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"...Shepherd the flock of God which is among
you, serving as overseers..." (1 Peter 5:2)
Elders
Morris Bass, Rick Holt , Joe
Price |
"...let them serve as deacons,
being found blameless..." (1 Tim. 3:10)
Deacons
Aaron Bass, Rich Brooks, Mike Finn
John Hague, Dan Head |
"And take...the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17)
In this issue:
The Fruit of the Spirit
(#1)
What to be in 2005
Things Not to Expect
at a Faithful church of Christ
Sermon Outlines:
Noteworthy News:
The Bible is Still Relevant
The Fruit of the Spirit (#1)
Joe R. Price
The Christian is to bear
fruit unto God (Rom. 7:4; Jno. 15:4-8). Just as a seed planted in the soil
brings forth a harvest, God’s word, the incorruptible seed, is planted into
good and honest hearts and bears the fruit of obedient faith (1 Pet.
1:22-23; Lk. 8:15). Having had the word of God planted in his heart, the
Christian’s life is to reflect the nature of that seed. So, as the
Christian obeys God’s word he is bearing the fruit that word produces. This
is described as being “led by the Spirit” of God (who revealed the
seed that is planted in the Christian’s heart) in Galatians 5:16-24 (v.
18). There, the fruit of the Spirit (which is the natural out-cropping of
the word of God in the Christian’s life) is described. Over the next few
weeks we will study the fruit of the Spirit and how we can better bear this
fruit in our lives.
Before looking at the
specifics of this fruit it will be worthwhile for us to note that we all
bear some kind of fruit in our lives. This is apparent from recognizing
that we either “walk in the Spirit” or we “fulfill the lust of the
flesh” (Gal. 5:16). It is up to us to decide the fruit we will bear in
our lives.
The flesh desires those
things which are against and contrary to the Spirit (Gal. 5:17). The works
of the flesh are antagonistic to the fruit of the Spirit. As we consider
the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-23 it
is apparent they stand as opposites to each other. Look closer and you will
see the striking contrast more clearly: Love vs. fornication; joy vs.
revelries; peace vs. enmities; longsuffering vs. outbursts of wrath;
kindness vs. envy; goodness vs. uncleanness; faithfulness vs. idolatry;
meekness vs. strife; self-control vs. lasciviousness. We cannot serve two
masters, and it is clear who should be our Master (Matt. 6:24).
Also see that “the fruit
of the Spirit” suggests the collective nature of this produce. These
virtues are a unit, each part combining to make up the fruit or harvest of
the Christian’s life. As the seed, core, peel and stem are the parts of the
fruit we call an “apple”, the items in Galatians 5:22-23 combine to give us
a description of the fruit borne in our lives when we “walk (are led, and
live) in the Spirit” (i.e., when we live by the Spirit-revealed word,
Gal. 5:16, 18 and 25).
By exploring the
possibilities and wonders of the fruit of the Spirit we intend to help us
bear it in our lives. This is achieved as we plant the word of God in the
soil of our hearts and let it transform our lives through our obedient
faith. Let us always remember that “every tree is known by its own
fruit” (Lk. 6:44).
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What to be in 2005
Joe R. Price
It’s that time of year again, when millions make New Year’s resolutions –
with many breaking them within the first week of the New Year. Resolutions
are not bad. Making goals is a helpful way to achieve the improvements we
wish to make in our lives. They need to be realistic and possible. Here
are a few suggestions to be in 2005 that are within the reach of every
Christian.
I will be more resolute in my faith.
Resolutions made without a firm determination to succeed will only lead to
discouragement. For example, how many folks resolve to loss weight but have
no strategy to help them achieve their goal? Similarly, the Christian who
resolves to improve his spiritual life must have a determined heart of
faith. In Christ there is victory (1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jno. 5:4). “Set your
mind on things above” and in Christ you will successfully “press
toward the goal” (Phil. 3:14).
I will be more prayerful.
Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline. With it we petition our heavenly
Father, the God of all power, to attend to our lives (as well as the lives
of others). Through prayer we thank our loving Father for His generous love
toward us. Prayer works (Jas. 5:16). What a wonderful thing it would be
for every Christian to resolve to be more prayerful each day; more dependent
on the power and presence of God. Don’t forget to pray (1 Ths. 5:17).
I will be more studious of God’s word.
Jesus said that the truth sets us free from sin when we know it (Jno.
8:32). Are we still “people of the book” or have we become a people without
the book? God’s people “are destroyed for lack of knowledge”, while
diligent study of God’s word reaps immediate and eternal results (Hos. 4:6;
2 Tim. 2:15). Why not resolve to know more of the Bible by December 31,
2005 than you do January 1, 2005?
I will be a teacher of the gospel.
Without someone preaching the gospel, the lost will not hear it, believe it
and call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Rom. 10:13-14). But,
preachers must be sent (Rom.10:15). (And, please remember that preaching –
proclaiming the good news of salvation – does not only occur behind a
pulpit.) We can send ourselves and we can send others (Acts 8:4; 11:22).
God’s wisdom and power is at work saving souls when the gospel is taught (1
Cor. 1:21; 2 Tim. 2:2). Who, will say with Isaiah, “Here am I! Send me”
(Isa. 6:8)?
I will be more obedient to Christ.
