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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:
"Lord, You Know All Things"
Joe R. Price With these
words, recorded in John 21:17, the apostle Peter affirmed his faith in the
omniscience of Jesus. Peter appealed to this in answer to Jesus’ question,
“Do you love (phileo, jrp) me?” Peter knew Jesus had firsthand
knowledge of his close, endearing affection for him. Like Peter, Jesus knows
whether or not we love him with a close and abiding love. Yes, Jesus knows.
Jesus “knew what was in man” (Jno. 2:24). An
example is given in John 1:47, where Jesus confidently and correctly said of
Nathaniel, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathaniel’s reaction is instructive: “How do you know me?” Jesus answered
and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig
tree, I saw you.” Nathaniel answered and said to him, “Rabbi, You are the
Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (Jno. 1:48-49) Jesus sees us,
too. Knowing this should bring us to our own faith in Him as the Son of God.
Thus, we are given insight and evidence into the
divine nature and power of Jesus. Not only does he know “all things,”
he also knows “all men” (Jno. 21:17; 2:24). He knows you and he knows
me. He knows our thoughts, motives, character and conduct. Jesus knows us
and everything about us.
That Jesus knows all things impacts our
faith in Him as the Son of God, since only God knows and understands
all things:
Ps 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.
Isa 40:28 Have you not
known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the
ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is
unsearchable.
1 Jo 3:20 God is
greater than our heart, and knows all things.
That Jesus knows all men must impact how we
choose to live, since “there is no creature hidden from his sight,
but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give
account” (Heb. 4:13):
1 Sa 2:3 Talk no more so very
proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of
knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed.
Ps 69:5 O God, You
know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You.
Ps 139:2 You know my
sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
1 Co 3:20 “The LORD
knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
The Lord knows all things about us. The question for
us is, do we know God? Yes, if we keep His word: “Now by this we
know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know
Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in
him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.
By this we know that we are in Him (1 Jno. 2:3-5). Jesus knows if we
are obeying him; he knows it all.
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Ignorance
Mark Mayberry
Holy Scripture places a premium on knowledge
(John 8:31-32; 2 Timothy 2:15-17). Ignorance is a distinct danger (Hosea
4:6; Romans 1:18-23).
The Greek word for
knowledge, gnōsis, comes from the root gnō. This root
is embedded in the Greek words for ignorance, agnoeō, agnoēma
and agnoia though in the negative form. If Gnosticism represents
an overemphasis on knowledge, ignorance signifies an equally erroneous under
emphasis.
Biblically speaking, an
ignorant person is uninformed. This lack of knowledge may be the result of
inattention. A failure to understand may imply a lack of ability. Sin is
often rooted in moral blindness. Lacking spiritual discernment, individuals
often engage in reprehensible behavior, violating the will of God, yet
unaware of their offense.
In this lesson, we shall
consider Scriptures that discuss the problem of ignorance, in which the
aforementioned Greek words may be found. Ignorance is not bliss. Rather, it
is characteristic of sinful humanity, bringing us under divine judgment.
Therefore, let us have a proper understanding of God’s Word, acknowledging
the authority of the apostolic office. Moreover, let us not be ignorant of
Satan’s devices, but recognize the cunning craftiness of our adversary.
Ignorance
Regarding God’s Creatures
·
The
Example of Sinful Humanity (1 Peter 1:14-16; cf. also 2:1-3).
·
The
Example of the Gentiles (Acts 17:22-23, 30-31; Ephesians 4:17-19).
·
The
Example of the Jews (Acts 3:17; cf. also Luke 23:34; Acts 13:27).
Ignorance
Regarding God’s Truth
·
The
Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45).
·
The
Kindness and Righteousness of God (Romans 2:4-11; 10:1-3).
·
The
Nature of Conversion (Romans 6:1-4).
·
The
Jurisdiction of Law (Romans 7:1-4).
·
The
Hardening of Israel (Romans 11:25-32).
·
The
Nature of Old Testament Symbolism (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).
·
The
Nature of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-7).
·
The
Nature of Christian Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
·
The
Nature of Priestly Service & Intercession (Hebrews 5:1-6; 9:6-14).
Ignorance
Regarding God’s Apostles
·
Paul’s
Ministry (Romans 1:13-15; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 6:4-10; Galatians 1:21-24).
·
Paul’s
Authority (1 Corinthians 14:37-38; cf. also 2:12-13; 2 Peter 3:1-2; 1 John
4:6)
Ignorance
Regarding God’s Opponent
·
His
Devices (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; cf. also 4:3-4; 11:2-3, 13-15; Ephesians
4:26-27; 1 Peter 5:8
Conclusion
Like Saul of Tarsus, one may be ignorant
but honest; however, ignorance is no excuse. When confronted with the truth,
he believed and obeyed (1 Timothy 1:12-16; Acts 23:1; 26:9-20). Like false
teachers of old, one may reject the truth, persisting in ignorance and
dishonesty (2 Peter 2:9-16; Jude 10-11). Before learning the truth, a person
may be ignorant and honest, sincere but mistaken. After hearing the gospel,
ignorance is removed and honesty is tested. What are we going to do about
the truth? Will we accept the truth, and thus remain honest? Will we reject
the truth, and thus forfeit our integrity?
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Faith unto the Saving of the Soul
Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 11
1. Sin brings death; willful sin assures punishment (Heb.
10:26-30).
2. Hebrews was written to Christians whose faith was under attack; faith was
being tried & tested.
3. Hebrews is a “word of exhortation” to faith that saves the soul
(Heb. 13:22; 10:35-39):
a. Endurance (10:36).
b. Obedience (10:36).
c. Boldness & confidence (10:35-36, 39).
