Jesus is the “Master Teacher”. His ability to relate information to His audience is second to none. One of Christ’s most powerful teaching tools was parables. A “parable” is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning. In other words: Jesus would talk about the grain in a field being ready for harvest, like in John 4:35, His intended meaning was that many “souls” are standing in need of the gospel.

The beauty of the parable is that it can be tailored to fit any audience. Jesus used the rich (Luke 16); the poor (Luke 15:8-10); farmers (Luke 13:1-8); even shepherds (Luke 15:3-7) in His various parables. Let’s consider together the parable of the Ten Maidens from Matthew 25:1-13.

The Parable

Jesus was speaking to a group of His followers on the Mount of Olives. He was relating a story about a typical wedding feast of that time (verse 1). The Bridegroom, newly married, would return to His house to celebrate (Verses 5-6). The celebration would come at an uncertain time after the marriage once the bridegroom returned with his wife to his home. It would be normal for the bridegroom to return after dark and therefore the attending visitors would wait with torches or lamps to light the place of the festivities. Those who were waiting-prepared would enter and no latecomers would be admitted.

The ten who waited were divided evenly into two groups according to the story. Verses 2-4 there were five wise and five foolish. The distinction of wise and fool was based on their individual preparedness.

The Meaning

According to the story there is a time to be prepared and there is a time when it is too late. When the bridegroom returned, those who were ready we allowed in and those who failed to be ready were barred. This is certainly the main lesson without much application.

The question associated with most parables is simply, “What does this mean?” Do not feel bad about asking, you are not alone in the need for further clarification. Even those who walked and talked with Jesus asked for the meaning of parables to be explained (Matthew 13:9). So, who do these characters represent? Many of the parables have been taken way beyond their simple intentions and have had a flurry of meanings attached to each minute point. This must not be attempted since the meaning is clearly expressed by the simple terms of the story itself.

The realistic application/meaning: The bridegroom is Jesus Christ. Jesus actually described Himself as the “Bridegroom” elsewhere in Matthew 9:14-15. Those who are waiting are those who seek to be with Him. The reality is, just as was in the story, some will be prepared and others will not be prepared when the bridegroom arrives. The arrival of the bridegroom signifies the second coming of Christ. The wedding feast would then be Heaven. We must be prepared when Christ return if we expect to enter Heaven (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).

What Does This Parable Teach You and Me?

We are taught that Jesus will come! The certainty of Christ returned is never to be questioned. The promise of a return was given by Jesus himself (John 14:1-6), by two angels in Acts 1:10-11, by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:20-24), and by John (Revelation 22:20).

We are taught that we have a time to be prepared (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6). Those who waited for the Bridegroom had to make ready their lamps. We have to make ready something far more important. We must prepare our soul. No sin will be allowed entrance into Heaven (Revelation 21:27). We have sinned (Romans 3:23) and need to have those sins removed. We must obey God’s plan; do His will in order to receive forgiveness and entrance into Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). The scriptures establish one plan of salvation that is demonstrated by the examples we can read. Individuals heard the gospel (Romans 1:16; Romans 10:14). They believed what they heard (Romans 10:17). They believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and were willing to confess that belief (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37). They changed their ways, stopped sinning, repented (Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31). They were baptized in water for the remission of their past sins (Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:38). They then were expected to progress through the remainder of their lives in faithful service (Hebrews 10:35, 38-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Revelation 2:10).

We are also taught there will be a time when it is too late to prepare. If you die; your time of preparation is over (Acts 9:27). There is no more opportunity for change. According to Luke 16:26 there is no changing after death. If Christ comes back before you die, it will also bring an end to your opportunity to change. The return of Christ will change us; it will end physical life and begin spiritual life for all (1 Corinthians 15:50-53). The return of Christ will bring this mortal world to an end (2 Peter 3:9-10). Peter’s comments should be our wake up call listen to 2 Peter 3:11-14.

Conclusion:

Which will you be: wise, or foolish? Will you know that Christ is coming and still be satisfied to remain unprepared? You are here and we are able to help you do what you need to do in order to prepare. Why not prepare today? ~tss

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Title: What Is In A Name? "Christian"

By: T. Sean Sullivan

It may be assumed that the term “Christian” is found all throughout the New Testament scriptures; when, in fact, it is only used in three locations. One of those mentions is found in Acts 11:26 where we can read, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Today, we desire to be Christians and the scriptures clearly indicate the short and long-term benefits of this role.

We must understand some things about being a Christian. The name “Christian” is exclusive and distinct. Only true followers of Christ were ever associated with this name, “Christian” in the New Testament. The term “Christian” has suffered in our modern context. “Christian” has become so generic that most every western religion is lumped together in “Christianity” and anyone who loosely accepts that Jesus is real is declared a Christian. The issue behind this problem is that too many fail to see the qualifications and responsibilities of becoming and continuing to be a “true Christian”.

Even the very fact that I must use the descriptive term “true” in association with Christian speaks clearly that there is a present day lack of understanding. We need to look closely at the name Christian. We need to study its true application and meaning so that we may wear that name and honor it as we should.

What Is In A Name?

Some have suggested the name Christian was a derogatory termed used to slander those who followed the will of God through Jesus Christ. This is simply not the case. One point of evidence is the fact that Peter in his first epistle considered his own brethren to be “Christians” (1 Peter 4:16). Peter would not espouse a derogatory term against his fellow disciples. The fact is that the scriptures declare the source of this name as Divine. We understand and can prove that God Himself gave the name Christian to the followers of His Son.

The question now is, “Where is the proof?” The fact of God’s involvement is recorded in Acts 11:26. The passage reads, “The disciples were first [divinely] called Christians at Antioch.” At first glance the word “divinely” is not in this verse. Upon a closer examination we make note of the original Greek term that has been translated “called”. In this verse it is not the typical “kaleo” but rather it is “chrematizo”—which literally means “divinely called”.

To further emphasize this point we must look back at Isaiah 62:1-2, “For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name.”

Now let’s follow the progression leading up to the new name from God. The gospel of salvation is revealed in Jerusalem (Acts 2). The gospel is carried out from Jerusalem in every direction (Acts 8:4 “went everywhere preaching the word”). In Acts chapter ten, just as Isaiah prophesied, the Gentiles were added to the church. It is then that the name is given.

What It Means To Be a Christian

There is meaning associated with this God-given name. What does it mean to be a Christian? It means you have been saved through the obedience of the gospel—hearing and willingly obeying the word on every point—comprehensive belief—acting on our belief through obedience. For example I might believe that I must be baptized but until I become baptized my belief will merit me nothing.

The Bible clearly points out that to become a Christian one must hear, believe and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as those in Peter’s audience on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-38). They heard the message of the gospel. They were convinced of their sins. When they came to this knowledge they wanted nothing other than freedom from their sins. They wanted to be saved. Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins. In doing this they became Christians.

Being a Christian also means that you are a disciple of Christ. A disciple is a follower. In this case a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word you are my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). To abide in is to live in. We must live within the boundaries the word, conducting our lives according to His word, studying to show ourselves approved of God (2 Tim. 2:15). How many, who call themselves Christians today, are truly abiding in His word?

Living Up To Our Name

We must make sure that we doing what we should to live up to the name Christian. Does your daily conduct live up to the standard that we have been discussing? Have you earned the right to be called a Christian? Are you faithfully following Christ? To faithfully follow Christ one must put God first (Matt. 26:39 “Your will not mine be done”). Our example is important because we are, to the world, ambassadors for Christ. When it is known that you are a Christian you will be looked upon as a reflection of what truly is a Christian. This is a lot of responsibility. Responsibility from which we cannot hide (Matt. 5:14-16).

Conclusion:

“Christian” is much more than a generic term denoting western religion. There are qualifications that must be met in order for you to be called a Christian. Doing what God has declared in His word as the standard. There are responsibilities involved in being a Christian. We must know that our conduct—our daily life is to reflect a true Christian. Others can be encouraged to seek God by our example or just the opposite they can become completely turned away. Our responsibility is to shine as lights in a world of darkness. If you are a Christian today, "Does your life honor that name?" If you are not yet a Christian, will you become one today? ~tss

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Title: Spiritual Fitness

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The scriptures refer us to a parallel of bodily exercises with that of spiritual exercises. One example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 where Paul instructs us to “Run to win”. There is a parallel between our need for physical fitness and our need for spiritual fitness. We must note that Paul tells us our spiritual shape is more important (1 Timothy 4:8).

There is an interesting modern day situation that is worthy of note; perhaps by examining this closer we may be able to avoid some problems. According to some recent web research, over four billion dollars is spent in our country every year on “home fitness equipment” and one third of those expensive products will never be used¹.

In the same vein, the Bible is still the number one best selling book of all time. According to Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) between 5 and 6 Billion copies have been sold². On another site you can read this statement concerning modern purchases of this great book: “Calculating how many Bibles are sold in the United States is a virtually impossible task, but a conservative estimate is that in 2005 Americans purchased some twenty-five million Bibles… The amount spent annually on Bibles has been put at more than half a billion dollars³.” Now the same question as with the gym equipment. How many Bibles are going unused?

There are three stages to physical fitness. The concept: the idea of being in shape and the benefits that are idealized. The process: actually getting off the couch and doing the exercise on a regular basis. The results: A healthy and fit body and perhaps a longer, more enjoyable physical life. The problem with this is that people admire the concept and truly desire the results but rarely desire the process. Let’s open our Bibles to see how this parallels spiritual fitness.

Many Like the Concept of Spiritual Fitness

What is in a life of a Christian that should be admired? What benefits does a life in Christ hold that can be idealized by others? As Christians, we are to be walking advertisements for Christianity (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:12-16). Our life should shine like light in this dark world.

There is much to be said about the characteristics of life in Christ. Consider the “honesty” and “integrity”. Christians honor their commitments to God (1 Peter 2:21-23 even as we follow the example of Christ); to our brethren (Romans 12:9-15; Hebrews 10:24-25); to our fellow man (Matthew 28:18-20). Also look at the presence of “peace” and “joy”. Christians are comforted by the knowledge of their relationship with God. We are His children (1 John 3:1) and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-18). Everyday that we live in faithful service we have this wonderful outlook called “hope”. Christians have a desire to live and a hope that will carry us beyond this life. We have the hope of God’s promises (Romans 5:1-11) and certainly the hope of Heaven, our place prepared (John 14:1-6).

How many people desire a life of honesty and integrity that brings respect from God and man? How many people desire a life that is centered on peace and joy that increases focus and decreases the pitfalls of this temporal world? How many people desire a life that is filled with hope for today and the outlook of an everlasting tomorrow? The answer to each: Everyone.

We Love the Results of Spiritual Fitness

Spiritual fitness means eternal life as opposed to eternal condemnation. The end results of our diligent spiritual exercise in doing the will of God is great reward (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9). Spiritual fitness is the avoidance of the punishment due our sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

The result of spiritual fitness is all the beauty of God’s glory—in Heaven (Revelation 21:10-27 [22-27]). That passage describes Heaven as a place with no need of a temple to worship God from a distance because God will be with us (v. 22). The Father and the Son light the everlasting day with their glory (v. 23). The saved will walk in the light of its beauty (v. 24). The gates of the city never need to be shut; no harm can befall us there (v. 25). It is a perfect place—sin shall by no means enter (v. 27). How many people want Heaven? Everyone.

Few Desire the Process of Spiritual Fitness

Even though the life of a Christian is admired and the goal of the Christian is desired…very few are willing to do what it takes to have them. Jesus said, “Few there are that find it [the way to life]” (Matthew 7:13-14). This means that few are willing to take the narrow way; few are willing to take the more difficult way; few will find what they have admired and desired.

What is the difference between someone who owns a Bible and someone who exercises themselves in the Word? It is the same as one who owns a home gym and one who uses it regularly. One is in shape and one is not. We must get a Bible, but we also must do something with it. 1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16 instructs us to “read… meditate… give yourself entirely to it…” 2 Timothy 2:15 admonishes us to “study to show yourself approved to God…” James 1:22-25 directs us to “Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” We must do something to get into shape spiritually. What are you doing?

Conclusion:

Everyone is seeking “peace” and “joy”. Everyone who has the ability of a rational mind desires everlasting life in Heaven. The great problem is few are willing to conform to the will of God resulting in the good life (Galatians 5:22-23). Few are willing to apply themselves to continuous obedience in order to have Heaven (Matthew 25:45-46)

Where are you today? Do you see that life is better in Christ—it is! Do you want to make it to Heaven—you and I know you do! Are you willing to submit to God in order to get those things—because that is the process. Will you do what you need to do for spiritual fitness starting today? ~tss

Footnotes: 1. http://www.homefurnish.com/gameroomgym/homegym.aspx) 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_books

3. http://www.newyorker.com/printables/fact/061218fa_fact1

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Title: Who Is Jesus?

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Today, many modernists want relegate Jesus to a myth or, at best, a dynamic man with a certain knack for leadership. Even many so called “believers” think of Jesus as a role model in certain ways but limit His influence to small portions of His character. What about those ideas? Are they right? Is Jesus just another man? Just the son of a carpenter named Joseph? Or is He a made up character?

We have faith is this one named Jesus—Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. We need to be prepared to defend our faith (1 Peter 3:15). We need to filter through the assumptions and get to know who Jesus really is. Just because you know someone’s name does not mean that you know them.

There is much more to Jesus than what many may assume. We have a source of knowledge dedicated to His identity and the declaration of His role in our lives—the Bible. Open your Bible as you read this article, to consider this One Jesus.

Jesus IS The Son Of God.

In Matthew 16:13-17 Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am?” There were many different identities discussed such as, “John the Baptizer, Elijah, or Jeremiah.” Many of the people had witnessed Jesus’ teaching and the wonders that He performed. They knew He was a “great man” (Many today do the same). They associated Him with the one of the great prophets (Many today do the same). Their ideas fell dramatically short of His true identity (Many today do the same).

Jesus turned the question back on His own followers. Peter, good old outspoken Peter, answered rightly, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

Jesus proclaims that Peter’s statement is true, that the Father had provided the confirmation of that fact to Peter (vs.17).

We have other evidences as well. The signs and wonders prove the identity of Jesus as the Son of God (John 20:30-31). The authoritative teachings prove He was the Son of God (Mark 1:21-22). Even the evil spirits proclaimed His identity (Mark 1:23-27)

Beyond those things we also have His death events to provide further proof (Matthew 27:50-54); His empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-6); His ascension (Mark 16:19) as well as other things…. Jesus IS the Son of God.

Jesus CAN Be Your Savior.

It is true that Jesus is the Savior of the world, but He is not your Savior unless you do something about it first. Many have a mistaken idea that the benefits of Jesus’ death are simply theirs without any obedience to His instructions. This attitude is demonstrated in Matthew 7:21-22. Many assumed they were doing “good religious things” but they were not doing what Jesus told them to do. Jesus was not their Savior (Matthew 7:23)

How can Jesus be my Savior? Jesus said, “Do the will of MY Father in Heaven”

Search, know and do the instruction of God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15). Read, study and apply the word (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). Do not follow your own desires or ideas of what is “good” rather a doer of the word (James 1:17-25).

Another passage we can consider is John 3:16 “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This word “believes” is all that separates you from Jesus being your Savior. We learn through the scriptures that there is much more to belief that may at first be thought. We must believe that He is the Son of God (Acts 8:37-38). We must believe everything that He taught or revealed, whether here on earth of through the revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 8:31-32). We must willingly submit to Him as both Lord and Christ, willfully doing whatever it is that He has said to do (John 14:15).

We must do all things, whatever He has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus Christ CAN be your Savior.

Jesus SHOULD Be Your Lord.

What does it mean when we say, “Lord”? A Lord is one who rules over another; whether it is an individual such as a Master over his servant or a group such as a King over his kingdom. There is a group of people, which Jesus the Son of God Lords over.

That group is described in Ephesians 1:3-10 as, “those in Christ”. Those who accept Jesus as Lord live the words of …John 8:31-32 “They abide in His word”; John 14:15 “They keep His commandments” ; Colossians 3:17 “They do all things with His authority”, as well as, 1 Peter 2:21-23 “They follow His steps”. In order for Jesus to be your Lord, He must Lord over you, does He have that place in your life? Jesus should be your Lord.

Conclusion:

Jesus is much more than a recognizable character. He is the Son of God. He can be your Savior today if you submit yourself to Him as Lord. Jesus is the difference between your soul going to Heaven and your soul going to everlasting torments. Are you prepared to know Jesus better, by following His plan for your service and your salvation? ~tss

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Title: Influenced?

By: T. Sean Sullivan

We are susceptible to worldly influence. We are warned in the scriptures of this possibility: 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Evil company corrupts good habits”. Romans 12:1-2, “Be not conformed to this world”. 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world”. The only direction that worldly influence can take you is away from God (James 4:4). With God we have the hope of all His promises (Ephesians 1:3-10)—every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly places.

Worldly influence is effective and dangerous because it gets us with powerful arguments like: “This is what intelligent people believe”. “Our “time” is the most enlightened.” “There is truth in numbers.” How many have been wooed by these worldly arguments into thinking differently than what the Bible says? These influences are strong and we must guard ourselves from being deceived by them (Colossians 2:8). Let’s expose these arguments and prepare ourselves to stand against them.

Worldly Argument: “It is what intelligent people think”

First, educating one’s self is a good thing—it is certainly not condemned by the scriptures: God’s word has been revealed to man by the written word which itself necessitates understanding how to read and therefore education (James 1:17-25).

The Apostle Paul’s education was shown as an attribute to his life (Acts 22:3). Cornelius was said to be a devout man—devout meaning: learned (Acts 10:2). Luke the writer of both the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke was a Doctor (Colossians 4:14). The problem is when our education brings us to a disagreement with God’s will. Paul, through inspiration, declares, “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 1:25; 3:18-21a). Remember the ancient proverb: Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right unto a man; it is the way of death.” The words of the prophet stand today: Jeremiah 10:23 “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” One of many influences is Evolution: Evolution: We have been taught all sorts of theories and ideas concerning our origin, our beginning. For at least 100 years the education system has embraced the teachings of Charles Darwin and others who says that we are here through the processes of macroevolution. Christians have stood up against these teachings for just as long, but on the other hand many have tried to establish a common ground.

For the sake of our pride, many not wanting to be seen as ignorant have devised a plan of “God-started-evolution known has Theistic Evolution. Whereas by a process started by God this chain of millions of years of evolution was started. Some who would call themselves our brethren have attempted to reinterpret the Bible to fit this idea of Theistic Evolution by reading many thousands of years into each day of the Genesis 1.

Darwin’s Theories and the ideas of Theistic Evolution can be lumped together in the same pile—LIES! God’s word declares our “Cause” —in the beginning God (Genesis 1:1). God’s word declares the timing of this creation—six 24 hour days (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31).

Worldly Argument: “Our time is the most enlightened”

Our culture is very advance from a perspective of technology. We have made incredible advances in medicine. We understand a lot of things more now than at any other time in our history. However if we refuse God and claim to be enlightened and freed from the bonds of archaic ideas of religion we are suddenly in the dark (1 Corinthians 1:20-31). There is nothing wrong with being “smart” or using the advances of our knowledge to our own advantage, it is when our present day culture influences us to a disagreement with God’s will. We are not to be like the world (Romans 12:1-2).

We are to be different—changed mind. We are to be on a different road (Matthew 7:13-14).

One of many influences from our culture: Modern Acceptance of Sin. We as a culture have conditioned our minds to follow the trends of famous people—Hollywood. We need to realize that the world is trending on a downward slope. Things such as “alternative lifestyles”: What a lie to promote this sin as “just another choice” God declares it as a soul condemning sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). God says that it is not natural (Romans 1: 26-27). Don’t honor this sin with its new title: it is not to be promoted as an “alternative” it needs to be exposed for the sin that it is.

Another modern tolerance is temporary marriages. Our culture has witnessed and participated in a total abuse of the marriage relationship. Too many are accepting that marriages are a trial run. God says marriage is one man and one woman for life (Matthew 19:4-6). It is supposed to be a life-long commitment (Romans 7:1-2). The only out is death of one partner. Or the infidelity of one partner (Matthew 19:9).

Worldly Argument: “Truth is found in numbers”

This is perhaps not as much of a voiced argument as the others, but in this world we are influenced toward numbers as the bigger the better. Case in point: How many “dollaraires” have seen on the news? Today the “Billionaires” are the attention-getters.

To the world more is better. Have our minds been influenced by this mind set. The Lord’s church is less than one percent of the population of this country. Other groups are growing dramatically faster and many more members, are they right, are their doctrines truth, are we being influenced by them? The brethren in Galatia were draw away from the Lord by such (Galatians 1:6). Also, in Colossae, the brethren were warned that they could be cheated (Colossians 2:1-9). How often do we find ourselves believing the teachings of other doctrines: There are those who believe there is more than one way of salvation. God declares “one way” (John 14:6). We are true disciples only if we abide in His word (John 8:31). We are okay only when we live according to the one doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). Any thing else taught or followed will lead to condemnation (Galatians 1:6-8).

Conclusion: There are influences surrounding each one of us. We need to understand that God’s word is the unquestionable truth. No discovery of man will shake it. No will of make can overtake it. No other plan can help you make it. The Bible is point of fact and absolutely worthy of our trust. When God says it happened…it did. When God says it will happen…it will . God, who is never wrong, desires that you would be saved. Are you ready to do God’s will? ~tss

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Title: The Invitation

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Each of our services ends with an “invitation”. The words of the invitation are intended to move you to thought, conviction, and response. To some it may be just a “routine”—we hear it every week, it sounds fairly similar every time. Some might even use this time to gather up their belongings to prepare for exit after the final prayer. There are also those who listen, become mindful of their own salvation and long for others to respond. Some hear the words, feel the need, but refuse to act. Others are welled up with fears and uncertainty—there are many reactions.

In our lesson today we are going to offer the invitation. We are not going to lead up to it with any other topic. There will be no additional sermon today. We are going to simply explain the invitation of the gospel.

Hear the Gospel

Romans 10:11-17 proclaims the necessity of hearing. The words of the gospel are carried out and sounded forth. This is the way that God has chosen to convey His great message—the word of the gospel is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The purpose of this preaching/teaching is to convince and convict the listeners (Ephesians 2:11-12): Convince them of their need for Christ’s salvation (Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16) and convict them to that understanding.

“Hearing” is more than audible signal recognition. To “hear” is to take the message in and to put the message to work (James 1:22-25). Hearing is being influenced by the message. When one hears that Jesus had to give His life for their soul, they should be influenced to action.

Belief

Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the word of God. The need for faith in God and the hope He provides, is clearly stated in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Without faith we cannot please God.

Belief is faith, and faith is a full assurance—even if the point of faith cannot be seen or touched (intangible). Hebrews 11:1 states, “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” This means that your faith is proof of the things that you believe in. Faith is not irrational. It is based on fact—the word of God.

The point of belief needed for salvation is a full assurance of the gospel (Mark 16:16) and according to the example of Acts 8:36-37 you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This belief in Jesus goes hand in hand with our trust in the gospel for which Jesus, Himself, died (Hebrews 9:28). You must trust in the message and act on it.

Repentance

Repentance stands between a soul and its forgiveness. In Luke 13:1-5 there were some who questioned Jesus about the punishment handed out to some Galileans by Pilate. Jesus used this opportunity to express the need for every individual to repent of their wrong-doing. Repentance is expected from us by God (Acts 17:30-31)

Repentance is active and direct: Recognize the wrong-doing in your life. Diligently remove yourself from that sinful activity. Determine to return to God and His direction. Repentance is about stopping sin—it is something that we start but must never stop. Repentance is not penance. Penance and repentance become confused often and characteristics of either become mixed in some minds. Penance is inflicting one’s self with physical pain to “pay” for sin. Repentance does not include such punishment: besides, the “payment” for sin is death (Romans 6:23a). You cannot pay for a sin by punishing yourself. You cannot be more forgiven by self-inflicted punishment.

Continued repentance is necessary for forgiveness. To continue forgiven, you must cease from the sin that is forgiven. One who is forgiven of fornication cannot continue in fornication any more than a car thief can continue to steal cars—repentance requires stopping the sin. Repentance is about maintaining one’s self away from wrong (Luke 3:8 “bearing fruits worthy of repentance”).

Confession

Confession in a modern religious context usually conjures thoughts of confessing sins. This is not the confession that is found in this point. Seeking forgiveness is a confession of sinfulness, but a confession of individual sins is not required by the scriptures. It is not a prerequisite to becoming a Christian.

If not “sin”, what do we confess? We confess our belief in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus seeks our confession (Matthew 10:32) and proves it true (John 20:30-31). The eunuch exemplifies our confession (Acts 8:35-37). Paul declares the necessity of our confession in salvation (Romans 10:8-10).

Our confession must be perpetual. We cannot ever deny our faith in Him (Matthew 10:32).

Baptism

It is strange that so many will graciously accept the need for hearing, believing, changing, and confessing, but then absolutely refuse to see the need for baptism. Is baptism necessary? Jesus said it was (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). John recorded that it was (John 3:5). Peter said it was (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Paul said it was (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:27: tie these to Ephesians 1:3-14).

What is baptism for? Baptism expresses your obedience to God’s will (“those who gladly received the word were baptized” Acts 2:38-40). Baptism puts you into Christ (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3-10). Baptism puts you into “the church”—universal sense (Acts 2:47). Baptism washes away your past sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Baptism prepares you for becoming a member of a local congregation (Acts 9:26).

Why do I need baptism? Without water baptism you are lost in your sins (Acts 22:16). Unless you are forgiven of your sins, you will not see Heaven (Revelation 21:27). Jesus said it was necessary (Mark 16:16).

Conclusion:

Baptism in water works only as an action of faith upon your confession of Christ and your determination to cease from sin. There is another step that we hinted at in our last point, but must be clarified now. Baptism is only the beginning, it puts you into Christ (Galatians 3:27) but we must continue to grow in Christ (John 15:1-8; 2 Peter 3:18).

Are you ready? Become a Christian today prepare for the eternal tomorrow that awaits each of us. ~tss

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Title: The Importance of Listening

By: T. Sean Sullivan

How significant is listening? Listening is the fullness of hearing. It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen. In order to hear and listen, one must be paying attention. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen. The lesson I learn is that my wife is like most everyone else—she does not like to repeat herself after she has said it once. I should give her my attention and listen.

Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” We need to open our ears, and pay attention. We need to listen to some important things in this life. Many opportunities for “listening” come along only once in a lifetime. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, “I should have listened…” Let’s consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them.

We Need To Listen To God:

Our God is a communicator. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25). We have His words preserved for us, even today—the Bible is the word of God. According to those “words” the section known as the New Testament is our source of God’s teachings for today.

We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume (the Bible), God will not send it again—He will not repeat Himself. Jude 3 tells us “the faith” was once delivered for all. Hebrews 1:1-2 states that “God has spoken… in these last days through His Son”. The words for these last days—the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament (John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26).

Why listen to God? The will of God (His word) is about you. The preparation and possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament’s examples, instructions, warnings and promises. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end. You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible.

You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23). God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25). True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31). True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26). True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9). God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven. Are you listening?

We Need To Listen to Our Brethren:

Now that we move our ears in a different focus we are not looking for further instructions; we are listening for something else. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction.

We have already spoken of God’s willingness to supply our needs. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith. God designed the church to meet those needs (Ephesians 1:4). The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18). The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17). The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2).

Any relationship is sustained by conversation; both speaking and listening. The church is a family of brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27). We are to be unified in our relationship (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27).

Why do we need to listen to our brethren? We need to be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25). Often, when speaking with our brethren, we offer “suggestions” of need without openly saying we need. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully) in order that we do not miss some clues that indicate need.

When listening we also need to pay close attention in order that we might come to the right conclusions. Because we can hear and not listen completely at the same time we need to guard ourselves from “conclusion jumping” (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4). Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren. Always give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you for any reason do not understand.

Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life. Are you listening?

We Need To Listen To Others:

Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God’s revealed word. Whether they are currently aware, or not, the world is accountable to their Creator. They will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). This is not a little problem, this is a big problem. The world is filled with souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son.

Why listen to others? We have to listen for their cries for help. The world is lost and dying in their sins. They are not going to make it by following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9). We have what they need—the hope of salvation and life everlasting—the gift of God (Romans 6:23).

The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12). We must carry the gospel message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16). Yes, the world is in need and those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help. Are you listening?

Conclusion:

We have some listening to do. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another to be pleasing to God. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God. Are you listening to God, to your brethren, to others?

If you are not a Christian today I want you turn this bulletin over to the last page. On that page there is a chart entitled “The Gospel Plan”. Please listen carefully to that chart. The instructions there will lead you to pleasing to God by becoming a Christian. Will you listen?

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Title: Can A Christian Be Lost?

