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CURRENT SERMONS
Eccl 11:1-12:1 Ecclesiastes 11 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. 4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. 7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shall say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV A GOOD WAY TO START 2010
HOW GOD SPEAKS TO US TODAY By glclair@aol.com TEXT: Matthew 17:1-9, 1 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: 2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 3 And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. 4 And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 5 While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, save Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead. INTRODUCTION: 1. John 6:44-45, 44 No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me. ASV We must hear and learn from the Father to be saved by Christ: Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. 2. That God speaks to man we have no doubt. The issue is: How does He speak to us? Hebrews 12:25, 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned (them) on earth, much more (shall not) we (escape) who turn away from him that (warneth) from heaven: ASV and How do we listen to His voice? Luke 8:8-18, 8 And other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit a hundredfold. As he said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 And those by the way side are they that have heard; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And those on the rock (are) they who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of (this) life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience. 16 And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they that enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is hid, that shall not be made manifest; nor (anything) secret, that shall not be known and come to light. 18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath. ASV I. WE HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD BY HEARING THE SCRIPTURES OF GOD Matthew 22:31-32, 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not (the God) of the dead, but of the living. ASV A. God Spoke To The People Of Jesus' Day By Means Of The Scriptures! Exodus 3:4-6, 4 And when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. ASV * God spoke to Moses on the mount: Exodus 3:15, And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. ASV * When the Instructions of Moses were read, God was speaking to the hearers! II. MOSES AND THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS ARE HEARD VIA THE WRITTEN WORD: Luke 16:29, 29 But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. ASV A. Moses Wrote Of Christ and Was To Be Heard (Believed) - John 5:45-47, 45 Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, (even) Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. 46 For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? * Living oracles (words): Acts 7:38, 38 his is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received living oracles to give unto us: ASV * Voices of the prophets heard via scripture! Acts 13:27, 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled (them) by condemning (him). ASV Acts 3:24, 24 Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. ASV III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD: · Holy Spirit spoke (bore witness) of Christ's redemptive work by means of Scripture: 2 Peter 1:20-21, 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. ASV 1 Corinthians 2:13, 13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual (words). ASV IV. GOD SPEAKS TO US TODAY BY HIS SON: Hebrews 1:1-2, 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; ASV We Hear The Voice Of God By Hearing Jesus: Matthew 17:5, 5 While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. ASV John 8:43, 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? (Even) because ye cannot hear my word. ASV John 8:45, 45 But because I say the truth, ye believe me not. ASV John 8:47, 47 He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear (them) not, because ye are not of God. ASV John 8:51, 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death. ASV V. BY HEARING HIS APOSTLES WE HEAR CHRIST: John 13:20, 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. ASV Luke 10:16, 16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me. ASV
He Sent The Apostles The Holy Spirit To Guide Them As They Wrote The Inspired Words: John 14:25-26, 25 These things have I spoken unto you, while (yet) abiding with you. 26 But the Comforter, (even) the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. ASV John 15:26-27, 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, (even) the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me: 27 and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. ASV John 16:12-15, 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, (these) shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare (it) unto you. 15 All things whatsoever the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he taketh of mine, and shall declare (it) unto you. ASV 1 Corinthians 2:16, 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. ASV 1 Corinthians 2:10, 10 But unto us God revealed (them) through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ASV 1 Corinthians 7:40, 40 But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. ASV Acts 13:44-49, 44 And the next sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, (saying), I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the earth. 48 And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region. ASV 1 Corinthians 14:37, 37 If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. ASV CONCLUSION: 1. God speaks to us today through HIS SON. 2. His Son speaks to us through the inspired men {i.e., the writers of the Bible under the influence of the Holy Spirit}. 