen, fellas.

We can't expect our wives to treat us like a king. I guess I could get by with a few things since my wife's not here, couldn't I? You might tell on me, so I'm not going to do that. If you want your wife to treat you like a king, treat her like a queen. Take care of her needs. See that she's taken care of. Cherish her. She is someone that you have made a commitment with. That is for a lifetime.

Next number five. A breakdown in leadership can lead to a breakdown in followership.

A father must be somebody that leads by example. If he quits doing that, it may be that the wife, the mother, stops following and the children and eventually the whole family. It may be that one time the whole family was a part of the congregation at some place and the whole family is gone.

It started somewhere, though. It always does. It doesn't just happen overnight. It's a transition that takes place and start to look back into the world and go back. We have to be careful with that.

A father is one that loves his family and he will do anything that it takes to take care of them. Notice another verse in Ephesians 5:25. I refer to this. Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.

What did Christ do when he gave himself for the church? He died on that cross so we could be saved. I think most husbands would say, if somebody was trying to harm my family, I would certainly step in. I think that's true, but there's more to it than that. To truly guard your family, you have to understand something. You've got to guard them from Satan. Do you understand that? Satan wants your children. Satan wants your grandchildren. And if we don't watch it, he will take them. He will snatch them. We've got to be on guard. Yes. Guard against somebody coming into the house, certainly, but guard against Satan coming into the house.

What do we watch on TV? What do they see the parents doing? What do they see mom and dad engaged in? How do they see us conduct ourselves toward each other? Do they see that we always argue? Or do they see that it's a loving home? I told you about my home. I told you that for a purpose so you could see that I have experienced some of this. It took me and my brothers several years before we could kind of put that behind us even when we grew up.

I told you that so I can show you. Yes. It's not just something that's easy for you to say. I've seen some things, and I didn't tell you a lot of other things and I'm not going to, but a father provides for his family. In First Timothy 5:8, it says, but if any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

If a man won't provide for his family, we typically think I've got them a place to stay, I gave them food, I bought them clothes. That's good, that's good. They need the spiritual leader in the home. Fathers, that's the father that they need a father that will train them. They need those other things, but they need the spiritual training in the home, and they must have that teaching and we must not provoke our children.

Here comes one that maybe seems that it's unheard of today fathers. Sometimes we have to discipline our children. I'm not talking about our big children. Obviously I'd have trouble with that. They're stronger than I am. When our children are younger, we have to discipline them.

There comes a time we have to say, no, you can't do that. Sometimes we have to guard, what company they are keeping, what company are you allowing your children to be around? It could lead them to get in all kinds of trouble. I knew a young man, he was in the congregation. I don't think that he ever became a member, but he was around some guys in the congregation that were good. Later in years he got around some that were not so good out in the world. Then he wound up in prison. See, the kind of people that we are around has a great deal to do with what our children will do later in their life.

Notice this. Do we remember this passage? Proverbs 13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son but he that loveth him chastens him betimes. More than once. Sometimes we have to say no. I remember when my children were young, I like to see things we could do together. We're going to go do this. There were some stipulations. We have to clean your room first, then we'll go. You can't just say that and then they won't clean the room when you take them anyway. You have to train them and teach them. I remember those days, taking them to McDonald's.

I don't know if they had them here or not, but they had all those tubes and things. They could get up there and climb in. I would go over there and let them play in those things and spend time with them. I didn't crawl on the tube. I couldn't get back out if I did. I didn't try that part.

We see in Hebrews 12:6. For whom the Lord loveth, he chastens and scourges every son whom he receiveth.

God disciplines us. It's a necessary thing. Our Heavenly Father trains us. We notice that we must not be selfish toward our families. Sometimes children don't have what they need as far as food and clothing, because the Father is drinking up the money and not bringing them home.

There's more than one, but I know a son back home that a woman, she's got three different children by three different men and never been married to any of them. That situation is sad. Think about what it does to those children as they grow up. It's very difficult.

We see in First Corinthians 13:5, it's talking about love. Love does not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. Love takes care of, love is concerned about our wives and our children and the home.

I want my wife to go to heaven. I want my children to go to heaven. If I see that something's in the way, even as adults, I want to try to help them to overcome that.

We also notice that the Father is to be one that will spend extra time when he might have wanted to go do something else. Last night, I hate to have to say this. I wanted to watch the Tennessee football game when they were playing Florida. Unfortunately, I did watch it, and Tennessee didn't do so well. What I was getting to sometimes, we want to spend time as men. We love ball games and we love this and that. I've known men, they spent so much time going to play tennis, going to play basketball, going to do this, but they never spent time with their children. Now the children are grown, they can't go back and get those days.

In Job 1:5, notice about Job. And it was so when the days of their feasting were gone, about that Job sent and sanctified them and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offers according to the number of them all. For Job said, it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. He was concerned for his family.

Let's look at the wife for just one moment and the mother. Look at Proverbs 31 and you see that spiritual mother that cares for her family all the time. She's working, taking care of their needs. She even buys land. She's doing whatever it takes to provide for her family.

I talked about saying something, whether my wife's not here, but actually I'm going to say something, but it's good. My wife is a very dedicated worker. I have been blessed to have somebody that will stand by my side as I've preached the Gospel these years. Sometimes preachers don't always stay in the same place. That can make it difficult on the wife not wanting to move away from family, but that takes place. I have had a wife that God has blessed me with that has stuck by my side no matter what has taken place. I have been blessed by God above.

What about us today? Are we following God according to his plan for the family? Start with the husbands as we close out.

Husbands, fathers, are we leading the family in the way that will help them to go to heaven? Are we doing the things that will help them to reach their heavenly home? Or do we stand in the way that may hinder them from going? We don't want to do that. We don't want to be a roadblock to them.

What about the mother? The Book of Proverbs talks about a nagging wife and a contentious wife. It's better to be on the rooftop than to be with a woman like that. The mother, the wife needs to be somebody that is a good person that works and helps provide for her family.

Children need to also obey and learn and be taught. Brethren, you could see a country that could be turned around not with some political stance, but with the word of God if we would follow it. How do we do that, since we're not in control of everything? We do it one soul at a time. That's how we do it—one soul at a time. We take this gospel first. We live it and we teach it to our families and we teach it to anybody that we can. This morning, are you a child of God? I want you to think for a moment not what I think, not what anybody else thinks.

I can't get you to heaven. That's the truth. I can't do anything that will help you by myself to go to heaven. It takes God. What did God say? Let's look at the day of Pentecost in Acts two. The apostles were there and they were standing up and proclaiming the word of God. The people heard them. The people there were some of them that helped crucify our Lord. They said Men and brethren, what shall we do? We've been guilty of sins. We didn't believe that he was the Christ, but we believe now. What shall we do? Peter said unto those that believe, repent, change your direction and be baptized, every one of you. If we do what the Lord says today, it'll make us the same thing it did in the first century. It'll make us Christians.

As children of God, if there's something in our life that we need to correct, let's be willing to do that. Let's be willing to take care of anything that stands between us and God. If there's anybody here that needs prayers of encouragement, don't be afraid to ask.

Heaven is worth it. Will you come? As we stand as we sing.

Boldness by the Blood

BOLDNESS BY THE BLOOD

Hebrews 10:19-21

 

Good morning. It is good to be here. He mentioned that I am a recent grandfather. It was just two months ago I became one. I'm going to show you pictures for the next 45 minutes. I could do that, but I'm not going to do that.

 

It is a blessing to be here and to teach God's word. We'll have a few more things to say at the worship hour. This hour, I want us to think about Boldness by the Blood. Of course, that’s the blood of Jesus Christ. That's the reason that we're here this morning, isn't it?

 

It’s because of the blood that Jesus shed on that cross. Without that, we wouldn't have a need to be here and we wouldn't have a need to look forward to anything. We’d just be like an animal. We die and that's the end of things. It's not like that with us.

 

Also, I want us to think that we're not just…I hope I'm saved, maybe I'm saved, rather we can know that we are saved. The Bible teaches us that. And we can live a life knowing without a doubt that we are saved. We have a lot of material with this. We'll try to squeeze it in, in this amount of time.

 

Starting in Hebrews 10:19-21, the Hebrews writer, a lot of people think it is Paul, but that doesn't matter as long as we get the message that comes from it. He says here“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God;”

That boldness we have because we're in Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses us from our sins. Are we perfect? No. We'll look at that here in just a moment. But because that blood continues to cleanse us of our sins and we're going to need that. We make mistakes, don't we?

 

As children of God, we fall short. We're not always everything that we need to be. Sometimes we go beyond and do things that we should not do. Sometimes we fall short and don't do what we should do. But we know as long as we're striving to serve God that blood continues to cleanse us.

 

In Romans 3:23, Paul said, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Think about that for a moment. He's writing to Christians, those at Rome, and he tells them, all of us have fallen short of the glory of God. What does that mean? We need that blood that Jesus shed on that cross so we could be saved from our sins.

 

There's no other way that we can be saved. Man cannot devise a way to be saved. You go back to Genesis when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden. You see man’s first sins. They ate of the forbidden fruit that they were told not to, and they were punished for that.

 

Sin had entered the world. You also read in Ephesians 3:8-10, where God already a plan before this world existed. He knew that man would sin. He knew that man couldn't save himself. He had already devised a plan through our Lord Jesus Christ that we could be saved, and that is by his blood.

 

Let's go back to Romans 3. Let's back up in the chapter a little bit. Let's look at verse nine. What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise. For we have before proved, both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin. The Jews thought they were special because they were Jews. The Christ Child came through them, and had they obeyed as they should have, it would have been great, but what do we see through their history?

 

Constantly falling away from doing what God told them to do. Gentiles needed salvation. I was studying about Jonah on one of the airplanes, and you see some interesting things. Therefore, Jonah, a Jew, was told to go to the Gentiles, the Ninevites. I won't go into that because that's another study that is interesting.

 

We all need God, don't we? All people today, we need God. We look next at the book of Isaiah 58:1-2, and you see all through the history of men. It says, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy, that he cannot hear.

 

That's not the problem. God can and is willing to save us. What is the problem then? He tells us there, but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you that He will not hear. That separation comes between us—God, man--and sins come between.

 

In order to be in the right relationship with God, I have to be free from my sins. God has made a way for that. Notice this. Go back to the New Testament in the book of Luke 19:10, and it tells us about Jesus. Here's where the good news comes in.

 

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. That's us. We have an answer, don't we? Jesus came to this earth and lived. Think about that for a moment.

 

Our idea, our plan is to go to heaven. What is our imagination of heaven? Whatever it is, it's greater than whatever we can think, isn't it? Our mind can't comprehend what it will be like to walk in heaven and be with God, to be with the Lord Jesus, to be with the Holy Spirit where the angels are where all the righteous of all time have been.

 

That's what we look forward to. Stop and think. Jesus left the glory of heaven and came here and faced all the same things that we faced. We'll notice that as we study today. He came to do that and go through the same things that we went through in our lives, and he went through much more, as we know. In John 3:16, (a passage that most of us can quote), for God so loved the world that what he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should be saved, that man shall not perish, but have everlasting life. That's a promise from God. Now stop. Which promise has God ever made that he failed to keep? Not a single one. So we can have that everlasting life in Jesus Christ, and it comes by the blood of Jesus.

 

Then going back to the book of Hebrews 9:22, this time, notice what the writer says. Almost all things are by the law, purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission. Go back to the Old Testament, the Law of Moses, they had to offer animal sacrifices. Even Abel did that. You see throughout the Old Testament that they had to offer these blood sacrifices.

 

Those animal sacrifices, that blood could not wash away man's sins. It made a remembrance of sins. The old law condemned sin, but we had to look to Jesus Christ for our salvation, don't we? That's the only way that man can be saved.

 

Isn't it good news that we can live our lives with joy? We're going to notice that after we eat lunch today, that it could be dangerous. Everybody has eaten, the preacher has eaten. Everybody is ready for a nap.

