The Supreme Christ 11-17-24 PM

I.                    Jesus is better than the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-2a).

A.                 God ha always revealed Himself at different times and in different ways.

1.                  He had spoken both directly and indirectly.

a.                  He spoke directly to Adam and other of the patriarchs.

b.                  He spoke directly to kings, priests, and prophets.

c.                   He spoke by means of dreams and visions, as well as by Urim and Thummim.

2.                  He also spoke by prophets.

a.                  Enoch is said to have prophesied (Jude 14).

b.                  Numerous are the prophets about which we read in the Old Testament.

B.                  It was a privilege to be a prophet of God and to have a revelation from God given to you.

1.                  The Jews, despite the harsh treatment given the prophets, looked with reverence upon them.

2.                  They highly esteemed the prophets long after they were dead.

C.                  But now, in this last age, or dispensation of time, God spoke only through His Son.

1.                  The tense of the word “spoken” indicates that it was a one time speaking.

2.                  God is not continuously speaking through Jesus now.

3.                  He spoke through Him to the apostles (John 17:8), and those other men who were inspired to write the New Testament.

4.                  Once it was finished, God was done speaking through Jesus (Jude 3).

D.                 Jesus is better than the prophets because He is the Son.

1.                  He was not simply a mouthpiece as were the prophets.

2.                  He was and is the Son of God, not subject to the sin and weakness of the prophets, therefore, He was and is better than the prophets. 

II.                  Jesus is the Heir of all things (Hebrew 1:2b).

A.                 Not only is Jesus better than the prophets so revered by the Jews, but Jesus is also the heir of God.

1.                  Being the Son of God, He receives all things from the Father.

2.                  This cannot be fully said of any other person or being.

B.                  Yes, we are all the heirs of God (Romans 8:17), but not in the sense Jesus is.

C.                  This fact was prophesied by the Psalmist (Psalm 2:8).

D.                 The inheritance was received after His resurrection, which was seen by Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14).

1.                  It was His because the resurrection showed Him to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

2.                  The inheritance He received is all things (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22).

E.                  Jesus is supreme because He is the Heir of God. 

III.                Jesus made the worlds (Hebrews 1:2c).

A.                 If Jesus made the worlds, as this verse affirms, He would have to have been present at creation, which confirms His deity.

B.                  Of course, this can not be said of the prophets.

C.                  Notice Colossians 1:16.

1.                  Jesus made all things.

2.                  John 1:3.

D.                 There is also another sense in which this can be understood.

1.                  The word “worlds” is not kosmos or space, but aion or time.

2.                  Bobby Duncan taught that this meant that Jesus was in God’s plan from the beginning to unify all ages of mankind.

3.                  He completed the plan of God to unite men together who were and are faithful to God.

a.                  Jesus said of Himself that He didn’t come to destroy the Old Testament but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

b.                  He was able to unite all men in Himself (Ephesians 2:14-16).

IV.               Jesus is the brightness of the glory of God (Hebrews 1:3).

A.                 The ESV renders it “He is the radiance of the glory of God”.

B.                  The ASV renders it “He is the effulgence of the glory of God”.

C.                  The Greek word for brightness means to emit light or splendor.

D.                 The perfection of Jesus is seen here.

1.                  John 1:14.

2.                  Three apostles got to literally see it on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3).

E.                  No mere man could ever have this said of him.

1.                  This shows the perfection of Jesus.

2.                  There was no sin in Him, nothing that would mar His perfect state of divinity, even while being on this sin marred earth. 

V.                 Jesus is the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3).

A.                 John 14:8-9.

1.                  You can feel the hurt of Jesus when He spoke to Philip.

2.                  If one had seen Jesus, He had seen the Father and it pained Jesus that Philip failed to understand that.

B.                  I love what Barnes says about this word that is translated “express image”:The word used here likewise occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is that from which our word “character” is derived. It properly means a “engraving‑tool;” and then something “engraved” or “stamped” ‑ “a character” ‑ as a letter, mark, sign. The image stamped on coins, seals, wax, expresses the idea: and the sense here is, that if God be represented under the idea of a substance, or being, then Christ is the exact resemblance of that ‑ as an image is of the stamp or die.

C.                  Paul told the Colossians...(Colossians 1:15).

1.                  He is God and presents God to us.

2.                  There has never been another, either human or angel, about whom this could be said.

D.                 Because He is the image of God, He is worthy of worship as God.

E.                  This would show to those Jewish Christians that Jesus is better than that into which they were being called back. 

VI.               Jesus upholds all things by His word (Hebrews 1:3).

A.                 Notice how the Psalmist put it (Psalm 33:9).

B.                  This is speaking of the creative powers of Jesus, which only deity can possess.

1.                  Again, Paul said something similar to the Colossians (Colossians 1:17).

2.                  Jesus spoke the worlds into existence.

C.                  It is amazing to think that with one command, all the galaxies and our own world are upheld.

D.                 Notice how Peter described creation and what is happening now (2 Peter 3:5-7).

VII.             Jesus purged us from our sins (Hebrews 1:3).

A.                 Jesus provided the means by which you and I can be cleansed or purified of our sins.

1.                  We know this to be His blood (Revelation 1:5).

2.                  Jesus is exactly what John called Him (John 1:29).

B.                  This would remind the oppressed Jewish brethren that Jesus was greater than all the sacrifices they had offered while under Judaism.

1.                  Those sacrifices couldn’t cleanse them of their sins.

2.                  Hebrews 10:4.

C.                  Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us (1 John 1:7).

D.                 Jesus is supreme because He purchased us. 

VIII.           Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3).

A.                 This statement would have reminded the Jewish convert of what was promised David, recorded in 2 Samuel 7.

1.                  One coming from David’s lineage would sit on his throne.

2.                  Jesus was from the lineage of David and now is sitting on that spiritual throne in heaven.

B.                  He can do this because He is reigning as King over His kingdom.

1.                  1 Timothy 6:15;

2.                  Revelation 19:16;

3.                  Revelation 17:14.

C.                  Jesus is now at the right hand of God (Acts 2:32-33; Ephesians 1:19-20; Colossians 3:1).

For Preaching Against Homosexuality 11-17-24 AM

        I.            God has condemned homosexuality in every age.

a.      Genesis 19 records the destruction of Sodom.

                                                              i.      Earlier in Genesis, the men of Sodom had been mentioned as being evil (Genesis 13:13).

                                                            ii.      In Genesis 19 we see one of the things that caused them to be seen as so wicked in the eyes of God.

                                                          iii.      When the angels went into Lot’s house, the men of the city surrounded the house and demanded that Lot turn over the two strangers to them so that they could “know” them (Gen. 19:4-5).

                                                          iv.      The NIV, the NLT and other newer version translate the end of vs. 5 as “that we can have sex with them.”

                                                            v.      Because of this bent towards homosexual acts, and for other sins, the city was destroyed.

                                                          vi.      Also, we get the English word “sodomy” from this name of this city.

b.      The Mosaic Law strictly forbad homosexuality.

                                                              i.      Leviticus 18:22, 29; 1 Kings 14:24.

                                                            ii.      Homosexuality was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17).

                                                          iii.      The ancient Gentile world was cast off by God for many reasons, one of which being homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27).

c.       The New Testament says homosexuality is a sin.

                                                              i.      Romans 1:26-27.

                                                            ii.      1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

1.      The NIV translates the end of vs. 9 as “men who have sex with men.”

2.      The NLT translates the end of vs. 9 as “passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals.”

3.      The ESV translates it as, “men who practice homosexuality.”

                                                          iii.      1 Timothy 1:9-11 - the second phrase is translated “men who practice homosexuality” in the ESV.

1.      “Practicing homosexuals” in the NLT;

2.      “Those practicing homosexuality” in the NIV.

d.      Under every dispensation of time, God has condemned homosexuality as a sin that separates one from Him.

e.      Whether our society accepts it or not does not matter.

f.        God is Sovereign, thus He determines what is right and wrong and has done so in His word.

      II.            Arguments concerning the acceptance of homosexuality.

a.      There are many arguments made by those who would have us to accept homosexuality as something good and right.

b.      There are those that teach one is born homosexual.

                                                              i.      I do not doubt there are those who are tempted with homosexual thought and urges.

                                                            ii.      This in no way means they were born to engage in homosexual acts.

                                                          iii.      There have been no scientific studies done that were ultimate deemed valid that show one is born as a homosexual.

                                                          iv.      The greatest argument against this idea is that God wants all men to be saved and would be condemning someone He made that way and God doesn’t do that.

                                                            v.      The truth is, the homosexual lifestyle is chosen by those that engage in homosexual acts.

c.       Some argue that if true love exists between individuals, even of the same sex, who can say that it is wrong.

                                                              i.      God can, that’s Who.

                                                            ii.      If we love anyone, even divinely sanctioned relationships, more than God we sin (Matthew 10:37).

                                                          iii.      Just think about what you would be allowing if you followed this line of reasoning out to its fullest extent.

d.      As mentioned earlier, there are several large man-made denominations that allow practicing homosexuals to preach.

e.      Some of the reasons given for this are astounding.

                                                              i.      One spokesman for the Presbyterian Church said a reason was that many member had tired of the conflict.

1.      We have no right to give up a biblical stand because of weariness.

2.      We are commanded not to grow weary (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13).

3.      We are to be faithful til death (Revelation 2:10).

                                                            ii.      One voter in the Lutheran Church cited two reasons:

1.      Growth - which we should want for the Lord’s church but not at expense of truth and morality.

2.      The ability to follow one’s conscience - nowhere in scripture is the following of one’s conscience placed above following scripture.

a.      We are to have a pure conscience (Hebrews 9:14).

b.      When we follow God’s commands we will have a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5).

                                                          iii.      In an article on the United Church of Christ’s website, it was stated that many congregations no longer view homosexuality as a church dividing issue.

1.      Woe is declared when evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20).

2.      God declares it such and that is all that matters.

f.        No argument for the acceptance of homosexuality can withstand the word of God being applied to it.

    III.            A caution about attitudes.

a.      When you read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:9-11, there are a lot of sins listed there besides practicing homosexuality.

                                                              i.      I imagine that some of us have committed one or more sins in those lists.

                                                            ii.      I am pretty sure we know people that are presently committing some of the sins on those lists.

b.      Though they may not be practicing homosexuality, they are just as lost as anyone who is practicing homosexuality.

c.       We need to be careful to not treat those engaged in homosexual sins any different than those practicing any other sins.

                                                              i.      It is perversion and it is sinful no doubt.

                                                            ii.      It is detrimental to individuals and society as a whole.

d.      One can still receive forgiveness of it just like any other sin.

e.      There are those that have come out of homosexuality but they won’t if we treat them in a way that lacks love (1 Corinthians 6:11).

For Preaching Against Instrumental Music In Worship 11-10-24 AM

I.                    I have the talent to play an instrument.

A.                 The argument is usually made: “People have musical talent and you are telling them they can’t use their talent for God.”

1.                  The problem with that idea is the church is not a talent show.

2.                  Whenever someone does something in that manner, the attention is drawn to that person and not to God .

B.                  Talent is one thing and Bible authority is another (Colossians 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:15).

C.                  Congregational singing, one to another, is the only authorized music in the New Testament.

D.                 If you go this route of it being a talent, what about other peoples talents ?

E.                  What we do in worship is what God has commanded us to do.

F.                  Worship to God is not a talent show, it is honoring Him with that which He has asked us to give Him.

II.                  It is just an aid.

A.                 There is a lot of confusion between what is an “aid” and what is an “addition;” how can you tell the difference?

1.                  An addition occurs when a particular action is altered, or the basic substance of the thing is changed.

2.                  An aid alters nothing, it simply helps in the implementation of the action.

B.                  Think of these examples:

1.                  Mom sends you to the store to buy bread.

a.                  Bring the bread home in a bag - that is an aid.

b.                  Bring home bread and a candy bar - an addition.

2.                  You take your car to get an oil change.

a.                  The tech uses a funnel and a wrench - aids.

b.                  The tech puts on 4 new tires - addition.

C.                  When we come together to worship and we get to the musical portion of the service, we are commanded to sing (Ephesians 5:18-19)

1.                  We might use a song book, pitch pipe, or projector but we would only be singing.

2.                  If we use an organ, there is an addition and two types of music are being used - vocal and instrumental, so the nature of the service has changed.

