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 AFTER CONVERSION
[i.e. AFTER - belief, Repentance, confession, and baptism - Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38 - Added to church of Christ by the Lord, Acts 2:47]
KINGDOM CITIZENS Garreth L. Clair
One of the important facets to being a Christian is duty or doing the works of God. There are times whenever it appears that most Christians have no interest in doing the works of God. As we know various religious denominations teach that salvation from sin is entirely by faith only, this view of salvation from sin is without Scriptural support but many of us in the Lord's Church act as though we have accepted the doctrine, at least in part. I conclude that many have accepted it because so many will become a Christian then does nothing in God's service thereafter. Work is an important part of the Christians direction to maturity. No Christian can mature in the faith that will not involve themselves in the works of God, some of the works are: 1. Assemble, Heb 10:25, "not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh."
2. Keep our body and mind pure, Rom 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service." (ASV) Acts 2:40, "And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation." (ASV) 3. Recognize our role as we serve God, Rom 12:3-8, 3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. 4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. 6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, (let us prophesy) according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or ministry, (let us give ourselves) to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, (let him do it) with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (ASV) 4. Love others without hypocrisy, Rom 12:9-10, 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; Gal 6:10, 10 "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." (ASV)
5. Let us pattern our life after Paul or after Christ's example, 1 Cor 11:1, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ." (ASV) 6. Add the seven Christian virtues, 2 Pet 1:4-8, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJ)
7. Determine to live a faithful life until you die, Rev 2:10, "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." (ASV) Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - Posted October 16, 2006
REACTION TO DIFFERENCES OF OPINION glclair@aol.com
There are cases where the good that one accomplishes is overshadowed by the offense the good creates in the hearts of those that could benefit most. You see; the matter of specific doctrinal position held by a person may inflame some other people (i.e. preachers, elders, influential members) to such a degree that they attempt to isolate the source of the agitation. This is a common tactic in religious warfare; we have observed this in the actions of those with inferior knowledge of the doctrine of Christ or the results of the true interpretation thereof. The subject matter may be fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, the head covering, MDR or a number of other divisive subjects. Perhaps many hurt feelings could be resolved if one faces the real facts of the argument they espouse; you must consider the arguments of the source of your agitation because if one fails to deal with the subject matter under dispute nothing is accomplished fellowship is strained at the least and as we have suggested isolation of the person(s) involved in the dispute will increase.
There are other situations where a person, a group or a congregation is ostracized (i.e. isolated by some in a given area that are spiritually sound and guilty of nothing but actions through evil surmising; this is sinful on the part of those that participate in such ungodly activities). Let us examine this subject with the teaching of the New Testament following:
The New Testament is clear regarding this matter of disagreements relating to Holy Scripture interpretation. Before we can Biblically withdraw fellowship from anyone or any group we must follow Biblical directives cf. 1 Tim 6:3-5, 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
2 Thess 3:6, Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (KJV)
Rom 16:17, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (KJV)
Phil 3:17-19, 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV)
1 Cor 5:4-5, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 John 3:18, My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (KJV)
James 3:13-18, 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (KJV)
Col 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (KJV)
Are we following God’s Written Word whenever we have a disagreement that does not relate to Biblical error that leads us to isolate a brother/sister because we hold a different opinion about a subject that has nothing to do with sound doctrine? We know this would be error fostered on our part not on the object of our isolation. Let us know (i.e. 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) that we are the person(s) failing to follow God’s Written Word, far be it from me to slander, or involve myself in a attempt to isolate any brother/sister in Christ on the basis of an opinion such as the following;
1 John 4:16-21, 16 and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.
CONCLUSION:
I will end this short article with the following admonition from James and from John: James 4:11, Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (KJV)
1 John 4:20-21, 20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. (KJV) November 7, 2008
FAITH FACTS by Garreth L. Clair One of the great facets to real faith is the acceptance of unseen realities without physical evidence. Man is called upon to believe {i.e. possess faith} in God, whom he has not seen and according to all history, only a few have seen God or felt His Presence, some of them listed below: JACOB: Genesis 32:27-30, ”27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, (said he), I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.“ ASV MOSES: Exodus 33:18-23, ”18 And he said, Show me, I pray thee, thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and will proclaim the name of Jehovah before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face; for man shall not see me and live. 21 and Jehovah said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock: 22 and it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand until I have passed by: 23 and I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back; but my face shall not be seen.“ ASV MANOAH and his WIFE {Parents of Samson}: Judges 13:20-24, ”20 for it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of Jehovah ascended in the flame of the altar: and Menorah and his wife looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground. 21 But the angel of Jehovah did no more appear to Menorah or to his wife. Then Menorah knew that he was the angel of Jehovah. 22 And Menorah said unto his wife, we shall surely die, because we have seen God. 23 But his wife said unto him, If Jehovah were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt-offering and a meal-offering at our hand, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these. 24 And the woman bares a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and Jehovah blessed him.“ ASV WITNESS OF THE APOSTLE JOHN: John 1:17-18, ”17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared (him).“ ASV WITNESS OF THE APOSTLE JOHN: 3 John 11, ”11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.“ ASV