 

That hour may be the most challenging of the whole week right there, but we'll give it our best shot. We also notice there's a song that everybody pretty much sings at every congregation. What? There's Power in the Blood. We understand that men have written songs about that and we sing it, there's power in the blood, not of those animal sacrifices, oh, no.

 

In the Lord Jesus Christ, there's power, how much power? It can take us from a lost state when we're washed in the blood of Jesus at the point of baptism and we're in Christ, we are saved. That is power. That is tremendous power, isn't it?

 

Then we see in John 14:6, Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one cometh unto the Father but by me. There’s our answer, there's our boldness. We want to look at three ways this morning that we can walk with boldness that will help us in our daily walk as we strive each day of our life to serve God and to keep his commandments. I want you to think today and throughout this week, we'll look at some different subjects, obviously, but let's think about how we can live our lives with confidence.

 

We can know that we're safe. Sometimes we live with doubt, even if we're a member of the church. I've been baptized, that is great, but how do we live our lives? We should live our lives knowing that whatever we face, God is there for us. He never will fail us. He's not going to leave us.

 

There's never going to be a time that we call upon Him, that he will not hear us. That makes us live our lives differently, doesn't it, when we understand that.

Number one, let's draw near to God. That's one thing that we are told to do. Notice in Hebrews 10:22, let us draw near with a true heart. Notice this in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. What happens at the point of baptism? We contact that saving blood. Jesus shed his blood in his death on the cross. John 19:34.

 

Romans six, three and four says, we're baptized into his death and we're resurrected to walk in newness of life. That's what Jesus talked to Nicodemus about, wasn't it? He came and Nicodemus talked to him and Jesus said, you must be born again. Nicodemus said, how are you going to do that? You can't enter the second time into your mother's womb.

 

He said, you must be born of the water and the Spirit, and the Spirit through the apostles. And of course, we have the word of God today and it tells us what we need to do to become Christians, to live our lives as Christians. He says, draw near to God. God is there to comfort us. Thinking about that grandchild, I already miss him.

 

I just left yesterday, but I already miss him. Think about that child as he grows up. He's going to face difficulties. Even when he's small, a child he faces difficulties that sometimes we may think are nothing. It is to him, it is to that child.

 

What do we want to do as parents and grandparents? Come here, I will help take care of you. We comfort that child. Our Father says, draw near, I will give you comfort, I will take care of you. There's not going to be a time that you can't be near me. You can always be near me.

 

Draw near to God. God is always going to be where he always has been. So what do we need to do? Draw near to God. Sometimes we have to refocus. This includes me. I'm not just saying this to other people. We have to refocus. Sometimes we have to sit down and think, I need to do some self inventory, looking over myself, and I want to draw near to God, how's my prayer life? Am I praying to God?

 

That's our communication to God. You ever thought about prayer and the effectiveness of prayer? Think about this. We're going right before the throne of God when we do that. That is some thought, isn't it? God does not allow just anyone to come before his throne, but his children.

 

He will allow us to come before his throne. What a privilege and what an honor! We can come and talk to Him, and he does hear us. He takes care of us. He understands us. Sometimes people, we do help each other, we understand that. There are times we may feel nobody understands me.

 

God does. God always understands. He knows what's going on. He knows what's taking place in our lives. In John 3:5, as we were mentioning, Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of the water and the spirit (noticed the other part that I didn't say), he cannot enter the kingdom of God, so you must be born again. Go back to the part of baptism that we just mentioned, what do you bury? You bury something that is dead. What's dead? That old man of sin, what we used to be.

 

That man is buried, resurrected to walk in newness of life, a new child, as though I never sinned. We may remember what we used to do, but that life is over with. I'm walking with God now, so my life will be different. Let's read Romans six, three and four. I referred to it, but let's read it specifically and see how he starts out.

 

That part is important. Know ye not? We might say this today, don't you know? Don't you understand this? Again, he's writing this to Christians.

 

When you write this to Christians, why are you writing to Christians about baptism? You're reminding them. That's what even those that have been members, I'm sure some of you have been members for a long, long time. What do we gain? We may say I've studied that subject before.

 

We need to be reminded about things, don't we? When you go back to the Bible, and I know we would make statements very similar to this, “I've studied that before, but I never noticed that.” Some other preacher comes and preaches on the same subject, and covers that, but in a completely different way. We still gain from that. Know ye not that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ? What? Were baptized into his death. There's what we were covering. Notice the next word. Therefore, because of what just took place, that you were baptized into the death of Jesus, therefore, we are buried with him.

 

How? By baptism into death. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Christ was in that tomb three days. The tomb couldn't contain him.

 

Death, he overcame it, and up from the grave he arose. Like our Lord, we rise from that watery grave. That old man's been buried. That new man has been resurrected. In the book of First John 1:7, and in thought we have referred to this.

 

We didn't read this. It says, but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, (God, the Lord Jesus, is always in the light). Never was a time that they were outside of the light. Jesus is that light. As we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.

 

The blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from how many sins? I can see that God will forgive me of some sins, but there's some he just can't forgive. No, no, he forgives us of all sins, whatever it was. Think back to what you read in the Bible.

 

What about Saul of Tarsus that persecuted the church, and he even held the garments while they stoned Stephen to death. Do you think that wasn't something that bothered him even after he became a Christian? My point is, the power that is in the blood of Jesus even washed away his sins. Why tarriest thou rise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. That blood will save you, Paul. You can be saved by that blood of Jesus Christ.

 

There's a word here, a phrase here, the first two words. But if—but if we walk in the light.  Sometimes I like to say it like this. What if we don't? We get the point real quick, don't we? All those things we just talked about, we don't have the benefit of. I want to think about and I want to take advantage of what's been offered to me by God.

 

He has blessed us. He's made the way for us. This life can be difficult at times, we know that. There are always some bumps in the road, isn't there? A lot of potholes. Some of those are pretty big, but nothing that we can't live with in this life. This life is brief. James said that. It's like a vapor. It appears for a short time and vanishes away. I just turned 60. When I was 30, 60 sounded like an old man.

 

Dale and I we're talking about this yesterday when he picked me up from the airport. 60 don’t seem so old now after I got to this age. It sure did when I was 30. Take whatever age you happen to be. How old does man live to be in his 70s, maybe in his 80s and some, if they even live to be real old, might hit 100.

 

I know a lady that used to be a church secretary made that age. Even with that, if I make it to be 80, I've got 20 years to live. That's pretty short, isn’t it? That means two thirds of my life is already over. That's if I make it to 80. If I die in my 70 less than—you get the idea, don't you? This life is brief. It's only for a short period of time, and then we have that benefit.

 

Here's one thing I like to do, and it's beyond comprehension. We already talked about how beautiful will heaven be, what is it going to be like? If we die now, before the Lord returns and we're faithful to God, we go to paradise. What do we think paradise will be like? That must be something to behold, paradise, we think, even in living here.

 

What's the greatest place you've ever been to? I've been talking to people this week about that. What's the greatest place that you've ever been to? Why? I’ve been to this place? You ought to see this place. It is something to behold. What about paradise? You die and you go to paradise before the Lord returns. How beautiful heaven must be.

 

You see how limited our mind is about what we can even behold, about what awaits us. That's what we need to live our lives for, not always looking at the negative things. Oh, they're going to be there, but don't let them control your life. Live as though we're going to heaven, because if I'm serving God, I am.

 

If I see myself and I need to take care of some things, I'm going to take care of them. God wants you to go to heaven. That's one thing that we must understand. God wants you to go to heaven. Some people, I think, in life, and this may not fit as much in this group, but I think they think that God's looking up from heaven just waiting for us to make a mistake.

 

I got you. That's not the picture of God. In the Bible, we have a God that loves us even when we fall short. We've read that in First John, chapter one. He still loves us, he still cares about us, and he still wants us to go to heaven.

 

We notice in Romans 3:23 and 25, this is prior to chapter six of what we read. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We notice that already being justified freely by his grace through the redemption what that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are passed through the forbearance of God. Oh, I need to do what God tells me to do. I need to obey him. Yes, indeed, but I still can't be saved because of my good deeds. I still need the mercy of God, the grace of God. It's two parts—God's part and man's part. God has made it available.

 

Everything that man needs, God has made available. He wants us to do, take advantage of it. Living down close to New Orleans, just outside of New Orleans, we have some hurricanes sometimes. Hurricane Katrina was something else. It wiped out our house.

 

I worked at a community college there and the church building. A wave of water came through, (the building's brick) water washed through one side of the building, went right out the other and everything was gone. That's tremendous power there destruction.

 

When we finally could come back at nighttime, there were no lights anywhere. Let's go over to McDonald's and grab something to eat. There's not a McDonald's. Let's go to Home Depot and get some supplies. There's not a Home Depot.

 

Everything was wiped out, but as things came back and sometimes there would be places that would either sell food or even given away food, you would notice people got in line. Why? To take advantage of the benefits that were being provided. That's smart, isn't it? We need to eat.

 

Even if it's given to you or you're buying it, we need that. Why not take advantage of something that is far, far greater than that? Then in First John 5:13, John says, these things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. That's who he's addressing. You believe.

 

He's writing to the members that you may know that you have eternal life that you may believe on the name of the Son of God. That you may know. Go back to where we started. Not just I think and I hope that you may know. He has made a plan that will save us, and it's 100% perfect because God did it. He set the perfect plan in process. Man just simply needs to take advantage of it.

 

Number two, and I'm heading number two at this point. I said there's a lot of material to cover, but number two, Hebrews 10:23, but let's notice fast. Number two is hold fast.

 

We need to draw near to God, but hold fast once you get there, where salvation is, where God provides the benefits. Hold fast, don't leave it. If just a storm is coming through, and I say an average storm, the wind's blowing really hard and it's raining really hard, I want to go in the house where there's safety. I want to stay there. Hold fast in that house, but let's hold fast in Jesus Christ.

 

Notice Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold fast their profession of our faith without wavering. For he is faithful that promised.

 

Who promised? God did it, and he's faithful. He's going to keep his word. He will not fall short of it. He's going to do what he said that he would do.

 

When we read his word, He's made some promises to us about salvation. You go back and read Matthew six when Jesus was talking about the necessities of life. I'll provide those. Come to verse chapter six, verse 33, Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

He's going to take care of the things here. He's got something better that awaits us, so take advantage of those things. Then we notice in First Corinthians 15:58 therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord.

 

Notice for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord, we can know, we can have assurance, we can have boldness in the Lord. Not our greatness, not our goodness, but that of our Lord. Hold fast to what we have available for us, that has been made possible for us. There's so much that Jesus has done for us. You see these verses in the Bible and it's telling us, stay faithful, keep on doing what you're doing, it will be worth it.

 

I imagine all of us can think about some people somewhere that have fallen away, no longer serving God, and that hurts. We hate to see that. That's the reason. Some of these verses you see here written to Christians.  Christians, stay faithful, don't give up, don't quit. It will be worth it.

 

There's something that awaits you, and I'm here to help you. In Second Timothy 4:7 Paul says, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. We know what Paul went through. He was beaten on several occasions, left for dead, in a shipwreck, bitten by a snake. Bitten by a snake would be enough to be dead. I'd probably die of a heart deck right there, just bitten by a snake, but he survived all these things.

 

When these things were happening, when he was beaten and left for dead, what did he get back up and do? Let's go back just a little bit further. Paul and Silas were in prison. What would we do today if we're put in prison because we taught the gospel to somebody?  Is this what I get for serving God? Is this what God has for me?

 

The prison that Paul and Silas were in is not like the local jail, not that the local jail is where we want to be, but these prisons were not of that nature. What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight, singing praises unto God. What faith they had. They were determined. You're not going to stop me, whatever you do, from serving God.

 

Peter and John did the same thing. They told them not to speak in the name of Jesus. They could only speak the things that that saw and heard and were not going to stop doing it. They were determined to keep on doing that.

