What is Faith?
Steven F. Deaton

Many in the world – both secular and denominational – think faith is an ambiguous belief in something that cannot be proven. Because of this, people who have faith are viewed as believing in far-fetch things; things that lack real proof. It is sad that many people in denominations have bought into this idea, because it is totally false.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1, NASB). True faith is based on evidence. “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). There are things we believe because of the evidence given in God’s word.

Think about this. How do we know Washington crossed the Delaware? There is no video footage or even a picture. No one alive can tell us about the events, not even Washington. There is no scientific evidence, no formula that proves the crossing. So, what do we have? We have testimony. We have the accounts that were written near the time of the event. These accounts are preserved for us today. The same is true for the adventures of Alexander The Great, Hannibal, and Caesar. We know about their lives, their words, and their deeds from written evidence. In fact, what we know about history is based chiefly on what was written long ago. Archeology serves to buttress the written evidence, it helps clarify some things, but by itself it does little to help our understanding of the past.

The Bible is written evidence of real events in times past. It claims to be a revelation from God. When tested, it is the most accurate, reliable, and best preserved set of ancient documents. It is better attested than any other historical writings which men accept as true.

A Christian’s faith is not based on fantasy or wishful thinking. Rather, it is based on evidence; chiefly writings, that are supported by archeology, science, and other writings. Do not buy into the notion that faith is belief without proof. It is not. It is a well-grounded conviction; otherwise it is not faith, but myth.

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Walk by the Spirit
Joe R. Price

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Gal 5:16-17)

Each of us chooses to either live according to the Spirit of God or to satisfy the flesh. Just as Jesus said we cannot serve two masters, here the apostle teaches that we cannot walk (live) by the Spirit and walk in the flesh at the same time. They are opposite ways of life which produce opposite fruit. The works of the flesh will keep a person out of the kingdom of heaven, while bearing the fruit of the Spirit is an evidence of kingdom citizenship (Gal 5:19-23).

To walk “by the Spirit” means to live by the gospel that the Holy Spirit has revealed to us in the Scriptures (Gal 3:1-5; 5:18, 25; 1 Cor 2:10-13). We will bear the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives when we “walk by the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23).

To accomplish this way of life one must willingly subject to “the things of the Spirit” (Rom 8:5-8). Let us readily renew our minds and conform our lives to the will of God instead of to the values and allurements of world (Rom 12:2; 1 Jno 2:15-16). May we more diligently crucify the flesh “with its passions and lusts” as we live in subjection to the gospel of Christ (Gal 5:24).

As you daily decide the path you will walk, be sure to consider how your decisions affect your soul’s salvation. Walk by the Spirit and not according to the flesh.

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Sermon Starters
Joe R. Price

We appreciate all who preach lessons from time to time. Sometimes it helps to have a little “push” to get us started. So, here are some gleanings gathered from various sources; some sermon starters you can use to build a lesson from God’s word (or for personal study). (My thanks to those from whom I gathered these thoughts and comments.)

EXHORTATIONS

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

1) Concerning relationships with others, 5:12-15.
2) Concerning personal admonitions, 5:16-22.
3) Concerning blessings and requests, 5:23-28.

-Steven Deaton, plainfaith.com

SOME SINNER’S PRAYERS

1) Saul’s prayers, Acts 9:9-11 (22:16).
2) Cornelius’ prayers, Acts 10:2-6 (11:14).
3) The Christian’s prayers, 1 Jno 1:8-10; Jas 5:16.

-Jarrod Jacobs, The Old Paths (9/27/09)

THE COURAGE OF OUR CONVICTIONS

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1) Conviction’s Duty: “Watch”. 1 Pet 5:8
2) Conviction’s Task: Stand fast in the faith”. Phil 1:27; 2 Tim 1:13
3) Conviction’s Courage: “Be brave”. Acts 13:46; Eph 3:12; Heb 13:5-6
4) Conviction’s Power: “Be strong”. Eph 6:10-13
5) Conviction’s Conduct: “Let all be done with love”. 1 Cor 13:4-7; 1 Jno 4:7-11

-Joe Price

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

The Reign of Christ in You

1. Reign of Christ, Psa 2:6-8; Isa 9:6-7; Lk 1:32-33; Acts 13:32-33; 1 Cor 15:23.
2. A future element is our reign with Him, 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 3:21; 22:4.
3. The present supremacy of Christ in our lives is the essence of His kingdom reign, Lk 17:20-21; Matt 6:33; Eph 2:7.
4. When we honor His present rule in our lives it radically changes everything about us, Phil 1:27-30; 3:20-21.

I. CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY, Col 1:27.

  A. No Hope w/o Christ in You, Eph 2:12
  B. We Presently Stand in Grace and Rejoice in Hope, Rom 5:1-2.

II. THE NATURE OF CHRIST’S REIGN, Jno 18:36-37.

  A. Within: Christ Reigns in Our Hearts, Lk 17:20-21; Eph 3:17. (Our understanding, affections, conduct, 1 Pet 4:3; Eph 4:20-24)
  B. As Subjects of Christ, Christians Show Their Submission By Completely Obeying Him, Eph 5:22-24 (1 Pet 1:2).

III. WHEN CHRIST REIGNS IN US, Ep 4:1

  A. Christ will be Seen in Us, Col 2:5; Eph 6:1-4. Matt 22:39; 10:28; 5:13-16.
  B. We will Stand Fast, Phil 1:27-28; Eph 4:2-3 (Gal 5:26); 1 Tim 6:12; Prov 28:1.
  C. We will Accept the Conflict and Challenges that Come Because of our Faith, Phil 1:28-30; cf. Eph 1:3; 2:4-7; Matt 5:10-12; 1 Pet 4:16; Phil 2:17-18.

Concl.

1. Eternal reign with Christ for all who remain faithful to death, Rev 20:4 (6:9-11).
2. Those who do not want the Lord Jesus to reign over them will be lost! Lk 19:14, 27
3. The King offers redemption, Psa 2:8-12.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Stewards of God's Blessings

1. A steward oversees and administers the affairs of his Master for Master’s benefit.
  a. Answerable to his Master, Rom 14:4,12
  b. His work either honors or dishonors his Master (Gen 39:2-9).
2. We must see ourselves as stewards of God, appointed over His goods.

I. THE MASTER’S APPOINTMENT, Matt 25:14-15; Mk 13:34.

  A. Every Christian is a Steward in God’s House (has an appointment), Rom 12:3-8
    -Elders (Tit 1:7); Preachers (1 Cor 9:16-17); Saints (1 Pet 4:10)
  B. Crucial Elements of Our Stewardship of God’s Blessings, Matt 24:45-51.
    1. We are under His authority.
    2. We are given work to do.
    3. We must honor God by being thankful for His blessings, 2 Tim 2:20-21.
    4. We must be faithful, 1 Cor 4:2.

II. STEWARDSHIP OF TIME. Eph 5:16

  A. We all Want More Time, yet we Often Waste the Time we Have. Lk 10:38-42; Jno 9:4; Matt 24:48; Psa 90:10, 12-17.

III. STEWARDSHIP OF POSSESSIONS. 1 Tim 6:17-19

  A. How we Use our Possessions Shows whether we Value our Stewardship.
  B.    Compels us to Give, 6:18 (Ac 20:35); Lk 6:38 (2 Cor 9:6; 1 Tim 5:4, 8, 16).

IV. STEWARDSHIP OF PHYSICAL HEALTH, 1 Cor 6:19-20.

  A. Physical Health, though Temporary, is a Blessing from God, 1 Cor 6:19-20.
  B.    Taking Care of Health will Likely Increase Opportunities to Serve the Lord, 1 Pet 4:11; 2 Cor 12:9-10.

Concl. Use blessings wisely, Matt 24:45, 50.

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NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Looking for Love
Joe R. Price

The Chinese national policy of one child per household is resulting in an abundance of young men and fewer young women to marry; a lot fewer. In 20 years as many as 30 million Chinese men will not be able to find wives. In Shanghai parents go to People’s Park Number Five in search of spouses for their children. One man told FOX News that “he's been shopping for a wife for his 33-year-old son for six months. His pitch to other parents is short and simple. ‘Got a home. Good looking. Good salary,’ reads his poster.” (Lonely Hearts Club: China’s Gender Imbalance Could Leave 30 Million Men Without Wives, Dana Lewis, FoxNews.com)

The Bible says “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Prov 18:22). “Looking” for a wife or husband is serious business; the wrong choice can lead to a life of misery, sin and eternal death (cf. Prov 19:13; 21:9, 19). Choosing a mate is among the most important selections you will ever make, so choose wisely.

Remember these pointers when choosing a mate:

1. Choose a believer. Look for someone who will help and not hinder your service to God. Amos 3:3

2. Consider character. Is he or she honest, dependable and trustworthy? Is he or she unselfish and giving, or selfishly self-centered? Gal 5:22-23

3. Commitment. Marriage is among the biggest commitments of all; it is for life. Matt 19:4-6

4. Values. Does he or she value the will of God before material things? Matt 6:33-34

5. Sexual purity. Is he or she driven by lust or love? 2 Tim 2:22; 1 Cor 13:4-7

6. Willingness to serve. Is he or she humble or controlling? Matt 20:25-28; Jas 4:6

7. Look for beauty below the skin. One who fears God will be the right choice. Prov 31:30

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Created by Chuck Sibbing.  10/12/2009