Category: Zeal

The question of our title is similar to other questions that have been asked. Can a Christian be a lawyer? Or, can a Christian tend bar?

Those questions speak of the morality of the two occupations. While I believe that a Christian could certainly practice law, there are certain types of lawyers who seem, if they do their job successfully, to violate Christian morality.

However, when I ask the question, “Can a Christian be President?” I am not so concerned with the ethics of the job; rather, I am referring to the electability of a Christian. I am convinced that one who truly holds to the teachings of Jesus Christ would be considered an extremist, and would have no chance of being elected to the highest office in America.

Continue reading “In The News: Can A Christian Be President” →

Revelation 3:1-6

The Lord’s fifth letter to the seven churches, written to the church in Sardis, identifies a local congregation that was “dead.”

Sardis was the capital city of ancient Lydia, a province of Asia Minor. The Lord noted that the congregation there had “a name that you are alive.”

It must be noted that God does not see things the way man does (cf. Isaiah 55:8). That the church in Sardis was seen to be alive (perhaps by others, perhaps by themselves), held no sway with the Lord. He reserved his strongest condemnation for this congregation, and called them to repentance.

Note that their “works” were not “perfect before God.” God judges us by the things we do, whether good or bad (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). He demands righteous and steadfast obedience to His will. This is a serious consideration as any congregation examines her standing before God.

Jeroboam convinced the Northern Tribes that it was too much to ask them to return to Jerusalem to worship God. Instead he fashioned golden idols, and introduced idolatry to the nation of Israel. (cf. 1 Kings 12). It is often claimed that God requires too much of us. Is it true? This sermon establishes that what God requires is reasonable and doable for the Christian.

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God has always required his disciples to go above and beyond in dealing righteously in all their relationships with others. This is true with family, their brethren, the lost, and even their enemies.

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Paul wrote the Ephesians to put on the “whole armor of God.” This lesson mentions the pieces of the armor, but emphasizes the importance and purpose of arming ourselves against Satan.

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Becoming a child of God is described as being “born again.” It is the beginning of a new life, not the end. As such, the Bible continually admonishes the Christian to continue steadfastly in his life for Christ.

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Committment and self-examination are important in successfully applying the truth of God’s word successfully in our lives.

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The apostle Paul reveals to us if we are to attain the goal of eternity in heaven, it is required that we make it our aim in life to be pleasing to God (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7-11).

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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” →

AOTS Number 69

A wonderful poem by Jane McWhorter shows how excellence in striving is beneficial in all walks of life.

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AOTS Number 68

If you spend 75 years attending Bible classes and worship services, every Sunday, that equals 22 months of your life. What are your priorities?

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AOTS Number 53

Are there any Patriarchs around today? Maybe not, but their example to us is a powerful help in living our lives for Christ!

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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 47

People have many different reasons (excuses) for not coming to church, but none have any real validity. We should rejoice that we can be in God’s presence!

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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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