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Can a Christian be lost? Can a Christian do anything in this life for which they will face condemnation in Hell for all eternity? The answer to that question will vary dramatically depending on whom you might ask. You may hear “Yes”; you may hear “No”; you may hear anything in between. This is one of those questions that is far too important to be left unanswered. It is also far too important to be left to guessing or “I think so…” reasoning. Let’s consider the evidence that Paul shared in answer to this same question. Paul introduces the fact that disqualification is possible in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Then continuing from those thoughts he builds his case by using the example of the Israelites and the Promise Land (1 Corinthians 10:1-12)

The Israelites Were Accepted (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

We need to know that Israel was acceptable to God. They were in a relationship designed by God for them. He was their God; they were His people—when He sent Moses to free them (Exodus 3:7); when He sent plagues on Egypt (Exodus 10:3);

When they came out of Egypt (Exodus 20:1-2). The Israelites were in a relationship of promise and reward. The Israelites had a relationship that could bring them great things if they simply committed to God who gave it.

God brought them into this relationship through Moses. As they passed through the sea with water on both sides and the cloud over them Paul says that they were baptized into Moses—they were put into a relationship with God through Moses. In this relationship they had an identity (The People of God Exodus 6:7), a law (Exodus 20:1-17), and great promises (Exodus 3:8).

Each of the Israelites was provided with equal opportunity to faithfully serve God.

God had a common care for all of them: They ate the same spiritual food—manna (Exodus 16). They drank the same spiritual drink—water supplied by God in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7). God made no distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful as they wandered.

Many, However, Did Not Enter the Promise Land (1 Corinthians 10:5-10)

The Promise Land was theirs to have, if they would do God’s will (Deuteronomy 6:1-3). God would be “their God” and they would be acceptable to Him as long as they continued in faithful service (Psalm 95:1-7) but they did not continue as they should (Psalm 95: 8-11). The people turned their hearts aside to desire evil; they broke God’s commands: They went after idols; they committed sexual immorality; they murmured and complained. Because of their actions, many were not allowed to enter the land. Ones from among those who were acceptable to God became disqualified. They were in God’s favor and became lost. They were acceptable and became unacceptable to God, because of their turning away from God’s will to follow after something else.

These Are To Be Lessons For Us Today (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-12)

Did you notice some similarities we have with the Israelites and why they are an appropriate example for us to learn from? They were brought out of the bondage of Egypt—we have been brought out of the world and the bondage of sin (Romans 6:16-18). They were baptized into a relationship with God through Moses—we were baptized into a relationship with God through Christ (Romans 6:3-4). They were given God’s will to follow—we are also given His will for our lives (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3). They were wandering, waiting for the time when they would enter the land of promise—we are also waiting for a time when we will enter or promised place (John 14:1-6). They were expected to continue doing God’s will in order to enter; so are we (Luke 9:62; Revelation 2:10).

Many of the Israelites did not enter into the Promise Land; that could happen to you and me when it comes to our home in Heaven. We must maintain our faithful service always or we will not enter our promised home of Heaven (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9).

Conclusion:

If you are a Christian today, you have entered a relationship that can lead you to eternal salvation—everlasting life in the glories of Heaven (Matthew 25:34). Your responsibility in the matter is clear—you are expected to serve faithfully all the days of your life (Revelation 2:10). You can, however, be lost if you turn back to sin (Hebrews 10:38).

God has promised and provided, we need to pursue. We need individual effort—and collective help—to reach our goal. I will help you and you will help me. Together we can bolster each other’s faith and find our entrance to Heaven. Today, if you are not a Christian, you need to be. Yes, it is true that some who become Christians will not stay faithful and will not make it to Heaven. However, only those who do become Christians will have an opportunity to be accepted (Matthew 7:21). Will you join us? Will begin your journey toward Heaven today? ~tss

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Title: A Simple Explanation: The Parable of Talents

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Recently we spent some time considering the parable of the ten maidens from Matthew 25:1-13. This is the first of three sections in Matthew’s twenty-fifth chapter. We discovered the point of the first parable was to exhort all Christians to be prepared for Christ’s return. We know that He will come; what we do not know is when.

Jesus now continues, as Matthew records, with another parable concerning the kingdom of Heaven. This time Jesus introduces the story of a businessman who entrusts three of his servants with allotments of money as he prepares to set out on a journey to a far away country.

We need to examine these words because they are as important today as they were that day. In fact, we are still waiting for their fulfillment. We need to consider the intended meaning of that parable and seek its application. Our hope is wrapped up in meeting the requirements of service that Jesus describes.

The Parable:

A man preparing to travel a great distance from home makes preparations for his goods. His desire was to make sure his accomplishments would not be lost while he was gone. His plan was to call in three of his servants, each with differing levels of ability, to make them stewards of his goods. These servants were allotted each a certain amount of money—based on their ability. In other words, the master knew his servants and their abilities and they were given only as much as they could handle and no more. The servants, having received their individual allotment, went out to consider their responsibility.

The servant who received the five talents went out and used it in business and doubled his talents; the one with two also doubled his talents. The least able servant discounted his own abilities and, for fear, he simply buried his talent and nothing was profited for his master.

When the master returned to see what had come of his money the two servants who actually made something of it were rewarded and the one who for fear refused to use what was entrusted to him, was cast out.

The Meaning:

With the study of parables we must be careful not to abuse the intentions. Too often, many of the details are drawn into some specific meaning that was never really intended. We have to look for the real meaning without reading in more than was intended.

The real meaning: The “master” from this story: represents our Master—Jesus Christ (Colossians 4:1). The “journey to a far away country” is Christ’s return to Heaven (Acts 1:9). The servants are you and me and every Christian (Romans 6:16-18; 1 Corinthians 7:35; Colossians 3:24). The talents are our responsibilities. (It has been suggested that these “talents” are fit to describe what we refer to a talents—or “abilities” today.

This is true to the extent that “with ability comes responsibility”). The allotment is based on our individual abilities.

What Does This Mean To Us?

Remember Jesus is talking about the kingdom of Heaven. We want to go there, where God will wipe away all tears (Revelation 21:4). With that in mind these exhortations become very real to us. We do not have to disassociate ourselves from these words, the disciples with whom He spoke were just like you and me in that they were looking for their home in Heaven; they knew it was obtainable and so can we. Jesus has entrusted us with the work that He accomplished here before He left.

We all have responsibility to do something with our abilities. Matthew 25:15 tells us that the allotments were based on the servants individual abilities. We are expected to do what we are able. We are expected to grow (2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:12-14). We are expected to use what we have to produce more for the Lord (John 15:1-8).

We need to recognize our abilities and use them. Some will be able to do more and some less— we all must do. Remember what Jesus taught about the “good ground” in Matthew 13:23. if you are challenging yourself and doing all that you are able and you are only able to produce thirty fold you have done well.

Conclusion: God expects productivity. Challenge yourself, learn to use your abilities and do not limit yourself. We have much to do and there is much at stake. We must work to the fullest of our individual ability—whatever that ability is. Are you bearing fruit for God?Are you being a productive servant? ~tss.

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Title: What The World Wants

By: T. Sean Sullivan

It may seem on the surface that the world is happy, satisfied and well-pleased to continue in their own way. The truth is that they are only running in an attempt to stay ahead of their own feelings of dissatisfaction. How do we know that? Only because God tells us that anyone who ignores Him does not know which direction to walk (Jeremiah 10:23) and that the world can be summed up in the word ‘mammon’ (Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15-16).

There is an ever-increasing lack of satisfaction among the people of the world. God has given human kind a purpose and a desire to fulfill that purpose, no one will know true, deep satisfaction until they have fulfilled that purpose (Acts 17:27). Even though many try to fulfill their need with distractions, we can clearly witness their desire to seek “something more” all of the time. There are people who are so eager to latch on to some thing that they have submitted to all sorts of false teachings that simply deceive them further.

What can we do? Our role is simple: walk the way that you should and when they ask, tell them the way. The sooner that each of us recognizes that we have what they want the sooner we will be bringing those searchers to God. Let’s open our Bibles and consider some of the things that we have; that the world is looking for.

Consistency

The saying, “Same old, same old” is said today about something five minutes old. It seems as though everything around us is constantly changing faster and faster. It is refreshing to know that there is something in this life that is consistent and reliable—something that simply never changes.

We have something that never changes—the truth (John 17:17). We can read, study, teach, apply and live according to, the never changing standard—God’s word (James 1:22-25). This word is from our never-changing God (James 1:17)—a single never-changing standard for all mankind (John 14:6; 2 John 9). This word will stand past the end of time (Matthew 24:35). This word will be the standard by which we will all be judged (John 12:48-50; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The world condemns today, what it will glorify tomorrow and what is glorifies today it will condemn tomorrow. How can anyone have stability with such continuous changes? How can anyone know for certain what is right and what is wrong? The world seems to have affectively eliminated any standards.

Standing opposed to all of that and offering something far better the Bible clearly offers one never changing livable standard (Romans 12:1-2). This is what we have and we can freely offer to those whom we encounter.

Contentment

Being content is a necessity for a good life but today’s marketers never want us to be satisfied with anything. A new car is your old car as soon as the back tires clear the lot that you bought it from. The house you have now needs to be bigger. You need to make more money. More… more… more… When others have material success we are supposed to be envious. When others fail we are supposed to look for an advantage to be taken for our own benefit. Needless to say, the world’s stronghold is not contentment. Since we know this, we also know that no one caught up in the world has a good life.

The Bible offers what they need—contentment. Through the scriptures we gain a better perspective toward “things”. We don’t have to be jealous of the worldly possessions of our neighbor. We know one’s life is more than the abundance of things that he possesses (Luke 12:15). We don’t have to be desirous of the vain pleasures of the world. We know (1 John 2:15-17) “they are of the world but the world is passing away”. We do not have to worry about more… more… more…

It is far more important to have great gain God’s way (1Timothy 6:6). The world offers more… more… more… God simply offers the most (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).

Confidence

Is the concept of confidence lost? I suppose it depends on where you have placed you trust. There are many who are convinced that “trusting no one” is a proper way of life. Since we are dealing with a world that has proven itself as totally inconsistent and never content where can we place our confidence? Can we truly have confidence in anyone?

God offers confidence; He has never failed and will never fail. He has never failed to follow through with any promises—He cannot lie (Titus 1:1-2). With God we can be confident that we are doing what He desires (Hebrew 1:1-2; Colossians 3:16). We can be confident that we are righteous according to His word (Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Confident that we will be saved in the last day (Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:12; John 20:30-31; 1 John 5:13).

Conclusion:

When one become dissatisfied with the world they do not want more of the same thing in a different color wrapper—they want something different. They need something consistent that brings them to a place of contentment and something in which they can safely place their confidence.

That “something” is the life that Christ offers. The life that you have in Christ is what the world needs. You have what they want: Share it with them. If you are not a Christian are you looking for something different? T ~tss

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Title: Three Keys to Worship

By: T. Sean Sullivan

In Malachi 1:10 -14, we hear the objection from God concerning the attitude that had developed in the worship practices of the Israelites. The priest considered the worship activities as burdensome and proclaimed them as“weariness”. These were the chosen of God under the Old Testament. How soon they had forgotten the blessings that God had blessed them with. We read such an account and most of us would consider their actions reprehensible. We can clearly see the rich blessings that they had from God.

We can read about their triumphs in battle and the conquering of the promised land. More specifically we can see the way that the priests were set apart and provided for, almost glorified by the people. But here, it is those priests who are conveying this attitude of dismay toward worshiping God, the One from whom all blessings flow.

Could this happen to us today? Are we conveying an attitude that God desires? We need to make sure that we are. Let’s take some time to search out what God desires from us.

Key: Understanding What Worship Is

There is a difference between service and worship. Not everything that we do is an act of worship. Much of what we do, in fact all of our life, is to be lived in service to God. Even though everything we do is to be righteous and proper in service to God not all things are worship—Romans 12:1, “present our bodies a living sacrifice”…which is our reasonable “service”. This is accomplished by refusing our own will and pursuing God’s will in all areas of our life (Colossians 3:17; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Worship is a specific part of our service: Worship is “bowing down before God” proskuneo Greek. We worship when we give specific attention to the practices of worship: Singing (Ephesians 5:19), Praying (praising and petitioning our Father) (Acts 2:42; 1 Peter 5:7), Remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), Offering (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7), Preaching (Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42). All these things are to be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), so our worship must be fully and equally in spirit and in truth. There is no such thing as a partial truth. We do only those things that can be proven as truthful through a search of God’s word.

Since truth and spirit are equal and truth is not truth unless it is complete. Than spirit is not what God desires unless it is complete. Consider Luke 10:27 “with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your strength, with all your mind”. Is that a picture of you in regards to worship?

Key: Not Going Beyond God’s Plan

Many cannot accept the truth when it comes to worship. God has designed worship under the New Covenant to be simple. It is not robes and regalia nor is it only during certain times of year that many believe as sacred for worship. God’s way is simple so that it can be mobile. Consider how long it would have taken to spread the word of the Gospel if God demanded large Gothic cathedrals as the only place for the word to be preached.

When Jesus said “Go” in Matthew 28:19 the apostle could take everything they needed and go. True acceptable worship can be offered on a grassy hillside, at the seashore, in a house, in a public auditorium or a rented facility wherever the saints can gather. Where the saints can gather in any given community is not specific but the saints must gather together in a local congregation—according to the New Testament example (Acts 9:26 “Join the disciples in Jerusalem”; Hebrews 10:24-25 “not forsaking the assembling”). With the authorized A Capella singing it is not hard to haul around the instrument—our voice. The fruit of the vine and unleavened bread are simple elements that are readily available. Preaching can be done any where that people can listen.

Key: Knowing the Joy of Worship

Is God’s plan of worship boring? If so, you need to reconsider what we are doing here and why it should be anything but boring. What makes worship special? It is an opportunity to share together with fellow Christians to praise honor and glorify God—Our Father (Revelation 4:8-11). We have the opportunity to partake of the elements that Jesus Christ Himself choose for us to partake of to remember Him (Matthew 26:26-39). In remembrance we call to mind our salvation. We can’t help but think of eternal life in Heaven through Christ. Those things should excite us all. In our worship we have the opportunity to feast on God’s word—the will of God for your life (James 1:17); the only guide to heaven (John 14:6); the only true instruction manual for life (Psalm 1:1-6).

Conclusion:

The Israelite priests considered the worship of God to be boring and wearisome. God looked down upon them in disdain. Could this happen to us? God has established a plan of worship that He delivered through command, example and necessary inference. We can’t take away from it nor add to it. It is sufficient. It is what God desires.

Something else God desires is that all would come to the salvation that He has provided. Are you willing to follow His plan? There is a chart on the back of this bulletin please take the time to read the passages and please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: Three Keys to Our Life

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Would you ever be blamed for being a “Christian”? What kind of people are Christians? By “Christian” I mean those who have obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ and are living faithfully to the expectations of God—striving to be a faithful servant of God—through Christ.

Christians are special people who are not willing to be just like everyone else (Romans 12:1-2). Christians are different in the way they talk, act, and dress. Christians have different entertainment, and different interests. Each of us gathered here need to know we can be the kind of persons who will succeed at being Christians.

The kind of persons who not only enjoy the beauty of a life in Christ here, but also those who will make it all the way through to that eternal victory called Heaven. We cannot afford to only “think” we are okay; we need to take an honest look at our lives and evaluate them according to God’s word. There may be changes you must make; they are all worth it. God has promised eternal life in the glory of His presence if we are willing to do His will. That glory in Heaven is worth it!

Those who grow callused and will not submit to God’s way; there is a place prepared for them too. There are a few descriptions to help us make up our mind: Do God’s will and have “rest”, “peace”, and “everlasting life”; or go your own way and have “outer darkness, weeping, gnashing of teeth, and everlasting fire”. Paul in Ephesians 5:15 instructs us to “Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” We need to be doing some circle inspections of our lives right now. We are looking for the things that separate us from the rest of the world. God has called us to higher standards, for safety, satisfaction and success. Life in Christ is not easy but it is eternally rewarding. Let’s examine just three key ingredients that we need in our lives.

Key: To Practice Morality

What is Morality? It is a group of principles or rules of conduct. It is a standard of conduct that determines all aspects of one’s life. Morality is not set by the world’s standard (Ephesians 4:17-20). The true standard of morality is: holiness and acceptability to God (Romans 12:1-2). We must offer ourselves, both body and soul, to God.

Morality calls for proper use of the body, including appropriate sexual relations: Marriage is the only place for sexual desires to be exercised (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). In Galatians 5:19-21 we see there are sinful sexual relations: Before marriage is fornication; In addition to marriage is adultery; In an unscriptural marriage is adultery; With the same sex (whether male or female) is homosexuality. All of these sinful actions condemn souls—if not repented of.

Morality also calls for the appropriate presentation of your body, including appropriate clothing: Both Adam and Eve understood what nakedness was (Genesis 3:7). Genesis 3:21 God provided tunics that covered their nakedness. Since that time, when their senses were opened to understand “good and evil”, mankind has been naturally aware of presentable parts and un-presentable parts. Today many try to ignore their natural understanding and have seared their conscience to the point where they are willing to go about without covering themselves. God instructs us through the New Testament scriptures in what to wear and how to wear it. 1 Timothy 2:9 Clothing is to be modest, appropriate, and moderate—both men and women must conduct themselves with modesty (1 Timothy 4:12).

Key: To Be Ethical

What Are Ethics? Ethics are also standards of conduct, but they are further defined in areas of dealing with situations and choices. Christians must predetermine what we will do or not do before we are faced with the actual choice. Like morality we are not looking for a worldly approach. We must make our determinations based on God’s standard as revealed in His word (Psalm 119:97-105; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3)

We must be mindful of our fellow man and our God in all of our deeds. We are to love one another, mind our own business, and walk properly toward those who are outside (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). We do not seek to take advantage of anyone; certainly advantage takers exist in our society but we are not to be one of them (Jude 16-19).

Many take advantage of the elderly and the young, the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong. As Christians we must have a different outlook toward our fellow man—we are to provide for others’ best interests (Romans 12:17-21). We are to conduct ourselves appropriately with all people (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).

Ethics also go hand in hand with our first key of morality. We must understand that moral decisions are ethical decisions. There is an ethical dilemma in thinking “nobody knows”—a Christian is ethical bound to be moral even when “nobody will ever know”.

That is the whole point of ethics: We do right, because it is right, not just because someone might see us doing wrong. Our ethics make us trustworthy, responsible and honorable people.

Key: To Be Obedient

The scriptures describe the role of a Christian many different ways. One in particular is, “a slave of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-17). This is not the same burdensome oppression that sin causes. Righteousness brings with it the necessity of being continually obedient to God’s will. Our willingness to obey God is fundamental to staying acceptable to Him. We are clearly told that if we draw back we fail (Hebrew 10:35-39). We are instructed to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).

We are to be obedient always. Peter in his first epistle spoke at length concerning the need for consistency. Peter knew both sides of the picture since he, himself, failed to obey God’s will when he was under pressure (Luke 22:54-62). Peter encourages obedience when times are difficult (1 Peter 1:6-9); when no one else is obedient (1 Peter 4:1-5); at all times, humbly submitting to God’s will (1 Peter 5:6-11). Our willingness to be obedient keeps our lives on God’s track.

Conclusion: Christians are special people because they put forward special effort in their life; effort toward “moral purity”, “ethical consistency” and “full obedience”. Anyone can become a Christian. The steps are not too challenging to do but only those who are willing to change their life and continue to live for God’s will reap the benefits of the relationship.

As Christians, we have work to do every day. We must strive to do the things well pleasing to the Lord. Are you the kind of person who is willing to be moral, ethical and obedient? If you are and you are not yet a Christian why not become a Christian right now? There is a chart on the back of this bulletin please take the time to read the passages and please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: Three Keys to Success

By: T. Sean Sullivan

There is no question that we, as Christians, have a special relationship with God. It is not that God refuses, ignores, or otherwise slights those who are not His faithful servants. We know that His life sustaining providential care falls on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). In fact, the far greater, that is—His hope is provided by God to all mankind (Romans 10:13-17 “whoever calls on Him will not be put to shame). However, only those who actual heed Him and submit to His will have that distinct relationship with Him (1 John 3:1 “children of God”).

God in His infinite mercy and grace has provided for His own. He has given us what we lack without Him. The price of our salvation: perfect blood—His own Son—Jesus, the Christ (Romans 8:31-32). The promise of salvation: His reward for the obedient (Mark 16:15-16) and the plan of that salvation: His word to guide our way (James 1:17-25). The greatest things God provides are only for His obedient servants.

To consider all that God provides would be to vast of a subject so let’s focus on the “provided plan”—His word. There are three keys to succeeding with God’s word—using His word to know and do what is “pleasing to Him”. These keys are lined out in Colossians 1:9: “Knowledge”, “Wisdom”, and “Spiritual Understanding”. Let’s examine those keys

Key: Knowledge—The Foundation

We need to take the information from the pages of the Bible and plant them into our hearts. Gaining Bible knowledge requires time and effort. There are two main levels of the word: Milk and Meat (Hebrews 5:12-14). According to this passage those categories are define as: the milk—the first principles: the basics for the beginner and the meat—those passages and thoughts that require deeper consideration for the mature. There are things that we will learn and understand quickly, other subjects will take more time—we must have confidence in the fact that the truth can be known (John 8:31-32).

We are seeking the knowledge of God (Genesis 1-2 [2:4-7]). The Bible reveals our God as a God of love (1 John 4:7-8), providential care (Matthew 6:25-33). truth (Titus 1:2; John 17:17), and justice (Acts 17:31 “Appointed a day of judgment). We also seek the knowledge of our purpose. The Bible depicts our purpose this way: We were created… to rule the earth (Genesis 1:26), to seek our Creator (Acts 17:27), and to do His will (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We also are in the search for knowledge of “right” and “wrong”. Without God’s direction we cannot know “right” or “wrong” (Proverbs 12:14; Jeremiah 10:23). God tells us generally about right and wrong (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and also in some cases very specifically (Galatians 5:19-24). In all cases we are first needful of milk and then, as we progress, meat.

How do we gain this knowledge? It is not gained by: prayer, special workings of the Holy Spirit, or by osmosis. We simply have to study it. Knowledge is a result of information input; in this case “reading”. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul exhorts Timothy to “read” and “meditate”. Paul instructed those a Colossae to read His epistle (Colossians 4:16). The Psalmist said, “Blessed is the man”…who find “his delight in the law of the Lord”, and “meditates on it” day and night”(Psalm 1:2).

Key: Wisdom—the Building

The key of wisdom is taking the knowledge to application. God has promised, if we ask in faith, He will give us wisdom. (James 1:5). He has supplied us with a complete source of knowledge (James 1:17-18) and the instruction to become a “doer” of that instruction. Wisdom is found in the “proper” application of His revealed and recorded will. We must put God’s will to work in our lives (James 1:21-25); again, this requires diligent effort (2 Timothy 2:15).

Wisdom trusts God and the completeness of His instruction. Psalm 19:7 “The law of the Lord is perfect”. James 1:17 “Good and perfect gift”. We dare not go beyond His word (1 Peter 4:11). We dare not fail to do it all (Matthew 7:21-23).

We need to increase in wisdom in order to come to maturity and success. Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5:8-17 to be wise in the word of God; to “know” and “do” “what the will of the Lord is”.

Key: Spiritual Understanding—the Results.

This third key is really where the light comes on and the all the pieces of the puzzle come together. When we get to the third key the word of God takes hold in our hearts and the fruit begins to be shown in our lives (Galatians 5:22-25). We need to achieve this way of life: living and walking—bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

As we grow in knowledge and increase in wisdom and spiritual understanding we will be more: Careful of the steps we take. We will be more discerning. We will be able to spot a false doctrine and not be taken in by it (Ephesians 4:13-15). We will be more concerned about sin in our lives and in the lives of others (Ephesians 5:15). We are not going to allow ourselves, or others, to wander straight into eternal separation (2 Peter 3:10-11). We will actively share our knowledge and the wisdom of God’s will with them.

Spiritual understanding is known: when living God’s way is your only way of life (Ephesians 4:17-23); When you seek and do “right” because “it is the right thing to do”; When you know and trust God’s forgiveness (Philippians 4:14-15); When you are longing for home and working away the days of your stay here (Philippians 1:23-24); When we will finally know the joy and peace of God (Philippians 4:4-9)

Conclusion:

Let’s turn to one last passage and see these three keys in real life. Psalm 119:97-104: Knowledge (97-100); Wisdom (101-102); Spiritual Understanding (103-104). The Bible needs to be more than a book. You need to succeed with it. God is the “Best Provider” in that He has given us all that we lack. God has given us the source of knowledge with the expectation of wisdom and the promised hope and joy of spiritual understanding. God is the “Best Provider”, do not refuse Him any longer. Obey His will today. ~tss

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Title: Three Questions Needing Answers

By: T. Sean Sullivan

There are many questions in religion today. It is easy to see that people are questioning some “long-standing traditions” and “doctrines.” A closer look shows us that yesterday’s mainstay religions are fading and that modern “community churches” are flourishing. Today’s society is searching for something more than what they have been getting. We hope some are looking for the truth. Sadly, however, too many start going from “church” to “church” when they should be taking the time to seriously study the Bible. We need to answer some very important questions so that you might come to salvation or if you are Christian so that you might help others who ask

What Is Truth?

The result of the religious world changing their standards of truth at the drop of a hat has left many wondering what truth really is. Some have grown so callused that they believe man is in control of truth: so they are not willing to commit to anything. Still others do not accept “man-made truth” so they are in search of “the truth”. Jesus answers this question for us in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth”.

We must seek knowledge from God’s word and trust it confidently. It has been supplied so that we might be led by it (Psalms 119:100-105). The Bible is everything we need to be complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must conform to the Bible alone—nothing more, or less, than all.

What Does God Expect From Me?

In other words, “I have a Bible now what?” We must conform to its instruction. The Bible offers commands, approved examples, and necessary conclusions. These are not “bible rules” these are simply rules of interpretation for any written information. Along with the things that the Bible does say we also we must listen to its silence. When we study we will discover these points of authority for the things that we must do; let’s consider just one: “The Lord’s Supper”. Command: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Christ instituted in Matthew 26:26. Example: The “when” of the Lord’s Supper Acts 20:7 “The first day of the week”. Necessary Conclusion: The “how often” Acts 20:7 “The first day of the week” each week has a first day therefore we do this every week on the first day.

God’s desires that you are saved. The instructions of the scriptures are clear: we need to hear and believe the gospel (Romans 10:17). We need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37). We must repent of our sins (Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9). Then upon our confession of belief (Matthew 10:33; Romans 10:10) we are baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). This is the beginning or our new life, not the end of the journey. We must remain faithful to God all of our days (Hebrews 10:35-39; Revelation 2:10).

Am I Saved?

This is an urgently important question. One must conclude that they are lost before they will look to be saved. All too many have been deceived into believing they are all right. Sort of like those in Galatia who had their attention turned away from the truth (Galatians 1:6-8) and others who want their own rendition of truth (Romans 10:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-5).

In humility one must seek God and the His pure and simple truth. Without God we are truly destitute and helpless. We must seek God with this understanding and with a willingness to do whatever He commands no matter the cost. This disposition was found among those in Peter’s audience in Acts 2. They were, “cut to the heart.”

What about my conversion in a different “church”? The scriptural example is this: you cannot be taught wrong and baptized right. Example: Acts 19:1-5. These were individuals who had been baptized already. They were baptized in water but not for the purpose of remission, or in the name of Jesus (vs. 3). Paul did not say that their baptism was okay. Paul instructed them in the way of Jesus and the baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins (Acts 19:4). When they understood the truth and realized that they were not where they needed to be, they were baptized into Christ (Acts 19:5)

The absolute necessity of one’s salvation cannot be set aside for “But I…But I…” When confronted with the truth these people obeyed the truth. Proper scriptural baptism is in the name of Jesus, complete immersion in water, for the purpose of remission of your sins. If you have not been baptized for the remission of your sins you are living in your sins.

Conclusion:

One more question: “When can I obey?” Acts 8:36 “If you believe with all heart you may”. Salvation is urgent, if you believe, do not put it off.

There are many questions and as time continues more questions will arise. These questions, that we have looked at, were centered on your salvation—to help you if you need to be saved and to allow you to help others if you are already saved. Either way the opportunity is yours. There is chart on the back page of this bulletin. Please study it carefully and obey God’s plan today. ~tss

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Title: Three Misconceptions About Hell

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Many are practicing willful ignorance when it comes to the characteristics of our Creator God. Many focus on the descriptions of God as a God of love (1 John 4:7-8) and Providential care (Matthew 6:25-33) but they totally ignore that He is also a God of never-changing truth (John 17:17; James 1:17; Titus 1:2) and justice (Acts 17:31 “Appointed a day of judgment).

The Bible describes God’s final judgment of mankind as: The gathering of all nations [all people] (Matthew 25:32; 2 Corinthians 5:10). There will be a great dividing of the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 25:32; Acts 17:31). Those unrighteous, who have not done the will of the Father in Heaven, will be sentenced to depart from God and everything that is good (Matthew 7:23). They will go to a place called “Hell”.