D.                 Additions to worship of God has always been condemned.

1.                  Cain added offerings of the ground.

2.                  Nadab and Abihu added fire from another source.

E.                  We have no authority for adding instruments to worship.

III.                It is used in the home.

A.                 Some argue that if we can use them in the home, we can use them in the church building.

B.                  The home is a completely separate institution from the church.

1.                  There are a lot of things we can do in the home we can’t do in worship to God.

2.                  We can go on trips, play ball, go into business and many other things completely unrelated to worship of God.

3.                  Paul made a clear distinction between the church and the home (1 Timothy 5:16).

C.                  Just because something is done in the home, does not make it suitable to do in worship.

IV.               God didn’t say “Don’t do it.”

A.                 When God specifies something, He doesn’t have to specifically exclude all else.

1.                  Gopher wood for the ark (Genesis 6:14).

2.                  A red heifer (Numbers 19:1-4).

3.                  A brazen serpent (Numbers 21:8).

B.                  God did say to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

1.                  God also said, don’t add to or take from His word (2 John 9-11).

2.                  The question is never “Where did God say not to” something, but “Where did God say to” do something.

V.                 It is popular and it draws crowds.

A.                 Instrumental music is an attempt to be like the world, to try to win the world in a way that is pleasing to the world.

1.                  This makes the church more like the world and the world less like the church.

2.                  Many denominational worship services look a lot like concerts.

3.                  If a capella music was effective in the first century, it can be effective in the 21st century.

B.                  There are a lot of ways to draw crowds if that is all we wanted.

1.                  Give away money;

2.                  Give a free car to one sitting in a lucky seat.

C.                  Jesus condemned those who sought Him for the wrong reasons (John 6:26).

D.                 Our purpose is to please God, not get a crowd.

VI.               Instruments will be in heaven.

A.                 If it is good enough for heaven, it is good enough for us is the argument (Revelation 4:1; 14:1-3; 15:2-3).

1.                  If the harps are literal, then everything else there must be literal as well.

2.                  Armies, horses and all the other things mentioned.

B.                  The harps are symbolic like the rest.

C.                  We will have spiritual bodies in heaven, not physical ones to play physical instruments.

D.                 People who make this argument realize there is no authorization for it revealed anywhere else in scripture.

E.                  Even if heaven does have instruments, it is because God authorized them there and He has not done so for the church.

VII.             It sounds much better.

A.                 This was the reason given at the Midway, KY congregation in 1860.

B.                  There is no spiritual value in the instruments being added.

C.                  We also must ask, “Beautiful to whom?”

1.                  God wants worship to come from a joyful heart.

2.                  God wants hearts that submit to His will for man.

3.                  If you have the worst singing voice in the world, you can still submit to God’s plan (Ephesians 5:19-20).

D.                 It doesn’t matter if it may sound better.

1.                  The purpose of singing is to glorify God and to teach one another (Colossians 3:16).

2.                  Every soul can sing, not every soul can play an instrument, thus all can worship God in song by singing.

3.                  No one gets elevated above another, all are together encouraging and admonishing one another.

E.                  If you carried this logic out to the end, we could substitute any item of worship if we think it makes it better.

1.                  We could substitute items in the Lord’s Supper because we could get it to taste better.

2.                  We could substitute giving our means with something that is better.

3.                  We could substitute prayer for something that made things flow better.

F.                  Singing is not judged by how man is pleased but how God is pleased.

VIII.           It was used in the Old Testament.

A.                 Some will point out that instruments were used in worship to God under the Mosaic Law.

B.                  It seems to me that the person who makes this argument at least sees the need to for some type of authority to use instruments in worship.

C.                  The fact is, we are not under the Old Law (Colossians 2:14-17).

D.                 The Old Testament which allowed is has been replaced by the gospel of Christ (Romans 7:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Hebrews 8:6-13).

1.                  The New Testament only authorizes singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

2.                  If we use instruments like David did, will we:

a.                  Offer animal sacrifices (Psalm 66:13-15;

b.                  Dance before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14);

c.                   Keep the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8);

d.                  Have multiple wives (2 Samuel 5:13)?

E.                  There are many things they did under the Old Testament that we don’t practice: because we are not under the Old Law.

For Preaching Against Denominationalism 11-3-24 AM

I.                    What is denominationalism?

A.                 The Westminster Dictionary of Church History defines it as: “The system and ideology founded on the division of the religious population into numerous ecclesiastical bodies, each stressing particular values or traditions, and each competing with the other in the same community under substantial conditions of freedom.”

B.                  The American Heritage Dictionary defines denomination as: “A large group of religious organizations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.”

1.                  The idea is that by a common name and being tied to a certain governing body that is above the local congregation, they are “denominated” from all congregations that are not under the same authority.

2.                  For instance, the Roman Catholic Church is that denomination that has the pope as its head.

3.                  The Southern Baptist Church is that group of churches that submits to the authority of the Southern Baptist Convention.

4.                  The Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) is a denomination comprised of those churches that submit to the synod in Missouri

C.                  So denominationalism is the splitting up into various religious denominations, each of which are governed by some person or body that decides things for them.

D.                 Br. Wayne Jackson wrote an article and noticed several flaws in the definition of denominationalism:

1.                  Denominationalism is a result of division;

2.                  The ideology accommodates various “ecclesiastical (church) bodies” with distinct doctrinal differences.

3.                  Denominationalism tends to focus more on tradition and preferred values than scripture;

4.                  The system encourages an air of adversarial rivalry and not cooperation;

5.                  This concept encourages the idea that the freedom to differ on major points of doctrine is spiritually healthy.

E.                  As you can see, when compared to what Jesus and His apostles taught about the church Jesus would and did build, there are major differences between the two.

II.                  Denominationalism is sinful.

A.                 It is sinful because it has no scriptural basis for existence.

1.                  You can’t find any passage in the New Testament that supports any denomination being in existence.

2.                  In the New Testament, local churches were never divided into differing bodies with differing beliefs.

3.                  There was no way this could be the case because the same thing was being taught everywhere by the apostles (1 Corinthians 4:17).

B.                  When you read the New Testament, we see several things about the local congregation:

1.                  Each congregation was autonomous (self-governing);

2.                  Each one was overseen by elders from that particular congregation (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).

3.                  The only authority above the local congregation was Christ and His apostles.

4.                  The apostles were not replaced when they died, except for Judas.

5.                  Jesus is head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

C.                  Denominationalism is against scripture as well.

1.                  It goes against what Jesus prayed for, recorded in John 17:20-23.

2.                  The attitude behind it is condemned in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.

3.                  Being divided is shown to be a sign of being worldly minded (1 Corinthians 3:3-4).

4.                  It goes against the work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16).

D.                 It hurts the cause of Christ.

1.                  Unity is a sign to the world that Jesus is Lord (John 17:21), therefore disunity hurts Christ.

2.                  The religious division that exists is used by atheists and others as a reason not to obey the Lord.

3.                  Not only that, it has given rise to other false religions.

a.                  Mormonism came out of a reaction against the denominationalism of Joseph Smith’s day.

b.                  The Jehovah’s Witness group uses religious division to encourage people to follow their false doctrine.

E.                  The fact is, denominationalism is sinful and the sin of it is seen in the definition of it.

III.                We can’t be part of the problem.

A.                 No matter what others may teach, we must always stand for truth.

1.                  When God’s people compromise on this issue, we become part of the problem.

2.                  We see such compromise when denominational speakers are allowed in our pulpits.

3.                  When preachers and elders show support for those in this sin in various ways.

4.                  We can’t use the gospel to call someone out of the world when we are in the world ourselves.

B.                  We promote denominationalism when we speak like we are part of one.

1.                  When we say things like, “I’m church of Christ” or “We’re church of Christ” we are speaking in denominational terms.

2.                  When we refer to me or any gospel preacher as a “church of Christ preacher” we are speaking in denominational terms.

3.                  Individuals cannot be “church of Christ” because the church belonging to Christ is made up of individuals.

4.                  Someone can be Baptist, Methodist or Episcopal but they can’t be “church of Christ.

5.                  All the phrase “church of Christ” means is that it belongs to Christ.

C.                  We are non-denominational to the core and we need to remember that.

D.                 Whenever we do things in ways that denominations do them or speak in ways that denominational people do, we are a part of the problem.

E.                  We are to be leading others to something that is different from them not just like them but with a different name.

For Preaching A Weekly Observance Of The Lord’s Supper 10-27-24 AM

I.                    The Lord’s Supper is regulated.

A.                  It is regulated in that it is to be done at a certain time.

1.                  We discussed the frequency or, really, infrequency, of some in observing the Lord’s Supper.

2.                  The Bible is clear in that it teaches the first Christians always partook of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week.

3.                  Not only that, the evidence in scripture points to the first day of the week being the only day on which it was observed.

4.                  It was on the first day of the week that the church of our Lord was established, being 50 days after the Passover.

5.                  Notice what Luke wrote by inspiration (Acts 2:42).

a.                  The “they” is the antecedent of the 3,000 souls that obeyed the message mentioned in verse 41.

b.                  Most commentators, even those from the denominational world, say that breaking of bread is a reference to the Lord’s Supper.

6.                  Later in Acts we read that Paul, though in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost which was about a month away, he stayed 7 days in Troas.

a.                  If in a hurry, why would he wait so long?

b.                  Notice the passage in Acts 20:6-7.

c.                   The wording of “the disciples came together” is in the passive voice, which scholars say signifies “to bring or call together.”

d.                  In other words, there was a directive to come together and that had to come from divine authority.

e.                  The main purpose of their coming together was to break bread, or, as all commentators say, partake of the Lord’s Supper.

7.                  Paul taught the Corinthians about giving every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2 - every is found in the original text).

8.                  When you put these things together, three things are pointed out:

a.                  The early church, under the oversight of the apostles, met every first day of the week.

b.                  The primary purpose was to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

c.                   Therefore, the communion was observed every Lord’s day by the early church.

9.                  As we mentioned, we must have authority for all that we do in worship to God (Colossians 3:17).

10.              We have the authority to partake of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week and we have the example of such, thus the Lord’s Supper is regulated in when it is to be observed.

B.                  It is also regulated in what is to be used in its observance.

1.                  When the Lord Himself instituted the Lord’s Supper, He did so at a particular time, at the Passover.

2.                  At that time, there was to be no leaven in the house of a Jew (Exodus 12:19 ).

3.                  Jesus used bread and the cup, which was used in the Passover meal.

a.                  The bread had to be unleavened bread, thus that is regulated.

b.                  The cup had to be the new juice of the grape, because that is what was used in the Passover feast, thus it was regulated.

c.                   Notice that it was the new juice, not fermented juice that had become wine.

d.                  That drink had leaven in it to aid the fermentation process and leaven was not allowed in the house.

C.                  It is regulated in the order of the elements to be used.

1.                  Jesus took the bread, which represents His body, first.

2.                  He then took the cup, which represents His blood.

3.                  Any other order would be wrong, since we have no authority to change that which our Lord introduced.

II.                  It is a time of remembrance.

A.                 Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

B.                  When you and I have the privilege of partaking of the Lord’s Supper, it is a time to remember what Jesus went through on the cross.

1.                  It is a time to think of His suffering for us.

2.                  It is a time to think of His death.

C.                  Paul let the Corinthians know that they were partaking of the supper in a way that did not allow them to discern the Lord’s body.

1.                  Because there were worldly thoughts and actions taking place, they were unable to make a distinction between His supper and a common supper.

2.                  The Lord’s Supper, being an act of worship, should be separate from anything we do.

D.                 There is absolutely nothing common about this supper.

1.                  The One we are to remember was and is uncommon.

2.                  The events that happened with the Lord’s death were uncommon.

3.                  It is for an uncommon people to remember and uncommon Lord.

E.                  I appreciate those who mention that we need to remove worldly thoughts from our minds as we prepare to join together in partaking this supper.

1.                  There are things we do every day that are good and right.

2.                  However, those things are not good and right in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper.

F.                  We get to reflect on the death our Lord died that kept us from having to be punished for our sins.

III.                It is a time of reflection on ourselves.

A.                 Paul told the Corinthians they were to examine themselves as they ate and drank.

B.                  If we are partaking of the supper in an unworthy manner, somehow making it common, we are taking damnation upon ourselves.