I. SAVING FAITH (Heb. 10:39;
11:1ff)…
A. Makes Rational Choices, Heb. 11:1.
1. Built on evidence, not emotion; Faith is not blind; it is not
ignorant, Heb. 11:3 (3:4; Rom. 1:20; Acts 14:17); Jno. 10:37-38; 20:30-31.
2. Faith supports genuine hope, not senseless desire, Heb. 11:1, 4-7.
B. Acts on God’s Promises, Heb. 11:7-22. Faith that pleases God:
1. Obeys God, 11:7-9, 17.
2. Relies on the faithfulness of God, 11:11.
3. Is sustained by hope, 11:10, 13-16; Heb. 6:13-19 (God’s faithfulness &
our hope).
C. Values Christ Above All Else, Heb. 11:23-29; cf. Jno. 12:42-43; Matt.
10:28 (Acts 5:29); Matt. 10:32-39; Acts 7:22; Matt. 16:26; cf. Phil. 3:3-11;
Lk. 14:27-33; 9:57-62.
D. Overcomes Opposition, Heb. 11:29-38.
1. The victories of faith, 11:29-34; 1 Jno. 5:4.
2. The victory of faith comes through enduring the trials of faith,
11:35-38; 1 Pet. 1:3-9.
E. The Faith of the Ancient Saints, 11:38-12:2.
Conclusion
1. “When the Son of man comes, will He really find faith
on the earth?” (NKJV) Lk. 18:8
2. Our faith must be active to please God & save our souls, Jas. 2:14-18;
Heb. 11:6.
Top
You can find the
complete outline of this sermon at
BIBLE ANSWERS
Liberalism: "It's No Big Deal"
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 30:8-14
1. We stand before the superlative majesty of the Almighty,
Rom. 11:33; Dan. 4:35, 26-27.
2. Spirit of liberalism does not repent; Instead, it is…
a. Irreverent toward God (Psa. 33:8; 89:7; 73:11).
b. Presumptuous toward the authority of God (Deut. 18:20; 2 Pet. 2:10).
c. Indifferent toward the word of God (Zeph. 1:12).
3. Liberal: “not literal or strict…especially not bound by
authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms.”
a. “not bound by traditional ways or beliefs.”
b. Liberalism is not restricted to nor restrained by Bible patterns (Jer.
6:16).
I. BIBLE PATTERNS ARE GOD’S PATTERNS,
Deut. 4:1-2; 12:32; Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19 (Heb. 8:5; 2 Tim. 1:13).
A. Command & Blessings of Following God’s Word, Josh.
1:5-9.
B. Liberalism among God’s People, Isa. 30:8-14.
II. LIBERALISM SAYS, “IT’S NO BIG DEAL”
(1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17; Jas. 1:21-25).
A. Examples of the Liberal Mindset & Practice.
B. Liberalism Minimizes:
1. Sin (1 Jno. 3:4; Jas. 4:17).
2. Obedience (Matt. 7:21).
3. Word of God (1 Pet. 4:11).
C. Liberalism Maximizes:
1. Self (Jgs. 21:25).
2. Feelings (2 Kgs. 12:33; cf. Jer. 10:23).
3. Rationalization (1 Sam. 15:13-15).
D. Liberalism does not Tremble before God, Psa. 99:1-3 (2:10-12); Heb.
12:26.
E. Liberalism Objects to Sermons like This, Isa. 30:10.
Conclusion
These things are a “big deal” to God. God looks on the
one who trembles at His word, Isa. 66:1-2. Do you?
Top
How Well Do You Know Your Bible?
Author unknown
The following was passed on to me and we
share it here to illustrate several worthwhile lessons. We dare not
trust what men say the Bible says without checking for ourselves
(Ac 17:11). Another lesson is study the Bible in its context to avoid
twisting its meaning (2 Pe 3:16). And, don’t forget proper application (“rightly
dividing the word of truth,” 2 Ti 2:15). (Note: Some of the terms
and concepts in this illustration are not scriptural, like “pastorate”
and “committee of Deacons,” etc.)
A young man was being interviewed for
his first pastorate by a committee of Deacons. “Do you know the Bible?”
asked the chairman of the board. “Yes,” replied the young man. “Which part
do you know the best?” asked the chairman. “The New Testament,” he answered.
“Then tell us the story of the Prodigal Son.”
“O.K. There was a man of the Pharisees
named NICODEMUS...and he went down from Jerusalem to JERICHO by NIGHT...and
he fell upon STONY GROUND and the THORNS choked him half to death...
“The next morning Solomon and his wife
GOMORRAH came by and carried him down to the ARK for MOSES to take care of
him...
“But, as he was going through the
EASTERN GATE into the ARK, he caught his HAIR in a LIMB and he hung there
for 40 days and 40 nights and he afterward HUNGERED and the RAVENS came and
fed him...
“The next day the three WISE MEN came
and carried him down to the BOAT DOCK and he caught a ship to NINEVEH...
“And when he got to NINEVEH, he saw
DELILAH sitting on the wall...and he said, “CHUNK HER DOWN BOYS!” and they
said “How many times shall we CHUNK HER DOWN? Till 7 times 7? and he said,
“Nay, but 70 times 7.
“And they CHUNKED her down 490 times and
she BURST asunder in their midst. And they picked up 12 baskets of the
FRAGMENTS...and in the RESURRECTION, whose wife shall she be?”
And the chairman of the committee said,
“Men, I think we ought to call him. He may be young, but he DOES know his
Bible!”
(Author unknown)
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