Category: Salvation
Subject: Salvation
Sermon: Metamorphosis
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin uses the illustration of the metamorphosis of a butterfly to illustrate the importance of a transformed life (cf. Romans 12:1-2).
Sermon: Progress in Philippi
(A discussion of Acts 16). When the gospel falls on good hearts, fruit is borne, despite any opposition.
Defilement
Under Mosaic law, there were certain actions and circumstances that rendered a person defiled before God. The Hebrew word translated defiled in the Old Testament texts discussing this state (tâmê) is defined by Strong: to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated).
The reference to ceremonial “foulness” is especially important in light of the Old Testament references to such defilements. While they sometimes refer to moral actions that intrinsically are sinful (such as idolatry, sexual immorality, etc.), often it had reference to things that are not inherently sinful in God’s eyes. Things like childbirth, the touching of a dead body, or a woman’s menstruation.
Sermon: In My Father’s House are Many Mansions
In lesson 35 of the series, the discussion centers on the first 6 verses of Jesus’ address to His disciples on the night of His betrayal. (John 14:1-6).
Quiet Resolve and Confidence
“Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:1-2).
Christians who have a full and correct understanding of the nature of grace and faith have a great confidence in their salvation. It is God who accomplishes their redemption, so they can be sure that their service to Him will be rewarded in the end. This brings patience and comfort as they await the day where the Lord says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (cf. Matthew 25:21).
Others, who place their trust in something other than God, have no such assurance.
“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:9-10).
Remember:
“In God is my salvation and glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” AND “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work” (Psalm 62:7-8, 11-2).
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Pieces of Armor
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
Sermon: Be Reconciled to God
An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 5:12-21, explaining the importance of Paul’s ministry, and why we should all be striving for reconciliation with our God!
Sermon: The Burning Bush
In Exodus 3, Jehovah spoke to Moses from the midst of a bush that burned, but was not consumed. A number of important lessons can be learned from that occasion.
Sermon: The Life of Paul
An examination of the apostle Paul’s life, discussing his persecution of the church, his conversion, his work, and his reward.
Sermon: A Shield About Me
A discussion of Psalm 3. When we are overwhelmed with troubles, cares, and the opposition of those opposed to righteousness, we can find solace in the fact that God is a shield about us. With his protection, we can overcome.
It Pleased the Father
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
“It pleased the Father.” This is Paul’s assessment of God’s plan for redeeming man. This meaning of this passage is disputed, because “the Father that” is not in the Greek. Rather it is supplied by the translators. A good argument is made by Walton Weaver in his commentary regarding the meaning. He states it as follows: God was pleased to, in all His fullness, dwell in His Son. This principle is set forth clearly in 2:9, “For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
Likewise it pleased God to reconcile man to Himself through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This is the central message of the Bible. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
God was pleased. Despite the ultimate nature of that sacrifice in offering His only begotten Son, it pleased Him to do so. Why? Why was He so willing to do such a thing? Why did it please Him? Because He loves us! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
There are lessons here for us. First, to rejoice in His love. Second, to recognize the greatness of the debt we owe due to His marvelous grace (cf. Romans 1:14-15). Finally, this: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
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The “I Am” Statements of Jesus
Interestingly, Jehovah revealed Himself with the use of the phrase, “I am” to Israel in Exodus 3. “Then Moses said to God, ‘Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they say to me, “What is His name?” what shall I say to them?’ And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you”’” (3:13-14).
Sermon: My Witness is True
Lesson 21 in series:
Jesus defends His statement, “I am the light of the world” to the Pharisees in John 8:13-20.
Work Out Your Own Salvation
“Therefore, my beloved, 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” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul’s admonition here is also partly a word of praise for the faithfulness of the Philippian brethren. They had shown themselves to be obedient in the past, he calls upon them to continue. A significant point made in the passage is that continued obedience is necessary to be saved. The idea of working out “your own salvation” is not in any way at odds with the concept of grace. God requires faithfulness unto death to receive the crown of life! (cf. Revelation 2:10). Paul himself told them, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Sermon: No Hurry
Complacent individuals believe that they can wait until later to begin to serve the Lord. This malady affects Christians and non-Christians alike. The gospel is replete with admonitions to urgency in obeying God!