3. The inspired men speak to us through the Written Word {i.e., the Bible}. Revised: December 27, 2009 WHY SHOULD WE DESIRE HEAVEN? Prepared by Garreth L. Clair Things on earth ... Pain – Sickness – Disappointment – Discouragement - Sorrow Tears - Death Common earthly problems (fact). Things in Heaven ... No pain - No sickness - No disappointment - No Discouragement No sorrow - No tears - No death Revelation 21:1-7 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. KJV How We May Miss Heaven ... 1. Unfaithfulness - Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. KJV 2. Neglect - Hebrews 2:3 - 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; KJV 3. Morality alone – Cornelius - Acts 10, 11) 4. Vain religion. - Mark 7:7 - Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. KJV 5. Fear of persecution. - Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life. 6. Procrastination - 2 Corinthians 6:2 - (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) KJV 7. Disobedience - 2 Thessalonians 1:8 - In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: How We Make It Sure ... 1. Faithfulness - Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life. KJV 2. Taking heed - 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 - 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. KJV 3. Being a Christian - Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. KJV 4. Pure religion - James 1:27 - Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. KJV 5. Suffering persecution - Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life. KJV 6. "Now is the time." 2 Corinthians 6:2 - (For he saith, I have heard thee in time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) KJV 7. Obedience - 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; KJV CONCLUSION WORKS OF THE FLESH Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Defining the works of the flesh: 1. Adultery, Sexual impurity -- disregarding the marriage vow. 2. Fornication, General sexual impurities including adultery, beastly, and homosexuality. 3. Uncleanness, Greek -- "akatharsia", moral uncleanness (Vine's expository Dictionary). 4. Lewdness, Absence of restraint, indecency. 5. Idolatry, Worship of idols. 6. Sorcery, Practice of magic through diabolical means. 7. Hatred, Enmities -- the opposite of "agape" -- love. 8. Contentions, To cut apart, divide in two -- strife. 9. Jealousies, Greek -- "zelos", envyings. 10. Outbursts of wrath, Hot anger, passion. 11. Selfish ambitions, Contention -- the expression of enmity. 12. Dissension, A standing apart, Greek -- "dicha" -- asunder, "stasis" -- a standing. 13. Heresies, "hairesis", denotes (a) "a choosing, choice" (from haireomai, "to choose"); then, "that which is chosen," and hence, "an opinion," especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, <Gal. 5:20> (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) 14. Envy, A. Noun. -- phthonos, "envy," is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word, <Matt. 27:18; Mark 15:10; Rom. 1:29; Gal. 5:21; Phil. 1:15; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:1>; so in <Jas. 4:5>, where the question is rhetorical and strongly remonstrative, signifying that the Spirit (or spirit) which God made to dwell in us was certainly not so bestowed that we should be guilty of "envy." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) 15. Murders, In the plural, 16. Revelries, Involvement in drinking parties, rioting, under the influence. 17. And the like, Anything that is similar to the above. FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:22-23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. CHRISTIANS WILL EXHIBIT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:24-25 - 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJ) Prepared by Garreth L. Clair - February 1999 HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS
I. THE NATURE OF JESUS TEACHINGS: John 6:60-65; Isaiah 28:16
II. THE SIN OF HATRED: Matthew 5:21-26
III. THE SIN OF LUST: Matthew 5:27-30
IV. THE SIN OF INFIDELITY: Matthew 5:31-32
V. THE SIN OF FORSWEARING: Matthew 5:33-37
VI. THE SIN OF RETALIATION: Matthew 5:38-42
VII. THE SIN OF CONDITIONAL LOVE: Matthew 5:43-48
THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS Matthew 6:1-34
1. RELIEVING THE POOR: Matthew 6:1-4
2. PRAYER: Matthew 6:5-15
3. FASTING: Matthew 6:16-18
4. TRUE VALUES: Matthew 6:19-24
5. ABOUT WORRY: Matthew 6:25-32
5. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: Matthew 6:33-34
THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS Matthew 7:1-29
ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS: Matthew 7:1-5
ABOUT THE PRECIOUSNESS OF GOD’S WORD: – Matthew 7:6
CHRIST SAYS ASK FOR HELP: Matthew 7:7-10
THE GOLDEN RULE: Matthew 7:12
THE NARROW AND THE BROAD WAY: Matthew 7:13-20
EVERYONE WILL NOT BE SAVED IN THE END: - Matthew 7:21-23
THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH MAN: Matthew 7:24-27
CHRIST’S TEACHING ASTONISHED HIS HEARERS: - Matthew 7:28-29 We can learn a great deal about our obligations to God by studying these few points taught by Jesus. The life of the teacher of the gospel is to study and teach these truths as well as other truths revealed in God's Book. --- glclair KNOWING OURSELVES
One of the important pieces of knowledge that each person needs to possess is to know themselves. Now, knowing oneself is not as easy as one might think. There are many problems that the individual must overcome before they will be able to objectively examine themselves and come up with the accurate knowledge – to really know self. As we contemplate an examination of self we must be completely honest with ourselves about many things, a list follows:
Our feelings toward those that disagree with us – do I dislike them for that? Our feelings about our sexuality – am I doing the right thing? Our feelings about other races and the nationality of other people Our feelings about our current role in our chosen field of employment Our feelings about our own health – why do I feel bad? Our feelings about death – is there really a hell and heaven Our honest feelings about God and the things HE expects of me – I know I should but I won’t.