The point of this lesson is to bring you to the determination and effort of avoiding Hell. Since there are many misconceptions about Hell let’s consider some of things that people believe about Hell and see how the scriptures respond.

“There Is No Hell”

To deny the reality of Hell is to ignore the Bible and decide emotionally. Our emotional bond to our fellow man causes us to not want to see any of them in a place of constant torment. Often “feelings” are placed in front of God’s revealed will or some small portions of God’s word is used in attempts to justify their feelings. For example, from our introduction, some use 1 John 4:8 to say, “God is love” but they ignore Matthew 7:13-14 that says many will go into destruction.

We cannot deny that emotions are important but we also cannot take away from the logical understanding provided by God through His word. If we look at the logical evidence we will see that Hell is real. Many inspired men spoke of Hell as existent: Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Habakkuk, Jesus (who was recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke), James, Paul, and Peter. Jesus spoke of Hell as real in over ten passages.

Wishful/emotional thinking cannot replace the logical evidence of the scriptures. It does not remove Hell from existence or take God away from His place as Judge.

“Hell Will Not Be That Bad”

Since Jesus says the most about Hell let’s ask Him how bad it is. In Matthew 5:29-30 as well as Matthew 18:8-9, Jesus tells us that Hell is worse than losing an eye or a hand (Loosing the use of things very helpful to our existence). Then in Matthew 10:28 Jesus goes further to say that it is better to be killed for righteousness sake then to deny God and be destroyed in Hell. In Mark 9:43-48 Jesus tells us that Hell is a place where suffering is like fire that is not quenched and where the worm does not die.

Some think of Hell as just another place; even going as far as suggesting that they will go there for their loved ones. My question is “Why?” Your loved ones cannot comfort you there; you cannot possibly comfort them there. According to the scriptures you will not be able to see them nor will they see you in outer darkness (Matthew 25:30a). The sentence of Hell is overwhelming darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth—with no relief (Matthew 25:30b).

In Luke 16 Jesus explains a place known as Hades. Hades is a holding place for the souls of all those who have died. It is divided into two areas: Paradise and Torments. This place is the soul’s dwelling until final judgment (Revelation 20:14). According to Jesus, in Luke 16:27-28, there was a man that ended up in Torments and he wanted to send a message to everyone he loved; it is definitely worth considering, especially since it is the only communication of its kind. His desire was that no one else would ever come to the place where he was.

Putting those things together let’s ask this question: “Is this describing a place that is not so bad?” The scriptures describe Hell as: Trapped hopelessly and inescapably in a place where you cannot see your hand in front of you; where the agony and torment are like a consuming fire burning you as the worms are attacking you never-endingly. That description is no where near “not so bad” is it?

“I Won’t Have To Go To Hell”

I want to respond to this misconception very clearly so that no one misunderstands me. No one, living and able to obey the will of God, has to go to Hell. There is a Latin phrase, “Dum Spiro, Spero” that means “While I breath, I hope” or “As long as there is life, there is hope”. Hebrews 9:27 declares that we are all going to die and we will face the judgment, as we are when we die—therefore we must change before we die.

It is sad to think that some people will not take advantage of their only hope. Some will not change because: they are too stubborn to change. Some are too busy to change.

Some are too selfish to change. Some are too caught up in worldly intelligence to change. Some are too satisfied to change. The truth is that no one gets to Heaven except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Conclusion: Hell is a horrifying place, where many will find their everlasting abode. There have been a lot of misconceptions about Hell; the Bible reveals the truth about that place. You do not have to go there, but to avoid Hell you must be willing to change and you must make those changes before it is too late. Jesus said, he who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16)—saved from their sins and the condemnation they should face because of them. Do you want to avoid going to Hell? It is time to make your life right, now. ~tss

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Title: Three Keys To Problem Solving

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The absolute foundation of all that we do is the fact that we are Christians. In this we are followers of Christ. The greatest example of Christ is one recorded in His statement of Matthew 26:39—“Not as I will but Your will be done”. Having this as the center of our attention—our main focus—will result in glory for God. We will do what He wants us to do. We are determined to accomplish His will.

We know that problems will arise and, yes, we need to deal with those problems. But we must do so in a way that does not detract from our commitment to glorify God through doing His will. Let’s look at three keys for dealing with problems we might face.

Always, first look at yourself. Paul wrote to those at Corinth and in his second epistle he discussed some problems that they were having. The problems: “contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbiting, whisperings, conceits, tumults… uncleanness, fornication,and lewdness” (2 Corinthians 12:20-21). Look at that list and consider how many are self-centered problems. What did Paul command them to do in order to remedy these situations? In 2 Corinthians 13:5 he said, “Examine yourselves, test yourselves”. He did not say, test your brethren to see who will make allegiance with your side of the issue. Look at YOURSELF make sure that YOU are standing where YOU should. If every one does this; any problem should be resolved.

What if the problem is someone else’s sin? Paul told those in Corinth that if he found them in such a state that he would use sharpness against them for edification not for destruction (2 Corinthians 13:10). Timothy was also instructed to correct those who are in opposition (2 Timothy 2:25). Sin should not be allowed to reside for any length of time.

We should deal with the problem quickly so that we might gain our brother back (Matthew 18:15-17).

Deal with all problems and get back to work for the Lord: If it is you REPENT and get back on the right track. If it is someone else encourage them to REPENT by going to them. Either way we have business to attend to that is being neglected over these problems. Take care of the problem now and get back to business.

Key: Determine The Focus Of The Problem.

Again, looking at yourself--Find the reason for your involvement. “Am I entangled in this because I have had my feelings hurt and I want to have the last word?” or, “Am I involved because there has been a doctrinal error and a brother/sister’s soul is in danger?”

One of the most common problem focuses; that gets people “up-in-arms” is something that can be entirely avoided. The problem is “offended conscience”. Your conscience is important but all involved persons must realize that “your conscience, is no one else’s guide”. Too often one’s own conscientious decisions become their set standard and expectation for all to follow. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:29-31, explains that a conscience does not usurp God’s word. In this context some “weak” brethren would not partake of meat for conscience sake—thinking it is wrong to eat anything associated with idols. However, the eating of any meat is not condemned by the scriptures (1 Corinthians 10:25-26; 1 Timothy 4:4). Paul does not want anyone to offend the weak—causing them to stumble into sin. But also, Paul also plainly points out that the weak are NOT to place any of their own rules on those who would eat meat.

Real life example: I was told about a preacher who went to a gospel meeting one time and he was met with a “cold shoulder” by the local preacher. After a couple days of this treatment, the visiting preacher asked the local guy if there was a problem. After a worrisome pause, and with a very serious tone, the local preacher said, “I have a real problem with a preacher driving a pickup truck, and even worse your truck is red.” This man was claiming offense over a preacher’s vehicle and the color of that vehicle. This is conscience out-of-bounds. Where is that in the Bible? This man was adding to the Word.

We all have the same standard by which to live—the word of God. I must be careful not to cause problems by adding my conscientious decisions to the Word. This, or any, addition to the word is clearly condemn by the scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18).

Seek solutions according to “book, chapter, verse”—God’s instructions. If the sin is legitimate follow God’s procedure found in Matthew 18:15-17 which is FIRSTLY designed “to gain back your brother”. When the “gaining back” steps fail there is a call for cleansing; we must disfellowship and distinguish him as an alien.” Paul in Titus 3:10-11 also says, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition…”

Key: Move Beyond The Problem.

We must be willing to move ahead. If personal: seek God’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22); then forgive yourself also. If with another: We must not harbor ill-feelings. We must let the past go, so that we can get beyond the problem.

An example is found in Paul’s life. Paul had a personal problem with Barnabas and John Mark (Acts 15:37-40). Later Paul reconciled his relationship with both (Colossians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:11).

What is the business that we need to be attending to? See the people that live near you, work with you, that you see all the time. They have souls—souls that need salvation. You have the message of salvation. It is your business to offer it to them—evangelism. Now look at the people next to you in the pews. They may be feeling weak. They may be a little less excited about heaven. You have to be focused in order to see it. But it is your business to edify them and encourage them—edification. Again, look to your brothers or sisters and consider their needs. It is our business to fill the needs—Benevolence for our brethren is our business.

Conclusion: Is it reasonable to believe a group of Christians can get along? ABSOLUTELY!

However, when a problem does arise we must make every effort to see it reconciled. If each of us determines to deal with whatever problems come up; we will move through this life without the problems of our yesterdays affecting our today.

Each of us should recognize that sin is a problem that needs to be fixed. God offers that opportunity today. There is a chart on the back of this bulletin. Please consider the steps that are laid out in the word of God. Please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: Leaving Us An Example

By: T. Sean Sullivan

We are to be imitators of Jesus. This is a task that is “easier said than done”. We learn from Paul that the goal of being like Jesus was his focus (2 Corinthians 11:1). Paul, in that verse, also encourages each of us to take on that goal.

In this life when we start something new, the first few times are slow and sometimes difficult; then when we are used to doing that new thing it becomes very easy—it becomes normal for us. The idea of having to stop and ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” will at first seem difficult and slow going. However, as you move on down the road doing this each time you make a decision you will soon find yourself naturally following Christ (1 Peter 2:21-23).

We should be examples of “Christ followers”. Others should be able to see our example and follow us in order to follow Christ. In fact, we should be able to say what Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.’ It is not easy to undergo the training but the results are worth the effort. Let’s take the time to investigate this idea—what would Jesus do in situations that we face? When we know what Jesus would do, we can follow His steps and do the same ourselves.

How Would Jesus Prioritize His Life?

So often, even “faithful” Christians lose sight of the goal. We get our priorities mixed up. The primary importance of serving God must be realized and practiced. The scripture uses words like: “diligence” (2 Timothy 2:15), “stand fast” (1 Corinthians 16:13), and “holding fast” (Philippians 2:14-16).

Jesus made consistency a priority—doing and teaching the same thing always. Luke states that the record of Christ’s life shows the facts of what Jesus “both” taught and did (Acts 1:1). What was Jesus doing? Jesus was a doer of God’s will (Luke 2:49 “I must be about My Father’s business”). This pursuit of the Father’s will continued all his life (John 4:34); even to the point of death (John 17:4; 19:30). He not only lived this way but also instructed us to do the same: Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and Matthew 7:21-23 “Those who do the will of My Father in Heaven”. Even, after His ascension, when the Holy Spirit revealed the word of God we are taught to be doers of God’s will (James 1:17-25). Jesus is a consistent example of doing God’s will.

What Would Jesus Do In The Face of Temptation?

Some have questioned and/or argued: “Was Jesus actually tempted?” This is a question that finds an answer easily in Hebrews 4:15. He was tempted, and He did not give in, He was tempted and did not sin, He was without sin.

How did Jesus avoid entering into those temptations? Some may assume it was His powers of Deity that allowed Him to escape the temptations that so easily ensnare us. There is one occasion that, although it is not expressly stated, it is assumed to be a use of His powers to avoid improper situations (Luke 4:29-30). The greater examples of Christ shows us four methods of avoiding sin without any special powers. He quoted scriptures (Matthew 4: 4, 7, 10). He walked away (John 6:15). He prayed (Matthew 26:39). He kept silent (Matthew 27:13-14). None of these take power of Deity to accomplish; we can use all four. Jesus shows us that God does supply a way of escape we can bear the temptation and we can refuse to give in to sinning (1 Corinthians 10:13).

How Would Jesus React To Finding People Living In Sin

Jesus would have compassion on them (Matthew 9:36-38). He knew where their souls were heading because of their sins. Jesus was able to look with His heart and not His eyes—we need to practice this type of looking. We need to see souls and understood the value of each soul. Jesus would preach repentance (Matthew 4:17).

He understood more than anyone else the awfulness of sin. Jesus knew that sin separated mankind from God without hope (Romans 6:23). Jesus knew there is only one hope (John 14:6). His way is a complete obedience to God’s will (We must be hearers, believers, and doers of God’s will). We need to do what Jesus would do.

We have a message that every soul must hear before it is eternally too late (Romans 1:16). This is our responsibility (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16). Jesus continuously taught God’s will; we must do the same.

Conclusion:

Many today claim to be Christians. Christians are followers of Christ (John 8:31-32; Acts 11:26). A hypocrite wears a name on the outside that cannot be backed up by the inside. In all matters of life we need to ask ourselves “What would Jesus do?” His pathway should be our pathway. Are you on His pathway?

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Title: "Fool or Wise?"

By: T. Sean Sullivan

According to the calendar today is April 1^st. There are also little words across the bottom of the square that say it is April Fools' Day. There are many different renditions as to how this day became recognized as April Fools’ Day. There are some obscure ideas and some well-known but most also provide reasons to not accept them; so all in all this day’s origin is uncertain.

Every day of this life is precious and must not be wasted in foolishness (Ephesians 5:15). We do not entertain the thoughts of praising foolishness nor do we seek to promote foolishness in this life. Our lesson today is not going to focus on “a day of fools”. Actually the opposite is true: the Bible promotes wisdom and offers the information necessary to achieve it. We need to consider some references to some typical traits of fools and how we might overcome those situations with wisdom. Let’s open together the great source of wisdom to continue these thoughts.

Psalm 14:1 “The fool says in his heart ‘there is no God’”

By this declaration many of the “smartest minds” in this world are declared as fools. Man has arrogantly denied God for centuries. They look at the wonders of nature and in foolishness say, “it all just happened”. The Psalmist says that “creation” declares its Creator (Psalm 19:1-6). How can these “brilliant minds” consider all that we know and see as just happenstance? Why do they dream up explanations in attempts to remove God (Romans 1:20-22)? (What arrogance. In their declaration of “no God” these “minds” state that they know all unknowns and emphatically state that God does not exist. What an ego trip.)

The wise see the evidence. Things as simply as morals, and as complex of decent societal structuring, force us to conclude that there is a Greater Power who delivered those things to us. Paul says that the evidence of God’s existence is found in the creation and it is easily seen (Romans 1:19-20); the Psalmist says the same (Psalm 19:1-6). The consistency of nature’s design should cause us to recognize that God created it.

Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.”

The Bible has been completed and available now for many centuries. The Bible is the revelation of the mind of God (Deuteronomy 29:29). This knowledge is not what man, apart from God, teaches; it is for those who are willing to be spiritually minded (1 Corinthians 2:6-14). The Bible is information that is designed for those who are willing to deny the rationale of men and walk according to God because they realize the need for God’s help (1 Peter 5:6).

This declaration also points out that many of the “smart” are fools. It seems that our times are filled with men’s wisdom and are mostly opposed to God’s wisdom. Modern situation ethics are teaching there is no right, there is no wrong, all decisions are relative to their situation. The denial of morality is rampant: this is mankind worshipping self. The elevation of Humanism: lifts up man as the ultimate in understanding and ability. This foolishness is wrapped up in a refusal to listen to advice. God is the Great Advisor; the wise seeks the counsel of God. Psalm 1:1-3 says that a blessed man finds his delight “in the law of the Lord”. The wise knows that He needs direction from above (Proverbs 14:12). The wise seek to know right and are not satisfied to just think they are right (Hebrews 5:14). God provided this sureness: Psalm 19:7-11 God’s direction is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, righteous.

Proverbs 18:2 “A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.”

There are so many who have a false concept of our purpose in this life. God made us with a purpose that brings us back to Him (Acts 17:27). God gave us the freedom to do what we please but with the stipulation of His judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 states, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.”

To describe this life one may say, “We are living in a tempory proving ground for an eternal dwelling.” We live here seeking something more—a better place (Hebrews 11:13-16). We cannot find eternal life on our own so God provides the direction we need. The fool thinks he is right and walks right into condemnation (Proverbs 12:15). The fool despises correction and instruction (Proverbs 15:5).

The wise delights in the knowledge of salvation—God provides that knowledge. Jesus said that the way of salvation is difficult (Matthew 7:13-14). The wise understands that salvation is worth whatever cost is involved. The wise recognize they need something that they alone cannot supply (Romans 5:6-8). The wise understand they are held accountable for their decisions (2 Corinthians 5:10). The wise recognize that they cannot find salvation without God’s help—Jeremiah 10:23 “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps”

All that we need to know and do is provided through God’s word: the complete instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The message of salvation (1Timothy 4:13, 15-16); the promise of great reward (Hebrews 10:35-39; Revelation 2:10).

Conclusion:

We will be either consumed by our own foolishness or we will be wise. The choice is ours, this we know: the rewards for wisdom far exceed the returns for foolishness. Will we seek the wisdom of the world or will we seek the wisdom of God’s counsel?

The opportunity of wisdom is yours today because you are still here and still able. Do not allow foolishness to remain any longer. God is the Great Advisor: He has told us how to achieve the greatest hope. On the back of this bulletin there is a chart that outlines God’s plan. Please read it and the passages it refers to. Know, trust, and obey God’s will today. ~tss

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Title: "What A Life, If You Live It"

By: T. Sean Sullivan

In order to follow the Bible, as we should, we run into a “great obstacle” called “change”. Whether it is our human nature, the culture of our times, or just the thought patterns we have been taught, people don’t like to change. One thing that it very clearly seen by observation is that if we just get out of our own way we can serve God as we should everyday of our life. When we decide that we want something else; that is when we falter and fail. We must take on the mindset presented in Galatians 2:20—“no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”. When we take on this way of thinking we will certainly desire God’s way and whatever changes are necessary.

Perhaps we are not quite there yet. We may need some more encouragement toward change and commitment. In order to desire change we must be motivated to that desire for necessary change. This perhaps leads us to a place of questioning: Why change and become a Christian? What does Christ offer for all of this effort of change? Why is His way better than mine? These are honest questions with straightforward answers.

Why change— If you don’t change you will die in your sins (John 8:24). What does Christ offer? He offers everlasting life as opposed to everlasting punishment (John 4:14). Why is His way better? His way is better because you can’t find anyway out of death without Him (Proverbs. 14:12); Christ provides the way to life (John 14: 6). Perhaps we need a closer examination, we need to be inspired to change and that requires a little more work. Let’s take a few moments to consider the fact that a life in Christ is New, Better, and Different.

New:

What a great feeling, when we get something new. Perhaps a new home, car, appliance, anything new has a certain appeal. Something new is not the same old thing, it is new, and we are excited to use whatever that new thing is. In our country we get “new things” so often that many of us take them for granted.

Do you know what causes that new car that you are so proud to own and drive to become just the same old clunker that we use to get from here to there? The new becomes the old when we stop checking the oil at each fill-up; we stop visiting the car wash; we stop dusting the dash; we quit taking the time to apply a fresh coat of wax or polish; we start taking the new thing for granted and stop appreciating it for what it is. It all boils down to one word, “attention”.

So what does all this mean? In Christ we are given a new life, what are you going to do with it? Romans 6:1-4 Faithful obedience results in the newness of life. Through the waters of baptism our old life is ended and then we rise and walk in the newness of life—free from our sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). To maintain this “newness” we must set our minds on a “continuous maintenance program”. Consider Ephesians 4:17-5:5: We should no longer walk as the rest of the world walks (vs. 17). We should not give time or energy to the practice of sin (vs. 19). We must put off the former conduct (vs. 22). We must change our actions by first changing our thoughts (vs. 23). We must put on the new—righteousness and holiness (vs. 24). We must watch ourselves (vs. 29, 31, 3-4).

Be more like God in righteousness and holiness—an imitator of God (5:1). We can find a similar maintenance list in Colossians 3:1-15, pay particular attention to how that passage ends with the words, “be thankful”. If we are thankful, we are appreciative and we will not forget about our new life. Never take your forgiveness and salvation for granted maintain their newness every day (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

Better:

The life that Christ offers is simply better. We usually desire change when we become dissatisfied with the frustrations of the old way. Those in the world who never find true satisfaction and direction fail to have a good life. Which of these verses sounds like a better life and hope? Galatians 5:19-21 “Those who practice such things will not [go to Heaven]”. Galatians 5:22-25 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”.

In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better because: He offers us purpose (Acts 17:24-27); He offers us direction toward freedom (John 8:31-32). He offers us a life of honesty, integrity, and wellbeing (Romans 12:16-21); He offers us the comfort of knowing God cares (Romans 8:31-39; 1 Peter 5:7); He offers us a relationship with both Himself and the Father (2 John 9).

Different:

In Christ we are offered true fulfillment and the life that He offers is better if we truly commit. This is usually the greatest weakness in our approach. We want to have a good life; we desire to be made new; but the real challenge is the follow-through. The life that Christ offers is different and we must be willing to be different in order to have that life and receive its benefits.

We have to live differently, consider Romans 12:1-2. We are to offer our selves both body and spirit to the Lord as a living sacrifice (vs.1). We are to conduct ourselves in holiness and acceptability to God. We are to be changed in mind and action. We are to be different from the world. Jesus Himself said that we cannot be happy when we are torn between two masters (Matthew 6:24). Those who try to hold on to the world and God will loose—“you cannot serve God and mammon.” We cannot grow the fruit of the Spirit while we are cultivating the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:24-25). We cannot play games with God (1 John 2:15-17). We are given a life that is better than what the world offers we will realize that fact when we fully commit to walking in that life.

Conclusion:

Out of all of God’s vast creation, we stand out as the only part to whom God has offered the opportunity of forgiveness and salvation (1 Peter 1:10-12). Are we going to rejoice in that fact and take this hope into our lives? Or, are we going to treat that hope like just any other thing? If you are a Christian you should be rejoicing in a new, better, and different life in Christ. If you have not found that joy, perhaps you have never fully committed.

It is time to change. It is time to get out of our own way and do God’s will. It is time to put away sin and it is time to fully commit to God. If you are not a Christian, you are given a wonderful opportunity. You can have a new, better, and different life… right now. There is a chart on the back of this bulletin that outlines the gospel plan of salvation—obey the gospel and enter into a new life in Christ today. ~tss

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Title: When Grace, Mercy, and Love are not Enough

By: T. Sean Sullivan

There are three very popular topics associated with God: God’s grace and God’s mercy and God’s love. Certainly we have heard that God possesses these wonderful and enduring characteristics.

There is a lot said about the “Grace of God” and we need to understand it better. In our first point we will consider God’s grace in more detail. There is a lot said about the “Mercy of God” and we need to understand it better. In our second point we will consider God’s mercy in more detail. There is a lot said about the “Love of God” and we need to understand it better. In our final point we will consider God’s love in more detail. As we looking into these areas we need to consider two main perspectives: their definition and their benefits. When we wrap up these thoughts we will consider their limitation. Let’s get into our lesson.

The Grace of God

What is grace? According to a dictionary-style definition we find that it is: “Unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification” (www.merriam-webster.com). That is a fine definition if you understand what it says.

In an every day explanation: Grace is: God giving us what we do not deserve. Many focus God’s grace on salvation alone when there are many things that are from God’s grace. Our existence is from His grace (Psalm 100:1-3; Acts 17:24-27). Our continuation in this mortal life is from His grace (God sustains us Matthew 5:45 and allows us to remain Matthew 24:36). Our instruction: the word of God is from His grace (Hebrews 1:1-2 Timothy 3:16-17). Luke calls the gospel “the word of His grace” (Acts 14:3; 20:32). Our salvation is available because God is full of grace (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:8-10).

What is the benefit of Grace? The purpose of grace is to offer us the opportunity of relief. The burden of sin makes grace necessary (Isaiah. 59:1-2; 64:6; Romans 3:10, 23; 5:12). We separate ourselves from God by sinning and having no way of freeing our selves from the bondage of sin ; we need a way to be reconciled to God.

Through grace God extends us the opportunity of this reconciliation since we cannot relieve ourselves of this problem, we only make it worse (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23). God provides “the direction” we need—the Gospel, His word (Hebrews 1:1-2; Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:7). God provides “the price”: Sin is a great debt—God provided the payment (Romans 5:6-8). The grace of God through Christ has made the remission of sins possible (Matthew 26:28). God is full of grace.

The Mercy of God

What is “mercy”? According to a dictionary-style definition mercy is: “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power” (www.merriam-webster.com). Again, that is a fine definition if you understand what it says.

In an every day explanation this mercy is: God not giving us what we deserve. What does this “deserving” mean? When we sin, we leave God; the truth; the light. We, by choice, leave what is right to do what is wrong (James 1:13-15). We transgress God’s will (1 John 3:4). We rebel against our Father in Heaven and the righteousness He offers (2 Timothy 3;16-17; James 1:17-25).

How does “mercy” benefit us? Again we begin with the reality that both you and I have in common—sin (Romans 3:23). We do not have to go much further to understand what it is that we deserve, because of our own sins. Romans 6:23a says, “the wages of sin is death”. We deserve to die (death meaning separated: separated from God for all eternity). This, of course, is the sentence of everlasting condemnation (Matthew 25:30, 46a). But God in His “grace” has provided a plan in which we are offered His mercy: Mercy that allows His faithful to avoid the sentence of death. It is difficult to define “mercy” without overlapping “grace”. Mercy is an active facet of a graceful disposition. The Psalmist tells us thirty-three times “the Lord’s mercy endures forever”. Our God is merciful (James 5:11).

The Love of God:

I trust that we do not need a dictionary definition of love. Without the loving capacity of our Creator we would not be discussing His “grace” or His “mercy” (Ephesians 2:4-10). God’s love is beyond measure. Simply consider the things that we have discussed in this lesson and God’s loving capacity is seen. It has been said that God’s love is as long as from eternity to eternity. His love is as deep as to reach to the pits of sin and as tall as reaching to the heights of Heaven. His love is as wide as the embrace of all nations everywhere.

What does God’s love do for us? God created us with a desire for love (Acts 17:27—so that we would seek Him). God, because of His love, established a way through which we can be saved from our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8). God’s love has offered us direction that can be known no other way (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s love for us allows Him to perpetuate this world with a continued desire for our repentance (2 Peter 3:9)—we must know that even this time will run out. Our God’s love is exceeding in greatness.

Conclusion:

These points seem to be a little repetitive. They are linked together and inseparable. God “loves” us enough to offer His “mercy” and extend to us His “grace”. The reason we needed to look at these three is because of the abuse that they each suffer. Many claim that God’s grace precludes the need for “organized religion”. This thought is completely at odds with the pattern of both Old and New Testaments. Many are relying on God’s mercy to look past their sins in the last day. Jesus said that no sin will be allowed to enter into Heaven (Revelation 21:27). Many are relying on God’s love to save them in the last day, without any burden of rules or expectations—like the Bible. Jesus did not see a separation between God’s love and His commandments (John 15:9-12)

God loves you beyond measure; His mercy endures forever and His grace is extended toward you—but all of these opportunities are limited. Because God does not force anyone to accept His plan His plan has one limiting factor—“you”.

God’s abundant grace, mercy, and love will not save you in the last day if you have not obeyed, from the heart, His will (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; James 1:17-25). God’s extends all the hope of His grace, mercy, and love to those who do His will. Will you obey God today? ~tss

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Title: It's Not Easy...

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Introduction:

The longer we live the better our memories become. We tend to magnify everything that we have accomplished or endured. As Christians we can sometimes over simplify the transition from sin to salvation when we think that everyone should simply throw of the shackles of their past just as we did and do what is right—right now. The truth be known; this transition is not easy. There are many factors that provoke resistance against conformity to truth and conversion. Things that are hard to understand unless you are experiencing Sthem. Things, however, that can be overcome.

It Is Not Easy to Deny the World

The world, as an influence, is strong. The reason for this is simple—“human pleasure” is the center of its trap. All human passions if uncontrolled can become addictions—we can become mentally and physically bound to those hungers. Some people are swallowed up and destroyed in their addictions.

From the time of the “Garden” Satan has used the motivation of “nobody can tell you what to do; just do what you want” (Genesis 3:1-5). When this desire for “freedom from God” is fed with worldliness it is often hard to tame. Sadly, even more so for those who have tasted the truth and then stray to the world (Hebrews 6:4-6).

It is not easy to deny the world but we are instructed by God to do it. Ephesians 1:17-32 teaches us to not live like the rest of the world (vs. 17-19) because Christ’s way is different—and better (vs. 20-21). We are to put off the old patterns, the sins of our past (v. 22). By changing our mind we change our actions (v. 23) to the better actions of “true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24). Our life must not contain lying—rather speaking only truth (v. 25)—or unresolved anger (v. 26). We must guard ourselves from temptations in (v. 27). No more stealing. No more vain words. With all these proper changes we seek to not jeopardize our salvation (v. 30). Our conduct is to be cleansed (vs. 31-32).

Are the “rules” of God’s will a burden? They are not designed to be (James 1:25 “perfect law of liberty”). They are what is best for you: A better life here and now (Galatians 5:22-23); a better way (John 14:6); a better future (Revelation 21:20-27).

It Is Not Easy To Walk Away From Past Belief

If we have been raised to believe “two plus two” equals “four” we are certainly going to be very hesitant to believe any other end result of that equation. Why won’t we change what we believe on this matter? We test the equation and the answer “two” is correct in every way—it passes all the tests therefore we will not accept any other answer.

