Gospel Meeting
Mt. Baker church of Christ,
April 27–May 2, 2008
Building Bible Character
A Gospel Meeting
God's Plan of Salvation
Gospel Meeting
Mt.
Baker
church
of Christ
Gospel
Meeting
April
27–May 2, 2008
Evangelist
Brett Hogland
(Lubbock,
Texas)
Bible
lessons nightly, Mon-Fri at 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 27 at 9:30 &
10:30 AM; 6:00 PM
(From I-5 take Exit # 255 and go East 4.2 miles)
For more information please call (360) 752-2692
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Building Bible
Character
Joe R. Price
Colossians 3:1-17
gives us the building blocks we need in order to develop Christ-like
character. This passage teaches us how to build Bible character.
When one is
baptized into Christ he is “raised with Christ” by the power of God
from the death of sin into newness of life (Col. 3:1; 2:12; Rom. 6:4). To
build Bible character, once a person has become a Christian, he must (1)
Seek things that are above, Col. 3:1; (2) Set his
mind on heavenly things, Col. 3:2; and (3) Sustain a faithful
life with Christ, Col. 3:3.
A new approach
to sin is necessary in order to build a new character in Christ: sin
must be put to death (Col. 3:5-11). We cannot continue to live in past sins
and expect God to bless us. We must cease sin, whether it is the sensual
desires of the flesh (3:5-7) or the attitudes and actions that hurt others
(3:8-9); we must put off the old man of sin and put on the new man that is
like Christ (3:10-11).
A new heart
is necessary in order to develop this new approach to sin (Col. 3:12-15).
Just as in Proverbs 23:7, the gospel teaches, “a good man out of the good
treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the
evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35). Only as we put on
a new heart will we also put off sin. Character building involves rebuilding
our heart so that we think and feel and act like Christ.
A new message
must dwell in one’s heart to truly build a new heart (Col. 3:16). The word
of Christ must be implanted deeply within one’s heart in order to build a
character that is like Christ (Jas. 1:21-25).
A new authority
must be respected and honored in all we say and do in order to let the word
of Christ dwell in our heart. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
Him” (Col. 3:17).
Building Bible
character will help us choose to have new conduct in all of our
relationships with others (Col. 3:18-4:2).
Here then, are the
building blocks of Bible character: The authority of Christ expressed in the
word of Christ, along with a new heart that forms a new approach toward sin
and righteousness in our life. When the authority of Christ is respected and
His word is obeyed in all things, the heart is renewed after the image of
Christ and sin will be consistently and consciously put away from one’s
life. Stated another way, as we grow and mature in Christ we will be
building godly character that pleases God.
The Faithful
Endurance of Bible Character
Possessing Bible
character is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the inner strength of
faith that stands fast in the face of adversity, trial and temptation. The
apostle Paul assures us that when a Christian’s faith is tested and he
patiently endures, “approved character” results (Rom. 5:3-4).
When your faith is
put to the test at school, at home or on the job, remember these words from
the wise man Solomon: “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but
the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Prov. 11:3).
Building Bible
Character, 2-3
Character
is who you are when nobody is watching! (Hebrews 4:13)
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A Gospel Meeting
Joe R. Price
Assembling
ourselves together (Hebrews
10:25)
Gather
to hear God’s word (Acts 10:33)
Opportunity
to grow in grace and knowledge (2
Peter 3:18)
Saving
power of the gospel (Romans
1:16)
Preaching
the word (2 Timothy 4:2)
Edifying
the saints through the gospel of Christ
(Acts 20:32)
Looking
unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Minding
the things of the Spirit
(Romans 8:5)
Exposing
the works of darkness
(Ephesians 5:11)
Endurance
unto eternal salvation (Hebrews
10:36-39)
Take
time to be holy (1 Peter
1:13-17)
Interceding
in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1)
Now
is the day of salvation (2
Corinthians 6:2)
Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations
(Matthew 28:19)
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God's Plan of Salvation
Joe R. Price
The gospel: It
doesn’t belong to man. It wasn’t created by men. It was given by revelation
of Jesus Christ and preached by his apostles (Gal. 1:11-12). We have it
today (Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The gospel of
Christ contains God’s plan of salvation. “Plan” means an arrangement has
been given, a model to follow has been revealed. “Salvation” indicates what
the plan accomplishes; the salvation of sinners. The plan is God’s; He
arranged it, provided it and commands it of all men everywhere (Acts 17:30).
God’s plan of
salvation is discussed in Romans 6:17-18: “But thanks be to God that
though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of
doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin,
you became slaves of righteousness”. It is a form (model) of teaching to
be followed. God’s plan of salvation is:
Hear the gospel:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.” (Romans 10:17)
Believe in Jesus
Christ: “…if you do not believe that I am He, you will die
in your sins.” (John 8:24)
Confess your
faith: “…with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.” (Romans 10:10)
Repent of your
sins: “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all
likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)
Be baptized:
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash
away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
Be faithful to
Christ: “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal
salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9)
Hear, believe and
obey Jesus today to be saved from your sins! (Acts 2:40-41, 47)
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Created by Chuck Sibbing.
04/27/2008
The Spirit's Sword is a free,
weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
Send all questions, comments and subscriptions to the editor at:
ssword@bibleanswer.com