Category: Obedience

In Philippians 2:12-13, the Apostle Paul exhorted Christians to “…as you 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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” The text clearly shows that man has an obligation regarding his own standing before God. Though we are saved by grace, this does not excuse us from honest and diligent effort to obey God. He saves us, but we are sadly mistaken if we believe that He will save us without any effort on our part. Those who are unrepentant sinners will only suffer loss.

In the New Testament, there are two instances where a disciple is referred to as one who is “full of faith.” Stephen (Acts 6:5,8) and Barnabas (Acts 11:24) are the two men mentioned. The Holy Spirit chose two men who personify the apostle’s admonition to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Stephen suffered martyrdom because of his unflinching proclamation of the gospel of our Lord. In Acts 11, we are told that as a result of Barnabas’ preaching “a great many people were added to the Lord” (vs. 24). Barnabas continued steadfastly in his work, and was a great help and companion to Paul in his ministry.

Continue reading “Working Out Your Own Salvation” →

In 1 Chronicles 28, King David called all of the leaders of Israel, (captains, stewards and men of valor), to himself, and explained to them that Solomon had been chosen by God to follow him on his throne, and to build the temple. He told them that God had promised to establish Solomon’s kingdom “forever”, “if he is steadfast to observe My judgments and My commandments, as it is this day” (vs. 7).

In verses 8-10, he first addressed the leaders of Israel, and then Solomon, enjoining them to seek God and His will. Notice the passage:

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever. 9 As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.

The phrase “be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God” is especially instructive to us.

Continue reading “Seeking the Lord” →

AOTS Number 65

The Word of God can be a beacon to us, directing us to safety. However, just as a Captain must submit to and heed the directions from the lighthouse, we must humble ourselves before God’s word.

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AOTS Number 64

God’s will, expressed through scripture, is just as relevant and authoritative today as it was 2000 years ago. As such, we must not alter it, rather we must heed and obey it.

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AOTS Number 55

Why are Jesus’ Words in Red? That is a good question. But, the more important question is, “Do we only have to obey the red words, or all of them?

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Noah, Enoch, Caleb and Abraham each showed a willingness to surrender their wills to God, and to act upon their faith. Their attitudes toward godly service serve as a wonderful example to us.

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AOTS Number 45

The prophet Jonah learned a lesson from the school of hard knocks. God is in control!

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AOTS Number 44

Exaltation in the kingdom of God is found in service. It is our responsibility as God’s children to do good, that God might be glorified.

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You have embraced the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and have determined to accept Him as your Savior. As such, you have determined to turn away from past sins, have confessed Christ as Lord of your life, and have put Him on through baptism in water for the remission of sins. In short, you have begun the Christian walk.

Some of you have been on that path longer than others. Whether you are a newborn babe in Christ, or already have developed some maturity in your walk, there are certain suggestions I would like to make that will benefit you in your profession as one of God’s children.

Continue reading “Suggestions to Young Christians” →

AOTS Number 31

Everyone talks to themselves. But, it is important when you do so, that you say the right things, or you may be shown to be a fool.

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Luke 11:31-32, the example of the Queen of the South, and the men of Nineveh, in their quest for and response to truth served to judge rebellious Israel. They may likewise judge us today if our attitude and response to the gospel of Christ is not sufficient.

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AOTS Number 25

The immature want to just have fun. In living their lives in such a way, they miss out on the value and the sense of accomplishment that comes in the fulfillment of duty before God.

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Podcast Number 50

In James chapter 4, the writer points out the ephemeral nature of life, and man’s responsibility to humbly serve God in preparation for eternity.

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AOTS Number 24

As Christians, we are held by our God to a higher standard. It is appropriate for us to work on our faults, and conquer them that we might please God.

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AOTS Number 23

While most of us claim to have too little time, in reality we are guilty of wasting time. The child of God must spend his time on earth serving his God.

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