Let’s change the scenario to this: You were raised to believe that becoming a Christian is accomplished by simply “acknowledging Jesus as your personal Savior”. Someone then teaches you that belief in Jesus must also be met with repentance and baptism in water for the remission of sins. It is not easy to accept and conform to this new knowledge. What we must do is put it to the test: The Bible is the only source of information concerning salvation. We must go to the Bible and test the equation. We must see which concept passes all the tests. First century conversion examples are an appropriate test. Acts 2:22-42—these people were not Christians—they were Jewish. They encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ as Peter preached (vs.22-36). Upon hearing the gospel they believed the message (v. 37). The message of the gospel contained instructions to “repent” and “be baptized for the remission of their sins” (v. 38). They followed those instructions and became Christians (v. 41). They also continued in the practice of truth (v. 42). Knowing this we can see that there is more than belief and “acknowledging Jesus” to be saved.

Two more examples to test by: Acts 8:12 these people were not Christians they were Samaritans. They encountered the gospel as Phillip preached. They believed the gospel (v. 12) and to act on their belief they were baptized (v. 12). Now consider Acts 8:34-39 the Ethiopian Eunuch only knew the practice of the Old Law. He was searching the scriptures (vs. 30-34). He was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ (v. 35). He desired salvation and was instructed in the way of salvation by Phillip (vs.36-37). He obeyed—upon the confession of his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, he was baptized (vs.37-38).

Not one of these examples showed the concept of simply accepting Jesus as one’s personal Savior. The test proves the need for belief, repentance, and baptism. Even though the idea of “more involved in salvation” may be new to you, it does pass the test and should be accepted.

It is not easy to leave behind things that we have always believed. However we are instructed to, “to test all things; hold fast what is good”—do what is right (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We must evaluate every teaching; testing it as to its “goodness” and its accordance to God’s will.

It Is Not Easy To Admit The Need For Salvation:

There are a lot of different factors that can play a role in this situation. Some are embarrassed that others will know that they have sinned. This can be embarrassing but reality is we already know since Romans 3:23 states that we all have sinned.

Some may think: “I have waited too long”, “I should have obeyed earlier in life, now it is embarrassing to admit the need”. It is never too late until you are dead (Hebrews 9:27). Swallow you pride and do what you know you should.

If I am baptized I will lose my family. Many will suffer this way; Jesus was aware that this would happen to some (Matthew 10:36-39; Mark 10:28-30).

The reality is that obedience to the gospel is necessary. Matthew 7:21-23 declares that only those who do God’s will, will enter Heaven. God is able to save you—His power to save is the Gospel (Romans 1:16). God has spoken so that we might listen and do (James 1:17-25).

Conclusion:

We need to: deny the world and live for God. We need to deny false beliefs and seek God’s will in all things. We need to stop stalling and admit our need for salvation. The problem is that not one of these things is easy.

This one fact must be considered: What will cost me more: staying the same or obeying God today? God has prepared a reward beyond measure for those who do His will (Hebrews 11:6). God has also prepared a punishment beyond measure for those who refuse Him (Matthew 25:30). Are you willing to do something that is difficult but incredibly rewarding? The gospel plan of salvation is yours to do right now. Will you?

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Title: The Bitter Fruit of Folly

By: T. Sean Sullivan

On April 16, 2007 a young man began a shooting rampage in a dormitory and then an education building on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. During this tragic event 32 innocent lives were taken; then the gunmen took his own life.

Just eight short years ago on April 20,1999 two young men entered their own high school in Littleton, Colorado and began what was then the deadliest killing spree among young people—when 15 people were killed and 24 were injured.

Between these two occurrences: Nine more similar incidents were written in the pages of history in California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington State and even Tennessee. These tragedies were all carried out by young students. Are these just random events or are these events the fruits of modern influence? Perhaps if we can see some underlying circumstances we might be able to make some corrections for our own families and those around us.

Looking For a Point of Blame

There are those who want to simply resign this to an “irrational act”; one that cannot be rationally understood. In these horrible situations one cannot help but ask this simple question, “Why?” To what or whom does the blame for these events belong? Certainly the bulk of the guilt of these horrifying crimes belongs to the perpetrators. But is there a root cause behind these and other echoing tragedies? Is it guns, parents, the school system, the internet, the media, the lack of security in our schools?

With some liberty to further observe our modern world there may be a better understanding of these events. There is a growing lack of respect for God in our country—a common lack of respect for God’s word from the Government down to the general public. Society seems to be determined on tearing down any reminders of God and promoting laws that would perpetuate His ban.

What has brought society in general so far away from God? Many things may be pointed out but let me suggest that our points in this lesson are prime culprits in what we are tasting today—the bitter fruits of folly.

Some blame God for problems—take the time to consider these facts: God provides righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and is about peace (Philippians 4:9) and strongly desires for all souls to be saved (Matthew 28:18-20). God provides truth (John 17:17). Knowing these facts we also know that God is not to blame for these, or any, tragedies. God does not promote carnality (2 Corinthians 10:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-12). The removal of God: removes righteousness (Romans 3:10-12) and truth (Romans 2:5-10). Removing God leaves us with no standard of right or declaration of wrong. Without God there is no ultimate answering for our decisions (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is the necessary conclusion of all teachings of men that are void of God.

Humanism Is a Point of Blame

Humanism is the elevation of man to the ultimate being in this universe; it is the total refusal of God as the Creator or the Divine Loving Provider that His is. Humanist ideas are not new (Romans 1:20-25). This very popular idea leads all of its adherents to the necessary conclusion that humans are not answerable to anyone.

What can we do? We must now, and always, realize the facts of Psalm 100:3 “Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Cherish the Bible—God’s communication with us (Hebrews 1:1-2; 3 Timothy 3:16-17). The Humanist Manifesto can be quoted saying, “It is time that we put away the restraints of the past quaint idea that there is a God”. They would teach that it is foolish to believe in a Higher Being. They say it is unreasonable and unintelligent. The truth is…“The fool says in his heart there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). The word of God is perfect (Psalm 19:6-11), everlasting (Matthew 24:35), the guide for every soul, and the standard of each one’s judgment (John 12:48).

Evolution Is a Point of Blame

The removal of God is of course joined with a discarding of His book—the Bible. Without God’s answers we are left with man’s guesses. The promotion of evolution is a root behind many modern problems. If evolution is true and we are here by chance and circumstance only: then we ultimately answer to no one but our self. The ideals of right and wrong are completely subjective and dependent upon one’s own view. All these points being considered, the only realistic conclusion is that human life without much value. In fact, one might sum life up as being only as valuable as the primordial ooze from which we first began to evolve.

The truth is evolution is at best a guess, an assumption, and a hypothesis. It cannot be proven. Evolution has never once been reproduced in a lab and therefore does not have a scientific right to be validated as a theory—let alone the "fact” that so many claim. At no time has man ever found solid evidence to support the wild guess of evolution.

What can we do? We must teach that God created us (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3) with purpose. We are hear to rule the earth (Genesis 1:26); to seek our Creator (Acts 17:27) and to worship Him (John 4:23-24). We are here to find God and do His will by our own free choice. In the fulfillment of these points of purpose we also find God’s rewards (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 11:6). We must consistently teach that God places a high value on human life. He always has (Genesis 9:6 Take a life; your life should be taken). We must teach that God places a high value on the human soul. God gave His Son for our souls (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8).

Conclusion: Humanism is not new; we read about Humanists in Romans 1:20-25. The root of the “problems” that we now seeing is one thing: Godlessness. This is the problem that rises up in a society that thinks too highly of its own intelligence. It is ironic because through the pursuit of higher thinking most rest on foolish conclusions.

We must teach both the young and the older that God is. God is our Creator. God will judge. By promoting the truth about God we may be able to build again that which has been destroyed by the teachings of Godlessness. We also must continue to teach that God’s way will end problems and human conflicts. God loves His creation and has given His only Son for them. That brings us to the ultimate message that we must share with you today. Turn to the back of this bulletin and read God’s plan of salvation. Consider the progression of points and the scriptures that support each need. Then please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: Truth and Assumption

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Assuming is often a dangerous thing. Assumption is not accepted in most areas of life. We do not want our Doctors to assume we are healthy. We do not want our mechanic to assume the wheels will stay on. But then how many people simply hand their souls over to “someone’s assumption” of what is right in religion everyday? We need to get past assumptions.

The Bible teaches only one truth and we can know that truth. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, the life, no one comes the Father accept through Me.” The Bible provides only one gospel; any other is “…not another” (Galatians 1:6-9). The Bible instructs us by only one doctrine (2 John 1:9 “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in THE doctrine of Christ does not have God”). These things must be understood but also we must understand that we can know the truth (John 8:31-32). Let’s look at some of these “assumptions” according to what the Bible really says.

Many Assume that TIME Makes a Practice Right.

The reliance on traditions is very important to many. Sometimes it is family tradition:

“Mom and Dad believed” or “Grandma and Grandpa believed”. Consider this, if they always believed and practiced something other than the truth you can’t make it less wrong by repeating their mistakes. This is a simple case of what Jesus calls, “the blind leading the blind” (Matthew 15:14). If they did not search the scripture to prove their beliefs but chose to follow them anyway; they shut their eyes to the truth. If you then declare that you will follow them you have closed your eyes as well.

Sometimes it is traditions in their religious group. There are groups today that deny the Bible and use their own traditions as authority. If you ask members of different groups why they do certain things, a common answer would be, “We have just always done it that way”.

In Matthew 15:1-9 Jesus condemns these false practices of tradition over truth. He declares that this worship is “vain” [empty] when they “teach as doctrines the commandments of men”. If something transgresses God’s will today then it will not fall in line tomorrow. Consider the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. If traditions were acceptable why did Christ command them to repent or else?

Many Assume that FEELING Determines the Truth.

There are those that have assumed that religion is a “feeling”. Many seek and enjoy the conjured atmospheres of certain “religious” places—large cathedrals with its robes, regalia, dimmed lights, maybe incense or candles. There are others who are seeking the rush of live bands and strobe lights to make them “feel” motivated.

The pattern of worship in the New Testament is simple: Matthew 28:19 “Go and teach…” not “bring the feeling”. Feeling is heavily marketed today. Dynamic speakers stand up with tear laden messages and the audience just eats it up. Where is the gospel? Poems and testimonials are not “preaching Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

The apostle Paul warned of times when people would not stand for the truth. In 2 Timothy 4:1-4 he said, “They will heap unto themselves teachers having itching ears”.

If we preach anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ we will be accursed (Galatians 1:1-9). The preaching of “Christ” as recorded in the New Testament was presented in such a way as to bring a humble response not a loud rock concert. There are three words that focused the purpose of proper preaching: convincing, convicting, and converting.

Some Assume Truth Changes With The Times

Many think times have changed; people have changed. This is not true. People have not changed we still have the same basic needs and the same basic desires. We have come a long way technologically but we are still just humans.

Sin has been around since the Garden. The sins committed in cities like Corinth and Rome in the first century would make the most brazen of our age blush. Sin has not changed: it has always followed the same pattern: The record of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3 shows the same pattern of temptation as in the record of Matthew 4:1-11 and the statements of 1 John 2:15-17. Temptation comes in three forms: “Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. There is no sin that falls outside of one of those categories—not then, not now; not ever.

The Bible is never-changing. The Scriptures themselves declare their permanence even as Jesus says in Matthew 24:35 “heaven and earth will pass away but My word will by no means pass away.” The Bible was, and is, the power of God to salvation. It was enough to convert, cleanse and save those in Corinth (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “you were washed, sanctified and justified”). It is still the only source of salvation today“(Romans 1:16 It is “the power of God unto salvation”).

Conclusion: What man “assumes” has very little to do with truth. Traditions do not make truth. Feelings do not define truth. Time does not change the truth.

The truth is real, consistent, and sure; it has been around for a long time and it is still as powerful today as ever. The truth is what you can safely place your trust in. Do you want to be saved? You can be saved according to truth today! On the back of this bulletin there is a chart that outlines the plan of salvation. Please take the time to read it and the passages that it refers to and please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: Open To The Truth

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Truth is a never changing fact even in an ever-changing world. Truth, by definition, is absolute and without question. It is puzzling how today’s world, on a whim, can disregard definitions of words like “truth”. Many, today, believe that truth is entirely relative, or subjective. In other words, you have your truth and I have my truth, and everybody is happy. Whenever we come up with mixed answers we must find a resolve; we must find a standard of what is right and base our judgments on that standard. The standard we recognize is the Word of God—the Bible.

How does this idea of “subjective truth” stand in the light of the Bible? We could draw out many different passages to use as a text but Matthew 7:21-23 seems to hit this argument the best since we are dealing with people who want to serve God according to their own will. So, how does that stand up in comparison to the clear teaching of Matthew 7:21-23? In this passage the people were very religious; they were religious about Jesus. They certainly believed that they were right and truthful in their conduct. Jesus, however, points out that they were not doing the truth. According to Jesus, “truth” is “doing the Heavenly Father’s will” not your own.

We apparently cannot decide what is acceptable to us and then expect that God will adjust Himself to come to us. The fact is: God created us with the desire that we should find Him and worship Him—that we would go to Him (Acts 17:27). He also in fact revealed His will to us: So that we would follow His will not our own (Hebrews 1:1-2; James 1:17-22). It is that revealed will that gives us the standard of absolute truth (John 17:17), the directions toward true salvation (John 8:31-32; John 14:6), and the standard by which we will be ultimately judged (John 12:48).

The scriptures declare that truth is specific. We are told that truth is absolute and also necessary for salvation. Every one of us here today should desire salvation and therefore the absolute truth.

We Need Open Eyes To See The Need For Truth.

One of the hardest people to honestly look at is our self. We need to open our eyes to the reality of our own condition—lost without Christ. Before one will change they must see the necessity of that change. Before one will obey God they must first realize that they are lost and that they need to be saved. So where are you?

Every person, who has reached a place of accountability, needs the salvation that is found through the obedience of the truth (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Jesus quotes Isaiah’s prophecy concerning this lack of sight (Matthew 13:14-16). His final proclamation is, “Blessed are your eyes for they see…” (v.16).

When we open our eyes to the Gospel it opens our understanding. Truth causes a reaction just as it did when Peter preached in Jerusalem (Acts 2). Just as it did when Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch (Acts 8). Just as it did when Ananias preached to Saul of Tarsus in Damascus (Acts 22:12-16). One who is willing to admit their sins and lost condition will truly understand the importance of salvation.

We Need Open Ears To Hear The Truth

Once we realize where we are our work is not over, neither is God’s help. God has delivered the required knowledge. When we see that we need to find God, He continues to help by giving us direction. We must open our ears to both hear and listen to what He says. In His word we find the message of salvation. We learn that we must be obedient to God’s will alone (Matthew 7:21). We learn that we must change our lives to conform to the example of His Son (1 Peter 2:21-23). We learn that we must maintain this change through continual faithfulness all the days of our life (Hebrews 10:35-39). All of these things require a willingness to actually listen—open ears.

Jesus used a fitting statement upon finishing a parable, He said, “He that has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9). In other words, “you have ears so… use them.” We must be willing to open our ears to the truth. There are times when this is not as easy as it sounds. There are passages that challenge us to change our life, and that is difficult at best. Consider Romans 12:1-2, which instructs us to change from being like the world to being different than the world. A similar passage would be 1 John 2:15-17, which instructs us to deny the world and the things of the world. This is not easy especially for anyone who has grown accustomed to worldly things. But Jesus’ finishing statement would fit into both of these passages: “He that has ears to hear, let him hear”. If we desire the benefits of the truth, we will open our ears to the Word.

We Need To Open Our Mouth With The Truth

We have looked into our selves to see that change was needed in our life. We have opened our ears to hear the truth and actually proved we were listening by making the necessary changes in order to live the truth. We are now bound ethically to share the truth. When is the last time that we spoke the name Jesus outside these walls? Have we been telling anyone at work or others in our family what Jesus has done in our life? Have we explained how we heard the gospel—the good news of salvation? Have we explained what we did and are doing to obey that gospel? Have we told them that it is available for them? We must be aware of the souls in need around us.

Once we understand the peril of sin and the hope of salvation through Jesus we will not be able to ignore the fact that others need to know. Our eyes should look upon sinners with great concern (Matthew 9:36). That concern should be taken further and we should strive to bring them to repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9). By talking to others about the Gospel we give them an opportunity to share in the greatest gift (Romans 5:8) and we may save a soul from eternal condemnation.

Conclusion: Do you desire the truth this morning? The truth is a never changing standard even in this ever-changing world. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Are you looking for the freedom that Christ promises? Open you eyes, and your ears to the truth. Once you have obeyed, then you can join our voice in sounding the message of truth to others. ~tss

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Title: Questions Every Christian Should Ask

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The ability to question or reason is solely ours; no other creature of God’s creation has this ability. We question and decide many times every day. Most of our daily decisions are small and their significance is temporary. Occasionally though, we are confronted with large questions that we must study and reason through. One such “large question” that we must face and certainly requires careful study is the question of our salvation. We must question our place with God. We must ask, “Am I saved; am I doing all that I can to please Him?” The answers to these questions are found in careful examination of our life in comparison to the standard of God’s word. We are exhorted to read, to study, to meditate, to give ourselves entirely to the word of God (1 Timothy 4:13. 15-16). One way of studying is simply to ask a question and then search the answer. With the two previously mentioned questions we can learn a lot by searching the Word for the answers. The Bible is full of answers to help us all the days that we live.

As Christians we need to be asking questions. There may be many questions that one could ask but I think these three are a good beginning.

Question: What Am I?

A short answer would be two words, “a Christian”. It is a short answer but it means much more than can be

seen in one glance. Christians are followers of Christ. He has left behind a pathway for us that will lead us home (2 Peter 1:21-23). As I Christian I am also “a redeemed soul”. I was once lost in sin; sold out, separated from God. Now, as a Christian, I have been bought back at a great price—The shed blood of the Son of God (Hebrews 9:22-28).

I also may be described as “a soldier of the cross.” Like soldiers we are to hold the line. Our line is the line of truth. We are trained to stand strong by the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are immoveable if we do as we are trained (Psalm 16:5-8). “The light of the world” is also a fitting description for a Christian. Jesus spoke of us being examples of good in this otherwise dark world. We are to be living examples of the effects of Christ on one’s life (Matthew 5:14-16). When we shine brightly we draw other’s attentions to God. Knowing what we are will help to focus on what we should be doing.

Question: Can I Do More?

Can I do more personally? We all have room for improvement; we need to examine our own work looking for the areas that need improvement enabling success and rejoicing (Galatians 6:4-5). The goal that shows us all that we need more is found in another question. “Am I comparable to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ?” (Ephesians 4:13). Yes, we have some room to grow and yes we can achieve this goal.

Can I do more for our congregation? There are many talented members here. This does not mean that a few can do the work for all. We all need to find a role and take up our share of the load (Ephesians 4:16). We also need to train up others behind us so that the truth will be maintained for generations to come. We need to look for opportunities to do…we are all in this work together for the cause of Christ.

Can I do more for others? There are many souls who need to hear the gospel. Jesus said the fields are ready for harvest (John 4:35). That is as true today as the day that He first called His disciples attention to looking out for souls in need. As Christians we have what everyone needs. We have one consistent truth (John 17:17). We have contentment in this life (Philippians 4:6-7). We have confidence in the truth to save us (Hebrews 3:14). We need to share what we have with others, it is what they are looking for; it is what they need.

Knowing that our examples speak louder than words, we must live what we teach if we expect others to listen. We are to influence others by reflecting Christ (Ephesians 4:13). The gospel’s effect in our life will radiate on to others. The gospel is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16) and the life that it leads us to is one of contentment, joy, and confident peace. These factors will influence others toward you and you will direct them toward their salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Question: Can I Be Certain of Heaven?

Everyone “in Christ” can be. Those in Christ are those who have been baptized into Him (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:4) and who have carefully maintained the relationship of “in Christ” by faithful service (Hebrews 3:12-14). Paul speaks of this continual effort (Philippians 3:13-14). Jesus Christ, Himself, speaks of our great reward being found only after our continual faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Can we be certain of our reward? Yes, Christ promised it to His faithful—to all those who love His appearing: a crown of life (2 Timothy 4:8).

Conclusion: We need to reflect on our own situation and make sure that we are doing what we need to be doing. If you are a Christian then you have. at some point, questioned your stand before God and have changed in order to please Him. This change was the answer to your question. This question was the first, but not likely the last in your relationship with God through Christ. As we grow, we should question our service and make the appropriate changes. ~tss

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Title: Time, Talent, & Treasure

By: T. Sean Sullivan

We are certainly blessed in this life and especially in our country. We have freedoms in our lives that others in this world can only dream of having. However, like most things that we have always had: there is a tendency for this blessing of freedom to be taken for granted. There is a Biblical principle that we must hold to, in opposition to this complacency, that teaches: with greater blessings comes greater responsibility (Matthew 25:14-30).

Present day, in our lives, we all have more than enough. Generally speaking we might be able to categorize what we have into three areas. Time, talents, and treasures; this is not a comparison of “who has what” or “who has more”. We must simple grasp the reality that we are to use what we have to better serve God (Acts 17:27; Colossians 3:17). By laying these things out in such categories perhaps we can better see what we do have and how we need to be using what we have. Let’s consider what we have and how we might use it to God’s glory.

We All Have Time

Time is certainly our most precious—least reliable commodity. There are no guarantees when it comes to length of life; this is what makes time so precious. It has been said that “death is no respecter of persons”; both the young and old are susceptible to death. We know that no one lives forever in this world (Hebrews 9:27), so our concern is not necessarily how many days we will have, as much as how we use the ones we do have.

What can we do with our time? We could waste our life on worldliness (Ephesians 4:17-23). It is amazing to me how many have accepted these sinful ways as some “right of passage” or mark of being an adult. Galatians 5:19-21—The works of the flesh are sins, not expressions of freedom or maturity. We could use our time to fulfill our greatest need. Solomon tried all that the world offered and with his wisdom beyond anyone, before or after, he concluded that man’s greatest reward was in the fulfillment of these words, “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

We have one life to live: In which we must prepare for meeting God in Judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). What are you doing with your time?

We All Have Talents

We all have talents: if you have not found yours, keep looking. We are familiar with the idea of “hidden talents”. As we travel through life we occasionally discover that we have an ability that we never knew we had. Most often it is because we have not had opportunity to express that ability. If an individual stands in one spot for their entire life they will never know if they can walk: until they try—try walking.

Maybe you are an “Apollos” (Acts 18:24)—able to speak well and to teach others. Maybe your role is like “Barnabus” (Acts 4:36)—you can encourage others in good works. Perhaps you are a “Dorcas” (Acts 9:36-42)—you are able to use your talent to supply other’s needs.

As part of a congregation we all have something to do (Ephesians 4:11-16). The growth of the body is caused by every individual member doing their share. In order for a congregation to reach its full effectiveness every member of that congregation must be working at their full effectiveness. We are to use, or express, our talents. We must, however, find the proper way of expressing them. There are two distinct areas in which we can express our abilities. Religiously: within the bounds of authority we must make sure that we are doing all that we are able to the full extent of our ability (Romans 12:4-15)—seeking to be the most effective worker for the Lord that we can be. Then also Secularly: using our talents to their fullest bearing in mind that they cannot come before our service to God.

We all have some measure of talent. We need to use our talents to further our relationship with God. What are you doing with your talents?

We All Have Treasures

We all have treasures. There are two areas that the Bible speaks of in regard to treasures: Earthly treasures and Heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). Earthly treasures are material things, money or possessions. In and of themselves these things are neither moral nor immoral. Money is not evil—the love of money leads to evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Be warned: the love of money has caused individuals to leave the faith (Luke 12:15). Heavenly treasures are our greatest treasure. We should treasure the satisfied hope of Heaven (John 14:1-6). As we walk in this life we focus on finding Heaven as our number one priority and this is heavenly treasure.

What can I do with my treasures? Always put them in their place: the Heavenly first and foremost in both your heart and your actions (Matthew 6:20-21). The earthly treasures need to be put in place only as necessary to survive and sufficient to allow us to pursue the Heavenly.

We need to use what we have well. Proverbs 3:5-10 calls on us to “Honor the Lord with your first fruits”. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 instructs the rich to “be rich in good works, ready to give, [and] willing to share”. Stinginess is not an acceptable character trait in a Christian: cannot be a miser—miserable—and also have love, joy, and peace. Those who are able to give need to give with liberality (Romans 12:6-8)

Conclusion:

Each of these points can be used or abused. We can waste our lifetime away on frivolous things. We can place a higher value on talents than on pleasing God. With treasures we could certainly desire the earthly treasure more than heavenly.

What will we do with our blessings of time, talent, and treasure? God wants you to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Will you dedicate your time to His service (Matthew 6:33)? Will you use your talents to further His cause (Romans 12:6-8)? Are your earthly treasures being used to further your Heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21)?

God has prepared a way that we can know true success. Through His Son Jesus Christ we are given an opportunity to be freed from the bonds of sin and released to seek and serve Him with all of our ability. Will you apply yourself to that plan today? ~tss

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Title: Do Not Envy The World

By: T. Sean Sullivan

How blessed we are to have the freedom from our sins! We know that this hope of blessed freedom is made available to man by God, through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:16-18). We also know that this release from our sins is necessary to enter God’s promised reward (Revelation 21:27).

The preaching and teaching that goes on in this place finds a two-fold purpose. It is to bring new souls to salvation and also to encourage those who are already in Christ to stay in Christ. It seems, at least on the surface, that the latter of those two would be the easier. Is it not reasonable to think that the “rejoicing in”, and “cherishing”, our freedom would be seen as necessary by all who have it. It would seem like an easily made decision to never look elsewhere for anything more than the “hope” we have in Christ. There are however some who turn their hearts toward the world and even from their place of freedom and hope they see something out there that they assume is better—something that they perceive as fun or adventurous.

With this growing admiration for worldly way they begin to envy the world. They see the world’s activities and begin to believe the advertisers twists. They see those things as something they are missing out on by being a seeker of righteousness. Let’s open our Bibles and consider the importance of not letting our heart begin to envy the world.

Be Careful Where You Look

You will go where you look. This is a statement that is simply true. It is nearly impossible to do even the simplest tasks with your eyes looking in a different direction. Think about walking or running a straight line while looking to the right or to the left. The same is true of driving a vehicle. It is nearly impossible to maintain your own lane if your eyes are diverted for very long. This is true for these simple things; how much more for the complex and important task of walking in righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22)?

Consider Lot who turned his eyes toward the plain of Jordan, just east of Canaan (Genesis 13:10-11). During this separation Lot began to dwell in the cities on the plain of Jordan and even as far a Sodom [“toward Sodom” OKJV] (vs. 12). Then over time Lot was not just “toward” but now “in” Sodom (Genesis 14:12). Then we find him a little later sitting as part of the city in the leadership—sitting at the gates of the city (Genesis 19:1). From looking toward, to being near, to being in—this is how it happens.

Where are your eyes looking? Solomon advises us “do not let your heart envy sinners” (Proverbs 23:17-18). There is a tendency to slip into what is known as “Greener Grass Syndrome” wherein one cannot see the value of what they have and they convince themselves that everything else they do not have is better. Even this description shows the root cause: our own “failure to appreciate and value” what we have and a personal “willingness” to feed the lust of the eyes (1 John 2:15-17). Are you looking away from Christ toward the world or are you focused on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2)? If we set our eyes on Jesus we will direct our feet on a course to be with Him.

Appreciate What You Have

What do we have in Christ to be appreciated? A way of life that is proven true:

Even in a world that is increasingly distanced from God and righteousness the characteristics of a Christian’s life are still admired and/or required. In Christ our way of life includes honesty: We speak the truth (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12) not lies (Colossians 3:9). Honesty also provides for: integrity, honor, and reliability. Life in Christ also includes happiness, joy, and peace. In Christ we are given every reason to have peace and joy (Philippians 4:4-8). Our life also calls for discipline and focus. We are focused on higher standards (Ephesians 4:17-23). Our disciplined conduct carries from our spiritual conduct through to our walk of life (Colossians 3:17).

We also need to appreciate our direction that cannot be found elsewhere. Many are searching for answers. By seeing those searchers we can become convinced to think that we can’t have the answers so easily when these others are struggling to find them. The fact that others ignore God’s answers does not disprove God’s answers (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23).

God has provided us all things that we need: The answers for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The answers concerning righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The answers to life’s “big questions”—who we are, what caused us to be, and what is our purpose in this place (Acts 17:24-27).

No one has ever proven the characteristics of Christianity to be in any way detrimental to man or society. Every place that the Bible has gone and remains is better for it. You are also a better person with the Bible than is possible without it. God’s word is direction from our loving Creator (James 1:17-25). The life He outlines and directs us toward is the best. The restrictions therein are keeping us from harm (physically and spiritually).

Why?