The truth of the matter is; if we want to really know ourselves we must do an examination of ourselves with complete honesty about every thought process in our mind and body.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT:
A personal examination of self is extremely important for the purpose of happiness and assurance of heaven someday. Indeed, God wants us to know ourselves for through knowledge of ourselves we can compare ourselves honestly with God’s Written Instructions and know if our faith is secure – cf. 2 Cor. 13:5, ”Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?“ KJV 2 John 7-11 ”7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.“ KJV Garreth L. Clair - 2007 ANOTHER LESSON ON WORSHIP Compiler: Garreth L. Clair
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible discusses several kinds of worship. In this study we will examine those references in the Bible that discuss worship, we will find that there are two kinds of worship, "false worship" and "true worship." BODY:
I. FALSE WORSHIP: 1. There is "vain worship": This is empty worship. Matt 15:8-9, 8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.“ (NKJ) 2. There is "will worship": This is voluntary worship. 1479 ethelothreskeia (eth-el-oth-race-ki'-ah); from 2309 and 2356; voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. sanctimony: KJV-- will worship. (Vine's Expository Dictionary - CD ROM) Col 2:20-23, 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. (KJV) 3. There is "worship in ignorance": 50 agnoeo (ag-no-eh'-o); from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3539; not to know (through lack of information or Intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination): KJV-- (be) ignorant (-ly), not know, not understand, unknown. Acts 17:23, 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. (KJV)
4. Consequently, one must know about true worship - [following discussion].
II. TRUE WORSHIP:
John 4:23-24, 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJ) 1. The object of true worship: "GOD" A. The character of God is set forth for us by Paul, Acts 17:22-29, 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 "Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' 29 "Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. (NKJ) B. A failure to recognize God in His true character, and to render proper respect and awe toward him, plunged the world into idolatry, moral, and spiritual bankruptcy, Rom 1:18-25, 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 herefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (NKJ) 2. Character of true worship, "IN SPIRIT" 3. Standard of true worship, "AND TRUTH" (All worship is to be offered according to Divine instruction" See transparency, "THE FIVE ACTS OF WORSHIP" III. THE PLACE WHERE MEN OUGHT TO WORSHIP: John 4:20-21, 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (KJV) III. THE DISPOSITION OF THE WORSHIPPER WHENEVER HE COMES TO WORSHIP:
1. He must have been cleansed by the blood of Christ that he may offer a clean and acceptable worship unto God, he must be faithful. 2. The worshipper ought to come before Him with reverence and awe. Heb 12:28-29, 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. (KJV) 3. The worshipper ought to come before God with thanksgiving, with rejoicing, and with gladness in his heart. Heb 13:15-17, 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (KJV) CONCLUSION: When man knows the difference between false worship and true worship he is capable of choosing to worship God correctly when he worships. The person that worships God ought to worship him correctly always. glc, Oct 2007 IS SOUND DOCTRINE IMPORTANT TODAY? Sermon by: Garreth L. Clair 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; INTRODUCTION: It is important to study the subject, "sound doctrine" because of the many conflicting religious doctrines now being taught. If "sound doctrine" is important, we need to know it. 1 DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WHAT WE BELIEVE?
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in `patience.
2. THE MODERN RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY, ”UNITY IN DIVERSITY“ IS ERROR. To subscribe to the "unity in diversity" concept means that those of us who seek a Divine Pattern for our religious activities will not be allowed to bind the Biblical patter on others. Those of us who seek a Biblical answer will simple have to accept diverse religious philosophies over the same questions. Those of us who seek the "old paths" must be satisfied with our understanding of the Bible and allow others to deviate from our understanding and still accept them on their good intentions. To accept this concept we would have to take the position that it makes no difference what one believes so long as he is sincere? 3. WE CAN ACCEPT NOTHING BUT A "THUS SAITH THE LORD" IN ADDITION, PLEASE THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
BODY;
I. PAUL'S WARNING TO ALL GENERATIONS
1. MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE TURNING FROM TRUTH BECAUSE THE TRUTH CONDEMNS THEM;
2. MANY PEOPLE TODAY SEEK A RELIGION THAT THEY CAN ADAPT TO THEIR LIFE STYLE’ MOST PEOPLE TODAY DO NOT WANT A RELIGION THAT REQUIRES A CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE
3. THE TEACHING OF HUMANISM HAS HAD ITS AFFECT ON HUMANKIND, MANY PEOPLE TODAY WANT MATERIAL THINGS, PLEASURE SELF GRATIFICATION
4. MANY PEOPLE TODAY HAVE NO INTEREST IN SUCH THINGS AS "SELF SACRIFICE", "THE BEST FOR THE GREATEST GOOD", "COLLECTIVE EFFORT FOR A COMMON CAUSE, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY" ETC.
