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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: Peace (#4)
Anticipating Heaven
Sermon Outlines:
Noteworthy News:
Clothing Doesn't Matter?
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace (#4)
Joe R. Price
Peace is a much desired
commodity in our world. Yet, it can be the most elusive of desires. Our
country sends troops around the world to fight and “win the peace” (as
politicians like to say). Warfare insures peace in this world of sin – a
peace that is obtained and maintained by force. Here is the irony of the
world’s definition of peace: Violent confrontation is a vehicle of peace.
But, this is not so when it
comes to man’s peace with God. Sin disrupts peace. Sin introduces
hostilities into one’s life. Sin produces animosity with God and with man.
Peace with God is obtained through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and
our faith in Him (Rom. 5:1). The apostle confidently affirms that Jesus
“is our peace” (Eph. 2:14).
Having received peace from
God through our forgiveness in Christ, we are called upon to exercise peace
toward others: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live
peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18); “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9); “And let the peace
of Christ rule in your hearts...” (Col. 3:15); “…endeavoring to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Christians
hold peace as an objective of life as they live among sinners as well as
saints.
This thing called peace is
not merely the absence of hostility. You are not truly at peace with your
neighbor while harboring resentment, ill will and suspicion toward him.
Genuine peace includes the presence of serenity, tranquility, contentment,
security and safety (cf. Isa. 32:17-18). Peace describes the perfecting of
one’s relationship with men and with God.
We need peace among us.
Every home will prosper where peace exists. How many souls have been lost
because peace in the home was lost? A peaceful church is a blessing from
God. Peace amplifies our unity and enhances our possibilities of service.
So, we must diligently guard it, maintaining it as our bond (Eph. 4:3). How
many wars could be averted if peace ruled in the hearts of world leaders?
Remember to pray for them as we pray for peace (1 Tim. 2:2).
Every Christian must pursue
peace (Heb. 12:14). By so doing one is walking after the Spirit (Gal. 5:16,
22). “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the
things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19).
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Anticipating Heaven
Joe R. Price
Deadlines and
appointments; getting the car repaired; hanging wallpaper; balancing a
checkbook. These are just a few of the things I will not miss in this
life. Heaven will be free of the drudgeries of life “under the sun”
(Eccl. 2:17, 20). Why should we anticipate heaven? Why should we live with
hopeful eyes, patiently waiting for what we do not now see (Heb. 11:13-16; 1
Pet. 1:3-9)?
There are many
Bible answers that satisfy and secure the Christian as he or she explores
the reasons for looking forward to heaven. For example, one reason is the
absence of sin. For every person who has obeyed Christ in faith and
separated themselves from living in sin, the thought of finally being free
from its incessant presence is most appealing and promising (Rom. 6:1-4; 2
Cor. 6:17-7:1). “But there shall by no means enter it anything that
defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie,” (Rev. 21:27). Oh for the
day when temptations shall end, when the trials of faith have passed, when
finally and forever the presence of sin is removed. “O happy day!”
We anticipate
heaven because there we will have the supreme privilege of coming into the
presence of my God and Father. What glorious expectation; what unspeakable
love shall that moment hold! To praise the Lamb for His soul-saving
sacrifice, to extol the Spirit of God for His careful revealing and
confirming of eternal truth, to magnify the Father for His constant care and
keeping – these reasons drive us toward our heavenly home (Rev. 5:8-14;
14:1; 15:2-4; 19:1-10).
Heaven is our
anticipation because of its restful reward. Paul envisioned the end of his
fight, the finish of his course and the victory of his faith as his death
approached (2 Tim. 4:6-7). With hopeful expectation he longed for the crown
of righteousness that we too shall receive (2 Tim. 4:8). Rest from our
labors and the reward of the faithful; these are reasons to long for heaven
(Rev. 14:13; 2:7, 10; 3:21).
Are you ready to go
to the wonderful home of the soul? Jesus invites you to come (Rev. 22:17).
Prepare for the joys by putting Christ first and keeping your eyes on
heaven. Onward and upward (Phil. 3:13-14)!
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Christ is the Answer
Scripture Reading:
Psalms 38:15-22
1. Do you see Christ as the
practical solution to the issues of your daily life?
2. Christ is the answer – cf. Jno. 1:4-5;
14:1.
I.
CHRIST IS THE ANSWER:
A. “How
can a Holy God Justify Unholy People?” – 1 Tim. 1:12-16; Rom. 3:23-25.
1. The Need: Sinners, 3:23 (3:9; 6:23).
2. The Basis: God’s grace, 3:24 (Eph. 2:8).
3. The Means: Redemption in Christ, 3:24 (Eph. 1:7).
4. The Effect: Propitiation, 3:25 (1 Jno. 2:2).
5. The Demonstration: God’s righteousness in forbearance, 3:25 (Psa.
78:37-39).