Why should we be careful where we look and why should we appreciate what we have in Christ? Turn back to what Solomon says in Proverbs 23:17-18. (vs. 17a) “Do not let your heart envy sinners”. (vs. 17b) “But fear the Lord all day”. (vs. 18 a) “For surely there is a hereafter”. The “why” is this fact: there is a life after this one and “IF” we remain zealous in our fear of God we will not lose our place in the “hereafter”.

Our hope and faith are centered on being freed from sins and welcomed into God’s reward in the “hereafter” (Hebrews 11:6). If we begin to envy and admire the world’s life, we will soon be living it and we will have our hope cut off. We need to endure (Hebrews 10:35-39)—Live by faith, focus on the goal, do not go back to perdition, go on to the salvation of our souls.

Conclusion:

The world paints itself in attractive colors but paint is not very deep. Do not be fooled into thinking that “life is better out there”. God, our Creator, our Loving Father, longs for each of us to conform to His will and to find His promised salvation (Matthew 7:21; 2 Peter 3:9).

How can one envy the world? One can look away from Christ and be taken in by the appearance of worldly pleasures. Many a congregation has been weakened by those who look away and then walk away. But also one can be in the world and be touched by the gospel but then refuse to give up the ways of the world. Many a soul has been offered the truth but refuse to leave the path they are on. Either way “envying the world” leads one away from God and the only hope of salvation.

Right now is the time to wake up. If you are Christian, look nowhere but to Jesus. If you are not yet a Christian it is time to change your view. On the back of this bulletin there is a chart that outlines God’s plan of salvation. Please consider it carefully and please obey God today. ~tss

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Title: How Are We Growing?

By: T. Sean Sullivan

What is the secret of success among Christians? How is it that some are able to excel in service, faith, and duty? In any given congregation, you may find: those who grow on a steady pace, those who run hot and cold who suffer a lack of growth, and those who never grow. Those who grow steadily, truly achieve success before God. What are they doing that perhaps the others are not doing? Can we examine their lives to discover the secret of their success? If you looked into their life, I trust you would quickly find a pattern well worth emulating. I must tell you, their success has not been achieved through any secret plan or formula. In fact, it is public knowledge and we are going to consider that knowledge in this article. If you want to see steady growth in your life, I suggest these steps.

Try Praying More

Try praying more. The opportunity of prayer is a blessed privilege we need to use to our advantage. What does prayer do? Prayer draws you closer to God (James 4:7). Every relationship is strengthened through communication. His care will relieve the weight of our cares (1 Peter 5:7). He has promised to provide such things as: forgiveness (Acts 8:22), care (1 Peter 5:7), peace (Philippians 4:6-7), and wisdom (James 1:5). Prayer is the channel through which we petition these promises.

For what should I pray? Besides the necessities of daily life and giving of glory to God, you should specify your goals in prayer. If your goal is to grow: pray for God’s help (Colossians 1:9-10; Philippians 1:9-11). If your goal is to overcome a particular weakness: spell it out and seek His help (2 Corinthians 13:7-9). If your goal is helping someone else find the truth: pray for a door of opportunity (Colossians 4:2-3). We can never pray too much. We must open our hearts to God in prayer on a regular basis. Keep in touch with God; soon you will be growing.

Try More Study

Try more study. The Bible is God’s will for your life and my life (Hebrews 1:1-2). With the Bible alone, we have every instruction to become: a true disciple of Christ (John 8:31-32), righteous (2 Timothy 3:16-17), ready for judgment (John 12:48), and an heir of eternal life (Titus 3:4-8). The Bible is a good and perfect gift (James 1:17-18), the truth of God (John 17:17), and God’s power unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

Where do I start? Many people are confused about the Bible. They do not know where to start. My first suggestion is always the New Testament. We must live by the New Testament today; it will be our standard of judgment (John 12:48; Acts 17:31). Looking into the New Testament if you want to learn: more about Jesus’ life—study Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You want to know how to become a Christian—study Acts. Practical applications for life as a Christian are found through a study of the Epistles. Insight to God’s final triumph and a glimpse of Heaven is found in the book of Revelation. We can also study the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, we are shown an important example of a complete relationship with God (Romans 15:4).

Try Trusting More

Try trusting more: This is the part where you have prayed, you have studied, and now you are going to apply what you know. Consider the words of Paul as he encourages growth in Timothy. Paul in, 1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16 says, “Give attention to reading, to exhortation (Explaining the scriptures: i.e. preaching properly to get the message across), to doctrine (teaching). Meditate on these things (Concentrate: Let them fill your thoughts). Giving your self entirely to the word means trusting God enough to give your self completely over to His word. Have you given yourself to doing God’s will? Growth as a Christian is found in knowing and doing God’s will (James 1:17-25).

Conclusion:

Are you growing steadily? If not, perhaps you need more prayer, study, and trust.

God will not fail you, trust Him, and dedicate your life to doing His will. The opportunity to obey God’s will and begin to grow for Him is now. There is a chart of the back of this bulletin that will instruct you in the steps of God’s plan of salvation. Please read it and obey God today ~tss

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Title: I Would Rather Be Odd

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Those who desire God’s rewards need to be willing to be “odd”. Odd means: different from the usual or normal. This is also the same definition that belongs to the KJV word “peculiar”. If we consider how “usual” relates to “peculiar”: We could consider by the force of its definition that “usual” represents the majority; “peculiar” represents the minority. So that being the case which would you rather be in Matthew 7:13-14—“Usual” is to go the way of destruction and “peculiar” or “odd” is to find the way that lead to life—I would rather be odd. The same could be said concerning many passages that relate this same scenario (Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:32-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10). I would rather be odd.

It is not easy being “odd”. The reality is that God has a plan for those whom “He might redeem from all iniquity and purify to Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works” (KJV). Let’s consider some who were willing to be “odd” for the sake of right. Also what it takes to be like them.

Two Examples of People Willing to be Odd

Mary the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25). Mary was special because of her morals (Matthew 1:18, 23, 25). She was in love and didn’t loose here virginity to prove it. She loved Joseph and knew that it was not necessary to "give herself" to him in order to keep him. Even when they were engaged and were going to be married she remained a virgin.

Some try to rationalize by saying. “Way back then everyone was a pure, it wasn’t like today”. Wrong! The world was just as worldly then as now: Mary lived in a world where the king could order every male child to be killed and it would happen (Matthew 2:16-18). Mary lived in a world full of things described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21—this was the world that Mary lived in. She had to purpose in her heart to be morally pure. She had to be willing to be “odd”.

Timothy was an example of purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy was to be a walking example of things that he taught from God’s word. This is clear from 1 Timothy 4:13-16 where Paul commends him to live and teach what he learns so that both “he” and “those who hear him” will be saved.

Timothy was certainly willing to be an example. Many refuse this responsibility. Often we try to pass it off onto someone else but the truth is that we are responsible to be the right example (Matthew 5:14-16). Timothy also lived in a world that was not conducting themselves in love, purity, or faith. He has to purpose in his heart to be an example of love, spirit, faith, and purity in all his conduct. Timothy was willing to be “odd”.

Determined To Be Odd:

These examples are set for us to be able to see, learn from, and repeat in our own life. We can be different than the world, like Mary and Timothy, by maintaining our purity. We can listen to God and be morally good. To keep away from immoral practices, we must decide to do what is right and stick with our choice—before we are faced with a real-life decision. The truth is, you will never be popular in the world by choosing God’s way but why desire the world when the world and its lusts are passing away (1 John 2:15-17). Those who are willing to live God’s way will see His rewards (Hebrews 11:6; Revelation 21:10-27).

Our examples are bound by one common thread. In our examples we see a prevalent willingness to honor and respect God. Both Mary and Timothy were willing to do what God said—in this they made themselves appear odd in comparison to the rest of the world. In order to find the same recognition from God we too must respect His instruction. The “usual” are those who refuse God’s instructions and they will not be permitted into Heaven (Matthew 7:21a). The “odd” are those who do His will and58 they will enter His heavenly kingdom (Matthew 7:21b)—I would much rather be “odd”.

Are You Willing To Be Odd?

You must desire God’s way to truly succeed. Success requires listening to God, instead of the world (Romans 12:1-2). The world is all about failure, God is about victory. Success requires a change of heart: from self-centered to self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25). We must change from self-serving to wanting what God wants (Psalm 119:97-105). We must change from self-guided to willingly instructed by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

Success requires diligence. We cannot pick and choose when we will listen and when we won’t. It is easy to listen sometimes. Diligent effort is required at other times. God’s way is hard, but it is worth it (1 Peter 4:1-5; 13-16).

There are some subjects that really challenge us to as to whether or not we will listen to God: What about modesty: the world seems to think that “skin is in”. Modesty is properly presenting your body, which must include appropriate clothing. God instructs us through the New Testament scriptures in what to wear and how to wear it. 1 Timothy 2:9 Clothing is to be “modest, appropriate, and moderate”. Both men and wome1n must conduct themselves with modesty (1 Timothy 4:12).

Another subject that challenges many is morality. It is a challenge to refuse the world’s way and listen to God about morality. We need to make the right moral choices. God’s standard has not changed since the beginning. God has always set a standard for what we do with our bodies.

Moral use of the body includes appropriate sexual relations: Marriage is the only place for sexual desires to be exercised (Genesis 2:18, 21-24); all other sexual relations are sinful (Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4).

It is a challenge to listen to God. In this world “normal” is to do what ever you want and discover the “terror” of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). Those who are willing to be different, those who are willing to be “odd” will find His rewards (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Conclusion:

God’s special people are “peculiar”—they are odd. Because they put forward special effort in their life: to be “listeners” to God. The examples we considered today were willing to do what was right, in an evil world, in the face of criticism, and against the odds. They really set a great example for all of us. All of us have work to do every day striving to do the things pleasing to the Lord.

Life is full of choices, how will you choose? You can be like most of the world and chart your own course, as for me, “I would rather be odd”. How about you? ~tss

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Title: A Christian Went Out To Teach

By: T. Sean Sullivan

There was Christian who wanted to share their hope with others and the reaction that he had as he went out into the community. He went out with the gospel to share with everyone he met. He met different reactions and we are going to look at four particular cases. As he traveled and spoke to four different people he received four different reactions.

Let’s open our Bibles, considering together these reactions and what we might learn from them. We will affix a name to each case. These names only represent some generic human being. [Disclaimer "The characters and incidents portrayed and the names herein are fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional."]

Walker

Walker is an interesting fellow he is educated and fairly well-off. When the Christian introduced the Bible, Walker immediately put up a wall. He was too smart to believe. He began to build a wall of defense. The first block in his wall was the accusation, “The Bible is full of errors”. Many people think this about the Bible. Jesus said, ‘Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). God was willing to deliver His will through the medium of written words. God has also preserved this written word so that man would have His word. The Bible has been a targeted for many centuries—it is still here and it is intact. There are many other elements of proof like the faith of many individuals, the early manuscripts, scholars, and definitely the critics. The more critical the critics the more exact the Bible is because of their constant critical observation.

Walker’s second block was, “The Bible is too old to mean anything today”. Is that true? No! The Bible will always be timely because every factor involved in its context is still the same: There are only three elements that can affect the effectiveness of the Bible—God, man, and sin. If any of these three change then the Bible is of no effect. God has not changed (James 1:17 “…no variation”). Man has not changed (Romans 3:23 “all have sinned”). Sin has not changed (Genesis 3, Matthew 4, 1John 2:15-16). The Bible is, and always will be, timely and accurate for our needs (Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:97-105).

Walker is callused by worldly intelligence and hardened by worldliness. He would not listen to the words of hope. This type of thought was corrupting many in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:18-31).

Roxanne:

This Christian continued on his way teaching and met another individual and began to have a conversation about the Bible. He found a different reaction this time. As soon as Roxanne found out about the Bible she was interested and wanted to know more. She soon decided to attend service and so she showed up one Sunday morning. Roxanne quickly became a Christian and had a strong desire for the truth at the beginning but soon became discouraged and left.

After becoming a Christian she was no longer accepted by her “friends” (1 Peter 4:1-5). They just didn’t like that she trying to do better things. We are warned to choose our friends wisely—but she would not hold on to her faith under the pressure that her “friends” applied (Proverbs 12:26; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Roxanne quickly fell back into the old patterns. She had no staying power (Luke 9:62). Roxanne was shallow and she could not see past the moment in which she lived. She failed to take hold of the hope God offers through Jesus Christ, she was not willing to put off her old life (Ephesians 4:17-29).

Barb:

As this Christian continued he met yet another individual. He began to have a conversation about the Bible. He spoke of the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16). He introduced the better life of a Christian: wherein the fruit of the Spirit grows (love, joy, peace…. Galatians 5:22-25) and where every spiritual blessing is promised (Ephesians 1:3). Barb immediately accepted the truth and obeyed the gospel.

Barb began to grow and flourish. She was being built up; rooted in Christ (Colossians 2:6). There were many good things happening and Barb’s growth began to show (1 Timothy 4:15). Then something began to happen. Barb didn’t show up one Wednesday night. She decided to skip services and go to a football game with her brother. It was a couple weeks later she missed an entire Sunday for a family reunion. Barb was beginning to lose sight of her priorities (Matthew 6:33). It wasn’t long before Barb was scarcely at services at all. It became a game of “one excuse after another”. She like so

many try to excuse their lack of devotion by things like family (Matthew 10:37) or it was the weekend at the cottage (Hebrews 10:24:25). Then she just didn’t feel like coming (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Barb seemed at first to want the truth but she slowly became choked out by the cares of this life. This problem continues to be seen even in modern times.

Gardner:

The Christian continued and he met Gardner. After sharing the gospel with Gardner he soon became a Christian. His desire to learn was very apparent. He quickly began to build his faith stronger and stronger (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 2:1-2). Gardner clearly demonstrated the attributes of a Christian. His development was on track (2 Peter 1:5-8). His character was well known (Ephesians 4:22-24). His attributes were clearly evident to all (Galatians 5:22-23).

Even with Gardner something happened. Gardner decided to talk to his family about the truth and they soon became Christians. They saw his good works and glorified God through their own obedience (Matthew 5:14-16). He talked to his neighbors and a few of them began to attend. He began to bear much fruit as he continued to grow in his own faith and continued to encourage faith in others (John 15:2 “more fruit”).

Gardner laid hold on the gospel and didn’t look back. From his own efforts to spread the gospel many heard and obeyed.

Conclusion: Certainly by now all of you know that we studied the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-10). Now which one are you like? Walker, who is callused and unwilling to listen to the truth—the wayside soil? Roxanne, who was shallow and could not stand the temptations to turn back—the rocky soil? Barb, who was growing until cares of this world over time choked her out—the thorn infested soil? Gardner, who grabbed hold of the truth and lived it to his fullest knowing the value of a soul’s salvation. He shared it with everyone he met—the good soil?

We have the message of truth—the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). Will you grab it and obey it and live it all the rest of your days? Let the truth settle deep in your heart and let it grow up to bear fruit; then even more fruit—for the Lord. ~tss

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Title: Questions That Need Answers

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The world is asking a lot of questions about their religion. They are questioning long standing “traditions” and “doctrines”. If we look closer at the general religious crowd we will notice that yesterday’s mainstay religions are fading and the modern “community churches” are flourishing. This is because today’s society is searching for something more than what they have been getting in their long time denominations.

It is our prayer that they are looking for the truth. Sadly, they are chasing their tails by going from denomination to denomination. They should take some time to seriously study the Bible. They need what we all need. We need to ask the right questions and they need nothing more than the plain truth for answers. We need to answer some questions so that we might help those who are looking. Let’s consider some questions that others should ask and we should be able to answer.

Question: Am I Saved?

This is a beginning place—an elemental question. One must conclude that they are lost before they will look for salvation. All too many have been deceived into believing they are alright. Like those in Galatia who had their attention turned away (Galatians 1:6-9) or the others want their own rendition of truth (Romans 10:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-5).

It takes humility to seek God and the His pure and simple truth. Without God we are truly destitute and helpless. We must seek God with an understanding of our state without Him and with a willingness to do whatever He commands no matter the cost. This disposition was found in those in Peter’s audience in Acts 2. They were, “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). An example of one who learned the humility of God’s way is found in the Old Testament passage of 2 Kings 5:9-14. Naaman discovered that God’s way is not fancy or exciting compared to most of man’s grandiose ideas. God’s way is simple, true, and requires humility.

Are you saved? There is one standard by which we will all be measured—the Word (John 12:48). We are saved when we have satisfied the requirements of God’s revealed word (John 8:31-32).

Question: What Is Truth?

This question should not exist: the one true answer defines all others answers as wrong and therefore no other answers should be considered. This certainly means that religious confusion should not exist either. The religious world is ignoring the Bible and changing their doctrines at the drop of a hat—this has left many wondering what truth really is. Today, some have grown so callused to “ever-changing truth” that they come to believe man is in control of truth and they just won’t commit to anything. Others do not accept that truth changes so they wander in search of “the” truth.

Jesus answers our question for us in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your Word Is Truth”. We must seek knowledge from God’s word and rely confidently in it. It has been supplied so that we might be led by it (Psalm 119:100-105).

God has only ever sent one guide meant to unify us all (Hebrews 1:1-2). One word from which the design of His one church is shown (Matthew 16:18). One word in which all the necessary knowledge is recorded as delivered by the one Spirit (John 16:12-15). One word that calls us to one hope (1 Peter 1:3-5). One word that reveals the directions of our one Lord (Ephesians 1:20-23). One word that lead us to one faith (Romans 10:17). One word that instructs the necessity of one baptism (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21). One word from our one Creator God and Father (John 12:48-50). The Bible is everything we need to be complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must conform to the Bible—nothing more, or less, than all.

Question: How Do I Apply The Truth?

“I have a Bible now what?” We must conform to its instructions (James 1:17-22). Instructions for salvation as found in the New Testament are clearly seen in command and example. Individuals were taught the gospel and were expected to hear and believe that gospel (Romans 10:17). They were provided many proofs to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God and were expected to confess their belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:33; Romans 10:10). They were instructed in the ways of righteousness which exposed their own errors which needed to be met with repentance (Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9). Then their hope of freedom: the remission of their sins was taught as available through baptism in water (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). We also learn all those who commit to God through Jesus Christ must strive to remain faithful (Hebrews 10:35-39; Revelation 2:10).

Conclusion:

There are many questions and as time continues more questions will arise. Jesus said that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Rest your faith on His word (Romans 10:17)

One more question that you might be considering is “when?” Philip said, “If you believe with all heart you may” (Acts 8:36-38). When we realize that we have sinned and we know that Christ offers forgiveness we need to get a hold of that forgiveness as soon as possible before it is eternally too late. Do you believe? Are you ready? ~tss

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Title: Some Passages That Need Explanation

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The Apostle Peter makes an interesting statement in the last few lines of his second epistle (2 Peter 3:14-18). There are some parts of the Bible, which are hard to understand. Difficult passages must be handled properly, considering the clear warning given by Peter, in that these passage misapplied bring destruction of the truth and one’s stand before God.

In this article we are going to consider three passages that are notoriously difficult but can be understood by rightly dividing the word of truth. We must remember one primary rule in Biblical interpretation: Never interpret a difficult verse to mean some opposed to other clear verses. We also need to consider that the doctrine of Christ is not found in a pattern of “one verse per subject”; we must consider the fullness of the teachings on each subject before conclusions are drawn. The best Bible commentary is the Bible itself. Let’s consider these three passages:

1 Timothy 4:7-11 (esp. 10)

Here is a passage that we must be careful with. If 1Timothy 4:10 stood alone, it could be interpreted that God saves everybody regardless of belief or faithful actions (righteousness). This, however, is not the case. What does 1 Timothy 4:7-11 teach? The hard part of the verse is the last two statements: “We trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe”. This is a parenthetical thought.

Let me explain. The first statement “Savior of the all men…” is then qualified by, “especially those who believe. We use this word structure whenever we compare: “potential” and “actual”. An example: Paul writings can be hard to understand, especially 1 Timothy 4:10. The first statement tells us that potentially all of Paul’s writings can hard to understand. The second, qualifies the first, saying actually out of all of Paul’s writings, only particular verses such as 1 Timothy 4:10 are difficult to understand. Bring this over to 1 Timothy 4:10 and consider it this way. Every man has the potential of salvation, only through God who makes salvation possible. Those who actually will be saved are those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 in light of more simple passages: salvation is found by those who do God’s will (Matthew 7:21-23; James 1:17-22). Salvation is found only by those in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-10; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). Salvation is found only by the faithful (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9). God has made salvation available to “all men”, those who are willing to accept, believe and do His will—will be saved.

1 Peter 3:18-20 (esp. 19-20)

The difficultly is found in the statement “He went and preached to the spirits in prison…” Let’s consider some of the context before we define the meaning. The He of course is Christ Jesus (vs. 18). That which was done was preached, heralding: sounding forth words of uprightness. That which was done was done through the power of the Spirit who raised Him from the dead (vs. 18). Peter’s comment concerning the spirits “in prison” is present tense (en phulakē)—at the time of Peter’s writing the spirits of whom he speaks are imprisoned. While verse 20 tells us the “preaching” to those spirits takes place at a completely different time: the days of Noah—while the ark was being prepared).

What does 1 Peter 3:18-20 teach? 1 Peter 3:18-20 is an axiomatic statement. In other words Peter simply states that Christ accomplished this preaching during the days of Noah. He does not clarify or lend any additional proof to his statement and we can know it is true, based on the evidenced supplied from a variety of passages. Christ is also preaching today, as He did after His ascension, and will continue to do until the end. He preached while present (Matthew 5, 6, 7). He preached, after He ascended, through the Spirit (John 14:16-17; 15:25-26; 16:7-16). Christ continues to preach today through those who proclaim His word (1Timothy 4:1-5).

In the record of 1 Peter 3:18-20, Noah was the preacher: Christ was the one who sent the word through the Spirit to Noah. Therefore the preaching is attributed to Christ. The spirit who currently are in “prison”—the holding place (Hades) were the same spirits who refused to believe (Apeithēsasin) Noah when, before the flood, Noah preached the words of uprightness to them.

1 Peter 3:19 in light of more simple passages: After one dies the opportunity for salvation is lost (Luke 16:26). The opportunity to change is lost at death. The state in which we die is the state in which we are judged (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus did not go into torments to preach to lost spirits. Christ preached to those spirits through Noah, before their fleshly bodies perished in the flood.

Acts 16:30-31

This passage is not filled with difficult words. It is not written in a difficult way. Acts 16:30-31 is difficult only because it has been taken as a “stand alone” verse when it actually is dependant on all the rest of the verses that deal with a soul’s salvation.

The greatest difficultly is truly understanding the word “believe” and what it really means to “believe”. What does the word believe mean? When the Jailor was told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…” Paul clearly meant more that superficial believe—i.e. Believe that Jesus is real.

Believing “on Jesus” means: Believing and accepting all of His teachings, instructions, and examples. It means accepting all that He did, said, and revealed. A quick examination of the context, just as far as verse 33 tells us that they believed and therefore were baptized. Why be baptized if simple belief is all you need?

Acts 16:30-31 in light of more simple passages: Belief and baptism go hand in hand (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Doing the entire doctrine of Christ is essential to salvation (2 John 9). Doing God’s will is essential to our salvation (Matthew 7:21). Yes, you must believe but you must take the whole package, everything Christ is, taught, and revealed.

Conclusion: There are some passages that are difficult to understand. They are not impossible.

With some study they can be understood. We must be careful to rightly divide the word of truth. If we twist the scriptures we will fall prey to destruction. Can we know what the scriptures truly teach? YES! Jesus promised that we would know the truth if we abide in the word (John 8:31-32). We must make an effort to study to show ourselves approved of God—rightly dividing the word of truth. The plan of salvation is not found all in one verse. We must rightly divide the word to find the steps in this plan. Are you ready? ~tss

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Title: Leaving Our Nets

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Introduction:

When Jesus began His teaching around thirty years of age (Luke 3:23) the first thing that He did was choose some men to help Him. Perhaps you have read how He met Andrew, who went to get his brother Peter, as recorded in John 1:40-42. After meeting Jesus these two men continued to work at their trade until we read in Mark 1:16-18 that Jesus met them both as they worked on their nets in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus called them to leave their nets and follow Him.

It was no problem at all for these men to leave their nets and follow Jesus, right? Actually it was an incredible decision for Andrew and Peter. They were fishermen—likely their family’s trade for generations, it was all they knew. Jesus called them to leave behind their life—all that they have known—to follow Him for something else. They were willing to give up the trade that their fore-fathers for generations had taught their sons. They were willing to go with Jesus down a completely different way because Jesus asked them. The question for us is, “Do we have some nets to leave behind so that we can follow Jesus?”

The Net of Fear

The greatest trap known to man is our own fears. So many people allow fear to dictate their lives. There are those who are afraid of giving up the “things” of this life in order to follow Jesus, for example: The young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) who desired to serve God but when Jesus pointed out that he loved his possession too much the young man was afraid to give them up. Then we might consider Felix, the governor of Judea who was afraid to lose his position in society (Acts 24:24-27).

There are people who are simply afraid of God. Many, because of this fear, practice willful blindness—intentionally closing their eyes; refusing to see the truth. We cannot “wil”l God out of existence (Revelation 4:8 “Who was and is and always will be”). They cannot wish that Judgment will not befall them (2 Corinthians 5:10a “all” will stand before the judgment). They cannot hope for their responsibility to their own soul to disappear (2 Corinthians 5:10b). With their eyes crammed shut they are missing out on seeing some important things: They are failing to see God’s love (1 John 4:8-10). God has made their success a possibility and a priority (Acts 17:31). God has provided all things that they need to improve their life here and make eternal life their own (2 Peter 1:3). Have you been holding onto a net of fear? Why not leave it behind and follow Jesus?

The Net of Worldliness

What has a grip on you? There are many things that we could consider in the scheme of worldliness. The opportunities for the world to ply its trade are much more frequent in today’s world because of our modern technologies. Nearly all modern communication devices (T.V. and the Internet) have been exploited by corrupt minds. The opportunity to view immodesty and immorality is instant; the popularity and the pollution of the Internet are second to none. These sources “offer” the safety of anonymity—“No one knows, go ahead and watch me”.

We need to better understand what Jesus was telling us in Matthew 6:22-23: we are “input equals output” beings. The input that our eyes view will affect our whole being. We must strive to be freed from this net of worldliness. We need to flee lusts and pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22). We need to see worldly things for what they are—traps (1 John 2:15-17). In any action we need to discern if it is right or wrong make a comparison: Is this activity helping me to bear fruit of the Spirit or is this activity resulting in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-25)? Are you caught up in a net of worldliness? Why not leave that net and follow Jesus?

The Net of Tradition

It is sad to consider how many have allowed themselves to be trapped by the net of tradition especially around the subject of religion. This net captures generations of families; the next generation will not look for the way out because of the previous generation. The, “If it was good enough for grandma. It is good enough for me” mindset is what traps many people in this net.

Jesus called Paul to leave a religion that He could trace back for generations—Judaism (Acts 9:4-6). Paul could have stayed for his parent’s sake for the sake of all the years he had believed he was right—but he didn’t. Paul left Judaism and followed Jesus (Acts 9:17-22).

Even today, Jesus is calling to all people everywhere to leave their nets of false religion and simply follow Him. He has given us one plan of salvation—the gospel (Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:6-8). Teaching and/or accepting anything else leads souls to condemnation. Jesus has given us one doctrine—His doctrine (John 8:31-32; 2 John 9); any other doctrine will not result in a relationship with God. Jesus has given us one way (John 14:6). Man’s plans result in the type of divisions and false teaching that we seeing today. Jesus provides one hope—eternal life in Heaven (John 4:14). If we go to Jesus and seek His direction we will receive His rewards. We can leave this net of lies and take on the truth following Jesus.

Conclusion:

There are many nets, which are able to catch us if we let them. Many today are overwhelmed by fear, or caught up by the world, or simply unwillingly to put God before tradition. These are just three of the many nets people succumb to.

Are you caught in a net? It is time to get free and leave that net behind. A net of sin separates many from God. We can be released from sin through God’s plan. Are your ready? It is time to leave the nets behind and come follow Jesus. ~tss

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Title: The "I" Factor

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Have you ever heard the saying, “Handed life on a silver platter”? Whenever someone thinks that they deserve everything and they personally give nothing: they are expecting life to be handed to them on a silver platter. Have you ever known anyone like that? Or, this is a scary question, are you like that?

In Proverbs 18:24 we read, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…” If you expect to be treated friendly, you must be friendly. If you expect to be loved, you must love. This is the personal factor that it involved in most everything thing that we do. It is part of our families/marriage/parent-child relationship. It is part of our work environment. It must be part of our church family too.

Please consider with me some goals for “church growth” that begin with me; that begin with you.

It Is Up To Me To Make This A Loving Group.

We are nothing without love. Jesus declared that we must love one another (John 13:34). We should have a love that is simple to recognized and hard to mistake, since it is a love that can be used to identify us as disciples of Christ (John 13:35).