CONSIDER THIS: The faith of millions of Christians attests to the fact, even though few in history have ever had real contact with God, GOD EXISTS. Knowing God does exist gives life to Christians so that they staunchly defend the teaching of the Bible. Indeed, the acceptance of the Bible as the Book from God is an act of faith. Yet, based upon the Christian’s faith he lives, and moves, and has his being on this earth. Only the existence of God can account for the faith that endures in the heart of true Christians. Indeed God exist and will reward those that hold on to their faith in Him till their life ends, NOTE THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL REFERENCES; Matthew 10:22, ”22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endured to the end, the same shall be saved.“ ASV Matthew 24:13-14, ”13 But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.“ ASV Mark 13:13, ”13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.“ ASV 1 Peter 1:9, ”9 receiving the end of your faith, (even) the salvation of (your) souls.“ ASV
Prepared by Garreth L. Clair - October 7, 2006 You are welcome to attend worship with us at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 850-7252 Bible study Sunday at 9:45 AM Morning worship Sunday: 10:30 AM Evening worship Sunday: 6:00 PM Email address: glclair@aol.com Posted: October 16, 2006 HOW CHRISTIANS WORK TOGETHER Garreth L. Clair
Introduction:
Christians are to work together as a body (i.e. a single unit) with a holy outlook and purpose cf. 1 Cor 12:12-20, ”12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body , being many, are one body : so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body , whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.“ (KJV)
Eph 4:4, ”There is one body , and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;“ (KJV)
1. THERE IS TO BE NO DIVISION IN THE BODY: Col 3:12-17, ”12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body ; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.“ (KJV)
A. bowels of mercy B. kindness C. humbleness of mind D. meekness E. longsuffering F. forbearing one another G. forgiving one another H. put on charity (i.e. LOVE) I. let the peace of God rule in your heart J. be ye thankful K. let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom L. teach and admonish one another M. sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord N. do all in the name (i.e. by the authority) of the Lord Jesus O. giving thanks to God the Father of Jesus Christ
2. THERE IS TO BE UNITY IN THE BODY: Eph 4:2-3, ”2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.“ (KJV)
Psalms 133, ”1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.“ (KJV)
3. THERE IS TO BE EQUALITY IN THE CHURCH - THERE ARE NO GREAT ONES AND UNIMPORTANT ONES: James 2:1-4, ”1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?“ (KJV)
Matt 20:25-27, ”25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:“ (KJV)
4. THERE IS TO BE UNDERSTANDING OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORLD AND OF WORLDLY PEOPLE: Matthew 13:47-50, ”47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.“ (KJV)
COMMENTS: 47. The kingdom of heaven is like a net. The Savior's illustrations all come home to his audience. Many were husbandmen; many were women familiar with the culinary art; some were merchants; many were fishermen. A drag net or seine is meant. Gathered every kind. Here again, as in the parable of the Tares, it is taught that, at the end of the world, the angels shall sever the wicked from the just. 48. When it was filled. The fishermen cannot stop to sort while they are drawing the net. Nor can the preachers of the gospel always distinguish. 49. So shall it be at the end of the world. Then, not men, but the angels, under the direction of the Son of Man, shall sever the wicked from the just. 50. Shall cast them into the furnace of fire. Here is repeated, word for word, the language of verse 42. The tares, the chaff, the corrupt trees, the barren tree, are all represented as burned, and here also the wicked are cast into a furnace. While I suppose that the language is a figure, it can only be understood as indicating that the sufferings of Gehenna, the abode of the wicked, are intense. See Matt 8:12. The People's New Testament.
5. ALWAYS DO WHATEVER IS NEEDED BY YOU TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND HARMONY IN THE CONGREGATION: A. Forgiveness is constant with the Christian in human relationships - Matt 18:21-22, ”21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.“ (KJV) --- Luke 17:3-4
B. When a Christian lives as he/she ought; forgiveness on their part assures them of God’s forgiveness of their sins Mark 11:25-26, ”25 And when ye stand praying, forgive , if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive , neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.“ (KJV)
C. GET ALONG WITH EVERYONE SO LONG AS YOU ARE ABLE, IF A break OCCURS WITH SOMEONE DO NOT LET IT BE BECAUSE OF YOUR ATTITUDE OR ACTIONS - Rom 12:16-18, ”16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.“ (KJV)
CONSIDER THIS: There is never an occasion when a Christian is to mistreat anyone or to speak against one to hurt him or her. The Christians are not perfect; they have been forgiven for their sins through faith and obedience. The Christian is to interact together with all other Christians for the good of all including those that are still in the world:
1 John 2:15-17, ”15 Love not the world , neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.“ (KJV)
Matt 22:36-39, ”36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment . 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.“ (KJV)
***** There “IS“ unity in the Body of Christ (i.e. the universal church) with Christ as head and every saved person one of the members.