1.                  We have to make sure our minds are focused on that cross.

2.                  I know this is difficult to do.

3.                  I also believe the Lord knows the circumstances under which we are partaking of the feast.

a.                  By that I mean, He knows if you have an infant or a toddler crawling on you.

b.                  He also knows if you are afflicted with some pain or discomfort as you attempt to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

4.                  He also knows if you are simply playing with your infant or toddler and ignoring the significance of the moment.

5.                  He knows if you are thinking about other things besides the cross and the One who was on it.

C.                  We need to examine ourselves and see where our minds are when we partake of the Lord’s Supper.

D.                 Let us not be guilty of partaking in an unworthy manner, but rather, give our hearts and minds to the cross for that brief time so as not to bring damnation upon ourselves.

IV.        It is a time of revelation.

A.     Paul stated that we show the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Cor. 11:26).

B.      We, those who partake, are revealing a belief in the return of Jesus.

C.      When someone sees us partake of this Supper, that person sees our belief.

a.      It is revealed that there is something to which we look forward.

b.      What that is, is the Lord’s return.

D.     The resurrection is to be remembered as mentioned when partaking.

E.      Also, the return of Jesus is remembered.

a.      Jesus promised He would come back (John 14:1-3).

b.      Paul stated the Lord would return (1 Th. 4:13ff).

c.       Peter said we look for it and desire it (2 Pe. 3:12).

F.      People need to understand this fact and prepare for it.

G.     Our partaking of the Lord’s Supper reveals our belief in this.

Help Thou Mine Unbelief 10-13-24 PM

I. To whom was it written?

A. This is a hotly debated topic because unlike most books of the New Testament, there is no area or congregation mentioned.

B. There is internal evidence to show that it was written to a group of Jews who had been converted to Christianity.

1. Hebrews 1:1 - mentions the fathers.

2. Hebrews 4:1-2 compares the forefathers to the writer’s audience.

3. Hebrews 4:15 mentions the high priest.

4. There are at least 100 references to the Old Testament, which is more than any other book of the New Testament.

5. There are no references to anything Gentile in nature or historically.

6. Chapter 8 contains a lengthy quotation from Jeremiah 31.

7. Chapters 9 and 10 contain great detail about the work of high priest and the sacrificial system of Judaism, which would mean little to a Gentile convert.

C. There is also external evidence, evidence outside the book from religious writers and manuscripts, which indicate it is a Jewish audience.

1. The title “The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews” is found on all the most ancient of manuscripts.

2. The church historians of the 2nd century wrote this as well.

3. Every one of the those historians wrote that it was written to a Hebrew audience.

4. This would indicate that the audience was in or around Jerusalem, because other Jews were called Hellenists, not Hebrews.

D. For our purposes, we will say the audience was Jewish Christians somewhere in Palestine.

II. Why was this book written?

A. There is literally no debate as to why this book was written.

B. The purpose was to try and keep these Jewish Christians from going back into Judaism because of persecution.

1. This supports the idea that it was written to Jewish Christians in Palestine.

2. What better group to go back into Judaism than those who were still surrounded by family who were still Jews and all the trappings from their former way of life?

3. Why did Lot’s wife look back? Because she was leaving all that was familiar and known to her.

4. Why do those who come out of denominationalism or sin sometimes go back to those things? Because those are the familiar things to them.

C. One writer said it would be like leaving the Mormon Church and living in Salt Lake City, only worse.

D. It seems that these brethren were wondering if leaving all they had known was really worth it.

E. This is probably the reason that the focus of the book is on the fact that Jesus is better than all things.

1. The word for better or superior is found 15 times in this book.

2. Jesus and the New Testament are shown to be better than at least 12 things.

a. The prophets (1:1-3);

b. The angels (1:4-2:18);

c. Moses (3:1-19);

d. Joshua (4:1-8);

e. The rest found in Canaan (4:9-13);

f. Aaron (4:14-5:10);

g. Mosaic priesthood (6:13-10:18);

h. Mosaic covenant (8:6-10:18);

i. Animal sacrifices (9:1-10:18);

j. Mosaic way to God (10:19-11:40);

k. Mosaic relationship to God (12:1-29);

l. Mosaic work and worship (13:1-21).

F. Br. Curtis Cates wrote an introduction to Hebrews in a lectureship book I have.

1. In it, he wrote that when persecution or difficult time comes, we often forget our blessings.

2. The Israelites came to miss Egypt because of the food they had there.

3. They wanted to go back to what they knew.

4. It may have been the same for these Hebrew Christians.

5. If they lived in Jerusalem, they had to smell the daily sacrifices, go past the temple in their daily lives.

6. They probably had family members who were active Jews.

7. The Sanhedrin made it very difficult for those who left Judaism.

G. The Hebrews writer was inspired to place great emphasis on faith in Christ because He is far better than anything Judaism had to offer.

III. When was the letter written?

A. There are a few clues in the book that give an idea of the time of writing.

B. It seems to have been written before the destruction of the temple.

1. The writer mentions the daily sacrifices.

2. He also writes as if the high priest was still in power and at work.

3. It was also written after the church had been established for some time.

a. Hebrews 5:12.

b. Also, there is reference to persecution (10:32-34).

c. It seems to have been written from Italy (Hebrews 13:24).

C. Most writers believe it was written between 60-69 AD.

1. More than likely it was more toward the middle 60's, 62-65.

2. There is no mention of the Roman army being near.

3. There is a reference to the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

D. We won’t talk about the author yet, but if you believe Paul wrote the book, this time frame definitely fits.

1. It would be after his first imprisonment.

2. He had been waiting for Timothy to get out of prison (Hebrews 13:23).

IV. Who was the penman of Hebrews?

A. We could talk all night about who possibly wrote the book.

1. Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, Clement and others have all been set forth as the penman.

2. I like what Origen had to say hundreds of years ago: “But who wrote the epistle, to be sure, God only knows.”

B. I know brethren who are dogmatic that Paul wrote the book.

1. There is evidence for it in the book.

a. The writer was a traveling companion of Timothy.

b. The writer had extensive knowledge of Jewish worship and the work of the high priest.

c. It was written from Italy where Paul had been or was in prison.

2. Much external evidence points to Paul in the form of the early church historians all pointing to him as the penman.

C. The fact that it does not have Paul’s name on it really does nothing to hurt a belief in him being the penman.

1. The people in and around Jerusalem had very hard feelings towards Paul.

2. They remembered him killing and imprisoning many of their family members.

3. Clement of Alexandria wrote that Paul “very wisely did not repel them at the beginning by using his name.”

D. In reality, it does not matter because the Holy Spirit inspired whomever was the human penman.

E. I generally always try to say the Hebrews writer said this or that and not even refer to any person.

For Preaching The Necessity Of Baptism 10-13-24 AM

I. Acts 2:38.

A. This passage is probably the most hotly contested passage in the New Testament when dealing with the subject of baptism.

B. Here is a denominational view of this verse: Listen to what one denominational writer said about this passage: “ The grammar of the verse indicates that only repentance is required to receive the remission of sins. Here is my translation of the verse from the Greek, using some extra words to bring out some key differences not observable in the English text: "Repent [you, plural], and let each one [singular] of you be baptized [singular], upon the name of Jesus Christ into the remission of sins, and you will receive [you, plural] the gift of the Holy Spirit." The command to repent and the promise to receive are both plural verbs. The command to be baptized is singular. The imperative ("let each one of you be baptized") is parenthetical. Peter's actual command was: "Repent . . . upon the name of Jesus Christ into the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Peter gave the audience only one thing to do in order to receive the remission of sins. There was only one direct command: "Repent [you, plural]."

1. Notice that baptism gets completely omitted from the explanation given of this verse.

2. Another writer stated, “We repent "for the remission of sins" to receive the forgiveness of sins.”

C. The most contested part of this verse is the word the Greek word that is translated “for.”

1. Denominational writers say that “eis,” which is the Greek word, means “because of.”

2. The problem with that is there is another Greek word that is translated “because of” and in nearly every Greek Lexicon you find, “eis” means, “in or into or toward.”

D. In other words, one must repent and be baptized towards, or to enter the state of or obtain, the forgiveness of sins.

1. One denominational writer used the wonderful logic of defining a Greek word with the way we use the English word.

2. We must be very careful how we go about defining words.

E. The Greek word “eis” is always looking forward in order to obtain something and not backward as doing something to show something already accomplished when it’s used.

F. The word “and” is a conjunction that joins things of equal value.

G. In Acts 2:38, repent and be baptized are of equal value.

1. One without the other is useless.

2. Both are necessary to obtain the forgiveness of sins.

II. 1 Corinthians 1:17.

A. You might be thinking that this is an odd verse to use to show the lack of need to be baptized in order to be saved.

B. As I studied for this lesson, I came across numerous references from denominational teachers that used this verse to show baptism isn’t necessary for salvation.

1. For instance, one wrote: “If water baptism was a requirement for salvation Christ would have sent Paul the apostle to baptize. However, Paul was not sent to water baptize but to preach the gospel of which water baptism is not an essential element.”

2. This sums up every other use of this verse I saw.

C. In conjunction, many will use John 4:1-3 where we are told that Jesus did not baptize others, only the disciples.

1. Those who hold the position of the unessential nature of baptism ask why Jesus didn’t baptize people if it was important.

2. The argument is used to try and show that Jesus and Paul didn’t baptize so it must not be vital.

D. What is important about these two passages is that the one doing the baptizing is not important.

1. There was a great problem already in Corinth of division.

2. Part of the problem there was that some claimed superiority because of who baptized them.

3. Could you imagine the claim someone could make if the Lord Himself had baptized them?

E. Paul never discounted baptism.

1. Every mention of people conversion after Paul preached the gospel ended with the baptism of the convert.

2. Paul likened baptism to obeying a form of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord (Romans 6:3-4).

3. It is Paul that said we are “buried” in baptism with Christ (Colossians 2:12).

III. John 3:3-7.

A. This is a record of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin Council.

B. It seems that Nicodemus had come to talk to Jesus about who He was.

1. Instead of this subject, Jesus told him he needed to be born again.

2. Nicodemus didn’t understand the spiritual lesson Jesus was teaching and could only think in physical terms.

C. Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born of water and the Spirit.

D. Here is the argument that a denominationalist would make: “Being "born of water" refers to natural birth, as Jesus mentioned being "born of the flesh". Water baptism was not spoken of here and was not the topic of discussion.”

1. The same writer wrote, “Examine the context of words... born of water = that which is born of flesh is flesh = (first) time in mother's womb; born of the Spirit = that which is born of the Spirit is spirit = born again.

2. He and others believe that the water is that of the fluid that is present at birth and Spirit is baptism of the Holy Spirit.

E. They don’t understand that Jesus is making a spiritual point.

1. Notice that being born of water and the Spirit is after except in verse 5.

2. Jesus did not say that you had first to be born of water, human birth, and except you are born of the Spirit.

3. The word except is forceful: except you do both, you won’t enter kingdom of God.

4. Notice these uses of the word “except” (Luke 13:3; John 15:4; Acts 27:31)

5. Unless both are done, there is no way to enter the kingdom.

F. The idea is that one must be born of water, baptized, and of the Spirit, by the teaching of the Spirit.

1. Titus 3:5 is a commentary on this passage.

2. Even in John 3 and the beginning of 4, John and the disciples of Jesus were baptizing people.

The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against 10-6-24 AM

I. For preaching change.

A. Judaism and paganism ruled the day.

B. Judaism had existed for well over a 1,000 years and paganism for a long time before that.

C. The Jews charged early Christians with corruption of the Old Law.

1. This is what Paul was first charged with in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-28).

2. All along the missionary journeys of Paul, you read of the Jews standing against Paul because of the message of change from Judaism to Christianity.