 

Oh, what it cost them. It cost them dearly, but they kept on doing it because they knew that it was worth it. In First Corinthians 16:13, watch ye stand fast in the faith. Quit ye like men. Be strong. That means we have to grow stronger. Sometimes people become members, and at the point of baptism, yes, we need to do that, but they stay at that level. Ten years later, they're still at that level.

 

We need to grow well. We start out on milk. That's natural. My grandson certainly likes milk, but eventually he's going to grow stronger. He's going to want something besides milk.

 

He's going to want some of that table food. He's going to grow stronger. We need to do that in the faith. In First Peter five, verse seven, it says, casting all your care upon Him, for he careth for you. Cast your care upon him. What are you going through?

 

What are you struggling with? Don't try to bear your burden by yourself. To start with, you can't, but with Jesus Christ you can cast your burden upon Him. He's able to handle it. He's able to do whatever is necessary. There's no problem that is too big for God. He's able to do everything.

 

We see in Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised. Don't waver, don't go one way or the other, you stay solid. We've seen several verses already. In Second Timothy 1:12, for the which cause I also suffer these things. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.  He had confidence, didn't he?

 

Paul was writing to a young evangelist. You stay strong, Timothy. You may be a young evangelist, and you're going to face some things. You've been left there to take care of some things, but you stay strong. I know who I have believed and am persuaded that he is able he is able to do all these things and provide all of our needs.

 

We all have needs. I can say it without doubt and I don't know all of you. Some of you are dealing with some problems right now. It's been said you're either in a problem, you just got out of a problem, or one's about to start. Sometimes it may be a combination of some of those things.

 

God's there, that's real life. Some people, I think, have the idea when you become a Christian, there are no more problems. That's not true. If you have too many bills, and you become a Christian, guess what? After you're baptized, you still have too many bills. It doesn't work that way. That's not what God's promised us.

 

Number three provoke each other. Now, sometimes we use the word provoke in a different way. You may take two guys that are provoked him into a fight. That's not what we're talking about. I like Westerns. Sometimes the guy that is really fast with a gun, will provoke somebody that he knows is not as fast into a gunfight, knowing that he's going to win. We're not talking about that, though.

 

That word is used to encourage. Notice this verse, Hebrews 10:24. We usually look at Hebrews 10:25 about, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. That's fine. That is good, but notice the verse before it, and let us consider one another to provoke, encourage unto love and to good works.

 

Brother, I want to encourage you to do this. How about go with me, make this visit. We haven't seen so and so in so long. I did something one time. I'm still preaching there, though. In the front, there are two different artificial plants. One weekend I took one in the back. I wanted to see how long it took for somebody to notice that it was gone. At the first service somebody knew there was a plant missing.

 

Where's that plant at? What about some member? I haven't seen them for two years. We need to go check on them too. It's more important than that artificial plant is that you're going to eventually throw in the trash. Encourage each other to do those things.

 

In Second Corinthians 9:10, Paul says, for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal hath provoked very many. It has encouraged very many. You have this zeal to serve God, and it has encouraged others. Look at those folks, how they love God and serve God. It encourages others to do the same thing.

 

We're told to do that. Consider one another to encourage unto good works. John 13:34. Jesus said a new commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you that you also love one another. How much did he love us?

 

We know that. We already talked about that. He loved us to the point of death on the cross. We are to love one another. That's the way that the world will know that we are God's children, that we love one another.

 

If they see the Lord's church fighting amongst itself, it's hard to invite others to want to be a part of that. We love one another. We care about each other. You have a need. I need, to help you with that if I possibly can, and vice versa.

 

In the book of Revelation 20:12, we see this John said, and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God. And the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works. That's how it's going to take place. You may be faithful, but I'm going to have to stand on my own two feet when it comes to following God.

 

I worked with a guy one time and there was a conversation going on, but he said, I believe in Jesus when I see Him I’ve got some questions for Him. I beg to differ. He'll be the one asking the questions. Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess.

 

You won't be asking the questions, and you can't serve God on your terms. A lot of people do that. I believe in God and I do this and that, but they're serving God on their own terms. We must serve God on his terms, but what about our name in that book that was opened? Is our name written in the book? I want my name there. Sometimes our name could be removed. It is possible that we can stop serving God. In Galatians five, verse four, it says, if you're justified by grace, you are falling from grace.

 

That is possible, not only for that reason, but many more. What about our name in the Lamb's Book of Life? Is our name there? We can't directly see it, but do you realize that you can really know? That's what we've been discussing, isn't it? We can know that we're saved. God has made his plan known to mankind. If I follow this plan that he's given me, I can know that I'm saved. Not maybe, not that I hope I'm saved. I will be saved. So I can know that my name is written there. And what a great day it will be when my Jesus I shall see and I look upon his face the one that saved me by his grace. You ever been around anybody that's important?

 

Usually, if you are, you probably get nervous, don't we? After one storm hit up in the Baton Rouge area, since we had been helped with Katrina, and other things, some of us went up there and I got near, most important person ever.  It wasn't like he was standing here. He's in the automobile, you could say when he passed by, he was president at the time. President Obama came through and I said to the guy standing next to me, “There he is.”

 

He looked, there he was. That's him standing next to a president. Of course, it wasn't like we were standing there talking, but still, it doesn't matter what president it happens to be. We would be nervous, wouldn't we? Maybe being near some star, we might be nervous. They're famous for this. They fail in comparison to the Lord. I want to be with Him, but I don't have to be afraid. I can live with confidence.

 

Notice this in 1st John 3:1, behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God. What manner of love God has shown to us because we do love Him. That's a great love, isn't it? That's what we need to dwell upon. Think about what we dwell upon.

 

I'm going to be guilty sometimes knowing I shouldn't be doing this, but things that are bad, this happened, that happened. Sometimes we'll let the least little thing dominate our day. That's not what we're supposed to be thinking about all the time, is it?

 

Philippians 4:8. Those things that are good and lovely think about those things. Think about going to heaven. Our time is up, so we shall stop there and we'll look forward to the worship hour.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

Naaman

2nd Kings 5:1-13

INTRO: Good morning church. I will start this morning with 2nd Kings. In chapter five is one of the most popular stories in the Old Testament. Jesus specifically mentions this event in Luke 4:27 – “And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”[NKJV]

As you can see, our story is about Naaman and how he was cleansed from his leprosy.

I. Let's begin by reading at 2nd Kings 5:1- “Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.” This is the first time we see Naaman mentioned in scripture so let’s see what we learn.

A. He is a Gentile commander of a Gentile army, the Syrians. We learn that he was considered by his king to be a very honorable man.

1. This next part, at first look, is surprising and some people have marveled that God in this text is accredited with the victory of Syria, but this is in full keeping with scripture. What you will discover as you read through the Old Testament is that God would use Gentile nations to punish the children of Israel when they were not following after God.  You will also find that God would use the Gentile nations to fulfill prophecy.
2. In Romans 13:1 we read – “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”  This tells us that God is in control.
3. He can use the righteous and He can use the unrighteous to bring about His providential care.

1. B. We also learn that Naaman is a leper. Even though he was a great commander and did many things to further his nation's cause, he was still a diseased man. In a similar way, all people on the face of this planet, no matter who they are, how honorable they may be, they are all stained with sin until they obey the Gospel.

II. Now 2nd Kings 5:2 – “And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife.”

A. One of the prisoners was this young girl who was made to serve Naaman's wife. Next we read in verses 3-4 – “Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.' And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, "Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.''”

1. The unsung heroine of this whole narrative is this young girl who had been captured by the Syrians and made a slave to the house of Naaman. Instead of becoming bitter against her exploiters and harboring an undying hatred of them, she accepted her fate with meekness and exhibited friendship and compassion for Naaman and his wife.
2. She tells Naaman's wife of a way that he could be free from that awful disease of leprosy. It was this captive maiden who enlightened the great lord of the Syrian armies and through him the king of Syria, of the existence of a true prophet of God in Samaria, and of his ability to cure leprosy.

B. When we think about this young girl, it should remind us of how every Christian should be today. We should have the same type of compassion for all those who are still in their sins.

1. We should be willing to share the good news of Jesus with them so that they can know how they can be cured of that awful disease called sin.
2. Put yourself in the shoes of Naaman and imagine if you had a disease that was eating away at your flesh, wouldn't you try to do just about anything to find a cure? Of course you would.
3. When Naaman found out that Elisha could cure him, he immediately went to his king and told him what this young girl had said.
4. Imagine if our sins could be seen like leprosy. If we could physically see how ugly our sins are, I strongly suspect we would have a desire to find a cure. If we were already a Christian, we would work harder at keeping sin out of our lives.

III. The king receives Naaman’s report and responds in 2nd Kings 5:5-6 – “So the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.'' So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, "Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.''”

A. The king had great respect for Naaman, especially for all the victories he had accomplished for their nation. He was willing to do whatever he could to help Naaman out.

1. He writes a letter to send to the king of Israel to make it official that he wants Naaman to be healed. And the king was willing to pay for this service, so Naaman was sent with silver, gold and ten sets of clothing.
2. We read next how the king of Israel receives this letter in 2nd Kings 5:7 – “And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.''”
3. The king of Israel, knew he did not have the ability to heal Naaman because he was not God. I believe this confirms that what we are talking about here is indeed Hansen’s disease, leprosy, for the king of Israel rated the king of Syria's request for the healing Naaman as the equivalent of God's ability to "kill and to make alive".
4. Since there was no way for him to heal this disease, he assumes that it's just an excuse for the king of Syria to battle against him. He tears his clothes, thinking that this is a no win situation.

B. 2nd Kings 5:8 – “So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.''”

1. We're not informed how Elisha finds out about the situation. But when he does, he sends word to the king to have Naaman come to him, so that it will be known that there is a prophet of God in Israel.

IV. Let’s continue reading about what happens when Naaman reaches Elisha in 2nd Kings 5:9-12 – “Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.'' But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, "Indeed, I said to myself, `He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' "Are not the Abanah (ah-ban-ah) and the Pharpar (far-par), the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?'' So he turned and went away in a rage.”

A. Again, imagine yourself in the shoes of Naaman. Here you are, a very important man who has the backing of an entire nation, and you arrive at Elisha's house expecting you would receive a special welcome. That didn't happen. Elisha didn't even come out of the house.

1. Instead, he sent his servant with a message to go dip seven times in the dirty Jordan River! Think about how this would make you feel. We know that it made Naaman furious.
2. Naaman tells us that in his mind, he thought Elisha would come out and meet him, call upon God, and then wave his hands, and then all of a sudden, Naaman’s leprosy would be healed.

B. Elisha didn't meet his expectations, that was not only disappointing but it made him angry, and he wasn't about to go dip seven times in the Jordan River, especially since he could do the same thing in the rivers of Damascus which were much cleaner than the Jordan. He went away in a rage.

1. In thinking about this I realize that Naaman represents a lot of people in the world today because there are many who have the same reaction to God's truth.
2. Elisha gave requirements that were necessary for Naaman to be healed. He had to go dip seven times, not six, and it had to be in the Jordan River. If Naaman obeyed God's instructions, he would be cured from his leprosy.
3. This is the pattern you will see throughout the Bible. God provides His grace, which we do not deserve, but He never just gives it to us. God always requires us to accept His gift of grace by obeying His commands.
4. For instance, Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord in Genesis 6:8, but in order to be saved, he had to build an ark, just like God told him. It wasn't until Noah finished the ark, and went into the Ark with his family, that God closed the door and saved them from the flood.
5. Joshua and the walls of Jericho are another great example. Joshua 6:2 – “And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.” Joshua and his men didn't do anything to deserve or earn this gift from God, but it was God’s to give, and He gave it to them.

a. However, they had to accept this gift, and God tells them how starting at verse 3. “3. "You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. 4. "And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5. "Then it shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.''”
b. Even after the wall fell, they still had to go in and defeat the people of Jericho.

6. This is the pattern you will find repeatedly when it comes to God's gift of grace. Just as we have seen in our story with Naaman.