NOTE: Hebrews 5:8-9, 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (this action is continuous, the Christian will remain in the Body as long as they are obedient to Divine Instruction); (KJV)
Col 1:18-23, 18 And he is the head of the body , the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, (KJV)
Eph 5:23, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. (KJV)
Col 1:18, And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (KJV)
"A LITTLE DAB WILL DO YOU" Garreth L. Clair
A few years ago Brylcream hair gel used as their motto for their hair product, "A LITTLE DAB WILL DO YOU." In our religious climate today many people have apparently adopted this slogan and applied it to the quantity and quality of their religious conviction, "A LITTLE DAB WILL DO YOU." I say apparently simply because many religious people show very little interest in carrying out all of God's instructions today. Most religious people today seem to feel that "A Little Dab" of religion will "DO." Apparently the religious people that feel comfortable with this "DAB" of religion haven't read and studied their Bible very well; if they had they would know that God is displeased with their "LITTLE DAB" OF RELIGION. TRUE RELIGION:
Not long ago I saw an article in a religious publication that fostered the position that God is not interested in religious observance or religious activities. This writer indicated that all that God was interested in was for man to acknowledge the work of Christ and that was enough to save him from his sin and transport him eventually to heaven. This writer indicated further that religious observances, the keeping of commandments, and following the instructions that the Bible contain that constitute good works were unnecessary, this writer also suggested that all of man's efforts at keeping God's commandments, worshipping regularly, serving God in various roles, etc. was simply an attempt to substitute human works for Christ's blood in the procurement of salvation from sin. (Source, CHRISTIANITY TODAY, October and November issues, 1995 and "Our Daily Bread" same-). YOU CAN'T PLEASE GOD BY HEEDING PART OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS.
The most common error taught by most denominational people is partial compliance (i.e., an application of part of God's instructions and ignoring another part equally as important). to revealed instruction from the Creator. ILLUSTRATION:
Many denominational practitioners, stress the Bible teaching of grace, faith (i.e. faith only) and exclude the following scriptural references that are equally as important as their verses on the subjects of faith and grace. John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." James 2:14-26 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
(EDITOR'S COMMENT: It is apparent from the context of this verse, John is stating that faith alone cannot and will not avail for salvation from sin "alone.").If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (KJV)
WORKS IDENTIFIED:
The works and commandment keeping of these references are not the works that man may devise but are the works of God (i.e., instructions that God requires for acceptance of the sinner). Indeed, the works of man are of no benefit to man and will avail naught but the works of God if ignored will result in eternal damnation. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
CONSIDER MAGAZINE, 3rd Quarter, 1996 Revised: Friday, October 06, 2006 Posted: October 16, 2006 UNBELIVERS AGNOSTICS ATHEISTS Excuses offered
INTRODUCTION: The problems that face personal workers, elders, Bible teachers, and preachers that work from house to house seeking to convert the lost consist of many obstacles [i.e. hindrances]. In this article I want to show some of the excuses that I have received from prospects while attempting to teach them the right path to salvation from sin. During my 47 years of teaching the Divine message to the lost, the following statements have been uttered by one or more of the people that I have attempted to teach. Indeed, these excuses [i.e. listed below], and others are often entrenched in the mind of those with which we seek to convert to the Way of the Lord. REMEMBER THIS: Regardless of the nature of excuses, we are required to seek out and attempt to teach the lost ones as opportunities are presented We also need to understand that the Lord encourages us to take a militant stance toward doing evangelism, even to the point of going out into the secular world and seeking converts, seeking all! Luke 14:17-23, ”17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.“ KJV
THE BIBLE CANNOT BE TRUE 2 Tim 3:16-17, ”16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.“ ASV
MY PARENTS WERE SINCERE AND HONEST CORNELIUS: Acts 10:1-5, ”1 Now (there was) a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian (band), 2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius . 4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:“ ASV
THERE ARE HYPOCRITS IN THE CHURCH Luke 14:27, ”27 Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.“ ASV
TOO MUCH DIFFERENCE IN TOO MANY DIFFERENT CHURCHES Matt 7:13-14, ”13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. 14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.“ ASV
THERE IS TOO MUCH SICKNESS AND DISEASE A LOVING GOD WOULD NOT LET THIS HAPPEN THE DEVIL IS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL, ETC. - GOD ‘S GIFTS ARE ALL GOOD: James 1:16-20, ”16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.“ KJV
THERE ARE TOO MANY BIBLE TRANSLATIONS MANY ARE UNRELIABLE 2 Tim 2:15, ”15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.“ KJV
BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD’S RULES IS TOO HARD! Phil 2:12, ”12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.“
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE WHO’S RIGHT AND WHO’S IS WRONG? Acts 5:29, ”29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.“ KJV Rom 2:8, ”8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,“ KJV
ONE CHURCH IS AS GOOD AS ANOTHER Matt 16:18, ”18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.“ ASV Matt 15:12-14, ”12 Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.“ ASV
THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS Prov 14:12, ”12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.“ ASV Matt 7:13-14, ”13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way , that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. 14 for narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.“ ASV
YOUR CHURCH IS TOO NARROW MINDED 2 Tim 4:1-4, ”I charge (thee) in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.“ ASV 2 Tim 2:15, ”15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.“ ASV
MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE CHURCH THEY ATTEND BELIEVES: THEY THINK THEY DO, BUT THEY DO NOT!
SERMON By Garreth L. Clair
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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