Every Christian who desires to please the Lord in all things wants to obey
Him more completely and dutifully each day. Our commitment to obeying
Christ is motivated by our faith, hope and love (2 Cor. 5:7-9; Col. 1:23; 1
Jno. 5:4). Half-hearted obedience must become a thing of the past as we
resolve to “give our best to the Master.” These are the ones Jesus will
save (Heb. 5:8-9; 10:35-39).
Feel free to add to this list. You know yourself better than anyone else
(except or course, for God). So, make a spiritual resolution for 2005. And
may the Lord keep you in His blessings as you keep it.
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Things Not to Expect at a Faithful church of Christ
Joe R. Price
●
Do not
expect to hear the opinions, creeds, or doctrines of men preached or
followed. (1 Cor. 2:4-5; 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 9; Rev. 22:18-19)
●
Do not
expect to find a church that has any denominational organization,
affiliation or attitude. (Eph. 4:4; Eph. 5:23; 1 Cor. 3:3-4)
●
Do not
expect to find a social gospel with such things as fellowship halls,
gymnasiums, family life centers, daycare centers, camps, youth ministers,
special promotions and gimmicks (food, fun and frolic). (Jno. 18:36;
Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 11:17, 22, 34; Jno. 6:26)
●
Do not
expect to find people who believe they do not have to have the authority of
Jesus Christ for all they teach and practice. (Matt. 28:20; Col. 3:17)
●
Do not
expect to find people who are more interested in pleasing themselves than
pleasing God. (Gal.1:10)
We would be
happy to study the word of God with you. (Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:15)
“Come now, and let
us reason together...” (Isaiah
1:18)
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Jesus: The Stone of Stumbling
and Rock of Offense
Scripture Reading:
1 Peter 2:4-10
Isaiah 8:14-15; Matthew
21:42-44 (Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8)
1. God has
laid in Zion a foundation “stone”.
2. Tried, precious & sure stone, Isa. 28:16.
3. Stone of stumbling/rock of offense, Isa. 8:14; Psa. 118:22-24 (Acts
4:11-12).
I.
“STUMBLING” OVER
CHRIST:
A. Stone
of Stumbling: an obstacle (1 Pet. 2:8); impediment (1 Cor. 1:23).
B. Rejecting Jesus in Unbelief, 1 Pet. 2:4-6.
C. Disobeying Jesus, 1 Pet. 2:7-8 (Heb.5:8-9)
II.
JESUS: THE STONE OF STUMBLING.
-People
stumble over…
A. The
King – Zech. 9:9 (Matt. 21:5); Isa. 62:11; Zech. 9:10; Jno. 6:15.
B. The Authority of the King – Matt. 21:23; Col. 3:17 (1 Cor. 14:37; 2
Tim. 3:16-17).
C. Word of the Kingdom – Matt. 13:18-23 (Jno. 6:60; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1:13).
D. The kingdom – Matt. 21:43; Lk. 19:11; Eph. 2:19-22 (Matt. 16:18-19):
Nature, entrance, worship, organization, work.
E. Life as a Kingdom Citizen – Matt. 21:43.
1. Moral purity, Titus 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:11-12; 4:1-4 (1 Jno. 2:15; 1
Tim. 6:9-10; 2:9; Eph. 4:29).
2. Living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1-2; Rev. 2:10 (Gal. 5:4; 1 Jno. 1:7-9;
Acts 8:22-23; Matt. 19:4-6, 9).
III.
THOSE WHO STUMBLE OVER CHRIST ARE CRUSHED TO DUST
– Matt. 21:44 (Isa. 8:15).
A. Due to
Disobedience – 1 Pet. 2:8.
B. Captured by Sin & Unwilling to be freed by Christ – Isa. 8:14-15
(6:9-10).
Top
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the
light of Scripture)
The Bible is
Still Relevant
Joe R. Price
This column is normally
reserved for Bible commentary on current events. We should regularly remind
ourselves that although the Bible was written and complied thousands of
years ago it continues to be as alive, vibrate, life-affecting and
life-changing as ever. It is not a dead book, but a living and powerful
word; the word of God (Heb. 4:12).
God’s word never grows
old in its power to penetrate and persuade the heart. Many are hard and
calloused against the Bible, for sure. But, there are still good and honest
hearts who will listen, learn and live the word of God (Lk. 8:15). Peter
addressed a current event (the death and resurrection of Jesus) using the
Scriptures in Acts 2, and about 3,000 souls were persuaded to believe and
obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22-24, 36-41). Like those people on
Pentecost so long ago, there are souls today whose heart will be pierced by
truth and who will, in faith, repent and be baptized (Acts 2:37-38).
God’s word never grows
old in its power to save (Rom. 1:16; Acts 13:26). The word of God is
the power of God. In it is the power to expose and remove sin, the power to
transform lives and the power to protect (Jas. 1:21; Eph. 6:10-17). When
believed and obeyed, its power purifies the soul (1 Pet. 1:22-23).
God’s word never grows
old in addressing life “under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9-10). God’s word is
incorruptible and abides forever (1 Pet. 1:23; 2 Jno. 2). So, it will
always be a ready lamp to light life’s path and lead us to the heavenly home
(Psa. 119:105).
We will continue using God’s word to understand the events around us. It is
relevant to us all.
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