C. In the New Testament, we find that God has made the gift of His grace available to everyone. Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”

1. None of us deserve God's grace. If people got what they deserve, Naaman would never have been offered the freedom from leprosy, and we would never have been offered the freedom from our sins.
2. Glory be to God that He loves us so much that He has offered you and me this wonderful gift of grace so that we can be healed from our sins that stain our souls.

V. But just like in the Old Testament examples, God doesn't give His gift of grace without us accepting it by obeying all His commands. This is why you will never find a verse that says we are saved by God's grace or faith alone. In fact, when you look at Ephesians 2:8 it says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith”. And as we know, the faith that is being spoken of here… is not merely believing.

A. All you have to do is look at James 2 and you'll see that we are not saved by faith alone because we must also have works. And these works are not works of merit, but works of obedience.
B. I want you to look at Ephesians 2:5 again and notice it says that we were dead in our trespasses. That means we were spiritually dead in our sins, but we were made alive together with Christ. It was only at the point of being made alive together with Christ that our sins were taken away.
C. When did this happen? At what point in the plan of salvation does this occur?

1. We can see this in Colossians 2:11f – “11. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12. buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,”
2. Do we see what Paul has just taught us? He tells us clearly that when people are baptized, they are being buried with Christ. It's by their faith in the workings of God that they can know when they are raised up out of the watery grave of baptism that they are made alive with Christ and their sins have been forgiven.

D. We know that the Bible also teaches us that we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, John 3:16, that we must repent, Luke 13:3, and we must also confess Jesus as our Lord, Romans 10:9. These things are certainly necessary for our salvation, but our sins are not removed, and we're not made alive with Christ until we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.

1. Paul also makes this same statement in Romans 6:3f – “3. Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4. Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6. knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7. For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,”
2. A person would have to try really hard not to see the clarity of these passages. Again, baptism is the point that we are buried and united with Christ. At the point of baptism is when we put off our old sinful self and we die to our sins and we are raised no longer being a slave to sin.

E. Baptism is not an option. Just like dipping in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of his leprosy was not an option for Naaman.

1. That is why Peter says in 1st Peter 3:21 – “There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism…” At the birth of the church, once again, Peter says in Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;”
2. That is why Ananias tells Paul in Acts 22:16 – “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

VI. The reason I'm stressing baptism in this lesson is because many in the religious world will try to tell you that baptism is not necessary and that your sins are forgiven before you're baptized. That is not what the word of God says.

A. Sadly many today have the same attitude that Naaman had. When Elisha's servant said that he needed to go dip seven times in the Jordan River, he became furious because he wanted things done as he thought they should be. He even wanted to substitute the rivers of Damascus for the Jordan.

1. This is exactly what many have done with the plan of salvation. They have substituted baptism with grace alone or faith alone. Others have added the sinner's prayer, which does not exist in the Bible. Still others claim christening as an infant is enough, or sprinkling or pouring. Anything other then what God actually commands in His word.
2. When you point out God's truth about baptism, people will get angry and they will not listen, and they will run off in a rage because they don't want to listen to and understand what the word of God says.
3. This is really sad because many of these people are good and honorable people, just like Naaman was. Until they are willing to obey all of God's commands regarding the plan of salvation, they are not going to have their sins forgiven because they're not being baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Until they obey, their soul is going to remain stained.

B. One of Naaman's problems was that he thought that Elisha should come out to him and wave his hands over him. We can tell ourselves all day long that we think that God will accept this, or we think that He will accept that based on how we feel. I got news for you. God is not concerned about what we think or how we feel, because He is the one in control.

1. We must submit ourselves to His will and His way, or we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. It is that simple.
2. Does not Christ say in Matthew 7:21 - “Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

VII. Naaman learns. Let's look at 2nd Kings 5:13-14 – “And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, `Wash, and be clean'?'' So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

A. How fortunate Naaman was to have a servant that was able to make him see the light. I would that all who are lost have someone to point out their error. Naaman now realized that if Elisha had told him to accomplish something great, then he would not have questioned it, but have simply done it. This makes him realize how foolish he was being not submitting to the command of God.
B. He went to the Jordan River and dipped himself. This is fully immersing himself seven times. It wasn't until the 7th time that his flesh was restored. Not only was it restored, his flesh was like that of a young child. No evidence of the disease, no missing flesh, now he is completely whole. There was nothing magical about the Jordan River. It was simply the place that God designated for this miracle to take place.

1. This same principle is true today because God has designated water baptism as the point that we receive the forgiveness of our sins. Again, there's nothing magical about the water. It's just the place that God cleanses us of our sins.
2. People are a funny lot. They are willing to do all sorts of things, believe all sorts of things, yet are unwilling to just do what God commands. His commands are not difficult, but following them is absolutely necessary for our salvation.

VIII. Naaman returns in 2nd Kings 5:15-19 – “15. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, "Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.'' 16. But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.'' And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17. So Naaman said, "Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. 18. "Yet in this thing may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord please pardon your servant in this thing.'' 19. Then he said to him, "Go in peace.'' So he departed from him a short distance.”

A. Naaman knows the only reason he was been healed from leprosy is because he followed the instructions of Elisha and because God is the only God. He makes this commitment that he will only serve God Almighty. Yet, he still holds the ancient idea of gods being identified with a certain land. Much as he honored God, he did not at that time understand that God Almighty is God of ALL lands. Remember Jonah learned that he could not get away from God's presence merely by going to a different country, but the common superstition of that time is evident in this request.
B. He tries to offer Elisha a gift for what has been done but Elisha would not take it because the gift that Naaman received came from God. This shows us that God's gift cannot be purchased. That is why we cannot earn or merit our salvation. We can only accept it by obeying all of God's commands.

IX. Let's finish up this chapter. 2nd Kings 5:20f – “20. But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.'' 21. So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, "Is all well?'' 22. And he said, "All is well. My master has sent me, saying, `Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.' '' 23. So Naaman said, "Please, take two talents.'' And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him."

A. Now Gehazi returns to Elisha in "24. When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed. 25. Now he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, "Where did you go, Gehazi?'' And he said, "Your servant did not go anywhere.'' 26. Then he said to him, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? 27. "Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.'' And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.”

1. Great example of how one lie will lead to another. First, Gehazi lies to Naaman, and then he lies to Elisha. Gehazi's greed and his lies end up with him receiving the leprosy of Naaman.
2. This story should serve as a strong warning against those who try to make a profit from people who are willing to help in God's cause. Those false evangelists on TV who deceive people and tell them that if they send in money, that God will give them back tenfold or 100 fold or whatever, and then they take that money and line their pockets. I can tell you their punishment is going to be far worse than that of Gehazi, because they will receive eternal judgment when Jesus comes again.

CONCLUSION:
Gehazi’s sin is such a contrast to Naaman’s healing. Naaman’s healing caused him to serve the Lord alone. He even admitted that he has to bow with his master before the god Rimmon. Naaman hides nothing! He bears his heart and soul before Elisha and God, but Gehazi hid his actions before Elisha and the Lord. What did hiding his sin accomplish?

Sin: Hiding Is Pointless. Christians, hiding our sin before God is pointless. Numbers 32:23 says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” One day our sin will be completely uncovered and our secrets and the content of our character will be exposed. We think that admitting our sin will cause us pain now, but Naaman only found God’s grace when he humbled himself. Gehazi’s prideful lies and secrets only resulted in God’s wrath and unthinkable consequences.

Sin: Consequences Are Terrible. How valuable were Gehazi’s treasures once Naaman’s leprosy was on his body? How enjoyable and valuable are our sins in the place of eternal punishment? Sin only has a spark of fleeting pleasure. We think we can hold onto pleasure, but the only thing we hold on to are sin’s damning consequences. Leprosy was pronounced not only on Gehazi, but on his descendants as well. Imagine what Gehazi’s reaction would be if we asked him if the treasures were worth it. Was the silver worth the leprosy? Are our sins worth eternal shame and torment in Hell?

As Psalm 32:1-11 says, “1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile. 3. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. 4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah 5. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,'' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6. For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him. 7. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you. 10. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. 11. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Yes, we live in a fast paced world where it seems like we don't have enough time, but I want each of us to be encouraged to find time out of each day to sit down and to study God's word. Life is great, and there's nothing wrong with being busy, but we must be careful that we don't get to the point where we get so busy that we fail to take time to feed ourselves spiritually from God's Word.

We must remember that God is to be our number one priority.
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We learn from the New Testament how to be saved. We need to hear the word; believe in Jesus; repent of our sins; we must confess our belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and be baptized for the remission of our sins… If we follow these steps, the Lord adds us to His church.

Perhaps there is someone in the assembly today with the need to be buried with Christ in baptism. If you have never done these things, we urge you to do so today. If anyone has this need or desires the prayers of faithful Christians on their behalf, we encourage them to come forward while we stand and sing.

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Based on Sermon by: Cougan Collins

Being Found Faithful

Deuteronomy 32:48-52 & Numbers 20:1–12

Imagine a rugged landscape, bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun. In the center stands Moses, a figure of wisdom and strength, his weathered face reflecting years of leadership and communion with the Divine.
As the gathered Israelites hush in anticipation, Moses begins to speak, his voice carrying the weight of a lifetime's worth of guidance and instruction. He recalls the journey they have undertaken, from their escape from Egypt's chains to their trials and triumphs in the wilderness.
With his words, Moses paints a vivid picture of the land that they have longed for—a land flowing with milk and honey. He describes its fertile valleys, rolling hills, and shimmering rivers, igniting a sense of longing within his people's hearts.
But then, his tone shifts. A somber tone envelops his words as he recounts the reasons why he won't be joining them in this Promised Land. His eyes convey both sorrow and determination as he reminds them of their history of rebellion and disbelief, which led to God's decree that he would not enter the land.
The people listen, their hearts heavy with the weight of his words. Yet, amid the sadness, Moses imparts a final lesson—a lesson of obedience and consequence. He warns them of the perils of turning away from the path of righteousness, reminding them that their choices will shape their destiny.
As Moses concludes his speech, the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows that seem to mirror the uncertainty of the Israelites' future. The atmosphere is one of somberness, yet also one of renewed commitment. The people are reminded that their journey is not only a physical one, but a spiritual and moral one as well.
And so, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, the Israelites carry with them Moses' words—a legacy of faith, resilience, and the importance of staying true to their covenant with God, even in the face of challenges.

I would like to start my sermon this morning with a puzzle and wonder if you can figure it out:
What is it that is greater than God?
More evil than Satan?
Rich people DON’T have it?
Poor people DO have it?
And if you eat it… you will die?

Answer: NOTHING
Nothing is greater than God
Nothing is more evil than Satan
Rich people don’t have nothing
Poor people do
And if you eat nothing… you’ll die

The puzzle makes sense once you know the answer.
But until you know the answer, it is really confusing.
AND that’s the case with our story this morning.

Moses is taken to the top of Mt. Nebo and told by God: “take a look before you die, because you’re not going to get into the Promised Land. This is all you get to see.
Really?
Why?

Deuteronomy 32:51 explains:
“This is because both of you broke faith with me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because you did not uphold my holiness among the Israelites.”
What was this all about?

Well, let’s go back and read the story.
It only shows up in Numbers 20:1-12
“In the first month the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, and they stayed at Kadesh.
There Miriam died and was buried.
Now there was no water for the community,
and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron.

They quarreled with Moses and said, ‘If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD!
Why did you bring the LORD’s community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here?
Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place?

It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates.
And there is no water to drink!’
Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown,
and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

The LORD said to Moses,
‘Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together.
SPEAK to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.’

So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence,
just as he commanded him.
He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them,
‘Listen, you rebels, must WE bring you water out of this rock?’

Then Moses raised his arm and STRUCK THE ROCK twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites,
you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’

What had Moses done wrong?
1st – he got angry with the mob of protestors.
2nd – he claimed HE was getting water from the rock…
when it was actually God.
And 3rd he had disobeyed God.
God said speak to the rock…
Moses struck it with the staff.