B. “Can a Christian Overcome Sin in His or Her Life?” – Rom. 8:1-2, 5;
Gal. 5:16; 1 Jno. 1:8-10; Acts 8:22; 2 Pet. 1:4-11.
C. “Is There Really a Clearly Defined Way of Living that Pleases God?” –
Prov. 16:25; Jno. 8:12; 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 Jno. 2:5-6 (Rom. 13:11-14; Col.
3:12-14; Matt. 6:33-34; Acts 20:35); Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:14.
II.
PROBLEMS TO WHICH CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.
A. Christ
Solves the Problem of Error (Jno. 18:38); Jno. 14:6; 1:14, 16-17 (Eph.
4:20-21); Rom. 1:16 (1 Cor. 2:1-5); 1 Cor. 1:18.
B. Christ Solves the Problem of Companionship – 1 Jno. 1:7, 3; 2 Cor.
6:16-17; Heb. 13:5-6.
C. Christ Solves the Problem of Human Weakness – 1 Jno. 5:4; Eph. 6:10; 2
Cor. 12:9-10.
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
How Real is Satan to You?
Scripture Reading:
Revelation 12:7-12
1. How real is Satan to you? (1
Pet. 5:8)
a. Satan: Adversary (to lie in wait).
b. Devil: Slanderer, accuser (deceiver), Rev. 12:9-10.
2. Until we know he is real he will continue to deceive & devour souls.
I. SATAN
HATES GOD AND MAN.
A. He
Accuses God before Man, Gen. 3:4-5.
B. He Accuses Man before God – Job 1:6-12; Zech. 3:1; Lk. 22:31-32.
C. Accuses Men to Each Other – Col. 3:8-9.
D. He Works on Christians – 1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 2:2; 6:12; cf. Mk. 3:22-26;
Rev. 12:17.
II. HOW
SATAN WORKS – 2 Cor.
2:11.
A. Satan
Operates through Enticements – Jas. 1:14; Matt. 4:1ff; Jno. 8:44; Jas. 1:15.
B. Satan Operates on our Minds –Jno. 13:2, 27; Acts 5:3 (Mk. 7:20-23).
C. Satan Operates through Human Agents – Matt. 16:23; Jno. 6:70; Acts
13:10; 1 Cor. 15:33-34.
D. Satan Operates through things that Appear Right – 2 Cor. 11:13-15, 3;
Rev. 2:9 (3:9); 1 Jno. 4:1.
III. HOW
WE CAN BE VICTORIOUS OVER SATAN
– Rev. 12:10-12.
A.
Remember, Satan is a Liar – Jno. 8:44.
B. Truth Delivers Us from Satan’s Lies – Jn. 8:32; 2 Ths. 2:8-12; Jas.
4:7-10; Psa. 119:11.
C. Practical Ways to Resist Satan (Jas. 4:7):
1. Alert; armed; self-control; escape routes; obey God; pray, Eph.
4:27; 6:10-17; 1 Pet. 5:9.
2. Faith is victory, 1 Jno. 3:8; Rev. 12:10-12.
Concl.
1 Jno. 4:4: Jesus is greater than Satan.
Top
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the
light of Scripture)
Clothing
Doesn't Matter?
Joe R. Price
The outcry over Britain’s
Prince Harry wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party has been loud and
boisterous. No doubt the young prince has been reminded of the life and
death struggle for freedom his countrymen and the world fought and prevailed
in 60 years ago. The stench of millions of innocent people murdered in the
name of racial purity and supremacy continues to be repugnant in the
nostrils of descent people everywhere (a lesson even 20 year-old princes can
learn).
There are other lessons to
be learned as we observe this incident from across the pond. One is the
utter failure of the rationale that says clothing is of no consequence and
says nothing about the sensibilities of the person. Why all the fuss over
Harry’s swastika if clothing doesn’t matter? The truth is that what we wear
does say something about who we are and what attitudes and values we hold.
For instance, clothing can reflect respect and honor or disgrace (Lk. 15:22;
Prov. 7:10). What does your clothing say about you?
Some brethren are heard to
say in defense of immodest clothing that regardless of what they wear, their
mind remains pure. The responsibility, they say, falls only upon the person
who looks with lust upon their exposed bodies (Matt. 5:28; 1 Jno. 2:16).
Yes, each person must “make a covenant with (his) eyes” not to look
lustfully upon another (Job 31:1). But, this does not relieve each person
of the responsibility to dress modestly, thereby professing godliness (1
Tim. 2:9-10). Clothing says something about us. It either supports a
profession of godliness or damages it. If not, then why all the fuss over
Harry?
What we wear (or do not
wear) matters to God. It ought to matter to us (1 Pet. 3:3-5).
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