Category: Obedience
Subject: Obedience
FB: More than Conquerors
Acts 12 records a despotic King, Herod, determining to “harass some from the church.” He executed James, the brother of John, and we are told his actions “pleased the Jews.” Their approval spurred him on, and he siezed Peter as well, and put him in prison. (vv. 1-3).
Two lessons can be learned from this:
1) Though we are fortunate not to be the subjects of governmental persecution, that can change. Christians will always be the subject to the ungodly impulses of evil men. It is for this reason we are called to be virtuous in standing when our faith is tested.
2) Ultimately, God wins! So, it is in our best interest to serve Him. Not all who are evil will get their punishment in this life (though Herod did, as God struck him worms, and he died, vs. 23). But, rest assured that the ungodly will be punished, and those who believe will receive the reward of heaven.
As Paul wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
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From the Preacher’s Pen: On God’s Side
I recently came across the following quote, attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
Truer words could not be said. God’s way is the way of righteousness. It is fair and good. Israel questioned that in Ezekiel’s day, and God answered, “Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:29-30).
As God’s way is fair and right, those who walk in it will as a consequence be rewarded with an eternity in heaven. The apostle Paul wrote, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).
God’s way is the right way, so it is obvious that it should be our way as well. If we submit our will to His, and are obedient servants, He promises us the victory found through His Son.
Sermon: The Eternal Purpose of God
Sermon 1 of 9 by Carl Allen.
The eternal purpose of God was fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He came to earth, and shed his atoning blood for all mankind. This atonement is available to all, and is accomplished by those who respond in faith to the gospel of our Lord.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Fairness Goes Both Ways
God is eminently fair. He is both merciful and just. As we acknowledge our salvation is dependent upon His grace, extended in His Son Jesus, we must also note that He rightly requires obedience on our part. That is His right, and it is fair of Him to demand our allegiance.
When rebellious Israel proclaimed God to be unfair in His dealing with them, He replied clearly:
“‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’ says the Lord God. ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
While God does not enjoy condemning men, He is fair! Those who do not turn from their iniquity (repent) will be condemned for their sins. We must get a “new heart and a new spirit.” For us, that means being born again! (cf. John 3:3-5).
Fairness goes both ways. God is fair in rewarding those who practice righteousness. He is pleased to grant the godly eternal life. And yet, though it saddens Him, it is fair of Him to condemn the ungodly to eternal death.
Sermon: The Story of Jehu
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
Brantley examines a number of different lessons to be learned from the Old Testament narrative regarding King Jehu. (2 Kings 9 & 10)
Sermon: The Potter and the Clay
God is the Potter, we are the clay. We must allow him to prepare us for His use.
Invitation: The Stupidity of Evil
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Proverbs 12:1-3, shows clearly that a wise man accepts the instruction of the Lord, while the evil man is stupid in not doing so.
Sermon: Integrity
The sermon shows that we must walk in integrity (cf. Psalm 26:11) toward ourselves, others, and ultimately, God.
Sermon: Fighting Against God
Conflict both within and without the church is unable to thwart God in His purpose. It is futile to fight against God!
Sermon: Steps of Salvation
A simple lesson, using a chart for personal work (Slide #2) of the PPTX file. Explains both God’s Part, and Man’s Part in the salvation of any individual.
Sermon: Followers of Christ
Discipleship requires sacrifice on the part of the follower. This is especially true as we consider what our Lord expects from us! It is worth the effort to examine, what kind of followers are we?
Sermon: Grace and Obedience
The texts of Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13; James 2:14-26 and Luke 17:7-10 are used to describe the relationship of grace and obedience to the salvation of men.
Sermon: The Levites Left
2 Chronicles 11:14 reveals that the Levites left the northern Kingdom of Israel, under the rule of Jeroboam. The lesson explains why, and makes practical applications for us today.
Invitation: Well Pleasing to Him
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 2 Corinthians 5:7-11 Paul expressed his desire to be with Christ after death. As such, he determined to be well pleasing to Him.
Invitation: Contrasting Light and Darkness
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
In Ephesians 5:6-16, the apostle Paul contrasts light and darkness. We are to expose, rather than participate in the unfruitful works of darkness.