For that, Moses was refused entry into the Promised Land and died in the wilderness.
That’s it!
That’s the whole story.
• He got mad
• He claimed credit
• And he disobeyed God
But something about this story just doesn’t make sense.
It’s like a puzzle with a couple of pieces missing.

Moses has been leading the people of Israel in the desert for 40 years, and for most of those 40 years it had been no picnic. These people have been extremely difficult.
• They’ve complained and bickered and they’ve been rebellious.
• They’ve insulted Moses.
• They’ve rejected God’s will.
• And frankly, they’ve basically been a real pain to work with.

But in spite of that, for most of that 40 years Moses has been the ideal leader. He seems to actually care for these folks.
• He’s prayed for them.
• He’s reasoned with them.
• And he’s interceded with God for them.

At one point God got so angry with the Israelites that God says “stand back and let me destroy these wicked people.
Then we will start over again with just you.”
But Moses refuses and intercedes for God to spare them.

On top of that, Moses seems to have been one of the few men in Scripture that God personally praises.

We’re told in Numbers 12:3
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
It’s like God was saying that Moses shined so brightly the rest of the world seemed tarnished.
That’s high praise from God.

So here we have Moses –
just months away from crossing the Jordan River and he slips up ONE TIME.
He loses his temper ONE TIME.
And he’s denied access to the Promised Land.

Over the years in Bible Studies,
Sermons presented, etc. many individuals have felt that This just didn’t seem fair!
That it just doesn’t seem right!
This shouldn’t happen to someone like Moses!

And if this were the “last chapter” of the story, they’d be right.
It’s not fair.
But this isn’t the last chapter.
There’s more to the story than appears at first glance.

We can often see in our reading of the scriptures how our God loves to paint pictures?
All through the Old Testament God repeatedly gives us images that tell us about Jesus and what He’d be like... and what He’d do.

If you look through the Law you’ll see pictures of Jesus in the sacrifices.
If you examine the instructions on how they were to construct the Tabernacle, you’ll find images of Jesus that show up in all the materials and measurements of every corner of that tent.

And in the Old Testament stories of the heroes and heroines you’ll not just see true stories of those people,
but you’ll see how God weaves that truth in such a way that their very lives and stories point to Christ.

For example, Abraham offering his only begotten son Isaac as a sacrifice was a portrait of what God was going to do through Jesus.

Many of the old hymns reflected that truth.
For example, there’s an old hymn written in the 1800’s by Tullius C. O’Kane titled “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks”
which is Number 461 in our song book.

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye;
To Canaan’s fair and happy land, Where my possessions lie.
We shall rest in the fair and happy land by and by,
Just across on the evergreen shore,
sing the song of Moses and the Lamb
By and-by-and dwell with Jesus evermore.

But now, how do we get INTO heaven?
Do we get in by doing good works?
Do we get in by obeying the commandments of the OT law?
Even though these things couldn’t hurt
we would have to NO,
we only get into Heaven by following Jesus.
The LAW (Moses) could not lead His people into His Promised Land.

Only JESUS (the Savior) could do that.

Paul wrote in Romans 3:20 “no-one will be declared righteous in (God’s) sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”

Galatians 2:16 says “a man is NOT JUSTIFIED by observing the law, but by FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ
and NOT BY OBSERVING THE LAW, because by observing the law no-one will be justified.”

No matter how good you’ve been,
when you stand before God at the judgment,
you can’t point to YOUR righteousness and expect God to be impressed.

Your righteousness won’t get you into heaven.
Jesus’ Righteousness will!
Now let’s review:
Why couldn’t Moses get into the Promised Land? (HE SINNED)
How many sins did Moses commit?
One!
Did you realize that it only takes ONE sin to keep you out of heaven?
That’s what God was teaching us here with Moses…
it only takes ONE sin.

James 2:10 says “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."
So, we have Moses –
one of the greatest men who ever lived.
A man greatly respected by God.
A man who dealt gently with one of the most quarrelsome difficult people on earth.

A man who KNEW the Law… and had his ducks all in a row.
This man commits ONE SIN…
and he doesn’t get into the Promised Land.

How many sins have we committed in our lives?

If Moses couldn’t get into the Promised Land because he committed one sin...
what makes you or I think we can get into heaven committing more than that?

That's it.
Game over.
We may as well go home.
But one last thought:
Did Moses EVER get into the Promised Land?

Well, let’s look at Matthew 17:1-3:
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter,
James and John the brother of James,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
There he was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them MOSES and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”

So did Moses get into the Promised Land.
Yes he did!
But how did he get there?
Only thru Jesus.

Moses didn’t make it because he was a great man,
or a man made righteous by the Law.
The only way he got in was because Jesus brought him.
But there was more:

Matthew 17:4-8 “Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here;
if You wish,
let us make here three tabernacles:
one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking,
behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them;
and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying,
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Hear Him!”
And when the disciples heard it,
they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them and said,
“Arise, and do not be afraid.”
8When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only..”

Moses was there, and Elijah was there.
These were the two greatest men of the Old Testament.
Moses was the representative of the Law
and Elijah the greatest of the prophets.

And Peter was amazed and sought to honor all of them.
But then a cloud came and a voice said:
“This is my Son,
whom I love;
with him I am well pleased.
LISTEN TO HIM!”

The disciples fell to their knees
and when they looked up… what did they see?
Only Jesus.
Moses and Elijah had disappeared in the mist because God was making a point:
LOOK AT AND LISTEN TO Jesus.

Moses and his Law won’t get you into heaven.
Elijah and the power of miracles won’t get you into heaven.
We need to LOOK AT and LISTEN TO no one except Jesus - because HE is our only hope of salvation.
Peter apparently learned his lesson well.

In Acts 4:12 Peter declares:
“Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

The Power of Faith

Matthew 15:21-28 and James 2

A single guy decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet.

After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house. He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him.

So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time."

But there was no answer from his new pet.
This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?"

But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet.
So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time.

This time he put his face up against the centipede's house and shouted,
"Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?"

This time, a little voice came out of the box,
"I heard you the first time!
I'm putting my shoes on!"

"Imagine standing at the base of a towering mountain, its peak disappearing into the clouds. You carry with you a seed, not just any seed, but a seed of unwavering faith.

As you gaze upon the massive obstacle before you,
doubt and uncertainty begin to creep into your mind.
But then, you remember the power of your faith.
You hold that tiny seed in your hand, feeling its weight and significance.

With a deep breath, you plant the seed at the foot of the mountain.
You nurture it with your unwavering belief,
the water of hope, and the sunlight of determination.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months.
Your faith remains steadfast, despite the skepticism of those around you.
You continue to tend to the seed, pouring your heart and soul into its growth.

And then, one day, as you approach the mountain again, you notice a small, green sprout emerging from the soil.
With each passing day, the sprout grows stronger,
reaching towards the sky.
Your faith mirrors this growth,
expanding and strengthening in tandem.

People begin to notice the change,
some inspired and others perplexed.
But you keep nurturing that seed of faith, pouring every ounce of belief into it.
As time goes on,
the sprout transforms into a sturdy sapling,
its roots digging deep into the earth.

Your faith has not only moved the mountain within you,
but it's now beginning to move the very mountain that stood as an obstacle in your path.
The once-daunting peak seems to shift, ever so slightly,
as if acknowledging the power of your unyielding faith.

And then, one miraculous day, the mountain quivers.
Rocks tumble, dust rises,
and the ground rumbles beneath your feet.
With a great, breathtaking spectacle,
the mountain begins to move.

It's not a sudden, dramatic upheaval,
but a steady, undeniable shift driven by the force of your faith.
As the mountain inches away,
you realize that your faith,
though starting as a seed, has become a force of nature itself.

You've moved the immovable,
not through physical strength,
but through the sheer might of your belief.
And in this moment, you understand that faith,
when nurtured and upheld,
can indeed move mountains –
not just in the physical world,
but within ourselves and in the challenges we face."

The concept of "moving mountains" is often used to symbolize overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through unwavering belief and determination.

Matthew 15:21-28 and James 2 both address different aspects of faith and how it is expressed in actions.
Let's explore each passage and then discuss how they can be related.
Matthew, chapter 15, verses 21-28 reflects upon a powerful story of faith and perseverance found in the Gospel.
This story serves as a reminder of the unyielding strength of faith and the transformative power of compassion.
Let us dive into this passage and gather the valuable lessons it offers us.

Matthew 15:21-28
Verse 21: Sets the Scene The passage opens with Jesus departing to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
A Canaanite woman, a Gentile, approaches Him,
crying out for mercy on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter.

Her plea displays to us to the depth of a mother's love and her unwavering determination to see her child healed.
In this, we witness the beginning of a powerful journey of faith.

We see A Desperate Cry for Help (Verses 21-22)
She is a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, an outsider in the Jewish society of the time. Her daughter is severely oppressed by a demon, and in her desperation, she seeks out Jesus.

Her journey to find Jesus reflects the journey of all of us who seek solace, healing, and redemption.
She cries out to Jesus, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Verses 22-23: Show Her Persistent Faith
Surprisingly, Jesus initially seems to ignore her cries.
He tells his disciples that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

This interaction challenges our understanding of God's grace, because it might appear that Jesus is dismissive of her plea. However, Jesus' intention is to draw out her persistent faith,
to test the depth of her trust.

Despite Jesus' initial silence and the disciples' request for Him to send her away, the woman persists.
She kneels before Jesus,
demonstrating humility and determination.

Her faith is unbendable
undeterred by social barriers,
and unshaken by the initial lack of response.

This reveals the quality of faith that doesn't waver in the face of challenges or setbacks.

Verses 24-26: The Testing of Her Faith
Undeterred, the Canaanite woman persists in her pursuit of Jesus.
She approaches him,
kneeling before him,
and pleads again for help.

Jesus responds, stating that His mission is initially directed toward the "lost sheep of Israel."
This may seem like a rejection,
but it's a test of the woman's faith.

Jesus uses the metaphor of bread for the children and crumbs for the dogs.
He presents her with a challenge –
will her faith stand strong even when faced with seemingly difficult words?

While this analogy might sound harsh,
it was a common cultural reference of the time.
Instead of being offended,
the woman's faith shines through.

She doesn't demand equality
but acknowledges her place
and shows she believes in the limitless power of Christ's grace.

Her response reveals her profound understanding of Christ's mission and her unwavering trust in his goodness.

 

Verse 27: Shows Her Profound Faith
The woman's reply is:
"Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Her response illustrates not only her humility but her deep conviction in Jesus' power and mercy.
Her faith doesn't demand a grand miracle;
she recognizes that even a fragment of His grace is sufficient to heal her daughter.

Verse 28: A Triumph of Faith
Jesus' heart is moved by the woman's faith.
Jesus commends her faith,
and in that very moment,
her daughter is healed.

This healing miracle is not only a testament to Jesus' authority over all realms, including the spiritual,
but also a demonstration of the transformative power of faith.

The woman's persistence and unwavering trust led to the redemption of her daughter.
This story stands as a testament to the power of unwavering faith and humble persistence.
The Canaanite woman's faith moved Jesus' heart,
and her daughter's healing became a reality.

THERE ARE 4 THINGS THAT WE CAN TAKE FROM THIS STRONG EXAMPLE OF FAITH!
1. Unyielding Faith: The Canaanite woman teaches us to cling to our faith even when we are faced with obstacles, silence, or apparent rejection.
Faith is a journey, and we must be persistent in our pursuit of God's grace.

2. Humility: Humility is the foundation of a strong relationship with God.
It allows us to acknowledge our dependence on Him and opens the door to His transformative work in our lives.

3. Compassion and Inclusion: Jesus' response challenges us to recognize the inherent dignity of all people, surpassing social, cultural, and ethnic barriers.
We are called to extend compassion to everyone, just as Jesus did.

