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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:
God and Governments
Things Contagious
Sermon Outlines:
Noteworthy News:
Judging the Judges
God and Governments
Joe R. Price
The fourth of July
celebration gives us an opportunity to pause and remember that God rules in
the affairs of men. Our nation was founded on the declaration that
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed” (The Declaration of Independence). But in
truth, the governments of men derive their powers from God: “the
authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Rom. 13:1; cf. Jno.
19:10-11). I love my country, but we should remember that a representative
form of government is not the only type of government ordained by God. He
ordained “governing authorities,” however that authority is
specifically arranged in a society. He expected first century saints to
honor the king (Caesar, 1 Pet. 2:17). Whatever specific forms of government
men arrange (monarchy, parliamentary, representative republic, etc.), it
should never be forgotten that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of
men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Dan. 4:25, 32). King
Nebuchadnezzar was dramatically reminded that God is the Sovereign Ruler
over the nations (Dan. 4:28-37; Acts 17:26).
Does this mean that
the word or law of the civil government is equivalent to divine law? If
that were true, then there would never be a time that “we ought to obey
God rather than men” when it comes to the laws of men, for they would
always be endorsed by and approved of by God! (Acts 5:29) No, the laws
formed by human governments do not have precedence over the revealed word of
God. The point is that God ordained civil government, and with it the right
to exercise authority over the governed. That does not mean they always do
so in righteousness. In fact, the “higher powers” (civil
governments) often abuse power and oppress the governed (Isa. 10:5-7,
12-13). Does this, then, make God the author of evil? No. The fact that
God ordained governing authorities does not make Him responsible for the
evil choices and actions men enact through that authority (Jas. 1:13).
Thus, “we ought to obey God rather than men” whenever the laws of men
prevent our obedience to God. In His due time, God will bring down the
corrupt, sinful nation, just as surely as He had previously raised it up
(Jer. 18:1-11).
Governments of men
are sanctioned by God to be His instruments of vengeance against evil-doers
as well as His servants of good toward those who do good (Rom. 12:19;
13:2-6). Our responsibility is to “render therefore to all their due, taxes
to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to
whom honor” (Rom. 13:7).
Top
Things Contagious
Joe R. Price
All of us have
experienced “catching” something from our kids, our neighbors or our fellow
workers; the flu, running noses, sore throats and the like -- all are
examples of things contagious.
Spiritually
speaking, there are a number of things that are also “catching.” Some, we
must avoid; others, we ought to “catch.”
“Catch” these,
and you’ll be healthier than before:
1. A GOOD
INFLUENCE. A good influence is only obtained through hard work (Phil.
2:12-16). But, we can be helped in this effort by the good influences of
others. “Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Since “Evil company corrupts good habits,” the reverse is also true; the
influence of good company strengthen good habits (1 Cor. 15:33).
2. GODLY
COMMUNICATION. Our speech is often patterned after what we hear. Children
learn good or bad speech by what they hear from their parents, the
classmates, on TV – anywhere people talk. “Let no corrupt word proceed
out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may
impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). The mouth speaks what is in
the heart (Matt. 12:34). So, listen to good things and put them into your
heart. Then you can communicate good things to others.
3. ZEAL. Like
fire ignites the dry blades of grass, turning the mountainside into an
inferno, our zeal for the Lord’s work can help others be “fired up” for
Him. “...in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”
(Rom. 12:11).
Immunize yourself
against catching:
1. GOSSIP. Like
a cancer, gossip grows until it hurts many innocent souls. Remember, it
takes a listener to make a gossiper: “Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
... He who does not backbite with his tongue…” (Psa. 15:1-3).
2. ENVY. How do you feel and react over
the good fortunes of another person? We should “rejoice with those who
rejoice” (Rom. 12:15). However, envy looks at the advantages of others
with “an evil eye” of discontent and resentment (Mk. 7:22). Envy is
infectious -- it likes company. Don’t be a party to it.
3. WORLDLINESS.
The world and its enticements will pass away one day (1 Jno. 2:17).
Therefore, we must “deny...worldly lusts” and do God’s will; the one
who does “abides forever” (Tit. 2:12; 1 Jno. 2:17).
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Truly Free
Scripture Reading:
John 8:31-36
1. July 4th
celebrates our nation’s freedom. The cost of freedom was paid in blood,
pain and sacrifice. We are blessed by the cost others paid.
2. Far greater freedom is available. Cost is far greater, as is its
blessing.
I. FREEDOM IS ONLY IN CHRIST
(Acts 4:12).
A.
Freedom from Sin, Jno. 8:31-36; Rom. 6:18, 22-23; Isa. 59:1-2; Col. 1:21.
B. Freedom from the Fear of Death, Heb. 2:14-15; Matt. 12:29; Eph. 4:7-8
(1 Jno. 3:8); 1 Cor. 15:55-57.
