Category: Obedience

Paul wrote, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). The phrase “if then” refers back to his statement in the previous chapter, “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (2:12).

Those who have been baptized have been raised with Christ. The blessings given by God at baptism (the “remission of sins” cf. Acts 2:38), require a response on the part of those who are born again to this new life. We are to “seek those things which are above.”

The idea that man has no part to play in his own redemption is very wrong. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). He also admonished the Philippians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (2:12-13).

Have you been raised to a new life? Then you need to ask yourself whether you are doing “His good pleasure” or your own. You are now a child of God, and it is your responsibility to “seek those things which are above.”

The URGENCY of the Gospel is seen in:

* The Plan of Salvation before Creation.
* The Compassion of the Christ
* The Crucifixion of the Christ
* The Exaltation of the Christ
* The Future Coming of the Christ
* The Christ’s Charge to the Church

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Paul, in Colossians 3:18-25, gives numerous exhortations, emphasizing that a man’s standing with God is dependent upon his obedience. There are no exceptions to this, because God does not show partiality.

Audio

In order to fight the good fight of faith (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6), we must first identify the enemy, and second utilize all of the help and weapons at our disposal.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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).

Click below to…

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 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.

Audio

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 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)

Audio

God is the Potter, we are the clay. We must allow him to prepare us for His use.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

The sermon shows that we must walk in integrity (cf. Psalm 26:11) toward ourselves, others, and ultimately, God.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Conflict both within and without the church is unable to thwart God in His purpose. It is futile to fight against God!

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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?

Audio

Powerpoint Slides