D. The pagans of the day also stood against the truth as well.

1. Acts 19:23ff.

2. It happened in Philippi as well after Paul removed a demon from a young lady (Acts 16:16-22).

E. The early church was persecuted for not worshiping the image of the Roman Emperor.

1. They were faithful citizens of the Roman Empire but many refused to worship Caesar.

2. Because of that, the church was persecuted numerous times in the 1st-3rd centuries.

F. At times, the church today is persecuted because we preach change as well.

1. We ought never preach a change from God’s will as some do.

2. However, we do preach a change of life that many don’t want to make.

II. For parting ways with the world.

A. Persecution is part of the Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12).

1. Paul had let the Thessalonians know that persecution would come (1 Thessalonians 3:1-4).

2. They had experienced some already (2:14).

B. Peter let his readers know the same thing (1 Peter 4:12).

1. Notice his words.

2. Don’t think it is strange or unheard of; in other words, they should have been prepared for it.

C. Jesus let the church at Smyrna know persecution was coming (Revelation 2:10).

D. The reason for the persecution oftentimes was told by Peter (1 Peter 4:3-4).

1. His readers used to live just as those around them were then living.

2. They fulfilled the desires of the flesh however they chose.

3. When conversion took place, those around them thought they were strange for not doing what they had been doing.

E. People often hate what they don’t understand.

1. It scares us many times.

2. The neighbors of the Christians couldn’t understand why they no longer lived like everyone else.

F. Christians then and now are called to a different lifestyle (1 Peter 4:1-2).

1. There has to be a change, as there was with the Corinthian brethren.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

G. Today, when we part ways with the world, we will be thought strange and at times, we will be persecuted.

III. For partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

A. No doubt that early Christians thought nothing of partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

1. It had been instituted by the Lord Himself (Matthew 26:26-29).

2. It was a practice of the early Christians to partake of it every Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7).

3. It was taught wherever the gospel went (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

B. Jesus told that unless we partake of His body and His blood we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (John 6:51-57).

1. As we read in Matthew’s account, Jesus stated the unleavened bread represented His body and the fruit of the vine represented His blood.

2. Unless we partake of the Lord’s Supper as we should, there is no spiritual life in us.

C. The early church understood this so they partook of the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day.

D. Because of talk about eating the body and drinking the blood of Christ, there

were many that charged Christians with practicing cannibalism.

1. When charges were brought against a Christian, this was often one that went along with refusing to pay homage to the image of the Caesar.

2. There were even stories about eating infants that were made up, but nevertheless, used against Christians.

E. There is still prejudice today against Christians for partaking of the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day.

1. We are simply following New Testament commands.

2. Most have no problem with the supper itself, it is with the weekly observing of it where there is conflict.

The Crown Of Life 9-29-24 AM

        I.            The description of the crown (1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 5:4).

a.      As we begin, we do need to note that when this physical body is left at death or the Lord’s return, we will receive new spiritual bodies.

                                                              i.      So, this crown of life is not physical either.

                                                            ii.      It is a symbol of reward for the saint.

b.      But we are given a description of the glory of this crown in these two verses.

c.       We aren’t told how many points on the crown, or the weight or things of a physical nature at all, so we can’t give a picture of the crown.

d.      What is given is a description of how long this crown will remain.

e.      Paul was inspired to use a descriptive word that means “not liable to corruption or decay” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

f.        Peter was inspired to use a word that is only found in this verse (1 Peter 5:4) and nowhere else in the New Testament.

                                                              i.      It literally means “composed of amaranth”.

                                                            ii.      The amaranth is a flower that was very important in Greek mythology.

                                                          iii.      The word amaranth means “one that does not wither” and the flower itself was known as the never fading flower.

                                                          iv.      The flower itself is one that does not wither quickly so it became a symbol of immortality in Ancient Greece.

g.      The New Testament gives us the description of the crown as something that will never lose its luster and will never fade.

                                                              i.      Peter was inspired to write that we are looking for an inheritance that will never fade away, eternal in the heavens (1 Peter 1:4).

                                                            ii.      The word there is a close relative of what is found in 1 Peter 5:4.

                                                          iii.      It means perennial, like a perennial flower, one that lasts for a long time.

h.      Also, the word for crown itself is important.

                                                              i.      The word used throughout all of these verses is not the word for that worn by royalty.

                                                            ii.      Rather, it is the word used for crown given to one victorious in the games mentioned earlier.

                                                          iii.      Strong’s says: “the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games”.

i.        The crown given us will last as long as the inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven and symbolizes the victory over sin and Satan.

      II.            The determination of those receiving the crown.

a.      Not just anyone will receive this never-fading crown.

b.      James tells us that it will go to those who endure temptation (James 1:12).

                                                              i.      Inspiration began this letter by telling us that trials, or temptations, if endured are a blessing.

                                                            ii.      The reason is that it causes the one who endures to become stronger.

                                                          iii.      Then, the Holy Spirit reveals to us that not only strength is gained, but a crown as well.

c.       Paul was inspired to call it a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).

                                                              i.      This indicates the one wearing it as righteous.

                                                            ii.      We know that one is declared righteous, or justified, who has come into contact with the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9).

                                                          iii.      So, the wearer must be one who has come into contact with the blood of Christ, which is only done in baptism (Romans 6:3-4).

                                                          iv.      We see that one must be baptized into Christ in order to gain this crown.

d.      Jesus told the church at Smyrna that if they would be faithful to Him, even at the cost of their lives, they would be given a crown (Revelation 2:10).

                                                              i.      This congregation was under fire from Rome as well as the unbelieving Jews.

                                                            ii.      Their lives were in jeopardy for being Christians.

                                                          iii.      Jesus promised them that if they remained faithful, even if that meant losing their physical lives, they would receive the crown.

e.      Both Paul and James tells us the one who loves God and His Son’s appearing will be given the crown.

                                                              i.      Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).

                                                            ii.      Those that love the appearing of Jesus will be those who are faithful.

                                                          iii.      When the Lord returns, it will be terrible for those who are not faithful, so they will not love His appearing.

f.        When you put these verses together, and what they tell us about the ones who will receive this crown, you see God has made the determination that those who have obeyed the gospel and remained faithful til death will wear the crown.

    III.            The duration of wearing the crown.

a.      We mentioned the Olympic games were every four years and the Isthmian games were every two years.

                                                              i.      Those who were victorious had the right to wear the crown for their event until the next games took place.

                                                            ii.      In two or four years, they relinquished their crown unless they repeated as champions.

b.      The crown of life will never be relinquished once received.

c.       James and Jesus both call it a crown of life.

                                                              i.      This indicates eternal life.

                                                            ii.      It is a never-fading crown worn in a place that never fades away.

d.      We will never have to give up wearing the victors crown because we will be victorious for all eternity.

   IV.            There is possible devastation.

a.      The crown is wonderful, eternal, and for the one who obeys the gospel.

b.      It is a promise from God and God does not and cannot lie.

c.       However, there is possible devastation (Revelation 3:11).

                                                              i.      This was said by Jesus to the church at Philadelphia.

                                                            ii.      There are no condemnatory notes in this letter or the letter to the church at Smyrna.

                                                          iii.      These brethren were faithful and had shown themselves to be such.

d.      This congregation, facing extreme pressure and even persecution, was warned not allow some man to take their crown.

                                                              i.      No one can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).

                                                            ii.      No one can remove us from the hand of God (John 10:29).

e.      How then, could someone take their crown?

                                                              i.      Notice the phrase before the warning: hold that fast which thou hast.

                                                            ii.      If they failed to hold fast to their faith because of pressure or giving in to some false doctrine, they would be allowing a man to take their crown.

f.        This shows us the very real possibility of apostasy.

                                                              i.      Here was a very faithful group of Christians who had shown their faith, not just verbally expressed it.

                                                            ii.      They were warned that they could still lose that crown.

g. How devastating it would be to have known that the crown was yours, that you were going to be victorious, only to allow someone to convince you that winning that crown was not going to be worth whatever needed to be done to keep it.

New Heavens And A New Earth 9-22-24 PM

        I.            The passages where the phrases are found.

a.      These two phrases are found in only four passages.

b.      Two in the book of Isaiah and two in the New Testament.

c.       Isaiah 65:17 and Isaiah 66:22.

d.      2 Peter 3:13.

e.      Revelation 21:1 – this passage is why I mention phrases – because heaven is singular in this verse only.

f.        There are other passages that are brought up when discussing this idea of a new heavens and a new earth.

                                                              i.      Some use Matthew 19:28 – because of the word “regeneration”.

                                                            ii.      John 14:2-3 – which is a passage that should give us a hope of heaven.

                                                          iii.      Romans 8:18-22 – especially verse 22.

                                                          iv.      Hebrews 12:26-29 – because there are things shaken and something not shaken.

      II.            The context of these passages.

a.      This is something that may sound different to you, but the passages in Isaiah have nothing to do with the return of Jesus.

                                                              i.      Read Isaiah 65:1 beginning.

                                                            ii.      Isaiah 66:22 refers back to the mention of what God would make or create in 65:17.

                                                          iii.      What is being discussed here is the bringing in of the New Law and the doing away with the Old Law.

                                                          iv.      There is nothing in this text that is even remotely relevant to the second coming of Jesus.

                                                            v.      If anything, it is referring to what will take place when Jesus would come the first time.

b.      2 Peter 3:13 must be viewed from the beginning of this section in verse 1.

                                                              i.      Peter was inspired to begin this section with a reminder to be aware of the words spoken by inspired men.

                                                            ii.      He then mentions that there will be those who scoff at the idea of a return of Jesus and will be willfully ignorant of the fact God had at one time destroyed the earth with a flood.

                                                          iii.      Christians are not to be ignorant of that fact, nor the fact that the Lord will return because He has promised He will.

                                                          iv.      When He returns, the earth and universe in which the earth resides are going to pass away with a great noise, melt with a fervent heat, and the works be burned up.

                                                            v.      All these things will be dissolved.

                                                          vi.      Because of that fact, Christians are to look for new heavens and a new earth.

c.       Revelation 21:1 fits in with the verses beginning with Revelation 20:11.

                                                              i.      Here is the judgment scene.

                                                            ii.      All those not found in the book of life are cast in the lake of fire where the devil had been cast earlier in the text.

                                                          iii.      At this point, John was allowed to see a new heaven and a new earth where there was no sea.

                                                          iv.      John sees the new Jerusalem, which is the church in a glorified state, coming down being readied to be presented to the Father.

                                                            v.      God would now dwell with the church side by side, where He will do away with all pain, suffering, and sorrow.

    III.            The meaning of the phrases.

a.      We must remember that any meaning a passage has cannot dispute other clear passages.

b.      The New Testament teaches that Jesus will come again and judge mankind and take the church back to the Father to present her to Him.

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 5:27.

                                                            ii.      These passages are clear.

c.       2 Peter 3:10-13 is clear that the heavens and earth which now exist are going to be totally dissolved.

                                                              i.      Notice Revelation 20:11.

                                                            ii.      There will be no place found for the old ones.

d.      There is going to be a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

e.      The New Testament is clear that Christians are going to heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

                                                              i.      Jesus said He was preparing a place to which He would bring His disciples after He left earth (John 14:2-3).

                                                            ii.      This place is heaven.

f.        We now live in an environment known as heaven and earth.

                                                              i.      This environment is going to pass away.

                                                            ii.      We’ve stated that over and again.

g.      Our future environment is referred to figuratively as the new heavens and the new earth, which is an allusion to heaven itself.

h.      The old adage is things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.

                                                              i.      2 + 2=4 and 3+1=4 so they are equal to each other.

                                                            ii.      You and I are promised heaven as our final dwelling place and we are also promised a new heavens and a new earth.

                                                          iii.      Thus, the new heavens and the new earth is the same state as heaven.

i.What these phrases, a new heaven and a new earth, and a new heavens and a new earth, are, are symbols of heaven itself.

What The New Testament Says About Grace 9-22-24 AM

       I.            It teaches we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8).

a.      This verse shows us we are saved by grace.

                                                              i.      Sadly, there are those who have and do teach that we are saved only by grace and we don’t add one bit, or whit is their word, to our salvation.

                                                            ii.      This verse teaches there are two parts to salvation: grace, which is God’s part and faith, which is man’s.

b.      Add Titus 2:11 and we can see that grace can save all men.

c.       For grace to save us, we must receive it (2 Corinthians 6:1).

d.      We receive grace when we are baptized into Christ (Titus 3:5, 7).

                                                              i.      Note “saved us” and “washing of regeneration” in v. 5.

                                                            ii.      Link that to “justified by” and “grace” in v. 7.

e.       Paul explains to us that one is justified by grace when he/she is saved by washing of regeneration.

                                                              i.      There is not one credible commentator of whom I am aware that teaches “washing of regeneration” refers to anything other than baptism.

                                                            ii.      We receive grace when we are baptized in order to be saved.

                                                          iii.      If it isn’t at baptism, we would be saved before baptism.

f.        If this is the case, we must ask at what point prior to baptism do we receive God’s grace?