4. Transformation through Faith: Just as the Canaanite woman's faith brought healing to her daughter,
our faith has the power to transform lives – our own and those around us.

I would now like to compare this thought with James 2. James 2 is a chapter that emphasizes the relationship between faith and works.
The key theme is that genuine faith naturally leads to righteous actions.
James argues that faith without works is dead
and that true faith is evidenced by deeds of compassion and love.

He uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate how their faith was demonstrated through their actions.

Now, connecting these passages, we can see a parallel in the Canaanite woman's faith and the concepts presented in James 2:
1. Persistence and Humility in Faith: The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 exemplifies both persistence and humility in her faith.
She persists in seeking Jesus' help despite initial rejection,
and she humbly acknowledges her dependence on Jesus' mercy.

In a similar way, James emphasizes that true faith is accompanied by humility and a willingness to act in love and service.

2. Demonstration of Faith through Action: The Canaanite woman's persistent pursuit of Jesus is an action driven by her deep faith.
Her faith goes beyond mere belief;
it leads her to take action to seek healing for her daughter. James argues that faith,
when genuine,
naturally leads to actions that reflect that faith.
Just as the Canaanite woman's actions demonstrated her faith,
James asserts that authentic faith is proven by deeds.

3. Recognition of God's Mercy: In her interaction with Jesus, the Canaanite woman acknowledges her dependence on God's mercy.
She understands that even a small portion of God's grace is enough to bring about the desired outcome.
Similarly, James highlights the importance of recognizing God's mercy and grace,
which should inspire believers to extend mercy and compassion to others through their actions.

In summary, Matthew 15:21-28 and James 2 both underscore the idea that genuine faith is not a passive belief but an active force that manifests in persistent action,
humility,
and a demonstration of love and compassion.
The Canaanite woman's story aligns with James' teaching that faith and deeds are intertwined,
reinforcing the principle that authentic faith is evident through actions that reflect the character of God.

 

In Conclusion: The Canaanite woman's story is a powerful reminder that faith is not passive;
it's active,
persistent,
and transformative.
Her encounter with Jesus teaches us that our faith should not be shaken by initial silence or apparent setbacks.

Instead, we are called to hold onto hope,
trusting that God's timing and purpose are perfect.
Just as the woman acknowledged her dependence and unworthiness,
we must approach Christ with humility,
recognizing our need for His mercy.

In our own lives,
let's remember that our faith has the potential to move mountains.
Like the Canaanite woman,
let's approach Jesus with unwavering persistence,
knowing that He sees our hearts and honors our trust.

May we be inspired to cultivate a faith that stands firm even in the face of challenges, and may we experience the miraculous transformations that come from encountering Christ with genuine and persistent belief.

 

INVITATION:

Respect of Persons

James 2:1-13

INTRO: Good morning church. In bible study we are currently looking at the book of James chapter 2. Dale is doing a wonderful job covering this tough topic. And I thought it worthwhile to bring it to our attention again. I wish that everyone could attend that bible study. For our text this morning I will be using James 2:1-13 and I’m using the New King James version.

Let's read those verses together. James 2:1-13. “1. My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3. and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place,'' and say to the poor man, "You stand there,'' or, "Sit here at my footstool,'' 4. have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5. Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6. But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7. Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? 8. If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself,'' you do well; 9. but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery,'' also said, "Do not murder.'' Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”[NKJV]

Other translations use the words “favoritism” or “respect of persons” instead of “partiality”. I have found that in talking to folks about James that this phrase “respect of persons” has been a bit confusing for them. You see, we look at the word “respect” and we think, that is a positive thing, we respect others. Indeed that is true but the phrase “respect of persons” in the original language, is a compound word, prosōpolēmpsia (pros-o-pol-ape-see'-ah), meaning partiality or favoritism. Literally the word means “receiving of face.” In the Old Testament this phrase is also seen as a warning in such places as Proverbs 24:33 which says “… It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.”[KJV] Two words in Hebrew are used here for “respect of persons”, literally “to regard a face”.

Back to our text. In these verses James, the brother of our Lord, confronted a problem that's been around for a long time, and that is having respect of persons. We might also refer to it as unfair judging.

This is not only an old subject, but it receives a lot of attention today. That being the case, perhaps this is a good time for us to be reminded of these instructions from scripture. You do not hear that expression, “respect of persons” very much, but you do hear a lot about prejudice, class-ism, age-ism, clique-ism, race-ism and similar subjects. We need to know what the Bible teaches. The Lord wants us to follow His instructions, and we will be judged by His word at that last great day.

James was written in the first century, and he was not the first one to deal with this topic. Jesus dealt with unfair judging in Matthew 7. God warned of favoritism back in the time of Moses. As God's people, we're not immune to unfair judging.

James is writing to Christians, people who had become followers of Christ. We learn from James chapter two verse one, that having respect of persons is forbidden in Christianity. He says, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality”.

I. James very plainly says, “show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord”. In other words, “don't be guilty of favoritism”. That clearly shows that having respect of persons is forbidden in Christianity.

A. We need to point out that God is no respecter for persons, and this is shown a number of times in scripture

1. For example in Acts 10:34, Peter had gone to the home of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” Peter concluded from his experience that God is no respecter of persons.
2. Let's look at Romans 2:11. “For there is no partiality with God.” Paul makes a crystal-clear statement of God’s impartiality.
3. In Ephesians 6:9 Paul has been addressing the reciprocal relationships between slaves and masters, and concludes, “And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

B. The point is this, to be like God, His children must not show partiality.
C. Back in James 2:9, “but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Whoa, James doesn't beat around the bush, does he? Not only does he show us in verse one that having respect of persons is forbidden in Christianity, but he went on to say in verse nine that those who are guilty of this…transgress the will of God and the transgression of God's law is sin.

II. Let's look at James 2:2-4. Here James illustrates what he's talking about. There are a lot of similarities between the teaching of Jesus and the teaching of James. They both said things in a very clear and easily understandable manner, and to make matters even clearer, they used some powerful illustrations… examples.

A. The situation that's presented here has to do with an assembly of Christians being gathered together, and two men enter that assembly.

1. One man is obviously a rich man. He's wearing a gold ring, and he's wearing some fine clothing.
2. The other man is a poor man, and he's wearing vile raiment.

B. The people in the assembly who treat those two men differently are guilty of having respect of persons.

1. Those who practice partiality will give the rich man what we would call the best seat in the house—the most honored seat.

a. Is he treated that way because he's such a good man? No.
b. He's being given that preferential treatment just because he is rich. No one knows anything about his character. All they know from his appearance is that he's wealthy, can afford nice things and so he gets the best seat in the house.

2. What about the other man? Those who have respect of persons, i.e. practice partiality, will tell the poor man to stand over there in a corner somewhere or sit in a very lowly place.

a. Is he treated that way because he's such a bad man? No.
b. He's being treated that way just because he's poor.

C. That kind of treatment toward those two men demonstrates prejudice.

1. It demonstrates unfair judging and those who are guilty of such partiality are described as being judges with evil thoughts.
2. Rather than judge in that manner, Christians must follow the instructions Jesus gave in John 7:24. “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

a. Some people have the idea, the mistaken idea, that all judging is forbidden. That's not the case. There are certain types of judging that are forbidden but the Bible actually teaches us to make certain judgments.
b. When judgments are made, they're not to be made based on appearance. The Bible has told us to judge, by what is right according to the standard of God’s word. Yet, we are not to condemn, and we are not to be judgmental. Rather, we should make evaluations.

III. James goes on to show us at verse 5 that having respect of persons makes no sense.

A. Look at verse five and the first part of verse six. James 2:5-6a “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man.” Consider the way that God has treated the poor.

1. Jesus said, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” In Luke 6:20. He has blessed the poor spiritually. Does that mean that all poor people are good? No.
2. That's just the way it is. Looking down upon poor people just because they are poor makes no sense

B. Then James asks us to consider how rich men have treated Christians. James 2:6b-7 “Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?”

1. An example of that is in Acts 13:50, “But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas.” Here the honorable people were stirred up against the apostles. Rich men have gone so far as to blaspheme the name of Christ.
2. This by no means indicates that all rich people are bad. We know better than that. In the Bible, we read about several wealthy men who were faithful followers of the Lord.
3. As a general rule, the rich are more antagonistic toward Christians than the poor. That's just the way it is. Showing preferential treatment to rich people just because they are rich makes no sense.

C. When we think about the reasoning that James is putting forth, we see that respecters of persons, those practicing partiality, demonstrate a lack of spiritual discernment.

IV. Next let's look at James 2:8-13 and here James points out that having partiality violates the royal law. What is the royal law? It's identified in verse eight.

A. “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself,'' you do well;”

1. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus identified that as the second great commandment. Jesus was asked, “36. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?'' 37. Jesus said to him, " `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38. "This is the first and great commandment. 39. "And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40. "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.''”
2. Let's look at Romans 13:8 for a moment. In these verses, the apostle Paul refers to the same law, and he shows that it's a comprehensive commandment. Romans 13:8-10, “8. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery,'' "You shall not murder,'' "You shall not steal,'' "You shall not bear false witness,'' "You shall not covet,'' and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'' 10. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” That royal law sums up our responsibilities toward our fellow man.
3. Jesus identified the royal law when He gave what we call the golden rule—to treat others the way that we want to be treated. Why is it called a royal law? Because it is a law of the kingdom, it is given by the King.

B. Having respect of persons is a violation of the royal law. Verse 12 says, “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”
C. Verse twelve teaches us to speak and act according to the law of liberty because we will be judged by that law, and what does that law of liberty teach us? It teaches us to avoid having partiality.

1. Then verse 13. Still speaking of the judgment in verse 12 it begins with a warning, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.”
2. Then in the last part “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
3. The law of liberty emphasizes mercy over judgment, and remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
4. James teaches us that those who show no mercy will receive no mercy.

V. God does not do it. God’s word teaches against it. The church is warned about the consequences of it. Yet, in almost every congregation it happens. The evil of which we speak is being a respecter of persons. It is an old problem, this evil of partiality.

A. It is against the nature of God to be a respecter of persons. He is the Creator of all mankind. Therefore, He treats all in the same manner. There is no bias with Him. He does not favor one above another. He does not treat human beings with partiality.
B. This is true in the matter of salvation. Every human being has the ability to be forgiven of their sins. All have access to the blood of Jesus whereby they can be cleansed of iniquity.

1. The Jews of the first century had a difficult time with this concept. When God selected them to be His chosen people, they thought that God’s favor rested solely upon them. They were His “favorites.” All others were heathens and dogs. When the gospel began to be preached, it was clear that this concept was false, but the Jews still held to it.
2. Even the apostles struggled with it. It took a vision from the Lord and the baptism of the Holy Spirit to convince Peter that the Gentiles could become God’s children.

C. God is also no respecter of persons when it comes to His judgment. He will judge all fairly. He does not have one standard of judgment for one person and another standard for someone else. He will not overlook one person’s sins and hold another accountable for committing the same sins. Paul wrote in Romans 2:6f that God, "will render to each one according to his deeds'': eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish on every soul of man who does evil, … (then in verse 11) For there is no partiality with God.”
D. Christians are to be Christ-like. It is sinful for us to play favoritism. It is a transgression of God’s will to treat individuals with partiality.

1. We as Christians are not to play the game of partiality. James 2:9 states: “but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
2. In James 2:4 he describes those who show respect of persons as being “partial” and as being “judges of evil thoughts.”
3. In James 2:8-9 he indicates that this behavior runs in direct opposition to the law of love.

E. There are many excuses one could use to try to justify being a respecter of persons. Some might say: “Isn’t it just human nature?” By this they mean that all of us have those that we are closer to than others. We have those that we associate with more than others.