II. WHAT WILL BE THE RESULTS IF WE DO NOT TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE?
1. WE WILL BE ACCURSED; Gal 1:7-9,
2. WE WILL LEAD OTHERS INTO SIN 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
3. WE WILL BE DEPRIVED OF HEAVEN;
4. WE WILL SUFFER THE ETERNAL TORMENT OF "Gehenna" (i.e., Hell Fire -- The lake of fire);
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorra, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
III. WE MUST ABIDE IN SOUND DOCTRINE IN ALL WE DO: CONSIDER THIS:
Sound doctrine is doing all things according to Scriptural directions. to follow sound doctrine is to follow whatever the Bible teaches us on all subjects. To always be right with God we must always remain within the Biblical guidelines;
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)
1. Become a Christian on God's terms.
2. Worship God according to the Divine pattern;
A. Lord's Supper each Sunday, Acts 20:7.
B. Lay by in store each week, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2.
C. Sing vocal music only, 1 Timothy 2:11.
D. Teach/preach, the "truth", Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 2:2.
E. Pray, 1 Timothy 2:1.
3. Assemble regularly with the church, Hebrews 10:25.
4. Insist upon sound organization for the congregation;
A. Elders and Deacons, 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
CONCLUDING REMARKS:
There is never a time when we can teach other than "sound doctrine." Whenever opportunities are presented to us to teach the truth, we ought to do that as expeditiously as possible.
REMEMBER THIS; John 8:32, ”And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.“ (KJV) SEARCHING FOR LASTING HAPPINESS Garreth L. Clair INTRODUCTION: In all areas of our society today, most people are looking for lasting happiness. Lasting happiness is elusive today, especially in this troubled modern world. There are many people caught in the social circles of money, sex, fame, and drugs. The greatest numbers of people in the world that have no lasting happiness fall into this group of modern social climbers. In this sermon, let us seek the age-old answer to the question, "Where can we find lasting happiness today?"
BODY:
I. WHERE LASTING HAPPINESS CANNOT BE FOUND: A. Not in conquest or military accomplishment: Example --- Alexander the Great conquered the world of his day, having accomplished this great military campaign, he then wept, because there were no other peoples to conquer. B. Not in unbelief (i.e., atheism): Examples --- Excerpts from "Dying Testimonies of Saved and Unsaved." Last words of Charles IX of France, "I am lost; I see it well." Last words of Voltaire, "I must die, abandoned by God and men." C. Not in pleasures: Each week we read of some famous person in television, movies, music, sports, or politics that have lived in pleasure and suddenly died a tragic death in misery and unhappiness. D. Not in the acquiring of wealth: Example --- Lazarus and the rich man, Luke 16:19-31, ”19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: 20 and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the (crumbs) that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us. 27 And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house; 28 for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.“ ASV E. Not in pursuit of political office, modeling, music, acting, etc.: The people who climb the ladder of success to the peak do not find lasting happiness. Once a person has reached the top of their profession he finds no where else to go, only empty palaces, no peace of mind, passing joy, and no end to longings for something that satisfies. II. WHERE, IS LASTING HAPPINESS FOUND: A. In Jesus Christ: John 16:22, 22 And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. ASV B. In Jehovah: Ecclesiastes 12:12-13, 12 And furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 (This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man. ASV
Psalms 144:15, ”Happy is the people that is in such a case; (yea), happy is the people whose God is Jehovah.“ ASV Psalms 37:37, ”Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for there is a (happy ) end to the man of peace.“ ASV Proverbs 29:18, ”Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.“ ASV
C. Paul says that he is happy to defend the faith: Acts 26:2, ”I think myself happy , king Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews:“ ASV CONCLUSION: Seek the true happiness, that lasting happiness that is found in having a right relationship with God.
