Steve Wallace

All of us have probably heard of a brother or a sister in Christ who, when confronted with a severe trial, stayed faithful in spite of hardship.  All Christians have their own private struggles to deal with in applying the scriptures to their lives and we admire those who endeavor to remain faithful in difficult circumstances. However, there is an endeavor that all Christians have in common. It is found in Ephesians 4:1-3.  All of God’s people have a responsibility to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This is a unity which the Holy Spirit makes possible through the word (Jno. 14:26; 16:13; 17:20-21). There is a need for continual emphasis on Paul’s words here.

Some Lack the Characteristics of Ephesians 4:2

Brethren cannot achieve unity in an atmosphere that is foreign to it anymore than a tropical plant can grow in an arctic climate. The reason some efforts towards Bible unity have failed is because of the presence of such attitudes as pride, irritability, impatience, ill-will and the like, and the absence of “lowliness and meekness...longsuffering, forbearing” and “love” (Ephesians 4:2). We should study to better understand these words and how they apply to our endeavor for unity with brethren.

Some Have Based Their Endeavors for
 Unity upon the Sands of Error

As has happened in the past, some are twisting the scriptures and calling for brethren to agree with and apply clear error. In the past some among us claimed to have found authority for projects involving the centralization of the funds of a plurality of churches in the Bible. The result was unity but not Bible unity. Such brethren and their followers ended up involved in and defending these and other practices which are foreign to scripture (2 John 9). In more recent times have contended for or accepts error on divorce and remarriage.  Such strange doctrines as “the guilty party can remarry,”  “adultery is simply non-sexual covenant breaking,” and “aliens are not under God’s marriage law” have been taught and defended by an increasing number of brethren among us (Cp. Mat. 19:9). As with past apostasy in teaching, when such things are accepted as truth and put into practice by Christians Bible unity does not result. Rather the unity such brethren achieve is a unity based on error and in direct contradiction to Bible teaching (1 Cor. 5; Rev. 2:14-16).

Some are Promoting Unity-in-Diversity

While bringing results similar to the above, the unity-in-diversity of which we speak here is meant to describe unity among brethren who differ in what they believe the Bible teaches on matters of revealed faith and, as a result, in their application of scripture. In the past it has been used to define unity between brethren involved in the practice of such errors as centralization of church funds or instrumental music in praise to God, and brethren who held the truth with regard to these matters. More recently, some brethren who believe the truth on the subject of divorce and remarriage have advocated unity with those whom they believe to be in error on the subject. Hence, as we stated at the beginning of this paragraph, unity-in-diversity produces results similar to that which results from a united belief of a given error. It accepts and tolerates the obvious existence of error with equanimity. Both in the past and present, brethren have used Romans 14 (falsely) in their efforts to prop up this kind of unity.

Conclusion

In light of the above mentioned facts it is hoped that readers will see the need for a continual appeal to the truth of the Bible (Jude 3). Unity is something that results from a proper study and application of God’s word by God’s people. May we all seek such unity!

-The Way of Truth and Life
Vol. 4, No. 20, May 19, 2013

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Sentence Sermons...

Too often, we interpret scripture to fit what we already believe rather than adjust what we believe to scripture.

Those who “cook up” stories often find themselves in “hot water”.

To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

Salvation: Delivered from Danger

Scripture Reading:  1 Timothy 1:12-16

1. Salvation: General term denoting deliverance, then the preservation which deliverance obtains; To rescue, to obtain safety.
2. God’s love motivated His plan to save sinners, 2 Tim. 1:9 (Jesus, Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12).
3. You also have a part you in your salvation, Acts 2:40; Phil. 2:12.

I. WHAT SALVATION IS.

  A. Salvation is Deliverance, Exo. 14:13; Acts 27:34, Phil. 1:19; Heb. 11:7; Eph. 2:5; Rom. 5:9; 1 Ths. 1:10.
  B. The Great Salvation of God, Heb. 2:3.
    1. Only in Jesus Christ, Acts 4:12; Heb. 2:10.
    2. For all flesh, Lk. 3:6; Acts 28:28; Tit. 2:11.
    3. Accomplished by and in Jesus, Acts 4:12.
    4. Announced by gospel, Mk. 16:15-16; Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:13.
    5. Actuated by obeying gospel, Jas. 1:21-22.
    6. Hinder gospel–hinder salvation, 1 Ths.2:16.
  C. Salvation is Present Deliverance from Sin, 1 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 2:5-9; Col. 1:13.
  D. Salvation is also a Future Hope and Reward, Rom. 13:11; 1 Ths. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:4-5; 1 Pet. 1:7-9; Heb. 9:28; Phil. 2:12.

II. SALVATION FROM SIN IS CONDITIONAL, Heb. 5:8-9; 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

  A. To be Saved from Past Sins the Sinner Must:
    1. Hear the gospel, Jno. 6:44-45; Eph. 1:13.
    2. Believe in Jesus, Jno. 8:24; Acts 16:30-34.
    3. Confess faith in Jesus, Rom. 10:9-10.
    4. Repent of sins, Lk. 13:3-5.
    5. Be baptized, Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21.
  B. To be Saved, the Christian who has Sinned Must:
    1. Repent and pray, Acts 8:22-24.
    2. Confess sins to God, 1 Jno. 1:9.

Conclusion
     God helps in our time of need, offering salvation. Now is the approved time to be saved, 2 Cor. 6:2; Acts 22:16.

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Stephen's Defense of the Gospel (Acts 7)

1. Stephen was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin, where he was falsely charged with blasphemy, 6:10-15; Acts 7:1 – 1 Pet. 3:15.
2. Now, they were filling up the measure of their fathers’ guilt by rejecting the Christ, Matt. 23:29-36.

I. STEPHEN’S DEFENSE: HISTORY OF ISRAEL FORETOLD AND VALIDATED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, Acts 7:1-50.

  A. God’s Promises to Israel, Acts 7:2-3,5,17; Gen. 12:1-3, 5-7; Acts 7:8; Gen. 17:1-11.
  B. God’s Deliverance of His People.
    1. Joseph, Acts 7:9-10; Gen. 39:1-2, 21-23.
    2. Jacob’s house, 7:11-16; Gen. 50:17-21.
    3. Israel from Egypt, Acts 7:17-19, 25, 36.
    4. From Canaanites, Acts 7:45; Psa. 44:1-3.
  C. Israel Resisted, Refused and Rejected God’s Plans and God’s Messengers.
  D. God is Not Restricted to Any One Land or Building, Acts 7:44-50; Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:5.
  E. God’s Christ is for the World, Gen. 12:3.

II. SUMMARY: STEPHEN ACCUSES THE COUNCIL OF REJECTING THE MESSIAH, Acts 7:51-53.

  A. Rejecting Christ is a Heart Problem, Acts 7:51; Deut. 10:14-22.

III. REACTION TO STEPHEN’S SERMON, Acts 7:54-60.

  A. Sanhedrin: Outraged, they Lose Control, Acts 7:54, 57-58 (5:33); 8:1.
  B. Stephen: In Control, Acts 7:55-56.
    1. Stephen’s vision (cf. Ezek. 1:28).
    2. Saw Jesus at the right hand of God (Psa. 110:1; Acts 2:33-36; 5:31).
    3. Stephen’s faith and forgiveness, Acts 7:59-60.

Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  06/24/2013