    II.            We are taught by grace (Titus 2:12-13).

a.      This passage reveals to us that grace teaches us.

b.      It teaches us both negatively and positively.

                                                              i.      Negatively, it teaches us to avoid some things.

1.      Ungodliness is that which keeps us from doing our duty towards God in terms of religion.

2.      Worldly lusts are the avenues of temptation to which the flesh may fall.

                                                            ii.      Positively it teaches us how to properly live.

1.      Soberly means we treat ourselves right.

2.      Righteously means we treat others right.

3.      Godly means we treat God right.

c.       It is amazing that when we do these things, life works out for the best.

                                                              i.      This does not mean there won’t be heartache.

                                                            ii.      It means we will get the best out of life living this way.

d.      How does grace teach us?

                                                              i.      This passage implies the life of Christ, so Jesus teaches us to live this way.

                                                            ii.      Ultimately, it refers to the Bible, the word of grace (Acts 20:32).

 III.            We stand in grace (Romans 5:1-2).

a.      We either stand in grace or out of it.

b.      When we are justified by faith we have peace with God which allows us continual access to God’s grace.

                                                              i.      This is similar to 1 John 1:7.

                                                            ii.      Walking in the light gives us access to blood of Jesus.

                                                          iii.      Staying faithful gives us access to God’s grace.

                                                          iv.      We walk in the light by staying faithful and the blood of Jesus is a result of God’s grace.

c.       We should be able to confidently say that we are standing in God’s grace.

d.      Again, we are either in or out of it.

 IV.            We are to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).

a.      God always expects us to grow (1 Peter 2:2).

b.      If our child is not growing, either mentally or physically, what do we do?

                                                              i.      Do we sit around hoping things will change or do we get actively involved in finding out the problem?

                                                            ii.      Everyone gets involved.

                                                          iii.      We go to doctors and do internet searches and everything we can to figure out the problem.

c.       How many of us get upset when there is no growth spiritually in ourselves or in our loved ones?

d.      There are some people that never get past a preacher or an eldership.

                                                              i.      Their preacher leaves or favorite elder retires and they quit trying to grow.

                                                            ii.      They have “preacheritis” or “elderitis.”

e.       We must grow and realize we can and must learn from others.

f.        Jesus gives us a wonderful example of growth and it is found in Luke 2:52.

                                                              i.      The word favor is our Greek word “charis.”

                                                            ii.      Jesus grew intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually.

                                                          iii.      We are to do exactly the same thing.

g.      Jesus left heaven by grace for you and me (2 Corinthians 8:9).

                                                              i.      God sent Him (John 3:16) and Jesus was willing to die (John 10:18).

                                                            ii.      We are in His debt and should follow His steps.

                                                          iii.      He grew while here and we must as well.

h.      The only way to grow, as Peter pointed out, is to take in the word.

    V.            We are to come before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16).

a.      Because of Who Jesus is, what Jesus has done and where Jesus now is, we are obligated to come before His throne in prayer.

b.      This is from where we receive the grace and mercy we need throughout life.

                                                              i.      Grace can be said to be getting what you don’t deserve.

                                                            ii.      Mercy can be said to be not getting what you do deserve.

c.       We all deserve to be lost because of our sins, but God gives mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus.

d.      We can pray because of what Jesus has done for us.

 VI.            We can fall out of grace (Galatians 5:4).

a.      Whenever we try to go our own way, or a way other than that of Jesus, we fall out of God’s grace.

b.      The Galatians were turning to something else for salvation.

                                                              i.      There is no other gospel (Galatians 1:6-7).

                                                            ii.      When someone tries to teach another way besides the gospel way, that person is to be ignored and shunned (Galatians 1:8-9).

c.       Following any other teaching will cause us to lose our souls.

VII.            We can fall short of grace (Hebrews 12:15).

a.      The Hebrews writer was writing to an audience made up of Hebrew Christians.

b.      In this text, he was exhorting them to understand that all men are to be lived with in peace and holiness.

                                                              i.      There was to be no Jewish elitism with the gospel.

                                                            ii.      They were to view all men as equals and all in need of the gospel.

c.       God’s grace has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11).

                                                              i.      Any time we fail to be gracious to others and extend grace to others, we fall short of God’s grace.

                                                            ii.      We can, and will, miss out on heaven when we fail to live with others as we should.

Lessons From A Coward 9-15-25 AM

        I.            Deal with past sins so they don’t come back to haunt us.

a.      Josephus tells some of the background of Pilate’s rule in Judea.

                                                              i.      The leaders before him had always kept the Roman soldiers out of the city because their ensigns portrayed Caesar as a god.

                                                            ii.      As soon as Pilate was given the position, he marched soldiers into the city with those standards, greatly offending the Jews.

                                                          iii.      This made the leaders so mad that they called for a meeting with him in Caesarea Philippi, where he had his quarters.

                                                          iv.      He instructed his soldiers to surround the Jewish leaders and kill any of them who got out of line.

                                                            v.      When the leaders heard this they bared their throats and dared them to do it.

                                                          vi.      Pilate backed off realizing this wouldn’t sit well back in Rome.

                                                        vii.      He pulled the soldiers out of Jerusalem, removing the offensive standards.

                                                      viii.      Another time, he took funds from the temple treasury and used them to build an aqueduct.

                                                          ix.      When there was an uprising, Pilate sent in soldiers, dressed as Jews and they murdered hundreds of Jews on his command.

b.      We read in Luke 13:1-3, that Pilate had killed many Galilean Jews while they worshiped.

c.       Philo, the historian wrote, “He was afraid that if a Jewish embassy were sent to Rome, they might discuss the many maladministrations of his government, his extortions, his unjust decrees, his inhuman punishments”.

d.      What we see is a man paralyzed by his past sins and cannot stand up to defend an innocent man in Jesus.

e.      One writer has stated, “There is nothing that so frustrates good resolutions and paralyzes noble efforts as the dead weight of past sins”.

f.        We must be those who quickly repent when sins are committed.

                                                              i.      Jesus taught the necessity of repentance in the very text in which Pilate’s sin against the Galilean Jews is revealed (Luke 13:3).

                                                            ii.      Unrepentant sins hurt us in this life, as well as in the next.

g.      How many good deeds have not been done because someone has been afraid that their past will be exposed?

h.      We must obey the gospel, confess our sins to God and resolve to live for Him, no matter the cost.

i.        We might be hurt in the present, but we will definitely gain in eternity.

      II.            Set godly goals, not earthly ones.

a.      Pilate’s goal in life was to hang on to his position and gain more power.

                                                              i.      Pilate, history reveals, had risen from being a soldier to power because of whom he married.

                                                            ii.      Pilate didn’t want to go back to the life of a soldier, or to lose the power he had come to enjoy.

b.      In one sense, this day was a great day for Pilate.

                                                              i.      He made the Jews happy and kept peace with them.

                                                            ii.      He also made up with an old enemy in Herod.

                                                          iii.      He was able to hang on to power a few more years.

c.       However, we know that, spiritually speaking, it was the worst day of his life.

                                                              i.      He condemned the Son of God to death.

                                                            ii.      Three times in the book of Acts, his name is tied to the crucifixion of Christ.

d.      What led Pilate down the wrong road was his earthly goals.

e.      There are a lot of people who profess to be Christians who have set their minds on earthly goals.

                                                              i.      They will take a job strictly for the money that is offered.

                                                            ii.      They will take a promotion, not concerned with any effect on their ability to attend worship.

                                                          iii.      They will allow their children to miss services for athletic events.

                                                          iv.      They will allow their children to be involved in events that hurt them spiritually but uplift them socially.

                                                            v.      Their goal is success in this world, but not in the next.

f.        What shall a man profit?

g.      C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither”.

h.      We must be those who set spiritual goals, not earthly ones.

    III.            Please God no matter what.

a.      Pilate didn’t want to put Jesus to death and he didn’t want to displease the Jews.

b.      He couldn’t have his cake and eat it too.

c.       He wanted to be neutral and stay out of it, but the Jews wouldn’t let him.

d.      His decision came down to, though he didn’t realize it, pleasing God or pleasing man, and he chose to please man, as God knew he would.

e.      The New Testament is clear that if we take a stand for God, it will cost us at times in this life.

                                                              i.      We are going to alienate ourselves from people by our decision to put God first.

                                                            ii.      We don’t do it to be mean or seek to hurt people by doing that (Romans 12:18).

                                                          iii.      However, we must do it if it comes to God or man.

f.        Paul had many enemies because he refused to not please God (Galatians 1:10).

g.      God’s people, through the ages, are marked by their refusal to displease God in order to please man.

h.      Winston Churchill, the great English statesman, wrote: “People who are unprepared to do unpopular things and defy clamor are not fit to be ministers in times of stress”.

i.        His statement, though political in nature, is also true for Christians.

j.        We must be like the apostles and obey God and not man.

k.      It must be our habit in private as well as public to please God, so that when the difficult decisions come, we won’t be led astray.

   IV.            Don’t compromise our consciences, even to gain in his life.

a.      Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent.

                                                              i.      He stood up and declared that he found him to be innocent.

                                                            ii.      He should have been willing to stand for what he believed no matter what.

b.      Pilate compromised his conscience, doing what was wrong to gain the favor of the Jews.

c.       However, what he thought was a loophole, became a noose.

                                                              i.      The Jews never liked him.

                                                            ii.      Jesus lost his life.

d.      How many preachers have compromised the truth because they stood to gain something?

e.      How many Christians have compromised their moral because they stood to gain something?

                                                              i.      It may be that the preacher doesn’t speak out about a sin because a prominent member or family member is involved in it.

                                                            ii.      It may that the Christian can get something at work if he doesn’t say anything about his boss’s behavior.

f.        For the most part, we know right from wrong.

g.      We can’t give in to the world and win in the end.

h.      Our conscience must stay pure or we will lose our souls (1 Timothy 1:19).

The Return Of Jesus 9-15-24 PM

          I.            Jesus will come again.

a.      Some might think, you just said this.

b.      I did, but we need to make sure that is what the Bible teaches.

c.       John 14:1-3.

                                                                i.      This statement was made to the apostles the night of Jesus’ betrayal.

                                                              ii.      Jesus was giving them encouragement before He was to be taken from them.

d.      Jesus plainly let them and us know that He would come again.

e.      Notice Matthew 25:31.

                                                                i.      Jesus said, “When the Son of Man shall come in his glory…”

                                                              ii.      He was there then, so this has to mean that He is coming back at some point in His glory.

        II.            Jesus will return as He went.

a.      Jesus returned to heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:9).

b.      The apostles were amazed and stood looking up at that cloud.

                                                                i.      While they did this, two angels appeared to them.

                                                              ii.      Acts 1:11.

c.       Notice what Paul was inspired to write (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

d.      John was inspired to write…(Revelation 1:7).

      III.            The time of Jesus’s return has not been revealed.

a.      Matthew 24:36 is very plain.

                                                                i.      The context of the verse shows us that the “day and hour” that is not known by man is the return of Jesus.

                                                              ii.      Matthew 24:42, 44.

                                                            iii.      Matthew 25:13.

b.      Sadly, many have not taken these passages at their word and made bold predictions about the second coming of Jesus.

                                                                i.      Read from sheets.

                                                              ii.      There are some New Testament passages that seem to teach an imminent return of Jesus (James 5:8; Philippians 4:5 for example).

                                                            iii.      However, those must be understood with Matthew 24:36 in mind.

c.       We do know that there was confusion in the early church about the return of Jesus.

                                                                i.      Near the end of each chapter of 1 Thessalonians is a reminder of the return of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:16; 5:23).

                                                              ii.      This apparently confused many of those brethren, so Paul was inspired to write 2 Thessalonians, urging them not to be shaken about the return of Jesus (2 Thessalonians 2:2).

                                                            iii.      Paul let them know that certain things would occur before the Lord’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12).

d.      What Paul and Jesus taught was to be ready for His return (Matthew 24:44).

     IV.            The return of Jesus will result in the physical world being totally destroyed.

a.      2 Peter 3:10.

                                                                i.      Some say that this simply means a global wildfire cleansing the earth and allowing a renovation of it to take place.

                                                              ii.      Notice the wording of 2 Peter 3:10-11.