Our love is first established on the things we have in common. We share faith based on God’s revealed word (Romans 10:17). Peter describes our mutual be saying, our “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1). We also share one doctrine, not some “Church of Christ” doctrine, as some may assume, we have only the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). With common faith and doctrine we find ourselves on a common pathway. Our path is difficult; we need each other to offer help and care (Matthew 7:13-14).

Our love can grow beyond simple commonalities when we get to know and appreciate one another a people. That is why Peter instructed us to add to our Agape to our Philos. Add family love to our brotherly love (2 Peter 1:7).

There is a room for improvement in our love. The brethren at Philippi loved one another and still Paul said, “May your love still abound more and more…” (Philippians 1:9). We have allowed personal conflicts to distract our growth and our love. We must come to terms with these problems (Matthew 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:7). Resolve them and put them in the past (Ephesians 4:25-32). To do this you can simply let it go (1 Peter 4:8). You can go to the one with whom you have a problem to gain them back (Matthew 18:15-17).

We must grow in love. Love starts with me, I will get to know you more and love you more.

It Is Up To Me To Bring Growth To This Group.

Why do we need to grow? If we are not growing we are dying (John 15:1-8). Jesus statement is unmistakable: once you begin bearing fruit keep bearing more fruit. We cannot be satisfied to let so many souls all around us to slip away into condemnation (Romans 3:23; 6:23) they need the gift of God and you know how they can get it. I must try to help them (Mark 16:16).

What can I do to help this congregation grow? Live a life of faith (Romans 12:1-2). Use your life, as proof of God’s perfect/livable will. Always set the right example: content, godly, loving, and kind: all the things that Christians are to be (2 Peter 1:5-10). Become more evangelistic. Follow the two most important rules of personal evangelism: Conversation—Engage in a dialogue (Anything you have in common is the starting place) and Invitation—Invite them to attend services with you. If each of us determined to invite just one other person to each service think of the growth potential we could have.

It Is Up To Me To Make This A Hardworking Group.

We all have a role (Ephesians 4:13-16). We can be determined to take on a greater share of this work. Personal growth is just as important as collective congregational growth (Hebrews 5:12-14). Our personal growth can and will strengthen the whole congregation. We must determine to say: I will study more (2 Timothy 2:15). I will attend more services (Hebrews 10:24-25). I will be more willing to work (1 Corinthians 15:58). I will be prepared to help someone find the truth, help my brethren when they are in need, and be prepared for when the Lord comes. I will look for things that need to be done and do them. Your example will be noticed and we will be encouraged to work hard together.

Conclusion:

A man who has brethren must himself be a brother. It is up to me to give to you what I expect to receive and more. The design is perfect the application is lacking: The world has taught us to say, “What is in it for me?” We must put that attitude away and take on one that says, “What can I do for you?” Do not worry, you will be taken care of: Everyone else is here to make that certain. ~tss

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Title: Purity of Life

By: T. Sean Sullivan

To start this lesson I want to introduce the term “influence”. Each one of us should know what the term influence means since we have all been influenced by many things.

Influence is neither positive nor negative it is a neutral term. We are in control of it directive power. We must decide how it will be used. Hopefully, we will always be a positive influence on our family, friends, associates, coworkers, neighbors, etc.

Please be mindful of this one fact: Your influence may take years to affect a change in others; but your influence itself can be changed in seconds. Your ability to influence others for good can be destroyed by lack of purity in your life. A few foolish words or actions reflect your lack of ability to follow God will. If you can’t live what you teach why would anyone else assume they could.

We have a real need for purity in our lives. We need pure input and pure output so we can prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God to everyone we meet (Romans 12:1-2).

I want you to think carefully about your ability to influence others toward Christ. The purity of your life is the greatest factor in your influence. Consider with me the purity of body, mind and soul.

Purity of Mind:

What is our mind? The mind is our understanding, our conscience, our intellect; it is our enabler; we can do nothing without our mind’s okay. When I walk, it is not because my feet have decided to move, it is because my mind has decided to move my feet. The decisions that our mind makes are based solely on the input information. I know that my mind will never tell my hand to touch a hot stove element again, when I was three I had a pain input when I touched one.

Jesus teaches us that garbage in, equals garbage out (Matthew 6:22-24). We must be careful what we input so that we can have a pure mind. God expects us to have a pure mind (James 1:8; 4:8) and He has provided the directions we need to attain the purity of mind (1 Timothy 1:5). We must desire to have a pure mind and take action to be pure (1 John 3:1-3).

Our influence also needs our mind to be pure, but why? Who can see my mind—my heart anyway? Anyone you talk to can see your heart. Our mouth will betray our heart; it will not keep our thoughts secret for long (Matthew 15:10-20). Let’s be careful of the things we allow as input. Let’s determine to purify our minds and be more like Jesus every day, in word and deed (Colossians 3:17) so that we can be a more positive influence on those around us.

Purity of Body:

Purity of body is something that has become a modern oddity and the object of ridicule. Saving one’s self for marriage sounds more like a punch line than an acceptable moral standard. The world’s view may have changed but God’s view has never changed.

The term fornication is used to describe any sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage and God’s word outright condemns this activity. Galatian 5:19-21 describes fornication as a work of the flesh. It explains that those who practice such and do not seek God’s forgiveness will not be allowed entrance into Heaven (vs. 21). The Apostle, again teaches this same principle in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Even the marriage bonds themselves have diminished in the eyes of the world. Statistically speaking: One in two marriages end in divorce in this country; more than half of the divorces are due to the infidelity of one or both of the marriage partners. Adultery is a more specific form of fornication.

As a Christian, we must not allow these activities be part of our life. These practices destroy our influence by taking away the purity of our body.

What can you do if you have never committed sexual immorality? Decide right now, right here, that you are going to save yourself for marriage and once you are marriage that you will honor the bond of that marriage. What can you do if you have committed sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)? Deal with it the same way as any other sin: Truly repent (stop committing the sin) and pray for forgiveness if you are a Christian or truly repent (stop committing the sin) and seek God’s forgiveness by becoming a Christian.

By keeping our bodies pure our examples will be pure and our influence on other will be positive.

The Purity of Soul

We all must be aware of our soul—You are your soul (2 Timothy 4:6; 2 Peter 1:13-14). Since you are your soul you will be either in Heaven and know it or you will be sent to Hell and you will know it. You will feel the consequences of your actions.

Sin results in impurity of the soul (Ezekiel 18:20). Improper actions of our body and mind result in that soul staining sin (2 Corinthians 5:10). There is hope (Romans 6:23). God has provided a way (Isaiah 1:18) in which we can be cleansed; we can have our souls purified by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:22-28).

We can purify our souls through obedience to God’s will. As a Christian you need to repent and pray like Simon in Acts chapter eight. If you are not a Christian your hope is found through obedience to God’s plan of salvation (Acts 2:38-39).

Conclusion: You can have a positive influence on others around you if you first purify every part of your being: mind, body and soul. If you talk the talk, you must walk the walk (1 John 2:6). We have to be a Christian influence 24/7 no matter who we are with or where we are. Are you in need of some purification today? ~tss

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Title: A Destructive Attitude

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Many times in my sermons I have quoted my mother’s voice of wisdom. When I was growing up my mom always had the right phrase at the right time to make her point. It made me think that she was like a Wild West gunslinger with a holster full of sage advice. Most of her points made an impact seeing how I still recall them as if I had just heard them yesterday. Two of my mom’s favorites were: “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing” and “Pride comes before the fall”. These were two statements that I have heard a lot of while growing up.

At first, those things didn’t seem to make sense to me. Then, as I grew older and hopefully wiser, I have come to realize that you can have too much pumpkin pie and it can have too much whipped cream on it—that is the, “too much of a good thing…” category. (Most of us learn that reality after staying awake all night with indigestion.)

The second of those statements is, however, much harder to learn and live. Pride comes before the fall was my mom’s rendition of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We all need to come to an understanding of how destructive pride can be. Now I am not talking about self-esteem, I am talking about a prideful attitude—arrogance.

It is interesting how much those two statements work together, isn’t it? Pride is a good thing—when it is about self-esteem—however, when there is too much of a good thing it is bad. In the remainder of the article let’s consider the destructive power of Pride.

Pride Stops Spiritual Growth:

There are growth expectations set for each of us as individuals. We must grow and pride can stop personal growth. The scriptures declared: “We are grow up in Christ (Ephesians 4:15)”; “We are to produce fruit (John 15:1-8)”; “We are to be always prepared by the word (Ephesians 6:10-18)”. What can pride do to these expectations?

Pride can cause us to assume that we know the scriptures. The Bereans searched the word daily leaving us an example of continual effort and study (Acts 17:11). Paul told Timothy to read, and to meditate on the scriptures, as a perpetual duty (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). We are instructed to “rightly divide the word of truth”, which takes diligence—continual effort (2 Timothy 2:15).

Sometimes we can think we know everything when in fact we have forgotten many things.

There are growth expectations set for us congregationally. We can become over confident in our knowledge “collectively”. This may result in a lack of zeal for God’s word like the church at Ephesus who left their first love—zeal for God’s word (Revelation 2:4-5). This type of complacency could allow for teachers who will scratch our itches (2 Timothy 4:3-4). This lack of knowledge may also leave us without the strength to stand against the tempter’s wiles (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The Psalmist describes God’s word as his source of daily strength in Psalm 1:1-6. The secret of growth, is not a secret, it comes from finding your delight in the study of God’s word and continual exercise in the word. We are all expected to come to a level of understanding that the scriptures describe as, “the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13; 2 Peter 3:18). If we pridefully assume that we know enough, we may fall well short of this prescribed knowledge.

Pride Causes Lack of Communication:

All relationships are based on communication. If any relationship will prosper and be what it needs to be, the involved parties must be able to communicate. We can become too proud to communicate with our brethren. When you have a problem, is it your first reaction to cover it up in an attempt to keep it from your brethren? That is a symptom of too much pride! If you are in need and you are worried that someone: might find out or you might have to ask for help—that is a symptom of too much pride!

Take a moment to consider these clear teachings from the Scriptures: John 13:34-35 “…love one another”; Romans 12:9-16 “…distributing to the needs of the saints”; Ephesians 4:31-32 “Be kind to one another…” James 5:16 “Confess your sins (trespasses) to one another”; 1 Peter 1:22 “Love on another fervently with a pure heart”; 1 Peter 3:8 “”Love one another as brothers, tenderhearted, and courteous”. These all teach us about our relationship one with another. The passages clearly show the good that comes from the fulfillment of our help for one another.

We can, also become too proud to communicate with God. Things go well, we feel pretty independent and suddenly something goes wrong and we realize it has been a long time since we prayed. We can do this because we are short minded or we could do this because we are too proud to ask for God’s help. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Do not let pride build a wall blocking your relationships.

Pride Can Hinder The Spread of The Gospel:

Pride can cause us to forget our past and become prejudice toward the souls that need the gospel. When we forget that we were once lost in sin, we may not be willing to help someone else get out of the same place we were. Paul, often, reminded the brethren to not forget about their past: Romans 6:16-18 “You were slaves of sin…”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Such were some of you…” Ephesians 2:11-14 “You were without Christ”.

We need to remember where we were so that we will have compassion on those who are still wandering there.

Conclusion:

Too much pride is a bad thing. Pride comes before the fall. Pride can allow us to have false confidence, false conclusions, and false prejudices. Proverbs 6:17 says, God hates: ”A proud look”; on the other hand 1 Peter 5:6 says, “…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Are you humble enough to admit when you are wrong? Are you humble enough to ask for help? Are you humble enough to reach down and help someone else out of sin? ~tss.

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Title: We Need To Know NOW!

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Tuesday November 25,2003 I visited a place that no one likes to visit. Once more, death called me to visit the funeral home to bid farewell to a friend. Thursday November 20^th, my good friend Rick Reeder was working in the yard when he collapsed and was taken from this life.

I have grown to love Rick and his wife Pat over the last number of years. They have hosted our visits a number of times and we have enjoyed them in our own home here. Jenny and I have come to know them both as faithful Christian who work hard for the Lord.

Rick was a man of character who overcame many obstacles in this life: Many things that we take for granted were not his for the taking. Rick spent much of his life as a source of misunderstood stares and comments. As a child Rick suffered from a tumor that developed behind his left eye and the surgery that was used then to remove the mass also left the left side of his face disfigured. For those who could truly see with their heart, it did not take but a moment with Rick to see past the outside; the surface; the mere façade, through to the genuineness of his heart.

If I were to sum up my friend’s life in one statement I believe that Rick would be happy to know that I would say, “Rick was a Christian”.

We can read in Hebrews 11:4 the very last phrase, “he being dead still speaks”. I want us all to hear the voice of Rick’s life. A voice that tells us to take care of the important things now before your opportunity is gone forever. There is not one thing more important that this. John writes by inspiration in 1 John 5:13 saying, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” These things were written that we might know that we eternal life. You need to know your salvation. Please consider with me some things that I believe we all need to know.

W. N. T. K. Who We Are.

Our true selves not just who we think we are but the absolute reality of who we are. The Bible is a mirror that reflects the truth—about you. Too many people pretend to be something that they are not. We must get past all this pretending and get to the truth because we cannot pretend our way into Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 21:27).

More than any other thing, we need to know whether or not we are saved from our sins. Ephesians 1:3-10 declares that there are a group of people who are saved from their sins they are described as “those in Christ”. So the self-examination must start with, “Am I in Christ”? The scriptures declare only one way to enter into Christ; Romans 6:3 as well as Galatians 3:27 both declare obedient baptism as that way.

Knowing who we are gives us the confidence and resolve that we need all of our days. Knowing that we are walking on the right path will keep us from wandering or looking elsewhere; it will also keep us from stopping (Matthew 7:14; John 14:6).

W. N. T. K. What Our Creator Expects.

Many somehow assume that God’s parameters of rule are bound in religion; they have forgotten that He is the Creator of all. We are expected, to seek God (Acts 17:27). The twenty-seventh chapter of Acts holds an important lesson that answer one of the ‘big questions” of life—Why am I here? Verse 24 explains that God made the world and everything in it. Verse 26 says that God made man. Verse 27 says why God made man: ”so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us”. To fulfill this expectation we must hear believe and obey His will. We must serve Him through His Son Jesus Christ.

From that point forward we need to continue fulfilling our Creator’s expectations. As Christians we are to be Christians (Acts 11:26)—followers of Christ (1 Peter 2:21-23). Another description would be soldiers of the cross. Like soldiers we are expected to hold the line—of truth. Good soldiers are prepared soldiers; we are to be prepared by the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We must be strong and steadfast: Immoveable (Psalms 16:5-8).

We are expected to be lights in this world of darkness. Every Christian must be a living example of the effects of Christ on one’s life (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 1:15-16). We are responsible for shining brightly and drawing other’s attentions to God.

We are expected to become working members of a local congregation. We must do our share (Ephesians 4:16). We are expected to fulfill our roles as members by being here (Hebrews 10:24-25). Every time that this congregation gathers we have the responsibility to be here to consider one another to stir up love and good works. God expects us to serve Him with the fullest of our ability.

W. N. T. K. What Will Be Asked In Judgment.

If I were to say that there will be a test next week at this time, which everyone has to complete. I am certain you would want to know what would be asked on the test. If I reveal that the test will be based on the inspired epistles of John. I am sure that you would go home a study the three inspired epistles of John to prepare for the test. Now let’s see what it is that I am getting at by reading a couple passages of scripture. 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” and John 12:48 “… has that which judges him, My word will judge him”.

Now you are aware that there is a test. We also know what the test will be based on—the word of God. Not one of us here today should be surprised by any question on the Day of Judgment.

We are clearly told that each and every one of us will be judged according to what we have done in this life with the standard of judgment being the word of God.

Conclusion: Life is too precious and too fragile to go one even one more day without knowing and acting on the things that we need to know: Who we are; What is expected of us; What we will be asked on the Day of Judgment. We need to know now before it is eternally to late. We have a Great Creator God who’s endless love and mercy and grace has supplied us with a guide. His guide will set us straight, keep on the right path and direct us all the way home to be with Him for eternity.

It is my earnest prayer but also my confidence that my friend Rick was prepared for judgment. Are you prepared for Judgment? Are you doing what is expected of you? Are you a Christian? Do you know your salvation? If you are reading this article you have an opportunity to answer, “Yes” to every one of those questions if you are willing to start living God’s way today. ~tss

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Title: Explaining Repentance

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Occasionally we need to stop and consider what may seem to be very obvious to many. There are those here today that speak a different language. Some can speak “church talk”. They are very at ease when using words like: Admonition, edification, propitiation, forgiveness, or repentance. Among our brethren; in our sermons “repentance” is one of those commonly used terms. Even though we may hear it and even use it ourselves…Do we understand what it means? Do we know the necessity of it? Do we know how to do it? We ought to be able to explain repentance. There have been some strange ideas in regards to repentance. Some have thought it is penance.

They inflict pain upon themselves as payment for their wrongdoing. The wages of sin cannot be paid this way (Romans 6:23). Some have thought it is reporting. They have become so used to confessing their mistakes that they simply feel better about their wrong-doing when they report it to their brethren. We need to know what real repentance is.

Our English word “repent” is from the 13 century and its meaning is "regret for sins or crimes". It was adapted from the Old French— repentir. This prefix “re” intensifies anything that it precedes. In this case, the word *penitire “a word from Vulgar Latin (Common language of the Roman people) which means “to regret”. This Vulgar Latin word was from the (Literary) Latin poenitire —which means "make sorry". Our modern English has the words regret and repent, in archaic language the two were the same word. All this being said we conclude that repent means to “really regret and sorrow over wrong doing”.

We need more than a language lesson lets search the scriptures and come to a better understanding of repentance.

What Is Repentance?

Repentance is the determination to change. It is both physical and mental. The willingness, however, dies without being followed by the action. Real repentance is demonstrated for us in the parable of the Prodigal (Luke 15:11:24). A man’s son decided to pursuit his own desires and left his father (vs. 12). His wander-lust brought him to wasteful prodigal living (vs. 13-16). He then realizes his mistake and desires a change: This is the beginning of real repentance.

He first recognized his error (vs. 17) and then, determined to change; removed himself from the sinful activities (vs. 18-19). In his case he had to give up his lifestyle and completely change his life. He acted on his determination by returning to his father (vs. 20-21).

This record is an important demonstration of our own repentance. At some point in our lives we turn from God’s will to pursuit our own (Romans 3:23). The sin in our lives enslaves us (John 8:34; Romans 6:16). We must desire to change our lives and then take action on that desire. We cannot continue in our sin, we cannot stay where we are at, we must return to God. First we must realize that we have sinned and are in sin. Literally “come to our senses, return to sane thinking”. Then we must remove the sin from our life. This may require a change of dwelling or change of habitat (the places you frequent). This may require a whole change of lifestyle. Then we must return to the Father (God). Either by becoming a Christian (Acts 2:38). Or, by returning to faithful service as a Christian (Acts 8:22).

Truly Repenting

We cannot play with important things like repentance. True, real, or proper repentance is directly related to our forgiveness. Acts 2:38, “What shall we do… Repent and be baptized”. Acts 3:19, “Repent therefore and be converted”. Luke 13:1-5 “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish”. 2 Peter 3:9 “all should come to repentance

If we do not stop the sinful activity then being forgiven is useless. Once we return to the sinful activity our forgiveness is no longer valid. True repentance is visible. John the Baptizer called for the “fruits of repentance”. Matthew 3:5-10 “Visible fruit”. Not only say. “I have repented” but you show it; make it apparent. Example: “You repent of using the Lord’s name in vain or cursing then you must quit using those words and others will not hear you say those words.”

True repentance is not a magic wand. You cannot keep repentance in your pocket to pull out and wave over you sins as you commit them. It is a determinate action that we use to show ourselves desirous of being forgiven.

A Commitment to God, Self, and to Others

Repentance is a personal action before God. When we realize that sin is a rebellion against God (Lawlessness 1 John 3:4). We should understand that repentance is the opposite action—it is the returning back to God from the rebellion of sin. When we repent we re-commit our life to doing God’s will. We must continue to hold up our end of that commitment; if we do God will forgive (Acts 8:20-22; 1 John 1:9).

We also make a commitment to our self to stop sinning. We have sinned—given in to temptation (James 1:13-15). Repentance is a renewed commitment to stand strong against temptation. It is a renewed committed to seeing and using God’s help (1 Corinthians 10:13). We determine to put off the old man of sin and death (Ephesians 4:22).

In repentance we also make a commitment to others. Sins effects others. When we have sinned against our brethren it can disrupt all of our lives. We have to approach others just as we would approach God to ask for forgiveness. The commitment to repent must be the same as well. Then we must know that it will take time and effort to bear (make visible) fruits of that repentance.

Conclusion:

Have you sinned? Yes, if you are at the age where you are accountable to God, you have. Are you bearing fruits of repentance? Have you truly repented? Returned to the Father put away the things of sin in your life? If you have then rejoice in and maintain that repentance. If you haven’t then right now is your opportunity to start. Is there a sin that you need to repent of so that God will forgive you? Again, repent today; make it known to God that you know you have sinned and that you are striving to put it out of your life. Remember though it is a commitment: to God, to yourself, and to others.

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Title: Bearing Fruits of Repentance

By: T. Sean Sullivan

When John the Baptizer came to prepare the way for the Lord, his main message was, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2). When Jesus came He established that Kingdom and those who had repented and prepared could enter in.

Today, we do not repent in order to prepare for a kingdom that will one day be established: we are able to enter in that Kingdom that has already been established since the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Repentance, however, is still a very important part of our acceptance by God (Acts 17:30).

Peter in the first recorded sermon, after the Kingdom was established, declared that in order to be saved the individuals must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). When Simon, a Christian, sinned, Peter instructed him to repent and pray (Acts 8:22). Acceptance is essential to becoming a Christian and maintaining our relationship in Christ. Repentance is, recognizing your sin, removing that sin from your life and returning to God.

Perhaps, it sounds simpler than it really is. We need to consider some things that will help you bear fruits of repentance in your life.

Purpose of Repentance:

We need to understand the purpose—our motivation in repentance. There is motivation found in passages like: John 14:6 “I go to prepare a place for you” and Revelation 21:10, 22-27. Know that unless we bear fruits of repentance—we will not see that place. Perhaps motivation can be found in a similar ways as the Psalmist expresses. With a complete understanding of right and wrong, One will come to the love of right and the hatred of wrong (Psalm 119:97, 103-104). Even more dramatic: the words of Jesus in Luke 13:1-3—Repent or die! Whatever you have as your motivation, fear or love, simple change or greater goal: the commitment of repentance requires effort.

We need to be constantly mindful of wanting to go to Heaven so that we will be on guard against temptations every moment. Ephesians 5:1-9 “Walk as children of the light”. Colossians 3:1-10 also encourages us to keep our mind focused on the goal.

Repentance and Prayer:

An essential part of every success must be God. We must include God in all of our plans and we go to Him through prayer. To win over sin and bear fruits of repentance we must: Open your heart to God (1 Peter 5:7), seek His offered wisdom (James 1:5), and seek His constant help (1 Corinthians 10:13).

How do we approach God in prayer? In humility, not anger or blame. We must be humble enough to realize that our sins are our fault (James 1:13-15). We cannot blame God or be angry with Him, we must simply seek His forgiveness (Acts 8:22). We must openly speak to God who cares and understands. We must be ready to make commitments to God with all of our heart. Do not bargain with God, simply commit to the words you speak. Prayer is a constant source of comfort that you can never wear it out (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Repentance and Patience:

In order to succeed you must be motivated, you must include God and you must be patient. Patience with self will keep you from frustration and the desire to quit trying. The worst possible thing that any Christian can do is walk away from Christ. When we become impatient and frustrated we may quickly assume we cannot succeed so we quit.

Exercise patience in your life (Ephesians 5:15-17). Carefully walk, watching while you walk (circumspectly). Careful, where you are, who you are with, what you are doing. If we patiently take one step at a time—making sure we are doing what is right—we will bear fruits worthy of repentance. Let patience have its perfect work in your life (James 1:4).

Turn this around, back to others also. We as brethren need to be patient with those who are struggling with sin. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Be patient with all”. There is a time to help carry another’s burden (Galatians 6:1-3). There is also a time when each one is expected to carry their own part of the load (Galatians 6:4-5). As we all progress we come to “effective working” together (Ephesians 4:16).

Conclusion:

Who needs to bear fruits of repentance? You do! And so do I. We can truly repent and bear fruits worthy of repentance every day of our life. If you have a purpose, include God through prayer, and exercise patience, you can truly repent. Repentance is a continual thing. If we stop we turn back to perdition. Let’s, each one, strive to live better in the days ahead (Hebrews10:35-39). If you are a Christian and you are in need of repenting—now is the time. If you are not yet a Christian you are in need of repentance too! In addition you can be cleansed from your sins and become a Christian today. ~tss

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Title: Our Greatest Resource

By: T. Sean Sullivan

What is the greatest resource of growth and continued stability in this congregation? Our greatest resource lays in a group among us who have, in many places, been subjugated to a lesser importance over the years. This group is very important for the future of this congregation. In fact, they are our future in this place. Our greatest resource is our young people.

We are blessed with many “young people” here in our congregation. Let’s take the time to search the scriptures and discover what God has said to young people specifically. This doesn’t mean that any of the older ones can check out; the things we will cover will be beneficial to you as well. We are going to seek the information that will make us wise. As the saying goes, “By knowledge not age comes wisdom”. It is interesting however that we equate youth with foolishness and many young people prove it true. This is not a rule and it must not be your rule. You don’t have to be old in order to be wise. The information is ready for you to receive today so that you can be wise as quickly as your next decision. Let’s open our Bibles and consider the words of God to the young people.

Be Young and Happy

You are only young once. There are wonderful things about being young. A time when responsibilities are few and abilities are many. One responsibility we must always remember is to our Creator—God. (Ecclesiastes 11:9) God wants you to rejoice in your youth.

Look to His advice for you. “Let your heart cheer you”: Enjoy the time of your life when your abilities are many and responsibilities are few. “Walk in the ways of your heart”: Chase your dreams see what you can achieve. “Walk in the sight of your eyes” See what good things the world holds for you. There are things in this life that are profitable and not all of the world is bad. Seek that which is good and use it well.

God’s advice also includes this statement that we must not forget. He says, “However, know that God will bring into judgment every action”. We will all answer for the things done in the body whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Finding your place in life and enjoying all the good that life has to offer are both good as long was we place them in proper priority. The priority = God first (Matthew 6:33) all other things after God.

This is a great strategy for success. You will not fail in this life if you apply yourself to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Praise God Now, Don’t Wait

Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth”. The Bible is full of admonitions to praise God and the young are also subject to those admonitions (Psalm 148:7-13). When we are young we seem to be able to devote hours and hours to the things we enjoy. Our energy reserves seem to never run out when we are doing things we like to do. It is this energy that God deserves to be given toward praising Him.

Even though few recognize this when they have it the energy of youth is the energy of diligence. We need to apply that desirous energy to diligently study (2 Timothy 2:15), diligently serve (2 Peter 1:10), and diligently wait on our reward (2 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 1:6-9).

God desires our praise. If you do not know how to Praise and Glorify God consider the words of the Psalmist. Psalm 104:31-35, Psalm 111: 1-10, and Psalm 146. Have you praised God lately? God is worthy of our praise: it is God who is able to bless us beyond all expectation (Ephesians 3:20). It is God who created us and who sustains our lives (Acts 17:24-28). It is God who has seen fit to give you a mind and a choice that is yours (Genesis 1:27) with the hope that you would freely choose to find and serve Him (Acts 17:27).

Trust God Always

God will not fail you. The Bible makes an everlasting statement as part of the context in 1 Corinthians 1:9. Paul makes this statement three times in his letters to the Corinthian brethren. No matter where, when, or how you are: “God is faithful”. He is faithful in His promises (Titus 1:2). This is absolutely essential to know when we consider Paul’s second use of this statement. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “God is faithful in providing a way of escape…”.

Temptations are common to all people. Someone else has been where you are! You can refuse the temptation! God is faithful—will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. He will provide a way of escape. No matter what it is that you are facing there is a way out if you open your eyes.

Earlier we were reading in the Psalms. Consider the resolve and assurance that the Psalmist knew because of God (Psalmist in 118:1-8). Verse 6: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Then we need to turn to Paul’s inspired letter to the Roman brethren: Romans 8:31, “What shall we say to these things? ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’”

Trust God; He is all in all. If you lose everything in this life but do not lose faith in God you have lost nothing at all.

Conclusion:

The most consoling verse in scriptures to one who seeks God may well be, “casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” The All Powerful Great and Holy, Almighty God of Heaven cares for you! Seek that care. Open up to Him. Share every concern of your heart with Him.

Focus on the last point of this lesson…never forget: Trust God. When it seems like you have no one, trust God. When life is giving you a rough round, trust God. When it seems like there is no other way but to sin, refuse that sin, and trust God. If we can keep the young faithful to God, faithful service will continue in this place for years to come.

