What was Gaius commended for? He walked in truth! Where many today put little emphasis on the truth of God, Gaius was notable because of his allegiance to it. As John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4).
God has a place for all of us and he won’t accept excuses for doing nothing. It doesn’t matter if someone else is better known, better liked, or even a whole lot more able, especially if those someones are not present when a need arises. Stop looking at yourself and look around you—self-absorption never accomplished anything.
It is difficult for a rich man to enter heaven, due to pride, covetousness, and the corruption that riches can bring. There is also the possibility that the riches themselves may have been garnered unrighteously. The sermon deals with the problems of the rich, then points out that we all can struggle with the dangers of riches in our society.
Much of the religious world claims a “personal relationship with God.” They then attempt to self-define that relationship, rather than realizing such a relationship is dependent upon God recognizing their standing before Him. This sermon details what is necessary to have such an intimacy with the Almighty.
You can’t take it with you, so why spend your life trying (above all things) to get it? Instead, sow to the spirit, that you may gain the eternal reward in heaven. This is a life well lived.
Because the gospel is authentic, it means Jesus truly is the Savior. He died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead. His victory over death supplies for us the same hope!
No matter the utopia man might develop on earth, the whole point of living is to get to heaven after this life is over. The human condition is ultimately improved solely through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the only Savior of mankind. Remember our purpose in living, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Some people, most often in attitude rather than explicitly, exhibit the following attitude:
For some reason, God has released me from my spiritual obligations and responsibilities. I can shirk my duties without fear of punishment. God will not hold me accountable, despite not fulfilling my responsibilities toward him.
This lesson deals with such an ungodly attitude.
The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone?” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.
It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.
The inability of Christians to agree on what the Bible defines as sin is a sympton of self-will, not a flaw in the text of scripture itself. And, when those who are “untaught and unstable” twist what the scriptures teach, they do so “to their own destruction” (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). They could define sin correctly, if they were willing to!
As Christians, we are fulfilled. We have everything we need, equipped on this earth, and equipped for a future existence with God. All of this is accomplished through the power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we escape to eternity.
We do not approve of abuses of authority, and we raise our voices in compassion for those who have been accused and convicted falsely. However, when a man is guilty of a heinous crime, he should be dealt with sternly, justly and quickly, for the sake of our society. No society can be compassionate and righteous without punishing the violation of law. To do anything less is to disparage the victim’s plight.
No matter our relative positions in life, when we are Christians, we are brethren.
A general sermon on the subject of Singing. Establishes authority for the act of worship, as well as showing how various innovations regarding musical worship over the centuries are unscriptural. The sermon shows why we sing, the benefits, and gives some practical suggestions to song leaders and the congregation.
Note also the benefit accrued to the Christian who prays, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
God desires that all men be saved, including both those in authority, and those who would benefit from their righteous rule.
