Category: Salvation
Subject: Salvation
Draw Back to Perdition
In Hebrews 10 a hypothetical circumstance is expressed by the writer concerning willful sin. For the Christian who sins willfully there is great consequence. A willful disregard for truth (26-28), for the Son of God, (29) and the Holy Spirit (29) leads to condemnation.
God supplied only the gospel of Jesus Christ as the power to salvation (cf. Romans 1:16). He supplied only Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin. He supplied only His Spirit as the agent of inspiration. A rejection of these leaves one with only a “fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (27).
It is hard to imagine any Christian who would turn away from what God has offered, and he has tasted. However, some do. Peter described such as like a dog returning to his own vomit, and “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22).
Some Christians to whom Hebrews was written were like this. They were not progressing (cf. 5:12-6:6). Some were not attending worship, and were in need of edification (10:25-26). But, the writer expresses confidence in 10:39, “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”
Perdition means utter destruction. Read the verse again. What kind of Christian are you? One who draws back to perdition? Or one whose faith persists to the reward?
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Sermon: The True Bread of Life (6:22-40)
Lesson 13 in series (6:22-40)
Jesus admonished the people for seeking carnal bread, rather than seeking Him, the true bread of life.
The Patternists: Why Will God Condemn Men to Hell?
Time and again we hear objections raised to the concept of hell, based on God’s supposed love for man. “If God loves man so much”, some say, “there is no way He would ever send them to eternal torment!” In this, they misunderstand God’s motivation and capabilities.
First, God does love men, and desires everyone to be saved. God desires every single person (who has ever lived, is living now, and ever will live), to go live with Him in heaven for eternity. This truth is evident in scripture. For example, Paul exhorts Timothy to pray for conditions to allow men to live “quiet and peaceable” lives in “all godliness and reverence.” This exhortation is explained, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
Continue reading “The Patternists: Why Will God Condemn Men to Hell?” →
Sermon: Fields White For Harvest (4:27-38)
Lesson 8 in Series (John 4:27-38)
Jesus expresses to His disciples that both His and their work in the world is to save souls.
Sermon: Give Me A Drink (4:1-26)
Lesson 7 in series (John 4:1-26)
Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, identifying Himself at the “living water”, and the “way, truth and life.”
Sermon: Philip’s Preaching in Samaria
A sermon showing the power of the gospel in the conversion of men, illustrated by the preaching Philip did in the region of Samaria.
Sermon: For God So Loved the World (3:9-21)
Lesson 6 in series (John 3:9-21)
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus continues, and Jesus talks of death by crucifixion, God’s grace, and the necessity of faith and repentance.
Sermon: I’m the One
Speaker: Dennis Scroggins
Brother Dennis asked that each of us realize we are personally responsible for Jesus leaving heaven to die on the cross. Our sins required his sacrifice. This truth supplies our motivation to serve Him.
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Sermon: You Must Be Born Again (3:1-8)
Lesson 5 in series (John 3:1-8)
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, regarding the new birth, is discussed and explained.
Spiritual Surgery
Recently I came across a sermon outline by Joe Price titled Spiritual Surgery. (He preached it a couple of months ago). This article is basically a fleshing out of the three main points in his outline.
The apostle Paul, in Colossians 2, refers to a spiritual circumcision, using the token of the covenant between God and Israel to make an important point. “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 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” (2:11-12).
As physical circumcision was surgical removal (a cutting off, cf. Genesis 17:10-11; Galatians 5:12). Paul uses the same language to indicate they were to remove or put off the body of the sins of the flesh. This was not an unfamiliar concept to the Jews. In fact, Moses said something similar as he called upon the Israelites to repent of their transgressions against God in Deuteronomy 10:16, “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
Sermon: The Preacher and the Penitent
Luke’s narrative of the conversion of Cornelius and his household is unique in its use of two viewpoints to relate the facts. Both the preacher and the penitent are followed, with the two meeting as the gospel is preached and souls are saved.
Sermon: The Promises of God
The lesson shows that some of God’s promises are unconditional in nature, while others are conditional. God’s most wonderful promises are available through His Son Jesus, showing God’s mercy and grace.
Sermon: True Value
We need to be careful, and recognize the true value of things in life. Whether it be of a child (including the unborn), our sacrificial gifts, or the preaching of the gospel. True value is not found in monetary cost.
Sermon: How Heaven Views Sinners
The Parables of Luke 15 explain the view that Heaven holds regarding lost souls.
Sermon: A Plan is Needed!
A plan is needed for the salvation of men. The lesson discusses why men are in need of salvation.