1. However, we must not mistake “closeness” for partiality. Jesus was closer to Peter, James, and John than to the other apostles. His closeness did not keep Him from being impartial. When Peter sinned, he was confronted just as Judas was.
2. Another excuse is that being impartial is hard to practice. The situations in which we are called to follow the command may make adhering difficult. It usually involves sin in the life of one that we are “partial” towards. It could involve the discipline of a loved one. Just because something is hard though, does not mean that it should not be done. It was probably hard for Abraham to offer Isaac, but his faith pushed him through the difficulty. In 2nd Timothy 2:3, Paul tells Timothy, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

VI. Then there are the pressures from the outside.

A. We sometimes fail in this area because we know that others will get angry if we are impartial.

1. If we treat a family member like we treat someone outside the family, the family member might get upset.
2. If we treat the rich like the poor, the rich will become disgruntled.
3. There is no doubt that the practice of the command to “have no respect of persons” will rub some the wrong way.
4. The question, however, is not whether we please others, but whether we please God. Paul put it very well in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

B. We allow this potential of upsetting others to allow the world to influence us. James gives us an example of a particular kind of discrimination, which we might call class-ism. The principle of respect of persons goes beyond this particular type of partiality though.

1. Showing respect of persons means to treat someone unequally with another who deserves equal treatment.
2. The basic idea behind respect of persons is a judgment based upon false standards.
3. Let me ask a few questions as examples;

a. Do we turn our noses up at the one whose smell is less than fragrant?
b. Do we look away from those whose manner of dress is not as nice as ours?
c. Do we heartily shake the hands of the “clean,” but neglect the hands of the “dirty?”
d. Do we look down upon the “employee” and give favor to the “boss?”

C. As I said before it is an old problem and has been with us at least since the days of Moses.

1. Leviticus 19:15, “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. But in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.”
2. Deuteronomy 1:17, “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man's presence, for the judgment is God's.”

D. Another way society influences us to show partiality that we see often today is what we can call age-ism. Our behavior toward the elderly. This too has been with us since ancient times.

1. Leviticus 19:32, “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.”
2. God takes respect for the elderly seriously. 2nd Kings 2:23f tells of something that happened to Elisha as an old man, “And he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!'' So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.”
3. This last instance teaches us that not only will God judge us based upon our respect for the elderly, but whether we mock/deride a condition which the elderly cannot control.
4. In the New Testament this issue is discussed by Paul and Peter.

a. 1st Timothy 5:1f, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers…”
b. 1st Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”

5. What about us today?

a. Do we desire the company of the young over the old?
b. What are we teaching our youth when we put them on a pedestal while we neglect our elderly?
c. What we teach our youth today regarding respect of the elderly, in both our actions and attitudes, they will practice upon us tomorrow.

E. I’ll mention one more way we are influenced in our actions and attitudes, and that is something I would call clique-ism. This is the temptation to simply associate only with those with whom we are most comfortable. Clique-ism is the idea that I have my own little group with whom I associate, and politely ignore everyone outside of that group.

1. It is also the idea of accepting into one’s fellowship, only certain people and we end up showing favoritism among those who are saved.
2. In Philippians 2:1f Paul tells us, “1. Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2. fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”

CONCLUSION:
Yes, not being a respecter of persons, not being one who shows favoritism, can be difficult at times. There is much to influence us to the contrary. As Dale pointed out, the Bible has a lot to say about being a respecter of persons, or showing partiality to one person over another for some particular reason. We are warned that if we show partiality we commit sin.

In all that scripture tells us, we can conclude that God doesn’t want the law to be applied differently to different people because of the position they hold in society, the amount of wealth they have, or what they may think of themselves. God has set a standard of right and wrong for all; He will judge all by the same standard; God’s plan of salvation is the same for all, and those who desire to be saved can be saved by exactly the same plan.

It has been suggested by some that since God is no respecter of persons, how can He work in the life of an individual Christian? How can God favor His children with His Grace, the answering of prayers, providing for help in life, healing of sickness, and other personal matters? Those things have nothing to do with God’s standard of righteousness, or salvation.

For example, take a county judge. In his job as judge, he is expected to apply the law equally to everyone. This means that both the wealthy and the poor should be treated equally by him in court. However, when he goes home to his family, he may bring his children gifts. Does the fact of his being a county judge mean that he has to give gifts to all the children of the county? Of course not. It is only in his application of the law as judge that he must be impartial. In his home, he may bless his own children without concern for being impartial.

When the Bible says that God does not have respect of persons, it doesn’t mean that God must bless everyone exactly the same. If that were the case, there would be no men or women, children or adults, wealthy and poor, intelligent and non-intelligent, strong and weak, etc. God does bless different people with different gifts as His grace is extended to each. This is not the same thing as God showing respect of persons relative to salvation. God may bless who He so chooses in whatever way He chooses to bless them, and He continues to be impartial regarding salvation and judgment.
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We learn from the New Testament how to be saved. We need to hear the word; believe in Jesus; repent of our sins; we must confess our belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and be baptized for the remission of our sins… If we follow these steps, the Lord adds us to His church.

Perhaps there is someone in the assembly today with the need to be buried with Christ in baptism. If you have never done these things, we urge you to do so today. If anyone has this need or desires the prayers of faithful Christians on their behalf, we encourage them to come forward while we stand and sing.

 

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Based on Sermon by: Raymond Sieg

Be an Example

1st Timothy 4:12

INTRO: Good morning church. I’ll start with a little story this morning on how I came to this sermon. A short time ago Dale had received an email from a young evangelist, now at the Chalmette church of Christ, who had been doing work in New Zealand. This young man sent an article entitled; Evangelism. It’s what we do.

After reading the article my thoughts turned to Timothy. Timothy (his name meaning 'honoring God') was still a young man, (1 Timothy 4:12) but was one of the most faithful co-laborers of Paul. He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice (u-nis). His mother and grandmother Lois had taught Timothy the Holy Scriptures from his childhood. (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy is the model of a devoted and faithful servant of the Lord, and so I wondered what we might learn from Paul’s letters to Timothy concerning our own devotion and service. The idea being devoted to God, being willing to serve God under all circumstances.

Paul’s purpose in writing to Timothy is to focus on the responsibilities and Godly character of the evangelist, preacher or teacher. Paul is mentoring Timothy and helping him prepare to be able to do the job that God tasks him with in preaching the Gospel.

We don't know a lot about Timothy's life before. Scripture tells us that Timothy was a person of good reputation. That he was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. (Acts 16:2). He knew the Old Testament scriptures and he was dedicated to God.

From what we know I would suggest that Timothy was well known among the brethren whom Paul was writing to, both among the Jews, and also among the Gentile congregations. We might say that Timothy was Paul's protégé and would be someone to follow in Paul's steps in preaching the Gospel. In 1st Timothy 3:15 Paul tells him, “… I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God,…”

When we look at the general context of these epistles, we might come away with the idea, “I'm not going to be a preacher, and so what's that to me? I don't plan on being an evangelist. I'm not going to follow in Paul's footsteps in that regard. Is there anything in this that's for me?” First, I am reminded that it’s the responsibility of all of us to teach the Gospel. We'd be amiss to believe that there is nothing in these epistles, including what is said specifically about Timothy's personal responsibility, that's not applicable to ourselves.

I believe this really comes into view in the passages I want us to look at this morning.

I. Let no one despise your youth - Let us start by looking at 1st Timothy 4:12. Paul said to Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”[NKJV] When we think about being a Christian, about living the Christian life, do we picture ourselves as being examples? Do we picture ourselves as individuals that others look up to, and consider following in our footsteps? Paul wants Timothy to be an example. What does that mean? How we are to see that as something applicable to ourselves?

A. Paul begins by telling Timothy let no one despise your youth. How old would you think Timothy was when he received this letter? Was he a teenager? Probably not. The Greek word for youth or youthfulness, neotēs, was used to describe the rich young ruler in Mark 10:20. Scholars tell us in this culture, someone could be called a “youth” (neotēs) until they were “up to forty years old.” So when we think about Timothy I suspect we can picture him as a man in his early to middle thirty’s at the time.

1. Could Timothy's age get in the way of him preaching the gospel? There is a sense in which Timothy's position as a young man, being a teacher, or an instructor, might very well be an obstacle.
2. What Paul tells Timothy is, let no one despise your youth. Do not allow anyone to dismiss you or what you say because of your age. The original word for despise, kataphroneō, is a compound word meaning distain, think little of, think nothing of, disregard, think against, disesteem.
3. What the word means here is to look down on someone, to discount them or dismiss them because of their age. You despise someone by thinking that what he's saying doesn't really matter. Therefore you despise them.
4. It doesn't necessarily mean the idea of hate. It can simply mean that you do not regard them or you think of them lightly in terms of what they're saying or doing.

B. In Romans 2:4, the same word is used to describe the aspect of our approach to God. “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

1. To not give something serious thought, to just consider it in a trivial way, is the meaning of this word despise.
2. Paul was concerned about that for Timothy. Look in 1st Corinthians 16:10-11 “Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him…” Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to not despise Timothy.
3. There may have been a tendency, because of Timothy's age, by others who were listening to him to think, he's a young guy, doesn't really know what he's saying.

C. Well, gray hair has its perks. People tend to take you more seriously if you are older. This is especially true in regard to leadership or instruction. A younger person may be viewed as inexperienced, and many times those who are older are unwilling to be instructed or corrected by someone younger.

1. One of the perks of gray hair, rightly or wrongly, is it shows people that you might be a little more experienced in life, and therefore they'll give you a little bit more credibility than someone who's young.
2. Let’s say you've been on your job for a number of years and they bring in this new person who is now your boss. 20 years younger then you. How are you going to listen to this young person? After all you have been at the job longer then he has been alive.
3. Sometimes it is a challenge for the older folks to listen to the younger. I think it is because we put a premium on the aspect of experience, sometimes rightly so, or we might dismiss the individual simply because they are young.
4. Thinking about this in the context of teaching the gospel, Timothy was tasked with an enormously important job. He was commanded to teach others on some very personal subjects (money, submission, discipline); he was to be involved in the appointment of elders and deacons, and give instructions concerning the role of men and women in the church.

D. He's going to even have to rebuke an older person on occasion and Paul tells us it needs to be done the right way. Paul says if a person is in sin you have to recognize this. It is the aspect of instructing someone, correcting someone. Timothy will need to talk about subjects to other people who have more experience than his.

1. For example, how to live life in a self-disciplined way and be in control of your passions. Who do you think has more experience doing that, the older person or the younger person?
2. How's that going to work for this young man to attempt to teach older people these things or give instructions about the role of men and women or talk to them about marriage? That poses a difficult obstacle for the person who's going to lead or teach.
3. Paul says to Timothy up front; do not allow anyone to discount you or dismiss you because you are a younger person. It's not based upon the aspect of your age or even your experience. The things that you're going to deliver come from a higher source. He's putting Timothy in the right frame of mind to understand the authority by which he would teach and how he should approach others.

E. Paul also makes a point about God's willingness to use a person in a significant role in spiritual matters. In 1st Timothy 3:6, talking about the qualifications of an elder he says, “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” Paul tells Timothy if a person going to lead a congregation, he needs to not be a novice. Novice here means a new convert, a neophyte. The elevation of a recent convert to the eldership might generate inordinate pride in their part; and therefore, wherever possible, men of settled experience in living the Christian life should be chosen. Experience has something to do with the aspect of positions of leadership.

1. Going back to youth now, there are several occasions in scriptures where God tells us through example, that He will use a young person in a very prominent role.
2. Joseph was young when he was in Egypt resisting the temptations of Potiphar's wife. He was setting an example of faith, and God blessed him.
3. When David met Goliath in the valley, he was just a young person. 1st Samuel 17:42, “And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, ruddy and good-looking.” Goliath distained the young pup before him, and how did that all turn out? From the standpoint of David and Goliath, the young person was not at a disadvantage as long as that young person was faithful to God and serving Him.
4. Daniel, when he was a young person in Babylon was elevated to the very highest level of the court. Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, teach great lessons of dedication and faith. Those young people were beacons of Godliness in the very dark society in which they lived.