Do you trust God? Have you put Him first in your life? We will fail if we don’t. Human education, social popularity, and money cannot get you into Heaven. Put God first and those things in their own place, are you ready to set your life in order today? ~tss

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Title: Confidence in God

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Have you ever known any one who makes promises that you simply cannot trust? How many of their failed promises did you have to experience to learn their word was no longer of any value? It is important to know that someone’s word is his or her bond. In fact, Jesus instructs us to make all our words truthful in Matthew 5:33-37.

There have been many promises made to you and me. Those promises were made by God to each of us. His has promised things that no one else can promise. So this is the situation that we are faced with, you and I have been given many promises; promises so grand and glorious that they are well beyond our imagination’s ability to see even in our dreams. But if they cannot be trusted they are simply just words. The question we face—“Is God worthy of our trust?” Is He worthy of our confidence?

Let’s examine God’s track record of promise making and keeping, in order that we might evaluate His reliability.

Abraham—In Days of Old

God made some promises, that defied logic, to a man named Abraham. These promises were for things that were beyond Abraham’s imagination. One of many promises: You will become a great nation (Genesis 12:2). For this to happen Abraham would have to have many children and, as of yet, he had none and he was 100 years old and his wife was 90 (Genesis 17:17). This was a spectacular promise Abraham had to choose to trust. He left his family (Genesis 12:4-5). He bore a son with Sarah and called his name Isaac (Genesis 17:19). He had a son, so everything was set in order for the course of action that could lead to the successful fulfillment of the promise. The greatest challenge to that trust was yet to come and is recorded in Genesis 22:1-2.

Abraham trusted God: He set out for the mission (22:3-4). He confidently instructed the men that “they” would return (22:5). He, without doubt, trusted in God (22:8). Abraham was a man who trusted in God. As he saw it God had not and would not fail him (Hebrews 11:17-19). Abraham’s trust was known to God (James 2:23).

Paul—In The New Testament

Paul received some promises from God that demanded a complete change of direction for Paul. Paul was a prominent man: Educated, socially respected (feared), politically influential, religiously—zealous (Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:4b-6). When he truly became aware of God’s will he was given some promises that he had to choose to trust.

The promises, simply were not part of Paul’s plan; the things he was offered were certainly things he had never imagined. In Acts 9:6 he was directed to change his immediate plans, in order that he might have his life-plans changed, “Go into the city, and you will be told what you must do”. What he “must do” was change: his cause and his direction. For Paul to divert from his journey’s purpose would be against his orders from the high priest. Paul had to trust to the point of giving up his journey’s purpose. The promises continue for Paul in Acts 9:15-16 we read, “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles”. Paul is now promised that God had chosen him to go to the Gentiles. In order to obey this promise he has to turn his back on the teaching that had been instilled in him from birth. Yes, Paul was given promises that he, in order trust and accept, had to completely change His life and set his life on a different course.

Paul put his confidence in God. He chose to trust the Lord and immediately began to preach Jesus the Christ as the Son of God (Acts 9:20). Paul faced many hardships in this life: The greatest challenge Paul faced was in the carrying out of the message. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 records for us a list of some things that Paul suffered for Christ simply because he was teaching Christ’s doctrine. One might be tempted to question God after this constant resistance—Paul chose to trust God (Romans 1:16; Philippians 3:13-14). He went through situations that we, thankfully, cannot compare our hardships with. His confidence—his trust—was in God (Romans 8:14-18).

You and I—Today

How about you and I? Are we confidently trusting and obeying God today? We have received many promises from the same God who promised Abraham and Paul. Those men chose to trust God. In the face of struggles, through which many would realistically fail, they chose to trust and obey.

We have been given promises today not unlike the ones Paul or Abraham received. We have been promised things that defy logic and are well beyond our imagination but must be trusted. To list all of our promises we fail to supply enough paper. By considering a few we should rejoice to know that we have been promised freedom from our sins through the gospel plan of salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). We must trust and obey to receive our freedom. We have been promised the greatest possible life here, through the doing of God’s will (Galatians 5:22-25; James 1:21-22). To have that great life we must trust and obey. We have been promised a home in the perfection of Heaven. Where the glory of God illuminates the never-ending day (John 14:1-6; Revelation 21:23) after we have done the will of God (Hebrews 10:35-39). To enter that home we must trust and obey.

Conclusion:

Is God worthy of your confidence? God is a promise maker and a promise keeper (Titus 1:2). God will never fail you! His promises are yours to have, if you will trust and obey. Are you ready to trust and obey?

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Title: Worship With Understanding: Worship With Joy

By: T. Sean Sullivan

What is worship to you? What is your worship to God? It is possible that we have forgotten how to worship? We come together put our time in that leave back to normal life as soon as possible. Is there more to worship that “paying our dues” and “spending some time”?

Worship is the greatest privilege afforded to mankind beyond the promise of redemption that God provides through His Son. What a privilege to come before the God of glory and offer to Him worship from our hearts and hands that He in turn accepts.

The Psalmist declares the greatness of worship in Psalm 96:1-13 “for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised” (vs. 4). Over the next few weeks we are going to consider in greater detail our worship to God: our singing, praying, remembrance, offering, and proclaiming. Today let’s consider in our time together our attitude and action of worship.

What Worship Is

God’s Simple Plan

The Joy of Worship

Conclusion:

The Israelite priests considered the worship of God to be boring and wearisome (Malachi 1:10-14). God looked down upon them in disdain. Could this happen to us?

God has established a plan of worship that He delivered through command, example and necessary inference. We can’t take away from it nor add to it. It is sufficient. It is what God desires. “for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised”(Psalm 96:4).

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Title: Worship With Understanding: Sing With Joy

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Why is singing part of our worship? Is it here just because we have always done it? Certainly no one here would be satisfied with such an answer as that. We desire to do God’s will and not just empty traditions. Have you given singing much thought? How important is signing, anyway? Does it matter if I sing or not? What does singing accomplish? We must realize that there is much more to our singing than just some words and a tune. Singing is perhaps the most actively expressive element of our worship. Singing affects: God, you, your brethren, and our visitors.

It is the goal of this lesson to bring about a better understanding of this part of our worship. Let’s be encouraged to develop our singing. Let’s open our Bibles and consider our need to sing in worship to God.

We Sing To Obey:

God has always accepted singing from mankind as part of His praise and worship. As early in the history of Israel as Exodus 15, we find the people of God singing in worship to God. In 1 Chronicles 16:23-29 we learn the connection of singing to worship: “In song…worship God in the beauty of holiness”. In Psalm 7:17 we learn that singing is endorsed by God as righteous: “I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,

And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High”.

The first century church and today, we have two New Testament passages that declare to us the necessity of singing and command us to sing in our worship. Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” We are commanded to communicate with one another and make melody in our hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16, “Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. We relate messages in song to one another and lift up our songs to the Lord.

Let's SING: Wonderful Words of Life (#723)

We Sing To Praise:

Singing is one form of praising God. It is not the only way of praise. We also praise God by our continual faithfulness (1 Peter 1:6-9). What makes singing wonderful is that it activates us, it involves us all when we are together. We sing together—“one another” includes everyone (Ephesians 5:19). Many desire to bow out because of a supposed inability to sing or a fear of singing. I have been one of those people but the need for fulfilling proper and acceptable worship to God has allowed me to overcome that fear

Fifty-four times in the book of Psalms singing is equated with praising. Just a few examples would be Psalm 18:49, 47:6-9, and 146:1-2. We also know that the heavenly host sings to praise God ( Revelation 15:3-4).

We are to praise God through song. Singing provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate our recognition of who God is (Hebrews 11:6) by singing songs like: Hallelujah Praise Jehovah or Holy, Holy, Holy or Praise Him, Praise Him. We also can resound our thankfulness for our blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18) by singing songs like: Count Your Blessings or O Thou Fount of Every Blessing or God Is Love. We can also joyfully proclaim our dependence on God (Jeremiah 10:23) by singing songs like: He Leadeth Me or I Need Thee Every Hour or Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah

Let's SING: Praise Him; Praise Him (#426)

We Sing To Edify.

We sing to build up each other’s faith. The words of our songs are encouraging to all who sing them. We encourage ourselves and those who hear us. We encourage each other’s faith (1 Peter 1:6-9) by singing songs like: Faith Is The Victory or Leaning On The Everlasting Arms or We Have An Anchor.

Singing also communicates teaching. When we sing we teach: There are three basic avenues of teaching according to 2 Timothy 4:2 Convincing: Teaching that sin is hopeless and the way of eternal life is available and obtainable by singing songs like Amazing Grace or Rescue The Perishing or Ring Out The Message. We can also teach other with words of rebuke: To clearly and sternly bring understanding of wrongdoing and the need for correction by singing songs like: Prepare To Meet Thy God or What Shall It Profit A Man or Will Jesus Find You Watching. The need for exhortation in our teaching is also fulfilled in singing: In simple terms exhortation is holding up the prize to remind others of the goal by singing songs like: We Shall See The King Some Day or Heaven Holds All To Me or Won’t It Be Wonderful There.

Let's Sing: When All of God’s Singers Get Home (632)

Conclusion:

Has God blessed you? “…Praise the LORD according to His righteousness…sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” (Psalm 7:17). Singing is an opportunity for each of us: To unite in voice to sound praises to God. We also encourage and uplift one another with the teaching of our songs.

Many songs that we sing speak of the urgency of salvation and the plan that God has made for us. Do you understand the urgency of salvation? Are you ready to obey the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ? ~tss

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Title: Worship With The Understanding, Pray With Fervency

By: T. Sean Sullivan

One part of religious worship that is common to all “beliefs” is prayer. Man has always involved his communication with some other being. This is not the reason we pray! We pray to fulfill the authorized pattern of worship established by God. We pray to

Our Creator and Sustainer (Genesis 1 and 2; Acts 17:24-27; Matthew 6:24-33); our Provider of Hope (John 3:16).

Our prayers are essential to our relationship with Him. Prayers allow us to open our hearts to God. Our prayers make us known to God. God is able to know all things, whatever He chooses. We know that He has requested our going to Him with our cares (1 Peter 5:7). Let’s consider some more details about prayer. So we might improve our worship in the area of our prayer.

Approaching God:

In prayer we must remember who God is. It is widely known that the Israelites of Old would not speak the name of God. They would write it only YHWH (Tetragrammaton) and perhaps speak of HaShem (The Name). Once YHWH was written that paper would never be thrown away. This is the reverence they had for the name of God. Also the heavenly host, never cease to praise Him, “Holy, Holy, Holy” “You are worthy O, Lord” (Revelation 4:8-11). Remember—God is not our errand boy.

In prayer we must remember who we are. Genesis 2:7 “God is the Creator we are merely the creation”. We are the servants God is the Master. Revere Him and recount His greatness. Even as Jesus taught us in the model prayer, “Hallowed be Your name”

We need to recount His greatness just as the Psalmist did so often (Psalmist 135:5-6; 136:2-5).

The Right Channel.

We need to know “to whom we pray” and “through whom we pray”. The question, “who do you pray to?” may come with mixed answers. Some say God the Father, Some Jesus Christ, very rarely the Holy Spirit. The New Testament example directs our prayers to the Father. Jesus prayed to the Father (Matthew 26:39; John 17). Jesus instructed us to pray to the Father (Matthew 6:6-8). The apostles prayed to God the Father (Acts 4:24-30). Cornelius prayed to the Father (Acts 10:30-31). Paul was constant in prayer to the Father (Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3).

We pray to the Father through our Mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5 “One mediator between God and men, the Man Jesus Christ.” Paul said, “I thank God through Jesus Christ…” (Romans 7:25). Jesus also declared, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

Things We Can Pray For:

We can prayer for physical needs: We have scriptural examples of prayers for: Health (Philippians 2:25-30), Help in making decisions (Matthew 26:39), For our food, clothing, shelter (Matthew 6:25-33), and for the needs of others (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

We can pray for spiritual needs: we should pray that the word of God be spread (Matthew 9:38). We should pray that we will remain faithful (Luke 21:33-36). We should pray that we should enter not into temptation (Luke 22:40). We should pray that there will be forgiveness for Christian’s repented sins (Acts 8:21-22). We should pray that others will be saved according to God’s will (Romans 10:1).

There are still other things we can pray for: We should pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). We should pray for the leaders of our country and the world (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even as Christ did so from the cross (Luke 23:34). We should pray for all that we have with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:18). We should also pray for wisdom (James 1:5)

Conclusion:

We have looked at a number of passages today. Scriptures that teach us that prayer is good and prayer helps us. All of this together adds up to this conclusion: We need more prayer.

Pray…

…When you strong, and when you are weak

…When you are happy, and when you are sad

…When you have all and when you are in need.

…never forget to pray.

One thing that prayer cannot do is save you from your sins. If you are a Christian and you are not living the way you should, you need to add repentance to your prayer and make your life right. If you are not a Christian today, prayer will not make you a Christian. But obedience to the gospel will. Will you confess Jesus as the Son of God? Will you repent of your sins? Will you submit to the action of baptism in water for the remission of your sins? How wonderful would it be if our final prayer today was filled with praise and rejoicing over the salvation of your soul! ~tss

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Title: Worship With Understanding: Remember Continually

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Many have applied the greatest emphasis on this part of our worship we truly have no evidence in the scriptures that proves it to be more important. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper—the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, we fulfill the command of Christ in Matthew 26:26-29.

Many today, do not realize that the scriptures reveal the “when” of the Lord’s Supper. That is, how often or what day we should partake of it. We are shown an example in Acts 20:7 that tells us the Christians in the first century observed the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. This passage, and one quick mention in 1 Corinthians 16:2, tells us that Christians came together on the first day of the week and this set the pattern for us. Since each week has a first day we must partake each first day.

Understanding the Elements: The Bread

What is the “bread” and what does it represent? The bread is unleavened bread. When Jesus established this memorial they were in the midst of preparing for the Passover. At that time no leavening of any kind could be in the houses. So Jesus used the unleavened bread that was available and established that it should be eaten in remembrance of His body (1 Corinthians 11:24). This means that when we partake of the bread we need to remember that Jesus came to this earth and took on the flesh of man. He did this in order that He might be able to die. When we eat the bread we remember His body—the instrument through which He was able to die on the cross.

Understanding the Elements: The Fruit of the Vine

What is the “fruit of the vine” and what does it represent? It is grape juice. It is also “unleavened”—not wine, but rather unfermented grape juice. Again, because of the Passover feast and the restriction placed on all the people of Israel during the time in which Jesus was speaking. Any products that are leavened (fermented) are categorized as “Chametz” and must be removed from the houses—or any place under their own jurisdiction: a work place, a business, even a storage shed.

Jesus established grape juice as a point of remembrance for His shed blood. When we partake of the fruit of the vine we are to remember the fact that Jesus’ blood was shed for the remission of our sins.

It is these two simple elements that Jesus chose, and with these two simple elements we continue to remember his death even to this day. Without the death of Jesus Christ we would all be lost in sin with no hope. Each and every first day of the week we partake of the Lord’s Supper to remember our Savior.

Understanding Our Remembrance

We look UP...to heaven giving thanks to God. Thanks for sending His Son. It was through God’s love that His Son was sent (John 3:16). We give thanks for the emblems as Christ also blessed the bread and the cup through the giving of thanks to His Father (Matthew 26:26-28).

We look BACK to the cross... We focus on all that Christ endured for us in giving His life on the cross. By partaking we proclaim His death (1 Corinthians 11: 26). We need to understand what proclaiming His death means: To Christ, it tells Him that we know why he gave himself as a sacrifice. To ourselves, we demonstrate that we are aware of our lost condition without the sacrifice of Christ. To others, we proclaim that Christ's death is a fact, and that our hope of salvation lies within Christ and God's Word.

We look AHEAD to Christ's Second coming. According to our previous passage 1 Corinthians 11:26, we are to “proclaim His death” then it continues to say, “till He come”. We stand fast in the faith waiting with full assurance of His return—the day of our soul’s salvation (1 Peter 1:6-9).

We also look INSIDE ourselves. Paul instructs us to, “examine” ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). We must look carefully at our partaking. We need to partake in a proper manner not taking this memorial for granted or misusing this part of worship for something other than Christ intended—a reminder of our only hope—our Savior’s sacrifice for our sins. We must also consider another passage since we are looking into ourselves. Colossians 1:10 admonishes us to examine our walk, making sure that we are walking worthy of the Lord.

Conclusion:

So we gather around this table and set our minds on the scenes of the cross by looking into the records of the Bible. We direct our thoughts toward heaven for thanksgiving, back to Calvary’s slain Lamb for appreciation, to the future for His coming, and inside ourselves to see if we are walking worthy of the sacrifice that we are remembering.

The remembrance is a special every time we, as Christians, partake. Are you a Christian? Jesus has paid the price for you, what are you willing to do? His plan of salvation is yours to obey, will you? ~tss

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Title: Worship With Understanding: Give Cheerfully

By: T. Sean Sullivan

This part of our worship is perhaps the least esteemed of all. This must be because of a lack of understanding. When we get to the time in our service, when we take up the collection, do we just then think about giving something? We might then find ourselves reaching into our pockets to find no money since we spent it all last week without regard for God and our need to give some back.

It has been the goal of this series to increase our understanding of each part of our worship toward God so that we might increase in all areas toward Him. This area of worship: the collection, the offering, or contribution is very much a part of worship and we must look for a better understanding of giving and a desire, as in all things, to increase. Let’s open our Bible and search the details involved in this aspect of our worship.

Purpose for Giving: A Historical View

Giving has been in the life of God’s servants from the earliest of times. God is the provider of all that we have (Genesis 1, 2). God is aware that we have needs but also expects us to put Him first in our lives. This means that from our blessings God needs to receive the first and the best.

The records of giving to God are from as early as Cain and Abel. The first record of giving was not of money but it was a sacrifice of “something of value”—the first (the best) of the flock (Genesis 4:4). Abel was offering to God something of God’s choosing. His offering proclaimed his desire for God. This practice of giving continued throughout the Old Covenant history.

There has also been a giving of monetary means. The earliest record of this was recorded of Abram who went to Melchizedek the King of Salem: the priest of God and gave him a tenth of all he had won in battle rescuing Lot from Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:15-20). This was the first recorded offering of monetary things to God. Abram was giving to God an offering of appreciation for his recent victory. This pattern of giving continued through the Old Covenant history.

This system of tithe or one tenth was on all possessions, properties, and persons. Each would be given a monetary valuation and then one tenth or a tithe was to be paid (Leviticus 27).

There is no mention of the tithe on this side of the cross—under the New Covenant. We have been released from those types of boundaries and no set percentage is assigned. There were collections taken (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Those collections were an offering to God to be used for the work of the church—the needs of the saints.

Attitude toward Giving

Let’s first look back in time. Genesis 14:19-24 Abram was devoted to giving the full and proper amount to God. Even when Melchizedek offered him some back Abram refused, seeing fit to give to God first—without concern for self.

Achan teaches us a lesson in giving. When the Children of Israel approached the city of Jericho they were instructed to give God the first fruits: “all” the bounty of this city was to go to God (Joshua 6:19). This was God’s claim to the plunder of the very first battle in the land. All of the people listened to God except one. Achan coveted some for himself (Joshua 7:19-24). What lesson does this teach? If Achan would have waited and given to God the first he would have had more than enough (Joshua 8:2; 11:12-15). All too often we begin to covet this world’s goods and we begin to put them first. Are we going to fall the same way as Achan? If God is forgotten and we rather focus on our own selves, what does that say to God?

The Children of Israel teach us a lesson in freely giving (Exodus 35:5-9, 21-29; 36:5-7). Under the Old Covenant the people gave their tithe (tenth). They did this willingly and willfully. However, when building the tabernacle a “freewill” offering was requested beyond their tithe (Exodus 35:5-9). The people rallied for the cause and gave freely (Exodus 35:21-29). To the point where they were told to stop because more than enough was brought for the work. For their excitement and love for God they were willing to give and give with no stipulation of minimum. Can you imagine the elders having to stand up and tell the people to stop giving? The Israelites were given an opportunity to give without minimum and they gave to the maximum—they freely expressed their devotion to God.

The Five W’s of the Offering Today:

Who: Those who love and appreciate God—Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)—the orders were given to churches. Also it is those who have prospered. We are to give of our prosperity.

What: Though there are many things to give: time, care, compassion, love, etc. The requirement of this offering is monetary. The word used by Paul, that we interpret “collection” is “Logeiai”—common first century term denoting a religious collection of money.

When: On the first day of the week. This is a time when the saints would be gathering to worship so this part of worship would of necessity be obliged that same day (Acts 20:7). This means every first day, of every week.

Where: In the local congregations—for their needs and the needs of other saints as needed and as able.

Why: To express our love and appreciation to God: (2 Corinthians 9:7-12). For the needs of the local work: Evangelism, edification, and benevolence: We need to support our local preacher to devote his time to preaching/teaching. We also need to provide for training with the purchase of teaching materials. We can spread the gospel elsewhere by supporting other faithful men. We also must care for and supply a local place of worship—this building and grounds need to be cared for properly.

Conclusion: The offering today is not a tithe: there is no set number given by God for us under the New Covenant. We have a freewill offering today. Let’s consider the Israelites who gave abundantly more and more when loosed from the bonds of the tithe. Without a set minimum the Israelites gave to the maximum.

We do not have a set limit or a “tithe” today; this enables us to give even more freely. It is sad to think that anyone might approach this part of our worship with the mind of minimalism. Think about this: If God gave to you; exactly like you give to Him; what would your life be like? The ability to say thanks and show our appreciation to God is wonderful, let’s do it abundantly and cheerfully. ~tss

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Title: God Offers True Success

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Let’s start by stating some facts. God desires for you to succeed (2 Peter 3:9). God wants you to be happy (Galatians 5:22-25). God has provided a plan to achieve both (James 1:17-22). Your ability to achieve is real!

My Dad used to work for a man named John. John built green tractors. Dad was working in Minot, North Dakota on some experimental equipment; on rainy days he would do some troubleshooting for local dealers. One customer had a continuous complaint about his swather running crooked down the field.

After following the tractor in the field for only a short time Dad called the owner over and showed him the locking pin that was supposed to be place on the rear caster wheel. This pin was designed to hold the machine straight in the field. Dad also went on to show the owner the poly-bag on the frame that held the owner’s manual for the unit. He also showed him the page that clearly informed him where he was told to place the pin in the wheel shaft once in the field.

This is surely a life lesson. There are too many people who haven’t opened up the owner’s manual for their life. The instructions for success are still unopened and they wonder why they are having so many problems.

How many make the dire mistake of not seeing that God’s instructions are for their success? Too many are satisfied with being mediocre, middle-of-the-road. Too many are not willing to see the possibilities of God’s way—God’s instructions are for bringing us up to our best.

We need to consider true success and how to achieve it in this life, the success that we will carry with us beyond this life. We need to seek improvement and God provides the way.

Getting Started

There is a need for us to desire improvement. We need to want this or it will not work. We need to go to God (Acts 17:27). We need to seek His counsel (Psalm 1:1-6; James 1:17-25). We need to know that we are not at our fullest without Him.

Our lives can be improved! We can all be happier. We can all be more fulfilled. Why can these statements be made? Because God is the source for both happiness and fulfillment and we will always grow toward more and more with God (John 15:1-8).

To find this success we need to commit to the plan. Righteousness is not a diet it is a lifestyle change. Righteousness is a new way of living, not just an occasional reading or prayer.

Preface to the Plan Proverbs 1:1-7

God has provided for you and me a plan, a source of information, or directions that lead us to true success. If we follow God’s plan we can transform our lives and become more than we are now. We can be wise (Proverbs 1:2; James 1:5). We will know the elements and applications of justice, judgment, and equity (Proverbs 1:3). We will know the truth (John 8:31-32): about life (2 Peter 1:3), about salvation (1 John 5:13), and about the path of love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23).

God’s plan changes us for the better (Proverbs 1:4-6). If we are presently lacking wisdom, God’s plan teaches prudence: Success is not found in foolishness. God’s way teaches us to know better and do better (James 1:22). If we are young we will be taught knowledge and discretion. The rebellion of youth does not lead to success (Ephesians 2:1-3). The young can be wise in their conduct (1 Timothy 4:12). If you are already a “wise” man; there is more to hear and you will still increase by learning.

Working the Plan

God’s word is the plan of success for every life. The words of Proverbs 1:1-6 are also the preface to a life of true success. There is no true success without God. Even those who have managed to live without God’s influence are still on a road that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). Only God’s plan will save us from that death and bring us to new and better heights of true success.

The word of God is the source of all knowledge leading to salvation. We must willingly open our hearts to that word in order to find success—we must take it in (1 Timothy 4:13-16); we must be diligent. Diligent commitment is required for success (Ephesians 5:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:15). The effort of diligence is rewarding (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Are you thinking “Do you mean that I will have to do something to get this success?” The answer to your question is “Yes”. You will have to be educated in God’s word—the plan. You will have to purposely and intentionally conform your life to it. You will have to commit to this new way of living.

Conclusion:

What do I get for all this effort? You finally get to experience God’s ability to direct you toward: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You will have the promised hope of Heaven (John 14:1-6).

What do I need to do now? Start! If you are a Christian: read more, study more, pray more, attend more services, increase your education in the word of God—you will succeed. If you are not yet a Christian, become one today and begin to read more, study more, pray more, attend more services, increase your education in the word of God—you will succeed. ~tss

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Title: Empowered With Joy

By: T. Sean Sullivan

The Bible’s instructions are a transforming power. The gospel: “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16). The word of God is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). The word of God is reactive—it’s not passive. The Bible changes people conscientiously. This change occurs whether obedient or willfully ignorant. All who come to the knowledge of truth are forever changed by its teachings. It changes us and we will never be able to do anything against it again without knowing that the Bible stands in opposition to our choice.

The power of the Bible is in one word: change. It aggressively seeks to change our lives for the better. We as students of “God’s will” should be seeking the fullness of the powerful changes. In this lesson we need to consider one of these powerful changes that can and should influence us the Bible power of Joy.

Joy is much more than just happiness. I can be happy for a while and then it can go as easily as it came. But joy is a deep set understanding. We need to come to a point in life where and when we are, as Jesus said, “Full” of joy (John 15:11). God’s word is written that we might be full of Joy (1 John 1:4).

Joy pushes us forward. As a Christian there is much to be joyful over. Those things that cause joy in our lives are consistent and strong.

The Knowledge of Salvation is Joyful

An opportunity of reunion with God is joyful knowledge. On the other side: sin is sorrow. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Revelation 21:27). Sin enslaves sinners (John 8:34 “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin”). Sin is a place of sorrow and darkness.

God makes joy available because God makes salvation from our sins available. According to Romans 5:6-11, God has offered us hope when we were without hope. We are able to change from “without hope” to “justified, saved, and reconciled”. Jesus invites us to find relief from the burden we carry as sinners in Matthew 11:28: "Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest". Our joy is rooted in our relief.

Great joy is a result of knowing that we have been set free from the sin that once enslaved us (Romans 6:17-18). Jesus paid the debt of our sins. The price was paid with His blood (Hebrews 10: 12-22; 1 Peter 1:18) and through Him we are provided our way to the Father (John 14:6).

The Knowledge of a Better Way of Life is Joyful

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am THE way, the truth and life". This statement shows the exclusivity of Jesus' doctrine. Not only its exclusivity but also its certainty; we can know the true way. He continued on to say, "No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Consider all of the confusion involved in religion today. This is certainly leading to the problems that people perceive in the Bible, but are actually in the fault is in those who misapply. There can be no true joy in such confusion.

The truth can be known (John 8:31-32). The truth provides for a powerfully joyful life here and now (Galatians 5:22-23). When we understand that the Bible holds the plan for empowered joyful living right now, we need to be eager for the word (2 Timothy 2:15): Eager to study (1 Timothy 4:13-16); eager to use the word properly (Ephesians 5:8-10); eager to apply the word (James 1:22); eager to show ourselves approved of God (Matthew 7:21). We need to be eager to find the joys of righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Knowledge of Our Eternal Hope Brings Joy

We have already expressed that Joy is long-term. Heaven may be many years away for us. There is joy in knowing that Heaven is our home and we will be welcomed there (Revelation 21:22-27). Jesus explained that He would come again to gather us (John 14:1-3); we would go to a prepared place. Our prepared place is a place of eternal life in the presence of God (Revelation 21:27), and a place of rest (Revelation 14:12-13). The promise of heaven is what brings us joy even in times of trial (1 Peter 1:3-9). Joy is enduring and true when we find the joy that God supplies.

Conclusion:

Joy is a powerful tool for our lives. Joy will help us remain courageous through hard times. Joy will help us in times of temptation. We know that God is the source for our joy and we will not want to jeopardize that joy by sinning.

Another great empowerment of joy is that others will see our joy and desire to have the same. True deep down joy only comes from knowing God and following His word. If we follow His word our joy will be full and we can help others find the same joy. We can improve our lives with the power of joy.