C. Freedom from the Condemnation of the Law, Rom. 8:1-4; Rom. 3:20; (Gal.
3:1-3, 10-14; 4:21-24, 26, 31; Rom. 7:1-4).
1.
Law of sin & death (7:23, 25; 8:2).
2. Law of God (7:22, 25; 8:1-2, 5-9; 3:27-31).
3. The law of the Spirit of life (8:2): Gospel (6:17-18; 1:16; Col.
2:14; 3:17).
D. Freedom from
Religious Oppression Gal. 2:3-5; 4:9; Col. 2:20-23; cf. Matt. 23:4; 6:24; 1
Cor. 7:22-23.
II. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
A.
Cost the Life of the Sinless Son of God to Free Us from Sin, 1 Tim. 2:6 (Mk.
10:45); Tit. 2:14; Rom. 5:6-11.
B. Will Cost your Life to be a Slave of Righteousness, Rom. 6:18-22; 1
Cor. 7:22; Matt. 11:28-30; Lk. 5:11; Rom. 8:12-18 (Phil. 1:29); 1 Cor. 9:19
(Matt. 25:40); Matt. 25:44-47.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FREEDOM IN CHRIST
(2 Pet. 2:19-20; Jude 4).
A.
Stand Fast in the Gospel & Don’t Return to Bondage of Sin, Gal. 5:1 (1:6-7);
1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 5:6-8; Heb. 3:12-19.
Concl.
Freedom from sin is greatest of all—Christ.
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Addictive Behaviors: Gambling?
Scripture Reading:
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
1. One of God’s gifts
to man is labor & its blessings.
2. Trust God, not wealth (Psa. 62:10; 1 Tim. 6:17).
3. Gambling appeals to the flesh; puts hope in futile, fleeting fortune
instead of faith in God (Eccl. 5:10).
I.
THE POPULARITY OF GAMBLING.
A.
Gambling: Costly & Convenient.
B. The Growth of Gambling in America (Prov. 1:15-16).
II. DEFINING GAMBLING.
A.
Accurate Definition is Crucial (Eccl. 9:11).
-Two
elements: Chance + wager on outcome.
B. The Problem
with Identity.
C. The Problem of Immorality (Gal. 5:24-26).
III. SINFUL TRAITS OF GAMBLING
(Jas.1:15-16).
A.
Essential Motive is Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Eph. 5:3, 5; Col. 3:5-6).
B. Selfish; Does not Love Neighbor, Ro. 13:10.
C. Wasteful (poor stewardship), Lk. 16:10-12.
D. Many Evil Companions, Jas. 3:11-12.
E. Harms Society, Prov. 14:34; Matt. 5:13-16.
F. Hinders Godliness, Rom. 8:29; Titus 2:11-12.
G. Deceptive, Jas. 1:15-16 (Heb. 11:25; 3:12-13).
H. The Seduction of Gambling, 1 Cor. 15:33-34; 2 Pet. 2:19; Eph. 5:5-7).
IV. SUMMARIZING THE SIN OF GAMBLING.
A.
Encourages Laziness & Lust, Prov. 21:25-26.
B. Discourages Productive Labor & Encourages “Get Rich Quick” Thinking
(Prov. 14:23; 28:19-20).
C. Encourages Greed & Discontentment of Materialism, 1 Tim. 6:9-10.
D. Encourages the “Nobody Gets Hurt” Mind Set, Matt. 22:39; 2 Tim. 3:2-4.
E. Encourages Reckless Use of God-given Resources, Lk. 16:10-13. [Prov.
28:22]
Top
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the
light of Scripture)
Judging the
Judges
Joe R. Price
The retirement of U.S.
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was announced Friday. Speculation
has already begun over her successor.
The Bible offers some
guidelines on what God expects of judges. In fact, in Psalm 82, God is
depicted as standing in the midst of His people, judging their judges. It
serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority are themselves
under the authority of the Almighty, and answer to Him.
Some may view judges as
“gods” (Psa. 82); some judges may even start thinking of themselves that
way. As they adjudicate matters of law, judges do exercise power. That
power should be used with respect for the law and for mankind, honesty,
impartiality and fairness. Corrupt judges spread oppression among the
people; honorable judges spread justice.
Consider God’s judgment in
Psalm 82 against the corrupt judges of Israel who sat as “gods” among
the people, but failed to judge righteously. Judges need to remember that
God judges the judges (a good lesson then and now).
PSALM 82:
1 God stands in the
congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2 How long will you
judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Defend the poor
and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor
and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked. 5 They do not know, nor
do they understand; they walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the
earth are unstable. 6 I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of
the Most High. 7 But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the
princes.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for You shall inherit all
nations.”
h the strife we perceive as
“defending the faith” (2 Tim. 2:14; 1 Tim. 6:4). So, contend for the
faith. Do so with God’s word of truth; not with rumors and reckless
hyperboles.
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