1.      Shall pass away – means to perish or die.

2.      Shall melt and shall be dissolved are the same Greek word – means to destroy.

3.      Shall be burned up – means to consume with fire.

b.      Peter repeated these phrases in verse 12.

c.       Jesus said “heaven and earth shall pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

       V.            The return of Jesus will bring about the raising of the dead.

a.      Jesus made this point very simply.

b.      John 5:28-29.

     VI.            The return of Jesus will cause those living to be changed.

a.      The dead will be raised and the living will be changed.

b.      Our mortal bodies will put on immortality is the way Paul was inspired to write it.

                                                                i.      1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

                                                              ii.      The reason is that flesh and blood cannot inherit heaven (1 Corinthians 15:50).

   VII.            The return of Jesus will bring about judgment for all men.

a.      Matthew 25:31-33.

b.      Acts 17:30-31.

 VIII.            The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected.

a.      1 Thessalonians 5:2-3.

b.      Christians will not be caught unaware (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

From an article by Hugh Fulford

The Establishment Of God’s Kingdom 9-9-24 AM

I. A king has a dream.

a. In Daniel 2, we have a record of King Nebuchadnezzar waking up from a dream that was very startling and real to him.

i. He could not recall the details of the dream.

ii. He called in all his advisors and demanded they tell him the dream and the interpretation (Dan. 2:10).

b. Thankfully, God gave the dream and its interpretation to Daniel (Dan. 2:19), and he came to the king with the information (Dan. 2:28).

c. Daniel told him what the dream was (Dan. 2:31-35) and then told him what the dream meant (Dan. 2:37-43).

d. We know the first kingdom is Babylon because inspiration revealed this to Daniel and he revealed it to the king.

e. The other three are easily identified through history.

i. Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BC.

ii. The Medo-Persian Empire was conquered by Greeks, led by Alexander the Great in 330 BC.

iii. The Roman Empire defeated the Greeks in 63 BC and this empire ruled until about 476 AD.

f. Now notice what Daniel said would happen during the days of the 4th great kingdom (Dan. 2:44).

i. God promised to establish His kingdom during the days of the

Roman Empire.

ii. If God is true to His word, we can look between 63 BC and 476 AD for its establishment.

II. The kingdom is at hand.

a. When John began to prepare the way for the Messiah, his message was ...(Matthew 3:1-2).

i. Notice Luke 3:1-3.

ii. Daniel had prophesied that the kingdom would be established during the days of the Roman Empire.

iii. Luke identifies the Roman emperor who was reigning when John preached this message.

b. Jesus preached the same message (Matthew 4:17).

c. Jesus instructed His disciples to preach the same message (Matthew 10:7).

d. They all preached that the kingdom was near.

e. If we truly respect the truthfulness of God’s word, how can anyone believe all of these people, including Jesus were wrong?

i. Premillenialism teaches that Jesus planned to establish His kingdom on earth and reign over it from a literal throne in Jerusalem but the Jews rejected Jesus.

ii. The truth is, a large number of Jews tried to force Jesus to become an earthy king, which He refused (John 6:15).

iii. The reason for His refusal is that His kingdom was never intended to be a worldly kingdom (John 18:36).

III. The kingdom was still not here before the resurrection.

a. Jesus had taught His disciples to pray for the kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

b. Before His entrance into Jerusalem it had not come (Luke 19:11).

c. It was in the future the night before the death of Jesus (Luke 22:18).

d. It had not come while Jesus was on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).

e. There were faithful people waiting for the kingdom to come when Jesus died (Mark 15:43).

f. It was still in the future at His ascension (Acts 1:6).

IV. Jesus gave some signs for when the kingdom could be realized.

a. Luke 17:20-21.

i. The kingdom, when it came would not be realized with the naked eye, but it could be realized or discerned.

ii. The kingdom is within you tells us that it is not a physical kingdom and never intended to be such.

iii. Since it was not to be seen with the eye, it had to be of a spiritual nature.

b. Mark 9:1.

i. Jesus plainly stated the kingdom would come during the lifetime of some of those present at that time.

ii. He also stated it would come with power.

iii. Because of that, we need to look to find the establishment of the Lord’s coming prior to the death of those present and when power was demonstrated.

c. There are only three possibilities when considering this verse:

i. Christ was wrong about the promise, thus erring which would make Him not deity.

ii. Jesus was right about the promise but some members of that generation are still alive today.

iii. Jesus was right about the promise and the kingdom came with power before the death of all that generation.

d. Luke 24:47-49.

i. The apostles were to stay in Jerusalem until clothed with power from heaven, at which time they could then preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name.

ii. If we can identify when this happened, we can see when the kingdom was established.

e. Acts 1:5-8.

i. Jesus promised the apostles they would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit soon.

ii. They would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

f. If you tie Mark 9:1 to Acts 1:5-8 and Luke 24:47-49 we learn the kingdom was to come when the apostles received power with which the Holy Spirit would clothe them.

V. God was true to His word.

a. He had promised to set up the kingdom after the ascension of Jesus (Daniel 7:13-14).

i. We get a view of the Lord’s ascension (Acts 1:9-11).

ii. We even get a prophetic view of His return to heaven (Psalms 24:7-10).

iii. Daniel 7 plainly tells us Jesus received the kingdom after His ascension into heaven, which is another key.

b. The Holy Spirit gave power to the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4; 29-36).

i. 1 Corinthians 4:20 - this verse tells us that the kingdom of God does not rest on words only but also miraculous power.

ii. The kingdom came in close connection with supernatural demonstrations, proving to those who saw them, and we who read of them, that the kingdom is now with men.

c. Those who believed, repented and were baptized were added by the Lord to His church for the first time on Pentecost.

i. Acts 2:41, 47.

ii. Jesus used the word “church” and “kingdom” interchangeably (Matthew 16:18-19).

iii. When Christ built His church, He established His kingdom.

d. Prior to Acts 2, the kingdom was still future; after Acts 2 it is spoken of as being present (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:6, 9).

We Are All Builders 9-1-24 AM

I. The houses (Matt. 7:24, 26).

a. Jesus tells of two different builders who were each building themselves a house.

b. We have to remember the word “therefore.”

i. Jesus was been talking about entering the kingdom of heaven.

ii. We have to be on the right path that leads to the right place, heaven.

iii. We have to be producing the right fruit in order to get to heaven.

iv. We have to be doers of the word in order to produce the right fruit.

c. So, because of all these things, we need to understand we are all building something in this life.

d. The thing we are building is a life, which Jesus represents by a house.

e. We talk to young couples about building a life together.

i. This is a true idea.

ii. When man and woman join one another to become husband and wife, those two build a life together.

f. However, we are all building our own lives as well, spiritually speaking.

g. We are all building it on some kind of foundation.

i. This foundation is what we establish as being important in our lives.

ii. It is some doctrine or philosophy of life that we deem important enough to use it expand our knowledge and guide our lives.

h. We cannot get away from the fact that we are all builders.

i. Each of us that is of a sound mind is building a life on some tenet or doctrine that we hold dear.

II. The storms (Matt. 7:25, 27).

a. Jesus said that storms hit both of these houses.

b. These storms may be literal, physical storms.

i. Back in 2002, when the tornadoes came through on Nov. 10th, one of them hit our house behind the church building at West Walker.

ii. It did a great amount of damage and we lost a lot but not everything.

iii. Some of you may have been through that or we all know people who have lost everything due to a fire.

iv. There are all types of storms that could be mentioned.

v. How did you react?

vi. How will we react if one comes in the future?

vii. We could fall apart, blame God for losing everything, and ultimately lose our faith.

viii. Or, we could stand with God and lean on Him and show others our dependence upon God in such a time as that.

c. The storms may be tragedies or difficulties of life.

i. How will we react to the death of a spouse, or a child?

ii. How will we react to receiving bad health news?

iii. How will we react if we lose our jobs?

iv. How will we react if our spouse commits adultery?

v. All of these, and many more, storms can, and some will, hit us in life.

vi. How we react in those moments will show to others the foundation on which we’ve built our lives.

d. There is one more storm that all will face, and I believe that Jesus is referring to this storm over all others.

e. This is the storm of the judgment (Heb. 9:27).

i. Jesus has said His followers can expect persecution (Matt. 5:10-12).

ii. He has said His way is hard and the other way is easy (Matt. 7:13-14).

iii. What makes choosing persecution and the hard way worth all of that is the reward of heaven.

f. There is a day of judgment coming (2 Cor. 5:10).

i. Those who have allowed their righteousness to exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees will survive the storm of judgment.

ii. It is not being successful in this life that shows wisdom.

iii. We know the foolish person, spiritually speaking, is often rich, rewarded with power, and secure in this life.

iv. Those riches, that power, and that security in this life will provide no protection or strength when the storm of judgment comes.

g. Paul made the teaching of the judgment and God’s wrath a main point.

i. 1 Th. 1:10.

ii. It was a main point in his sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17:30-31).

iii. To be saved from that wrath, one has to obey Jesus (Rom. 5:9).

h. The storms of life and judgment are all coming for each of us.

i. Will we stand or collapse when they arrive?

j. That will be determined by our foundation which leads us to the last point.

III. The foundations.

a. In these verses, there are two types of builders, various types of storms, and two foundation on which we build our lives.

b. Jesus said that one who hears and does the sayings of His has built his life on a foundation of rock.

c. The one who hears those same sayings but does not do them has built his life on sand.

d. Think about the setting at the time of Jesus teaching this sermon.

i. They are on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

ii. The plain around the Sea was sandy several feet deep.

iii. During the dry seasons, the sand would harden and look like it was strong enough to build upon.

iv. However, when the rains came and the storms blew down the valley, anything built on that soil would collapse.

v. If one were to build there, he would have to dig down up to 10 feet to get to the bedrock in order to ensure the strength of the house.

e. It would not have been easy work to get down that deep.

i. It was hard work.

ii. But, it would have been worth it if that is where you wanted a house.

f. Spiritually speaking, if you wanted an easy life that would provide ease in building, don’t do what Jesus said.

g. However, if heaven is our goal, we have to be willing to do the hard work to build on the bedrock of Christ.

h. What must be heard and acted upon are the sayings of Jesus.

i. In this text, this refers to this sermon.

ii. For us, it means we read, study, and follow the New Testament.

i. Hearing these sayings is not enough to get through the storms.

i. James said we are fooling ourselves if this is all we do (Jam. 1:22-24).

ii. If this is all we do, there is going to be a terrible collapse of our lives at some point, whether that be in this life or at the judgment.

j. If we hear and do these things, despite the severity of storms or facing judgment, our lives will be stable.

i. All through this sermon, Jesus has taught us how to withstand storms.

ii. If our treasure is in heaven, not on earth, we can face losing whatever we have in this life.

iii. If our focus is on God and His kingdom, we won’t be worried by the difficulties of life.

iv. By following the teachings of Jesus, no matter what comes our way, we will be stable and our righteousness will exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.

k. We have to make sure we are hearing the truth but also implementing it.

i. As we mentioned, for them listening to Jesus, it was to put into practice those things Jesus was teaching them.

ii. If they did that, they would enter the kingdom of heaven.

l. For us, we need to be studying God’s word.

i. We can’t know the sayings of Jesus unless we are reading and learning the sayings of Jesus.

ii. One theologian wrote that the church’s greatest problems were biblical illiteracy and theological amnesia.

iii. We don’t read and what we have read, we’ve forgotten.

iv. That’s not true with all of us but it is true with many of us.

m. Long ago God said that His people were destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6).

n. We learn all types of things for work and about our hobbies, but are we learning about the gospel that is God’s only power to save?

(Some material came from a sermon by Mark Copeland as well as “The Sermon On The Mount” by Dr. Ed Gallagher)

Problems With The Rapture 8-25-24 PM

        I.            The doctrine described.

a.      Part of the total doctrine of premillennialism is the belief that Jesus will, within just a short time period, return to earth in a silent, invisible way to “rapture” the living and dead saints.

                                                              i.      Then, a seven-year tribulation period will begin that will end in the battle of Armageddon.

                                                            ii.      Once the Lord wins this battle, His thousand-year reign in Jerusalem on the throne of David will begin.

b.      What is believed to take place at the rapture will be the instant vanishing of all living Christians.

                                                              i.      Cars, planes, trains, boats, all will be unmanned instantly if they were being controlled by Christians.

                                                            ii.      There will be mass chaos and destruction because of this.

c.       All of these people, along with the righteous dead, will have been snatched up instantly, quietly, and invisibly.