THE REALITIES OF YOUTH AND GROWING OLD By Garreth L. Clair
TEXT: Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:7 7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. 8 Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain; 3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows shall be darkened, 4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; 5 yea, they shall be afraid of (that which is) high, and terrors (shall be) in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6 before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.“ ASV
1. BEGIN TO SERVE GOD EARLY IN LIFE --- Ecclesiastes 11:7-8: 7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. 8 Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.“ ASV A. Know that youth is fleeting B. Know that we age with each passing day C. Know that you will eventually die
2. YOUTH IS GOOD --- Ecclesiastes 11:9-10: 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.“ ASV A. During youth we are strong in mind and body B. In youth man’s appetites are stronger to follow fleshly desires C. In youth man’s influence is keener felt by his peers D. In youth one should enjoy life but only within the boundaries that God allows E. In youth one MUST be conscious of the coming judgment of Almighty God
3. THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION --- Ecclesiastes 12:1: 1 Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;“ ASV A. Be considerate of God while young, SERVE HIM! B. Serve Him while strength of mind of body is present C. When old-age comes the desire, the memory, strength, and zeal are swallowed up in pain, loss of memory, lack of appetite, etc. [”when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them {in life itself}]
4. THE REALITIES OF AGING ARE DESCRIBED BY SOLOMON --- Ecclesiastes 12:2-5: 2 before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain; 3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows shall be darkened, 4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; 5 yea, they shall be afraid of (that which is) high, and terrors (shall be) in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:“ ASV A. The appreciation of the heavenly host and the cycles of rain and seasons are no longer felt because of changes in the memory and thought patters – 12:2 B. The declining strength of the body and mind --- 12:3-5: 1) The hands begin to tremble 2) The legs and joints become weaker and weaker 3) The teeth become few 4) The eyesight becomes dim 5) The mouth closes, shrinks as teeth are missing 6) Sleep is fleeting and comes in short sessions the smallest distraction disturbs ones sleep 7) The ability to distinguish musical notes and tones will cease 8) Going down steps or descending any height becomes a fearful experience 9) Aging causes one to fear things that were simple to accomplish during youth 10) The smallest of and simplest of activities becomes burdensome 11) Desires cease 12) It is seen by others that age and infirmity is ready to take the life away [i.e. ”because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets --- 12:5b].
5. DEATH EVENTUALLY COMES --- Ecclesiastes 12:6: 6 before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,“ ASV
6. ”Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.“ --- Ecc. 12:7
CONCLUSION:
This lesson teaches us that youth is a wonderful time in life. Indeed, youth can be a wonderful and exiting time of life if we will remember some guidelines:
A. Begin to serve God early in life B. Never sin against God C. Never forget that life is short D. Remember that as dad and mom grandpa and grandma are old/older, you too, will be after awhile! E. And always remember:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 13(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.“ ASV
Garreth L. Clair May 15,2007
IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD
Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" ASV INTRODUCTION: Today, we will see that there is nothing too hard for God. We will confirm the inspiration of the scriptures, demonstrate the righteousness of God and examine the history of the people of God. JEREMIAH'S GREATNESS AS A PROPHET Jeremiah teaches God's word and prophesies during the days of the last 5 kings of Judah. This is a period of about 39 years. This is the period from about 626 B.C. until 612 B.C. Jeremiah 1:1-5 - >1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: >2 to whom the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. >3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. >4 Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, >5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. ASV
The message of Jeremiah was initially a message of repentance. The people refused to repent and God promised captivity. Jeremiah also was given a great message of hope, which would take place in the kingdom of God. Jeremiah 11:4 - "which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God;" ASV Jeremiah 25:1-11 - > 1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon,) > 2 which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying: > 3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even unto this day, these three and twenty years, the word of Jehovah hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising up early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. > 4 And Jehovah hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear,) > 5 saying, Return ye now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that Jehovah hath given unto you and to your fathers, from of old and even for evermore: > 6 and go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. > 7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith Jehovah; that ye may provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own hurt. > 8 Therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Because ye have not heard my words,> 9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith Jehovah, and (I will send) unto Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations. > 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. > 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. These passages without doubt confirm the inspiration of scripture, the foreknowledge of God, and the nature of God's new covenant with man. The book of Jeremiah gives exact dates, times, and people. He names the Babylonian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar who would destroy the land Jeremiah 27:6-7 - > 6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field also have I given him to serve him. > 7 And all the nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his own land come: and then many nations and great kings shall make him their bondman. ASVLESSONS FROM JEREMIAH Nothing is too hard for God - Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" ASV
CONCLUSION Do we have faith in God? God has promised to judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 4:1). God has given us many warnings. Have we listened to Him? What would God have to do to get us to repent? ...glc
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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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