F. In the book of James as we have been studying, we have seen God is not a respecter of persons and we are not to be either, we are not to show preference or disregard to people.

1. I would suggest to you that this is what Paul is talking about when he says let not one despise your youth. Older people need to be careful not to despise them or disdain them simply because they're young.
2. Young people can be enormously useful tools in God's kingdom for expressing faith and showing Godliness. We need to be careful that we don't get caught up in this generational gap of society and apply it to the kingdom of God.

G. A question that came to my mind is this—was Paul concerned about what others thought of Timothy? His job is going to be making known the gospel, preaching, and teaching. Our job is also to teach others the gospel. Was Timothy to be concerned about what others thought or said about him? Did it matter? Consider this from both sides:

1. Paul was concerned enough about how Timothy would be received among the Jews that he was willing to circumcise Timothy to offset the stigma of his father being a Greek. Since circumcision had nothing to do with his salvation, Paul was displaying some pragmatism in regard to Timothy’s evangelistic efforts. There was no compromise of the truth in that.
2. In his letter to Timothy Paul is concerned that Timothy’s age might present an obstacle that needed to be addressed. Yet, Paul tells Timothy to not allow the opinions or assessments of others to get in the way of preaching the truth. Paul instructs him later to reprove… rebuke… preach the word …in season, out of season – when they want to hear it and when they don’t. 2nd Timothy 4:2. So there is a sense in which Paul is telling Timothy, don’t be concerned about what others think of you – preach the word.
3. How could Timothy obey Paul’s command here? His age was something that he could not control or change. The solution was not for Timothy to acquiesce to the detractors or to alter the message so as avoid being despised.

H. Does God want us to be concerned about what other people think of us? Does He want us to go ahead and do what He wants us to do anyway? I ask this for us recognize that the same type of concern and lack of concern needs to be a part of our teaching as well. It is a part of our character as Christians that we do care… but we don't care about what others think of us. We make concessions in our life, things that do not impact our salvation, do not compromise the truth, so that the word of God, the real important element, can be heard and be received.

1. “Let no one despise your youth” How does Timothy obey this command? Does he do it by saying; you people are just a bunch of “old stick in the muds”. You don't know anything. I'm smarter than you are. You're not going to talk down to me! Is that what Paul's telling him to do? Is he telling Timothy just discount them because they discount you?
2. Or, is he telling Timothy, don't let anybody despise your youth, so make sure that you appeal to these folks. Just tell them what they want to hear, or at least be accommodating to them.
3. No. The solution for Timothy being despised as a young teacher was not in Timothy himself. Could he do anything to change his age? No. Could he just teach what they wanted to hear and serve the Lord? No. Yet, there was something he could do about being despised as a young person preaching the gospel, and that's what Paul's solution focuses on.

II. Be an example to the believers - He says, be an example to the believers. Paul's solution focused on something that Timothy could control. He could live as a mature person, even though he was considered to be younger. He could exemplify the character of God's words and the character of Christ in his life. He could be an example, not just an example to the world, but what Paul tells Timothy, he's to be an example to other believers.

A. Paul's answer is rooted in his relationship to Jesus. That happens so many times when the apostle presents a problem to us. That's a spiritual problem. The solution to that problem is not found in me. It's not found in what I can do right or what I can do wrong. It's found in whether or not I have a relationship with God and whether or not I'm fulfilling that relationship.

1. It was not about Timothy, nor was it about Paul. Paul is saying, if you want to be able to deal with this aspect of being despised as a young teacher, then you need to live what you preach.
2. If you want people to accept what you say, then live it, then they'll not be able to despise your youth. This is how you get the respect you need. You live before Christians like Christ lived, and be an example to them.
3. The Greek word typos, (too'-pos) which is translated as "example" here, means a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sample ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):—example, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print. It is the aspect of something that is as it ought to be.

B. The idea of typos means a pattern to follow. That goes back to our question at the beginning of the lesson; do you consider your life before Christ in that perspective? God wants me to be an example. He wants each of us to be an example to others. He wants us to be someone that others would follow. We all know that we all need to follow Jesus, and again, that same word is used to describe Jesus as an example for us.

1. The Puritan Thomas Brooks said, example is the most powerful rhetoric. That's an interesting way of looking at it isn’t it? Being an example is a powerful way to talk.
2. The element of personal obedience makes or breaks the works of teaching. I either live it or I don't. It doesn't make a difference how my words flow or how powerfully I can speak them. If I can't live it, then that destroys the ability of individuals to be believers.
3. When we teach, if an example is not there, then the words lose their force. If the example is there, then our words gain understanding in the listener. Think about learning math. You may not understand what the instructor is saying but in seeing and working the examples it usually becomes quite clear.
4. There's a sense in which seeing someone live-it-out helps me to understand what it means.

C. We see that in life don’t we? In scripture we read about being submissive and not provoking our children to wrath. As a young person, I thought, what's that mean? How does that play out in my life? Then through observation I've seen women who submitted themselves to the leadership of their husbands, of parents who sacrifice for their children.

1. I’ve seen a father who understood and who disciplined his children without exciting rebellion in the heart of the child. Now, I know what that means. I know how by example. The example made it possible for me to understand it.
2. That is also an aspect in personal evangelism. In your life as someone who serves God and wants to teach others, if the words are all that is there, if there is no example, or if there is a negative example, then the words lose all their force.
3. Conversely, if the example is there, then the words carry the weight of authenticity. I know what's being said, and now I know the power of what's being said. It doesn't make any difference if it's coming from the life of someone who's old, someone who has gray hair or black hair or no hair; it is from a person living it.

D. We may not necessarily make the application to it as much as we should, but Paul speaks about the imperative of the role of an example in his letter to the Corinthians. 1st Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”[NKJV]

1. We say, I thought we were supposed to imitate Jesus, how can Paul say we are to imitate him? Paul was a follower of Jesus and if you imitated Paul, you imitated Jesus. Paul says this in 1st Corinthians 11:1 – “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
2. The whole idea is that being an example is a powerful element of the teaching process. In Philippians 3:17 – “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
3. He says later in Philippians 4:9 – “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

E. The writer of Hebrews exhorted his readers to “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” That is the practical way of looking at a person's life, and realizing that the purpose of what they're doing, in addition to obeying God, is to set an example.

1. That's what a leader should do isn’t it? Not just tell people what to do, but do it themselves. Then people follow them. Of course, the greatest example of that is Jesus.
2. In 1st Peter 2:21 Peter said “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” It is not only that Jesus taught on this subject or that subject, but in the context it is that Jesus suffered, that He was willing to suffer for the cause of what He was teaching, and so He lived it.

III. What was Timothy to show others? - What Paul is telling Timothy is, you are called to follow a pattern and you are called to be a pattern for other people. Timothy is to show an example of what it means to be a believer. How?

A. Be an example in speech. - Preachers or teachers need to learn how to say the right words. When we teach we need to know our subject, which is one of the reasons we study. Not all teaching is done in a public forum and I strongly suspect from reading Paul’s letters to Timothy, that Paul is not just referring to Timothy’s public speaking either. I'm convinced that Paul is talking about Timothy's private conversations as well.

1. Nothing reveals us quicker or more decisively as our speech. Why would people open their ears to our teaching if the words we speak at other times are ungodly?
2. Paul said in Ephesians 4:49 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Through carefully chosen words, the young preacher shows themselves more mature. Jesus teaches that the mouth reveals the contents of the heart. What proceeds from the lips is a direct result of what has been planted in the mind.
3. Paul is telling Timothy… to impart wisdom and counsel to other people, you first must show them by what you're doing, that you know what you're talking about.

B. Be an example in conduct - The word for conduct (anastrophē – an-as-trof-ay’) in our text means behavior or manner of life. Timothy needed to exhibit his faith in every area of his life.

1. James said in James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
2. Peter often spoke of the place of personal conduct in evangelism – 1 Peter 2:12 – “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” And in 1 Peter 3:16 – “having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” You live it even though they try to say bad things about you and slander you. They don't agree with what you're saying, but they can not dismiss the fact that you're living it in your own life.
3. In Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…”. What if others never heard your words, but simply did what you did? Where would it lead them? Would that be enough to show them Christ? Our conduct is not just a reflection on us, or the church, but on Christ whose name we wear. Satan has done a very good job convincing those of the world to discount Christ because of the ungodly conduct of those who claim to serve Christ. That's tragic.

C. Be an example in love. - Paul told Timothy earlier that “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,” (1st Timothy 1:5). The message was to be motivated by a genuine love for others and a concern for their spiritual welfare. That love needed to be integrated into Timothy’s words and life so that others could see it.

1. Others can tell when we are approaching them out of love or from some ulterior motive. Others can see if we are teaching and preaching because we love God, or the praise of men. Jesus didn’t seek to impress people with His knowledge or berate them with the truth. “… He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). No one can preach like the good shepherd if they don’t love His sheep.
2. Look at how Paul describes his ministry to the people that he is teaching. Paul writes in 1st Thessalonians 2:4-8 – “4. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness God is witness. 6. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”

D. Be an example in spirit. – The word pneuma sometimes is used to describe passion or emotions. Certainly a preacher, teacher, must have their emotions under control. But the word also refers to the disposition of a person. One writer describes its use here as the disposition of heart that causes the servant to want to serve. This again seems to point to motivation. Timothy was to be an example of proper motivation for serving God. An example of a spirit that does not give up in adversity; a spirit that perseveres to the end.
E. Be an example in faith. – We have studied about faith and the faith here is not simple belief, but faithfulness or trust in God. There were troublesome times ahead for the early church and Timothy was to lead the way through, by being an example of unswerving commitment. Unlike Hymenaeus and Alexander who “suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith” (1st Timothy 1:19), Timothy was to continue fighting the good fight, thus encouraging God’s people stay the course.
F. Be an example in purity. - This Greek word for purity hagneia (hag-ni'-ah), is a word that's closely related to the aspect of holiness, and means moral cleanness or moral virtue.

1. “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.” (1st Timothy 5:1-2). Paul's telling young Timothy this is how you’ve got to relate to people in the congregation. Those older men, they're like your father and you treat them with respect. The older women, they're like your mother, so give them honor. Listen to their counsel and advice and do not discount them.
2. The younger men, they're your brothers, you stand beside them and don't desert them. The younger women, they're your sisters, treat them as sisters in all purity.

CONCLUSION: An example is the most powerful rhetoric. The value of a Godly life cannot be underestimated in any way. We recognize that God wants us to teach the truth, but that our ability to teach the truth relies upon our willingness to live the truth. A teacher’s words will be considered, not only in the light of what they say, but also in the light of what they do.

We have only looked at this one verse but it can't be isolated from the context of the passages that are around it. In the words that follow, Paul provides more counsel to Timothy towards the goal of Godliness, how he ought to be able to teach the gospel successfully.

Paul says, give attention to reading, to meditation, exhortation, and give attention to doctrine. Use what God has given you. Don't discount or treat lightly the gift that's within you, that's provided by God, and commit yourself wholly to it. Live it out.

That's pretty simple, isn't it? How can a young man or woman be successful in expounding the gospel to others? How can people be influential in presenting the gospel of Christ to people who are not Christians? Paul says you live what God's given you.

If you're going to preach meekness, then be meek.
If you're going to preach love, then exhibit love.
If you're going to tell people they need to obey God, then obey God yourself.
If you expect people to sacrifice, then be out in front of them as sacrificing first for God in your own life.
Satan has no answer for that, does he?

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We learn from the New Testament how to be saved. We need to hear the word; believe in Jesus; repent of our sins; we must confess our belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and be baptized for the remission of our sins… If we follow these steps, the Lord adds us to His church.

Perhaps there is someone in the assembly today with the need to be buried with Christ in baptism. If you have never done these things, we urge you to do so today. If anyone has this need or desires the prayers of faithful Christians on their behalf, we encourage them to come forward while we stand and sing.

 

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Reference Sermon by: Dave Schmidt