      II.            Terms defined.

a.      The word “rapture” is not found anywhere in the New Testament.

b.      It is derived from a Latin word which means “to seize or snatch”.

c.       Though nowhere used in the New Testament, the idea is believed to be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

                                                              i.      This passage is a comfort-bringing passage about the second coming of the Christ.

                                                            ii.      In verse 17, Paul, by inspiration, declares that those saints who are living when the Lord returns will be caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus.

    III.            The doctrine destroyed.

a.       There are numerous reasons why this doctrine is false.

b.      One is that 1 Thessalonians 4:13f does not address non-Christians at all.

                                                              i.      There was a problem in Thessalonica about what happens to Christians who die before the Lord’s return.

                                                            ii.      Apparently some believed that those who died before that event had nothing to look forward to at death, much like atheists think today.

                                                          iii.      Paul, by inspiration, addressed that false idea by giving hope that when the Lord returns, those that are dead in Christ will be raised and those who are alive will be called to the clouds to meet them.

                                                          iv.      Nowhere in the passage does Paul address the unrighteous dead or living.

c.       Another reason is that when Jesus returns it will be visible.

                                                              i.      When Jesus comes back, the whole world and universe will see Him, not just a few.

                                                            ii.      Matthew 24:15-22 tells of the destruction of Jerusalem and that some would say Lo here or lo there is the Christ, but they were not to be believed because of what is recorded in verse 27.

                                                          iii.      Acts 1:11 says they beheld Jesus leave and that He would return in the same way.

                                                          iv.      1 John 2:28 – appear means to reveal or show oneself.

                                                            v.      Hebrews 9:28 – shall appear means to become visible.

                                                          vi.      The doctrine of the rapture has Jesus not appearing until His 3rd coming.

d.      Another reason is that when Jesus returns it will be audible.

                                                              i.      1 Thessalonians 4:16.

                                                            ii.      2 Peter 3:10.

e.      A final reason is that both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected when the Lord returns.

                                                              i.      Acts 24:15 – one resurrection.

                                                             ii.      John 5:28-29 – the resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous will be at the same hour, and both the good and the bad will be rewarded at the time of the Lord’s return (Matthew 25:31ff; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

(The outline of the sermon came from an article by Wayne Jackson which can be found on Christiancourier.com)

Talkers Or Walkers? 8-25-24 AM

        I.            Jesus makes a surprising remark (Matt. 7:21).

a.      Jesus states that not everyone that confesses Him as Lord will be saved.

                                                              i.      We know there are many who state that all you have to do is believe.

                                                            ii.      The New Testament teaches of unsaved believers:

1.      James 2:19.

2.      John 12:42-43.

b.      This means there are those who believe and even state that Jesus is Lord, but are not going to heaven.

c.       This is what it means by entering the kingdom of heaven.

d.      The whole purpose of this sermon was to get His hearers to be ready for the coming kingdom, which we have also called the church.

                                                              i.      We call it that because Jesus used the two terms in another passage.

                                                            ii.      Matt. 16:18-19.

e.      However, that is not how Jesus is using it in this passage.

                                                              i.      The reason I say that is because of what Jesus says in the next verse.

                                                            ii.      There He stated, “In that day…”

f.        We need to understand this phrase that Jesus uses.

                                                              i.      The kingdom is spiritual in nature (John 18:36).

                                                            ii.      It began on Pentecost – up until then it was always spoken of in the future but from that point on it was spoken of in the past tense.

                                                          iii.      There is a present tense in which it is used.

1.      This is in reference to the church.

2.      Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:9.

                                                          iv.      There is also a future tense in which it is used.

1.      This is in reference to heaven.

2.      This is how Jesus us here using the phrase because He will say “In that day…”

3.      Paul spoke in similar language (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 4:8).

g.      Jesus is concluding the sermon.

h.      He has warned them to be on the right way and to produce the right fruit.

i.        The purpose of doing those things is to get to the right place – heaven.

j.        Jesus lets them know that there is more to getting to that right place than just acknowledging Him as Lord.

k.      Those who will enter the kingdom are those keep on doing the will of God.

                                                              i.      They have to walk the walk continually.

                                                            ii.      James said we must be doers of the word (Jam. 1:22-25).

l.        What is God’s will?

                                                              i.      Jesus has been laying that out all through the sermon.

                                                            ii.      We have to be the right type of person.

                                                          iii.      We have to have the proper attitude toward God’s word.

                                                          iv.      We have worship in the right manner.

                                                            v.      We have to treat our brethren in the right manner.

                                                          vi.      We have to treat our fellow man in the right manner.

m.    We have to have our righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.

n.      We can’t be going around talking a big game.

o.      We have to be doing the will of God.

      II.            A stunned reaction (Matt. 7:22).

a.      Remember that Jesus has already said many are going to be lost because many are on the broad way.

b.      So it shouldn’t be a surprise that there will be many who get surprised on that day.

c.       The reason they will be stunned is two-fold.

d.      The first reason is stated in verse 21 – they believed in Jesus as Lord.

e.      The second reason is stated here – we did these things in your name.

                                                              i.      In your name carries the idea of by your authority.

                                                            ii.      They claimed that the things they did were by the authority of Jesus.

f.        They felt they had been empowered to do those things by Jesus.

g.      This would have been the Pharisees and scribes at that time.

                                                              i.      They felt that if they just did the things God said do, with no feeling or love for God, they could earn their way to heaven.

                                                            ii.      They felt they had God in their debt because they did certain things God had said to do.

                                                          iii.      The prayer of the Pharisee in the parable found in Luke 18:9-14 reveals this was their thinking.

h.      God will never be indebted to us and owe us salvation because of our efforts.

                                                              i.      Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

                                                            ii.      But notice the next verse – there are works that we are to be doing.

                                                          iii.      Those works are done because we are indebted to God for pouring out His grace on us, not to put God in our debt.

i.        Legalism will never save man.

                                                              i.      At the end of the day, we will always be unworthy (Lu. 17:10).

                                                            ii.      There are not enough good deeds we can do to cause God to be in our debt.

j.        On that great day, there will be those who will be stunned.

                                                              i.      They will have believed they were in the kingdom.

                                                            ii.      They will have believed they were doing things by the authority of Jesus.

                                                          iii.      The truth is, people do the right things for the wrong reasons all the time.

                                                          iv.      Paul spoke about this concerning some who preached Jesus (Php. 1:15-16).

k.      We need to make sure that we will not be stunned on that great day.

    III.            A scary reality (Matt. 7:23).

a.      There are some statements that strike fear in the heart.

b.      There are things that can be said that we never want to hear.

c.       Of all the statements that could be said to us, this statement from Jesus ought to be the one we avoid at all costs.

d.      For those who claim Jesus as Lord and did things by what they believed was His authority but were just talkers, the reality of the words “I never knew you” should strike fear at the deepest level.

e.      John 17:3.

                                                              i.      Jesus says knowing Him leads to eternal life.

                                                            ii.      1 John 2:3 tells us how we know Him.

f.        We have to be walkers not just talkers.

g.      We have to be those who live for Jesus.

h.      Otherwise, the scariest words that could ever be said to us will be our reality.

i.        To have to depart from Jesus is to be turned away eternally from His presence (2 Th. 1:9-10).

j.        All the time spent doing what we thought was God’s will was really working iniquity.

                                                              i.      Newer translations have “you who practice lawlessness.”

                                                            ii.      All the things we thought were done by God’s authority, were not.

                                                          iii.      Either because our hearts were not right doing them or because we did things we were not authorized to do.

k.       This is not what we want to hear on the Day of Judgment.

l.         It is truly a scary reality for many because so many, even those who have obeyed the gospel, are doing what they think is right or pleasing but are fooling themselves.

The Day Of The Lord 8-18-24 PM

I.                    Peter tells us of its destructive nature (2 Peter 3:10).

A.                  This great day will come upon us without notice and destroy everything in our existence.

B.                  Notice that the heavens will pass away.

1.                  The heavens refers to the atmosphere and universe.

2.                  The passing of it will be extremely loud.

C.                  The elements shall melt with fervent heat.

1.                  Elements refers to the basic particles of matter that make up all the larger things of life.

2.                  Fire will be used to destroy all things.

D.                 This fire will destroy the earth and all things on it.

1.                  There have been terrible fires that destroyed large parts of great cities (Chicago, Rome).

2.                  There was some things left in each of these.

3.                  Everything that man has built, created, placed before God is going to be destroyed.

E.                  We might ask how God is going to do this.

1.                  I have no earthly idea.

2.                  Guy N. Woods wrote, “The manner in which the Lord will accomplish this is not stated, and it is idle to speculate.”

3.                  We really have no idea.

4.                  However, if He can create the earth, He can destroy it as well.

F.                   When the Lord returns it will in no way be secretive.

1.                  There will be a great noise.

2.                  There will be complete destruction.

II.                  Peter tells us to live a dedicated life in view of His return (2 Peter 3:11).

A.                  Peter asks a tremendous question: How should you live in view of the return of Jesus?

B.                  What manner of person should you be?

1.                  One who is caught up in lies of false teachers?

2.                  One who gives in to the sins of the world?

C.                  It is interesting to note that manner of persons could also be translated “of what country.”

1.                  We must remember our citizenship is in heaven.

2.                  They needed to remember they were pilgrims from another country.

D.                 For a faithful Christtian this is an easy question to answer.

E.                  He tells us to live holy lives.

1.                  Peter has already reminded them to be holy as God is holy in the previous letter (1 Peter 1:15-16).

2.                  He’s already revealed to them how live that holy life in the entirety of the first letter.

3.                  Remember he started out this chapter to keep in memory what has been taught to them.

F.                   Because the Lord is returning we should be godly.

1.                  We have the responsibility to be like God as much as we can.

2.                  We need to love the things He loves and hate the things He hates.

III.                Peter tells us to desire the Lord’s return (2 Peter 3:12).

A.                  Notice that he wrote looking for and hasting.

1.                  The ASV says earnestly desiring this day.

2.                  John prayed Even so come Lord Jesus.

B.                  Because of all the things we have to put up with in this life, we should have a great desire for the Lord’s return.

C.                  Looking for carries the idea of looking forward to His return.

D.                 Hasting means having a deep longing for something, in this case, the return of Jesus.

E.                  Do we want the Lord to come in our lifetime?

1.                  Is it something we want more than anything?

2.                  Most of us probably want Him and death to stay away as long as possible.

3.                  However, the opposite ought to be the case.

F.                   In view of the Lord’s return we ought to greatly desire it and long for it.

I.                    Peter tells us of a new dwelling place (2 Peter 3:13).

A.                  God that cannot lie promised us heaven.

B.                  A new heavens and a new earth is a metaphor for the dwelling place for the righteous when this world is destroyed.

C.                  The word new indicates something that is fresh in place of something that is worn out.

D.                 This will be the place in which the righteous dwell.

1.                  Righteousness is a quality of God and His people.

2.                  Therefore, this has to refer to heaven.

E.                  We don’t know where it will be located, its nature or characteristics.

F.                   All we know is that God promised it and He does not lie.

G.                 All we do know is that it will not be this earth because it is going to be destroyed.

Fruit Inspection 8-18-24 AM

        I.            The warning (Matt. 7:15).

a.      The word for beware comes from a means to guard oneself.

                                                              i.      It is the same word that is translated “take heed” in Matt. 6:1.

                                                            ii.      It is a word of warning to be watchful and aware.

b.      We have to be aware of the fact that there are and will be false teachers.

                                                              i.      Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian congregation about this (Ac. 20:28-31).

                                                            ii.      Peter warned his readers about them (2 Pe. 2:1-3).

                                                          iii.      Jude warned of them already being on the scene (Jude 1:3-4).

                                                          iv.      John warned his readers to test what they heard (1 John 4:1).

c.       The need for being on guard is because of the way in which the false prophets will come.

d.      They will look like they are sheep but they are not.

                                                              i.      Listen to how Paul was inspired to describe them.

                                                            ii.      2 Cor. 11:13-15.

e.      At that time, they looked like scribes and Pharisees, who looked like everyone else.

f.        There are false prophets today.

                                                              i.      They look and sound good.