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Title: What We Have Done; What We Will Do

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Introduction:

Today is the first Sunday in November 2007. It has been two years since in the first Sunday of November 2005—simple math, right? Yes, but more significantly it has been two years since we began to work with you here in Newbern. I trust and pray that everyone here is as excited as I am about our growth.

Growth in a congregation is never a comparison game and it is not a competition; growth is for the glory of God. Since Jenny, Haylee, and I came to work with you two years ago this congregation together, has seen many good things happen. We must not be satisfied to stop now. There is much more to do, much more glory to bring to God.

Today we need to consider some things that we have done and some things that we need to do as time continues (as the Lord wills).

What Have We Done.

We have grown in number. We have had souls who have relocated to this area and they are now with us. We have had some wanderers return to God. We have had some births. We have had some conversions. It does not take long to notice that our efforts as a congregation together with God have caused this group to grow. Numbers are important (2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Matthew 28:18-20). We have grown in strength. In our studies, the comments made after the sermons, well assure me that you are desirous of the truth. Our mind-set is clearly the truth and authority from the word of God. (1 Peter 4:11). We are seeking to do all things in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:16). We have improved attendance at every service (Hebrews 10:24-25). This, of course, means that we know one another better. We are more apt to fulfill the practices of brotherhood found in Romans 12:9-16. We have become more dependable and loving to each other.

We have also made some mistakes. As individual members we are not perfect—we have made mistakes. If we, honestly, look at our lives we will find things that we have done that we shouldn’t have done; things we should have done that were left undone. We know the proper procedures for dealing with situations and we have dropped the ball.

What Are We Going To Do (Lord Willing)?

We are going to put our mistakes behind us. This is done through repentance and forgiveness (Acts 8:22). We should consider Paul’s example of moving on. If there were ever some actions that should be hard to leave behind it would be Paul’s life in Judaism (Acts 8:3; 9:1-2 “Havoc, threats, and murders against the church”). Paul was able to put his mistakes behind him with the help of God’s forgiveness (Philippians 3:12-14 “Forgetting those things which are behind looking forward to those things which are ahead”). Paul directs us through inspiration to apply this same attitude to our own lives (Phil 3:15-16 “Let us…have this mind”).

We also need to put our previous achievements behind us and plan new goals. This congregation will never flourish without planning. Bearing in mind that all plans are made with the understanding of, “if the Lord’s wills (James 4:13-15)”.

What kind of plans can we make? What are our goals? Spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:17-18). Congregational strength (Ephesians 4:13-16). We cannot help but be strengthened every time you read and study, preparing for studies requires reading and studying. The more you know, the more you grow, the more you show (1 Timothy 4:16).

Numeric growth is also a goal (Mark 16:15-16). Numeric growth comes through conversation and invitation. Don’t give up if your first contact rejects you. Keep at it.

We Can Do It!

We can succeed because no one can say that we are not teaching truth. All that we do and say, all that we teach is directly from and within the authority of God’s inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 4:11). We don’t do things that we assume are right We do the things that are right here—in the Bible. Too many doctrines are taught and accepted without ever opening this book (Galatians 1:6-12).

We can succeed because you have something that everyone needs. We have something that is needed by all people everywhere (Romans 1:16). Everyone needs the gospel (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Everyone who has a soul needs salvation (2 Corinthians 5:10). We must succeed because God depends on you to do it (Romans 10:11-15). Sharing the gospel is the greatest gift.

Conclusion:

Together we have done a lot over the last twenty-four months. We have achieved good goals, we have grown, we accomplished things that bring glory to God. However, let’s not be satisfied by what we have done. Because when the sun went down yesterday, yesterday was gone forever. Our focus must be, “What will we do today, tomorrow and the next day (Lord Willing).” We have goals it is up to each of us to press on and to achieve. Today is the day to start. Will you start today? ~tss

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Title: Do You Attend Gospel Meetings?

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Gospel meeting attendance is a great thing for everyone. It helps you and it helps your brethren. The lessons will inform, encourage, and direct our lives with the truth of God’s word. Gospel meetings can help others too.

Let’s really determine to be here every night during our meeting. This opportunity is not just a tradition is has been planned by our Elders to provide us with spiritual nutrition. Gospel meetings are great!

A Great Time to Invite Others

We know that we ought to talk to others, our friends, family, and people in general, about the gospel. We have known this for a long time. It is definitely not a lack of knowledge, only a lack of courage. So we grit our teeth, swallow hard, and speak the words, “Why don’t your come to church with me, sometime?” There, you said it. It is out there. All of that build up, expectation, and fear, has resulted in hearing another excuse. “I have my own church” or “I am busy on Sundays”. One excuse or another is said.

This is the disappointing thing about trying to share the gospel with others. However, there is a great opportunity to try again. Try asking, as many as you can, if they will come to services with you the first Sunday of our gospel meeting. When the excuses start to fly about “busy Sunday”, reply with, “Perfect! We are meeting Monday evening as well”.

Gospel meetings are great times to invite others. We are given opportunity to have services on days that others will be able to fit into their schedules. Try asking someone again, or bravely ask someone new.

A Great Spiritual Boost

Zeal (excitement for worship and service to God) is a flame of fire. Like a flame, zeal must be fueled. We need to get a boost every once in a while. Our regular service times are certainly able to refuel our zeal. The Bible studies times are very important because of the practicality of the material and the availability of question asking that makes these opportunities essential to our development. The worship times are opportunities for us to refocus our lives and truly reflect on why we do what we do. Our remembrance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is key to the realities that we face and hope for (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). The Sunday morning sermon is to encourage and uplift our lives (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The Sunday evening sermons are typically reserved for more in-depth teaching (Nehemiah 8:8). Whereas, we may take several sermons to fully consider a topic. All of these efforts coordinated by the Elders to help you grow spiritually in this life.

Gospel meetings are great times to get a spiritual boost since we have the opportunity to come together more often than normal to consider the word of God and learn from it rich treasures.

A Great Way To Study More

With any sermon there are opportunities for further study. It is a good study habit to make simple notes during any learning session, sermons included. There is an art to writing good notes—ones that you can understand and relate to later. With the understanding that there is no way the preacher is going to cover every verse and explain every possible reference on any given subject in the time allotted for his sermon you need to take the time to study further on your own. As you listen, make note of the passages and their associate points so you will later be able to consider them in more detail. Follow-through study is certainly essential to growing in knowledge. Remember it is our duty to be doers of the word, not hearers only (James 1:17-25). We cannot do what we do not know. We cannot know what we do not study (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16).

Gospel meetings are great times to study since we are going to cover so much scripture in a short period of time. We are likely going to have enough study material for a month or two after one week of a meeting. The more we have opportunity to listen and learn, the more we have opportunity to study and learn.

A Great Way to Encourage Your Brethren

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We are responsible for the great and necessary work of stirring up the love of our brethren. We are told to ‘consider one another’; this combination of words enforces a mutual goal—what I do for you, you are doing for me. With that in mind, I am supposed to be here to consider you and you are here to consider me.

But what does ‘consider’ mean? Simply, “observe”. Watch one another. Get to know each other. Be aware of how well one another is doing. Look for opportunities to encourage. Be prepared to help when asked. All these things are found in our consideration of ‘one another’.

This work is something that pays for itself over and over again for those who use it well. One of the necessities of this responsibility is spending time with your brethren. The convenient time when you know where they will be and you can be with them is during our regularly scheduled services. But a gospel meeting provides more opportunities for each of us to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works in each other.

Conclusion:

Gospel meetings enable you to grow more, in knowledge and zeal. They provide you with a prime opportunity to invite others to see what the church is all about—the truth. We should look forward to these wonderful and exciting times when we can become more for God, others, and ourselves. ~tss

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Title: The Giving of Thanks

By: T. Sean Sullivan

This week holds the fourth Thursday of November; in our country this day is official known as Thanksgiving Day. There are many things to be thankful for in our blessed place in this world—we are truly blessed.

Have we, however, begun to confuse the essence of Thanksgiving: like so many others? Has “Thanksgiving” become a time to remember all that we have amassed, but forget from “whom” those things have come? Too many sit back in admiration of their great collections of goods and seem to praise those “things” much more than the God of Heaven who is the source of all blessings.

This Thursday, and everyday, we have a compelling need to remember God. When we give thanks it must not be to ourselves or to our admiration of our possessions. When we give thanks it must be to God. This being said, we also know that God does not simply accept every, or just any, offering. God has given us His will so that we can know how to approach Him and successfully “thank” Him for our blessings. Let’s go to the word of God to seek instruction in the proper giving of thanks.

Thankful Singing:

God has always accepted singing in His praise and worship from man. The English phrase “giving of thanks” as found in the Old Testament is from the Hebrew yadah —it literally means to extend one’s arm toward another (as in throwing or offering something)—it is most often used scripturally as reaching out toward God in a humble appeal and offering of thanks. We must extend ourselves toward God to show our thankfulness to Him.

Singing is a key of communication (or reaching out) to the Lord. As early in the history of Israel as Exodus 15 we find the people of God singing in thanksgiving to God. We also see in 2 Samuel 22:50 David expressing in a Psalm his giving of thanks to the Lord. Throughout the collection of Psalms we see many Psalms of thanksgiving to the Lord (Psalm 30:4; 30:12; 35:18; 79:13; 107:1, etc.)

Still today we praise (adore, magnify, thank, glorify) God in song. Ephesians 5:19 “…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” Also Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

If we consider the honor and privilege of speaking to God we will cherish the opportunities to thank God. When we choose not to sing here in worship we are choosing to not encourage our brethren and we are choosing to not thank God for His care. God does not accept just any thing or just any way of thanking; He has told us that He accepts singing so let’s say “thank You” to God in song.

Thankful Supplications:

Supplication is heartfelt prayer. We can express our thanks to God through prayer in this life. The human voice is a key to revealing the heart’s thoughts (Matthew 12:34-37). When we go to God in prayer we carry our true self, our heart, to God. Prayer is a key of communication and enables us to offer thanks to God.

There are great examples of thanking God in prayer: Jesus thanked the Father for simple things like food (Matthew 15:36). This teaches us that the most basic of blessings are to be noted and appreciated (1 Corinthians 10:30; 1 Timothy 4:4-5). Jesus thanked the Father for the remembrance elements (Matthew 26:26-27). We continue to partake of those elements in remembrance of Christ and we thank God for them and for the significance they represent—the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).

Paul was continual in prayers of thanks to God. For his brethren (Romans 16:3-4; Ephesians 1:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). For the spread of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:13). For all men: ruler, kings, authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-3) and for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

God does not accept just any thing or just any way of thanking; He has told us that He accepts prayer, so let’s say “thank You” to God in prayer.

Thankful Service

Everyday that we “walk as we should” we demonstrate appreciation and thankfulness for all that God has provided us. Consider once more the phrase “giving of thanks”. The English phrase “giving of thanks” as found in the Old Testament is from the Hebrew yadah —it is literally means to extend one’s arm toward another (as in throwing or offering something)—it is most often used scripturally as reaching out toward God in a humble appeal and offering of thanks.

We must extend ourselves toward God to show our thankfulness to Him. What will we “give” to God in thanks to Him: our self (Romans 12:1-2), our time (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16; Hebrews 10:24-25), our money (2 Corinthians 9:6-15), and our praise—worship (Hebrews 13:5).

What greater way to say “thank You” to God than to walk in His advice. God has seen fit to give us direction; He has revealed Himself to us so that we can know His help and hope: 2 Peter 1:3 “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”. God has provided direction that leads us to “glory” down the road of “virtue”.

Thank God: Listen to His directions. Showing appreciation for His direction (Psalm 119:102). Walking as we should demonstrates our thanks to God (Colossians 3:17).

Build yourself up toward completion as a fruitful servant (2 Peter 1:5-10).

God does not accept just any thing or just any way of thanking; He has told us that He accepts proper service through the example of the scriptures, so let’s say “thank You” to God in our proper service.

Conclusion: This Thursday serves as a reminder of our need to offer thanks to God. We are truly blessed in this life, in this country, and in this state. God offers us the greatest of all that is best. What are we offering Him to say “thanks”?

If you are not yet a Christian, God has provided some advice—some direction for you. Will you appreciate His offer and thankfully accept His plan? The opportunity of salvation is yours right now.

If you are a Christian already are you continuing daily to show your appreciation to God by living as you should? If not, it is time to repent and seek God forgiveness. God has provided all things that pertain to life and godliness. His reward is glory. His way is virtue. Are you ready? ~tss

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Title: Goal: Pleasing God

By: T. Sean Sullivan

We have a wonderful opportunity here in Newbern, Tennessee. We have an opportunity to effectively please our Creator. Pleasing God is a goal; all goals need to be planned to be achieved. Also, however, that plan must be followed to find true success.

The true success is found in the plan that God has provided for us to be pleasing to Him. There are simply too many today who live under the impression that God accepts anything we offer—this is certainly not a true understanding (Matthew 7:21-23).

How are we going to achieve this goal—not only as individuals but as a family: a group? Every member needs to better understand what our goal is. Every member is determined to fulfill their role in our goal. Every member actually does work to accomplish our goal.

So let’s look at the goal today: In order to bring every member to understanding. In order to encourage the determination of our individual roles. In order that we can actually accomplish our goal of pleasing God. Paul, through inspiration, establishes a plan for achieving our God in the twelfth chapter of Romans. Let’s look at the plan.

Serve God According To His Will (Romans 12:1-8)

We must be determined to be conforming to God’s will. All that we do is to be for God: God’s way. We know God’s way because He told us (Hebrews 1:1-2). We are able to search and know what God’s will is (Acts 17:11). We are searching the word to know what it acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:6-17). Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 to take action in our service.

Christianity cannot be passive it must be active: Determined to use my life for God’s service I must be holy. I must be acceptable to God. I must actively serve. When we determine to actively serve we must find our role and fulfill it. We must serve with humility (verse 3), we must serve within our own abilities (verse 4), and we must serve for the betterment of all (verse 5). We must further qualify our service by willing serving to our fullest: If a servant: serve with your full measure of ability. If a teacher: teach with your full measure of ability. If an exhorter: exhort with your full measure of ability. If a giver: give much with your full measure of ability. If a leader: lead with your full measure of ability. Together as a congregation we are seeking to serve God: according to God’s will and together we can succeed.

Provide For One Another’s Needs (Romans 12:9-16)

We must work toward a relationship that nurtures a full commitment to God. There is nothing more discouraging or distracting from our service to God than when another leaves the faith. When they are caught in actions unbecoming a Christian such as the offer of hypocritical love. We are here in order to help and comfort our brethren as we travel together down the “narrow difficult way” (Matthew 7:13-14). When we fail to love we are failing to be what Christ commanded and we are out of the faith (John 13:34-35).

We must be those who willingly desire good and refuse evil (verse 9). This is the same command as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and it is accomplished by exercising our sense to determine which is which (Hebrews 5:12-14). We must be those who willingly serve one another as we serve the Lord (verses 10-11). We must be those who are willing to give each other the best of what we have (preference) lift them up and give them the opportunities--even if it means we may to be left out. This attitude is hard to fully comprehend but it is perfect if it comes to you and you use it. We must be those who willingly work together toward the goal (verses 12-16). Together we rejoice in our hope and looking forward to Heaven (John 14:1-6). Together we are patient in tribulation and enduring hardships (1 Peter 1:6-9). Together we seek each other’s needs in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Together we see that each other’s needs are distributed (met). These needs are some times met with money (Acts 4:34-37) and sometimes just being there for them—hospitality (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We uphold one another in times of good and times of sorrow. Also, in all of this there are going to be people who need your help: do not condescend toward them, be humble enough to know your ability to help comes from God.

Reach Out With The Gospel (Romans 12:17-21)

We have a mission to save souls from certain condemnation (Mark 16:15-16). Verse 17 says that we must act in such a way that others see us as “good” (Matthew 5:13-16). Verses 18-20 tell us to not cause undue conflicts since this will reflect poorly on the you and the church--If you are the biggest trouble maker in town, who will want to be like you, or be part of a church that calls you a member? Live in such a way as to show others the way to live according to God’s will.

Be an influential person in this world. Do not let the world overtake you (Romans 12:1-2). Help others come out of the world and into Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Let’s determine to overcome evil around us with the light of truth—the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

We have a great goal: to serve God according to truth in all things; to help each other succeed in that service; to bring more souls out of the world; into Christ.

This is our goal to please God. Now that we are aware of this: we must find our role in this plan. We must get to work in accomplishing this plan. There is much do, together we can do it. I am here to help you and you are here to help me. Together we will succeed. ~tss

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Title: Change: Jesus Offers Change

By: T. Sean Sullivan

As Christians we are representatives of change. Every member of this local church has been changed and we are living in those changes. We are also seeking other to offer change to them.

There is a process to change.

1. Not knowing that change is needed

2. Seeing that change is available.

3. Denying that change is needed

4. Accepting that change is needed

5. Desiring change

6. Willingness to be changed

7. Restructuring your life to adapt to the changes

8. Seeing the resultant benefits of change.

9. Maintaining the resultant change.

10. Completely adapted to the change.

This process actually includes many more defined steps but these ten give us the picture of what people go through when we are attempting to change them with the gospel. Change is not as simple as we sometimes feel that it should be for others.

Today let’s consider some basics of “offered change”. Jesus is one whose ways offer us betterment through change.

Jesus Can Change the Way You Think For the Better

If you were to analyze the focus of the world’s search, you would soon discover that they are striving for happiness. The most enduring happiness is wrapped up in a little word called joy. Joy is more than happiness: Joy is enduring happiness; no matter what you are facing there is a kernel of happiness that resides in your heart.

Today, many search for joy in sorts of things from drugs to illicit immorality, from money to material possessions. True happiness (joy), is not found in sin (Romans 6:23). Joy is not found in heaping up possessions (Luke 12:15). The greatest source of joy is knowing that we are at peace with God. Paul describes that peace as surpassing understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). The fact that Paul knew that joy is more than apparent. Think about the situation both he and Silas faced in Acts 16. They were beaten and imprisoned and yet they prayed and sang hymns to God. Also, consider: Paul’s statements from Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” and Philippians 4:13, “I can do al things through Christ who strengthens me.

As disciples of Christ, we should have lives free of many emotional hang-ups that the world suffers. Galatians 5:19-21 reveals that many sins are rooted in improper emotions. The works of the flesh are tied directly with emotions or are in themselves emotional reactions. Hatred, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, and envy are all emotional states. As Disciples of Christ we should rather have: love, joy peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We should have more emotional balance as Christians. Because what we know: That God is (Hebrews 11:6; Hebrew 1:1-2); that God is all powerful (Genesis 1, 2; Acts 17:24-27); His word is His will for me (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:97-105); that I have been made acceptable to Him through Christ (Ephesians 1:3-10). We also know that will have eternal life if we remain faithful (Revelation 2:10).

Has Jesus changed the way that you think for the better? Tell someone.

Jesus Can Change the Way We Live for the Better

Throughout the scriptures sin is analogized by darkness and disparaging things: Proverbs 2:10-22 uses words like darkness, perversion, crooked, devious, immoral, forsaken, and death to describe the life of those who are self-willed and unwilling to serve God; walking the path of righteousness. Matthew, in his gospel, tells us we can be filled with the darkness of sin (Matthew 6:22-23). Paul warns that sin enslaves the sinner (Romans 6:16).

When we think about these things and consider a passage like Romans 3:23, which says, “All have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God”. We can clearly see why the world is looking for some hope. Many are looking of some light. I say some light because they are not specifically looking for, “The Light” (John 1:4). They are looking of the first source of relief from the sin and its darkness. We have what they need. They may or may not find us before they find something else to distract them for a time.

Jesus can bring moral change. They can be freed from the darkness of sin: Consider what Jesus said in John 8:12, we, through Him, can have the light of life. They can take on a new righteous life (Ephesians 4:17-32). We can deny the works of the flesh and produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:19-25). Through Christ, we are giving a better way of life— one that is moral and upright. Has Jesus changed you morally? Tell someone.

Jesus Can Change Our Spiritual Destiny for the Better

This perhaps is the greatest of all changes. Before Jesus, we were lost in sin (Romans 3:23). The scriptures also describe, “lost” as “spiritually dead”. Jesus changes us from spiritually dead to alive (Ephesians 2:1-6). This spiritual death is a separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). There is nothing in and of our selves able to reunite our souls with God, separate and apart from the Jesus Christ. Only the power of God to salvation, made available to us through the blood of Christ (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 9:22-28) can effect the spiritual change that we need. Has Jesus changed you spiritually? Tell someone.

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ can change your whole being [Mind (Emotionally), Body (Morally) and Soul (spiritually)]. Every change, Jesus effects, is for your betterment, and is good.

We have better ways of looking at life, better ways of dealing with situations. We have a better hope. Jesus Christ will change your life. Are you ready for a change? ~tss

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Title: Give The Best Gift

By: T. Sean Sullivan

Introduction:

This week holds a holiday that is normally associated with the giving of gifts. This is a wonderful expression and remembrance of just how much we have been blessed with. In fact, our ability to give certainly means that we ourselves have more than enough. This time of year does stir our hearts and the sharing of blessings is indeed a positive element in our lives.

With all this giving we usually focus on material gifts. There are, however, other things that are given like genuine expressions of love and time—both of which are not material and are very special. Since we are willing to give gifts far greater than just material things let’s consider a gift that we can give that is spiritual and filled with hope—A gift that is long-term and certain.

The gift that we have and we can share is confidence. Confidence, as a word, is used some twenty times in the New Testament. It is most often, in fact seventeen of the twenty times, used to speak of the “assurance” we have in Christ, His gospel, and our hope of salvation. Confidence is a quality of greatness. The difference between failure and success is not ability alone: it is ability that says, “I am capable” but confidence that says, “I am able, and I will”. Confidence is a resolve of mind that establishes and frees us from fear and this is the definition of confidence on which we will focus today’s lesson.

Can I Be Confident I Have the Truth?

Let’s weigh this question against these statements from the scriptures: Paul is said to have preached the gospel—the things concerning Jesus Christ “with all confidence” Acts 28:31). The Hebrew writer also proclaims that we begin our new life in Christ with confident believe (Hebrews 3:14 “For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end”) and then he also says, in Hebrews 10:35-36 “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”. Knowing that God’s will proclaims that the message is able to be preached with confidence, obeyed with confidence, and followed always with confidence we can be certain that this is a pattern of confidence for us all.

How can I be certain of the truth? Please understand that you have been using these three points for most of your life: Reading newspapers, books, magazines; even comic books. These points are simply how we get information from the written word. The three points of information retrieval: Look for direct commands or statements: Go, Do, etc. Look for approved examples: Examples endorsed by the apostles, examples specifically given as instruction, and examples that are shown or declared as right. Then we also look for necessary conclusions: these can be derived from direct statements, commands or examples. These are conclusions that although not directly stated there is no other conclusion to come to. We must also respect the silence of God. For some reason man has a hard time respecting God’s silence. There are those who say things like, “God didn’t say not to”. Has that rule ever applied anywhere else in life? Why would we think God would accept that type of reasoning? The belief is that unless it is outright condemned it is allowed. Our goal must not be looking for things that are not condemned we must search for the things, which are approved (2 Timothy 2:15). “Didn’t say, ‘I couldn’t’” is not rightly dividing the word.

When we “rightly divide the word of truth” we will be servants without shame: we can be confident that we are serving God according to His will (2 Timothy 2:15).

Who Needs This Gift?

Reality says, there are people we know who are in jeopardy. Many times we look past the obvious. We do not have to take on the whole world in order to be a good worker and we do not have to go a long distance to find a soul that needs saving.

We have family who need Christ just like Andrew did (John 1:35-39). Andrew found Christ—the Messiah and followed Him. He knew how important Christ was and he couldn’t keep it to himself for long. John 1:40, Andrew went and told his brother Simon Peter. Andrew must have been excited about his new discovery—his attitude must have influenced Peter to go to Jesus.

Are you excited about salvation? We need to maintain our excitement and use that zeal to influence our family like Andrew. Think of how much good Andrew accomplished by not overlooking his family.

We have friends who need Christ just like Cornelius did (Acts 10:24). Cornelius knew that Peter was coming with God’s word of salvation. He was not satisfied to wait by himself; he gathered his relatives and his friends. Philip was also one who shared with a friend (John 1:43-51). He willingly and excitedly went out to share, not willing to keep it to himself. Philip went and told his friend Nathanael.

We can tell someone today. Ask your family and friends to sit down with you; open your Bible and show them Jesus. If you are not comfortable in detailed study ask them to come here and see, invite them to services with you.

There are also souls who walk by us every day. We need to share with them like the woman at the well of Sychar (John 4:25-28): she heard, believed, and went to tell (John 4:29-30). She told anyone who would listen, anyone she could convince to go and see.

Many came to Christ to hear—and they believed (vs. 39).

Do They Need This Gift Right Now?

We cannot even put it off for tomorrow. Too many “todays” have already gone by without action on our part. Paul declares, “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). We need to pray for the strength to go today. We need to pray that those who listen will act before it is too late.

Conclusion:

This week many of us will give and receive gifts. Remember the gifts that are not material—gifts of love and time. Remember also that gift of hope and confidence—the gospel. The gospel is a gift that is long-term and certain.

Remember the need for confidence when it comes to salvation. We want to succeed.

We want our family and all of our loved ones to succeed.

Can you show from the scriptures that you are a Christian? God’s pattern of salvation is clear and He has given it to us in His word. Take hold of the gift of God today. Obey the gospel right now. ~tss

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Title: Change to the Truth and Never Change Again

By: T. Sean Sullivan

We started this short series of lessons on the subject of change by considering: we have all been changed and we are representatives of that change.

We have a God-given role of helping others change—changing to conform to God’s will is essential for all people. When we gather the resolve to venture out with the gospel’s power to change we will inevitably run into some who will resist. It is typical of our society to think one’s own ways to be right. It is also typical to have the “I am okay, you are okay” attitude to reinforce the “my way is just as right” defense. Knowing that this attitude is possible we need to be prepared for some negative reactions. There have always been those who will not accept the gospel for a variety of reasons.

We need to focus our attention in this lesson on one particular resistance that comes in the form of a question. If I change now, will I have to change again? We each need to find the truth and never, from it, stray.

Why Change: Aren’t All Religions Okay?

There are no scriptural allowances for the denominational picture in which worshippers find themselves in this country. There are some 9000 known denominations in the world’s idea of Christianity (www.worldchristiandatabase.org).

Let’s go back to third grade math when we learned about a denominator. We learned that every fraction has a denominator (the divided portion) and the numerator (the number of those divisions). The reason we go back to the third grade for a quick math lesson is to understand that the word “denomination” means “division”. That being understood we need to know that divisions are unlawful and there is no authority from God for their existence. Jesus built one church (Matthew 16:18). There is one body = the church (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4). That one and only church is to be undivided (1 Corinthians 12:25). All believers are to be of one mind and one judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Nothing other than the doing of "God’s will" is acceptable, according to Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23. There are no other acceptable ways of worship: not in the first century; not today. All other attempts of worship are without value. Matthew 15:9 “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines, the commandments of men.” Being religious is not the only criteria: we must seek and know God’s will—the truth of service and worship.

Can We Know For Certain The Truth?

The truth is known by abiding in the word—that is the advice of Jesus (John 8:31-32). The truth is knowledge gathered from the Bible much like other sources of literature. When we read any written words we are looking for: directives from the author; examples of those involved; and conclusions necessarily drawn from the information presented.

Here is an example from every day life: The professor’s poster read “All students are to be prepared to discuss Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Since that announcement every one of the students spent time each day reading this novel.

The directive: To prepare for a discussion of “Huckleberry Finn”. The example: To prepare is to read the book. The necessary conclusion: We can safely conclude that every Thursday the students would meet with their professor.

Remember always that the truth of any given topic is the gathering of all the information provided: Knowing the truth requires diligence (2 Timothy 2:15).

Never Change Again

God has given us one pattern to follow. There is one doctrine (2 John 9). There is only one saving faith based on that one doctrine (Ephesians 4:4). Once we study, learn, and know the Bible truth we must always continue to do all things according to Christ’s authority (Colossians 3:17). We must demand book, chapter, and verse for all that we do (1 Peter 4:11). We must be diligent in doing only the truth (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9).

“Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23): Pay whatever cost is necessary to make the truth yours. Never walk away from the truth not matter the offered price.

Conclusion:

With so many being involved in some type of religious group the odds are that we will run into individuals who were raised in, or converted to, one of those divisions. They are likely under the impression that they have the truth in their worship and service. Can their activities be “the truth” if they differ from what the Bible establishes for all to follow? We must seek the truth; not the doctrines of men (Matthew 15:9).

We can know the truth with absolute confidence (John 8:31-32)—this certainly is the greatest promise in this life. Do not hand your soul over to anyone, study to know what the Bible says and then do it. Today, if you are not a Christian according to the truth revealed through a study of the Bible you need to change. You can change today and begin your obedience to the truth. Are you ready? ~tss

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