Category: Righteousness

A Study of Psalm 101. The Psalm reveals the resolution of the King of Israel to reign with justice and righteousness in the Kingdom. His resolve, and attitudes toward both the wicked and just serve as an object lesson for Christian’s today.

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1 John 1:5-10

Here John relates to his readers a most important message, “God is light” (vs. 5).

This truth has far reaching implications. For example, if we are tempted and sin, it is not God’s fault. He is not responsible for temptation, and we are solely responsible for our own sinful actions (cf. James 1:13-15).

Second, (and the point of these verses), we can not practice sin and be in fellowship with God. As there is “no darkness” in him, those who “walk in darkness” can have no part with God.

That’s not to say that we never sin. In fact, John here says we are lying to ourselves, and also accusing Christ of lying if we say we are not guilty of sin. The fact that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins indicates that we all are guilty. John here affirms the same.
What this does indicate is that God requires us to seek to live righteously. When we sin, we are required to confess those sins to God, and ask forgiveness. God is gracious and faithful in forgiving us upon our repentance.

Have you sinned? Ask God’s forgiveness! We must walk in the light to have to have fellowship with Him.

2 Peter 1:5-11

Here the apostle Peter calls Christians to add to themselves various righteous characteristics. The list includes: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

Peter indicates they are to do this for “this very reason”, referring back to the previous verses where eternal promises are alluded to as being given by God’s divine power. In effect, the promise of redemption and hope of heaven are our motivation to living a godly life. Considering what God has done for us in sending Jesus leads us to diligence, that we might mature into the disciples God would have us to be.

Verses 8-11 indicate that these promises are conditional, but sure. If we add these characteristics to the foundation, faith; there is no doubt as to what we will receive. “For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom…” (vs. 11).

It is our choice. Will we choose apathy, leading to spiritual blindness and apostasy? Or, will we choose zeal, leading to a sure standing with God, and an eternal abode with our “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

The sermon examines God’s requirements for Christians today to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.

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Jesus was plain in His preaching (cf. John 10:22-28), as were the apostles (cf. 2 Cor. 3:12). We should strive to be as well. The sermon describes 5 areas where plain speech is needed in teaching others:

• How to be saved from sins
• The Nature of the Church of Christ
• Assembled worship is required of Christians
• Christians are called to godly living
• A Judgment is coming!

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The Sermon uses the text of Isaiah 65:1-7 as a warning against Self-Righteousness. We must not trust in ourselves, do our work to be seen of men, or be guilty of hypocrisy, which often accompanies Self-Righteousness. Having said that, Self-Righteousness is NOT:

• Obeying God’s Law
• Zeal and Dedication
• Reproving and Rebuking Sin
• Believing God’s Word to be Authoritative and Absolute

Rather than being Self-Righteous, we must submit to the righteousness of God.

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The Sermon Discusses small things that are nevertheless great in the Sight of God. Things such as:

• The Power of Two or Three
• Only a Cup of Cold Water
• Little Children
• A Single Person of Faith

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Sermon based on the text of Ephesians 4:17-24. The new man of God is to live a life characterized by righteoueness.

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This fifth sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 points out that the Christian faith is a radical faith. Unlike the common expression of “Christianity” seen in our time, the true church and true Christian is and is seen as radical in our time.

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This sermon is an exegetical treatment of Colossians 1:9-19. The text relates Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Colossians, “that you may be filled…” Also, the Preeminence of Christ is revealed and discussed.

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In Matthew 10, our Lord prepared his disciples for their preaching efforts among the Jews by saying, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves” (vs. 16).

To put it simply, Jesus told his disciples to be aware of the ungodliness of men. Men can act as wolves. They can be destructive, mean and scheming. In the next verse, Jesus said, “But beware of men. . .”

We too need to beware of men. We need to know of their ability to hurt us, and their willingness to do so. At the same time, while such wisdom is required of us, it must be emphasized that such actions have no place among God’s people. While we are aware of the potential evil in others, may it be that none of us here at West Side are ever guilty of the same. Instead, we are to be “harmless as doves” toward our brethren.

Stan

(Note: This short article was written by a member at West Side, Tommy Davis. As the article is brief, in the bulletin I added the quotes from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I commend Tommy’s article to you. Stan).

One of man’s greatest leaders said something that made me think. Being a Christian, I tried to put the saying in perspective.

President Ronald Reagan said:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

What will you do to keep the greatest nation on the earth from perishing? If we use worldly wisdom, our response would be to join the US Armed Forces! After all, America is the first country in history to have the power to conquer the earth and yet restrains itself. It is the only country in history to conquer other nations to free them from tyranny (and then let them rule themselves again). We are the good guys!

Continue reading “America – A Godly Nation?” →

The Prayer of Elijah. 1 Kings 18:41-46. Elijah was a righteous man who prayed to God fervently in accord with Jehovah’s will. As such, his prayer was answered. This example serves to teach us important lessons regarding prayer.

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Romans 12:1-2

The earnest exhortation of the apostle was for his readers to give themselves as sacrifices to God. Rather than the presentation of slain animals, the Christian is enjoined to present his body as a “living sacrifice.”

Paul means for us to live holy lives, in service to God. He indicates that such is a reasonable response. In other words, because of what God has done for us in the giving of His Son, it is reasonable for Him to expect a life of dedicated service in return.

He further explains in both the positive and negative. “Do not be conformed to this world.” The world is at war with God. To love the world is to show allegiance to the wrong master (cf. 1 John 2:15). “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The new birth is not just an initial obedience to certain commands. It puts to death the old man, and brings to life a new one. Such a new birth must be seen in our daily lives.