                                                            ii.      They don’t walk in with a trumpet and begin shouting that they are false teachers.

g.      There are those who teach that you can get to Jesus by choosing your own path– this is pluralism.

h.      There are those that teach God is going to save everyone – universalism.

i.        There are those that teach you have to do certain things and if you do them you will be saved – this is legalism.

j.        There are those right now who are teaching that you have to be a good American – this is Christian nationalism.

k.      There are those that teach a prosperity gospel.

l.        One thing we need to keep in mind is that not everyone that is teaching error, or who hold wrong views, are false prophets.

                                                              i.      Sometimes people just don’t know better.

                                                            ii.      Apollos would fall into this category (Acts 18:24-28).

                                                          iii.      We need to be those who know the difference between a false teacher and someone who doesn’t know better.

m.    This naturally takes us to the next point Jesus made.

      II.            Inspect the fruit (Matt. 7:16-18, 20).

a.      Twice Jesus says you will know a false teacher by his fruit.

b.      I am not a tree expert at all.

c.       However, if there is fruit on the tree I can tell you what it is.

d.      This is how Jesus says to distinguish between a false teacher and teacher of truth.

e.      We will know if someone is a true or false teacher by what they produce.

f.        This will be by their words as well as their actions.

                                                              i.      At some point, whatever teaching that is contrary to God’s word will be spoken by them.

                                                            ii.      It is going to come out.

                                                          iii.      Jesus dealt with this when talking with those that questioned His being from God or Satan because of His ability to cast out demons (Matt. 12:31-37).

                                                          iv.      The thing is, if we listen to what people say, they will tell us who they really are.

                                                            v.      This is true in virtually every area of life.

                                                          vi.      It is also true when it comes to false teachers peddling some false doctrine.

g.      To tell their fruit by their words requires knowledge of God’s word on our part.

                                                              i.      When John told them to try the spirits, they were to test what was said against God’s word.

                                                            ii.      Paul was inspired to write “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good (1 Th. 5:21).

h.      We will also be able to inspect their methods.

                                                              i.      Oftentimes, as Peter points out, they work in secret (2 Pe. 2:1).

1.      They should be open to all.

2.      If someone tries to hide everything, it usually means they have something to hide.

                                                            ii.      They will often appeal to coveteousness (2 Pe. 2:3).

1.      This is the prosperity gospel.

2.      This is not how Jesus or the apostles did it (Matt. 10:22; Lu. 9:57-58; 2 Tim. 3:12).

                                                          iii.      They will often use deceptive words (2 Tim. 3:13).

1.      They twist the scriptures as Peter said false teacher were doing in his day (2 Pe. 3:15-16).

2.      If you are hearing something new, chances are it is false.

i.        We will also be able to inspect their actions.

                                                              i.      Oftentimes, those with false doctrinal stances end up in sinful situations.

                                                            ii.      When doctrine leaves, morals tend to follow.

                                                          iii.      They will tolerate sins in the lives of others, such as family members.

j.        The idea of good trees and bad trees needs to be understood.

                                                              i.      This is not teaching that one cannot change.

                                                            ii.      There have been plenty of people who once taught false doctrine who now teach the truth.

                                                          iii.      There are also those who once taught truth who now teach error.

                                                          iv.      When we look at the passage in Matthew 12, Jesus made it clear that truth and error both come from the heart.

                                                            v.      If one changes his heart through the gospel or hardens his heart in error, that person can and will change.

k.      Jesus lets us know that, as long as your heart stays the way it, good won’t come from bad and bad won’t come from good.

    III.            The result of false teaching (Matt. 7:19).

a.      If one refuses to change from a bad tree to a good one, destruction awaits.

b.      The truth is, all of us are to be good fruit producers.

                                                              i.      Jesus mentioned this when He made the “I am the vine” statement.

                                                            ii.      If we don’t produce fruit, good fruit to be exact, we will be cut off (John 15:1-6).

c.       Paul wrote about the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

                                                              i.      This is produced in the lives of those who are following Christ.

                                                            ii.      If it is not being produced, then we are going to be cut off.

d.      If we are producing bad fruit, the end that awaits is destruction.

                                                              i.      There is nothing good that comes from this life.

                                                            ii.      It is a life spent in leading others from God.

e.      When Jesus says cast into the fire, He was speaking about hell.

f.        The profit of false teaching is only in this life.

g. The reaping of the false teaching is an eternal reaping.

A Choice To Be Made 8-11-24 AM

A CHOICE TO BE MADE

(Matthew 7:13-14)

        I.            The declaration.

a.      Enter by the strait gate.

b.      This is not an invitation in the sense that Jesus is saying, Hey come on in.

c.       This is a declarative statement and it implies that this is the only gate for good.

d.      Throughout the sermon, Jesus has been letting people know of His power.

                                                              i.      You have heard that it has been said. . ., but I say unto you.

                                                            ii.      Jesus was making demands and stating facts.

                                                          iii.      This is why when the sermon ended the people were astonished (Matt. 7:28-29).

e.      Jesus is saying, “If you want in this kingdom, you have to come in through this gate.”

f.        This also indicates the exclusive nature of the kingdom – there is only one kingdom and only one gate by which one can enter the kingdom.

g.      Jesus is not making a polite suggestion here.

h.      This is a declarative statement that is a command.

                                                              i.      Jesus is showing His power and authority.

                                                            ii.      At best, the Pharisees could make suggestions because they did not even agree on everything among themselves.

                                                          iii.      Jesus had then, and still does now, the authority to make demands of us, and any who would enter the kingdom of heaven.

i.        The people of that day were presented with choices in certain ways: Pharisee, Sadducee, Essene, Herodian, Zealot.

                                                              i.      All were presented as viable options for having a relationship with God.

                                                            ii.      All were thought to be different ways of getting to the same destination.

j.        This idea is alive and well in today’s world.

                                                              i.      All the denominations and religions of the world present themselves as different ways of having a relationship with God.

                                                            ii.      All the denominations present themselves as viable options of the overall idea of Christianity that gets one to God.

k.      There have been different phrases to express this idea.

                                                              i.      We are all sailors on the same ship; we just wear different uniforms.

                                                            ii.      Sayings like this are supposed to show how all the various denominations are all connected to God and lead to heaven.

l.        That is not at all what Jesus is stating.

m.    There is only one kingdom, the church which Jesus built and purchased (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28) and there is only one entryway into that one church.

      II.            The description.

a.      Jesus then describes the two gates through which people travel spiritually in this life.

                                                              i.      There is a wide gate that leads to a broad way on which many are traveling.

                                                            ii.      There is a strait gate that leads to a narrow way on which few are traveling.

b.      Throughout this entire sermon, Jesus has been presenting a choice that people would need to make.

c.       This choice is laid out in Matt. 5:20 – be like the scribes and Pharisees or be better.

                                                              i.      Everything that Jesus has been teaching is aimed at getting people to understand the choice they need to make for their salvation.

                                                            ii.      In essence, Jesus has been presenting the Pharisaical way as a broad, easy way and His way as a strait, difficult way.

d.      Jesus presents the broad way and wide gate as having ease of entry.

                                                              i.      The Pharisees way of life was an easy way.

                                                            ii.      It was all about self.

                                                          iii.      Whatever they did or believed was designed to make their lives easier.

                                                          iv.      It took little effort to be a Pharisee and none that was hard.

                                                            v.      They required little of godliness or righteousness.

                                                          vi.      The word for “broad” means “spacious” – you can carry whatever baggage you want on this way.

e.      The same holds true today.

                                                              i.      There is little required of people in most religious efforts.

                                                            ii.      What is required of them is still easy to accomplish and requires little to no sacrifice on their part.

                                                          iii.      What is easier than once saved always saved?

                                                          iv.      What is easier than a direct operation of the Holy Spirit?

                                                            v.      What is easier than being saved only by God’s grace?

                                                          vi.      There is little to no change required or sacrifice demanded in today’s worldly brand of Christianity.

f.        Some in the Lord’s church act like this as well.

                                                              i.      Little more effort than attending a few services is given by many.

                                                            ii.      Well, I’ve been baptized and I am a fairly moral person so I’m not on the broad path is the idea of a lot of us.

g.      Jesus says His gate is strait and His way is narrow.

                                                              i.      The word “strait” is translated “narrow” in newer translations and that is the meaning of the word.

                                                            ii.      It indicates a difficulty in getting in through the gate – not everything fits through this gate – we have to get rid of some baggage.

                                                          iii.      The word “narrow” is translated “difficult” in newer translations and as “trouble,” “afflicted,” and “tribulation” in other verses.

                                                          iv.      It literally means “press hard upon” according to Thayer’s.

                                                            v.      It is a compressed, tight, restrictive way.

h.      This sounds like it is too hard to travel through this gate and on this way.

                                                              i.      It is a life of sacrifice.

                                                            ii.      It is a life of persecution as Jesus has already pointed out in the beatitudes.

                                                          iii.      It is a life of understanding God’s word.

                                                          iv.      It is a life of being spiritually minded and not worldly minded.

                                                            v.      It is a life of self-examination and service to others.

                                                          vi.      It is a life of treating others properly no matter how they treat you.

i.        There is plenty of help going this way though.

                                                              i.      There is Jesus waiting to help us (Matt. 11:28-30).

                                                            ii.      There is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3).

                                                          iii.      There is the Holy Spirit working on our behalf (Rom. 8:26).

                                                          iv.      There is the help of brethren (2 Cor. 1:4; Gal. 6:2).

                                                            v.      There is a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on (Heb. 12:1-2).

j.        It may be that you think the broad way still sounds better because it requires less of us.

k.      This leads us to the last point that Jesus makes.

    III.            The destination.

a.      When I was twelve, a song by Talking Heads became well known entitled “Road To Nowhere.”

b.      These two roads, or ways, both lead to somewhere – destruction or life.

c.       The path that many people are on leads to destruction.

                                                              i.      Jesus does not mean that is what happens in this life – it may, but that is not what He means.

                                                            ii.      Psalm 73 is about the psalmist looking around and seeing those on the broad way of that time prospering, but he concludes that God is going to take care of things later.

                                                          iii.      The destruction about which Jesus is speaking is eternal punishment.

                                                          iv.      Thayer’s says the word is a reference to “the destruction which consists in the loss of eternal life, eternal misery, perdition, the lot of those excluded from the kingdom of God.”

                                                            v.      In another word, destruction means hell.

d.      Again, many are headed that way.

                                                              i.      There is not a specific number as some claim.

                                                            ii.      This is not even the main point of what Jesus is saying here.

                                                          iii.      Jesus is saying that His disciples can’t follow the crowd.

                                                          iv.      The crowd chooses easy over difficult.

                                                            v.      I believe this is why there are fewer professional athletes and fewer great musicians.

                                                          vi.      The path to places of stardom in sports, medicine, music, and things like that are very difficult.

                                                        vii.      It takes great sacrifice to achieve that type greatness.

                                                      viii.      Most people don’t want to make those sacrifices.

                                                          ix.      The same is true spiritually.

                                                            x.      Hell will be so full because so many didn’t want to give up selfishness and ease for self-sacrifice and difficulty.

e.      When Jesus says destruction, we need to understand what He means.

                                                              i.      Hell will last as long as heaven will last (Matt. 25:46) – everlasting and eternal are the exact same Greek words.

                                                            ii.      It is a place of agony (M. 9:44, 46, 48).

                                                          iii.      It is a place of eternal separation from God (2 Th. 1:9).

                                                          iv.      It is a place of torment (Re. 20:14-15).

f.        The path that few choose is the one that leads to life.

                                                              i.      Jesus is, of course, speaking about eternal life with God.

                                                            ii.      Jesus is speaking about heaven.

                                                          iii.       

g.      Sadly, few choose this path.

                                                              i.      Again, Jesus is not trying to give a number.

                                                            ii.      He is saying that fewer will choose this path.

                                                          iii.      The number of the saved will be less than the number of the lost.

h.      This life is hard to comprehend because of the splendor that is there.

                                                              i.      It is a place with plenty of room (John 14:2-3).

                                                            ii.      It is a place of rest (Rev. 14:13).

                                                          iii.      It is a place of no more suffering or death (Rev. 21:4).

i.        Our human minds can’t comprehend the splendor of heaven and our human languages fail to adequately describe it.

j.        These are the only two destinations.

k.      Once you arrive in either of them, there is no leaving (Lu. 16:26).

                                                              i.      You wouldn’t want to leave heaven if you could.

ii. You can’t leave hell if you would.