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| What The Bible Says About Angels Scripture Reading: Ps. 91 Intro.: A. The subject of angels is one that always seems to intrigue folks. 1. Time Magazine conducted a poll among American adults on the subject of angels and found some interesting results: a. 69% confirmed their belief in the existence of angels. b. 46% acknowledged their belief in a personal guardian angel. c. 32% claimed to have felt an angelic presence at some time in their lives. B. The Bible references angels quite a bit: 1. They are mentioned in 34 of the 66 books: 17 books of each Testament. Angels are specifically mentioned 108 times in the O.T., and 186 times in the N.T. C. Unfortunately, much of the information people have today about angels is based more on fiction and pseudo-religious tradition than fact. 1. Most pictures or statues of angels depict them as beautiful, long-haired females with wings. But, when is the last time you ever read a scripture that referred to an angel as a 'she'? 2. The fact is, a lot of people are just superstitious. They have angel figures somewhere. And, many folks believe that angels watch over them, personally in some fashion. a. And, many of these same folks believe that just having a picture or a figuring will do them some good, or bring them some luck or safety. 3. Also, several movies have been made throughout the years about and including angels, such as "It's A Wonderful Life", "Angels In The Outfield", and even some blasphemous movies that we should never watch. D. Then, why should we study about angels? 1. It is a biblical topic (2 Tim. 3:16-17). [all scripture is profitable, and angels are in scripture]. 2. They are interested in us (Lk. 15:7, 10 [rejoice at our repentance]; 1 Pet. 1:10-12 [interested in our salvation]). 3. We will someday be like them (Mt. 22:29-30). E. So, let us examine some of the facts that the Bible reveals to us about angels. I. The Origin And Nature Of Angels A. Their Origin. 1. They were created (Ps. 148:1-5; Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:6). Neh. 9:6 -- "You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You." Col 1:16 -- "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." 2. In Psalm 104 we have, what many believe to be, a description of the making of angels. It is widely believed that this psalm is a chronological account of the first part of the creation. If this is so, then the angels were made just prior to the laying of the foundations of the earth. 3. And, according to Job 38:4-7, angels were created at some point prior to the earth. B. Their Nature. 1. Angels are spirit beings. Though at times they have been given the ability to reveal themselves in the form of human bodies as in Gen. 18:3, they are described as 'spirits' in Heb. 1:14 -- "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?". a. This teaches that they do not have material bodies as we do. For that reason, they do not function as human beings in terms of marriage and procreation (Mk. 12:25), nor are they subject to death (Lk. 20:36 -- "nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.") 2. Angels are a higher order than man, but lower than God (Ps. 8:4-5; in Heb. 2:5-9). 3. They have super-human knowledge, but are not omniscient (Look at all the prophecies and information given to men by angels; Mk. 13:32 -- "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.") 4. They have super-human strength and special power, but are not omnipotent (Ps. 103:20 [they excel in strength]; 2 Sam. 24:15-17 [they can strike people with plague]; 2 Chr. 32:21 [slew mighty Assyrian soldiers]; Jn. 5:1-4 [Bethesda Pool, offered healing to the infirm]). 5. They have super-human speed, but are not omnipresent (Dan. 9:20-23; took Gabriel time to fly). 6. They are not divine and are not to be worshipped (Rev. 19:10; 22:9) 7. The form of angels vary, taking whatever form God desires for them (Heb. 1:7; Gen. 18:1-2, 22; 19:1 [as men], have appeared mostly as men) 8. They can appear in person, or in dreams (Lk. 1:26 Mary in person; Mt. 2:13, 19 Joseph in dreams). Sometimes are unknown to men (Heb. 13:2). 9. Give divine instructions (Acts 10:3 Cornelius), but are not to be obeyed contrary to the revealed gospel (Gal. 1:6-9 even if we, or an angel from heaven...). 10. They can speak to humans (Gen. 16:7-12). 11. Angels are innumerable: Heb. 12:22 speaks of "an innumerable company of angels". a. Mt. 26:53 speaks of the possibility of Jesus being provided with more than 12 legions of angels. "a legion, a body of soldiers whose number differed at different times, and in the time of Augustus seems to have consisted of 6826 men (i.e. 6100 foot soldiers, and 726 horsemen)" (Strong's Greek Lexicon). Thus Jesus could have had at His disposal at least 82,000 helpers. b. Rev 5:11 has "10,000 x 10,000" and 1,000's of 1,000's. That = well over 100 million. 12. They are without marriage or physical relationships (Mt. 22:30). 13. Angels have a special interest in our salvation (They announced the advent of Christ, Lk. 2:13-14; They rejoice when men repent Lk. 15: 10; They desire to look into our salvation 1 Pet. 1:10-12). 14. There is rank among angels [arch-angel (Jd. 9), cherubim (Gen. 3:24), seraphim (Isa. 6:2, 6). 15. They can sin (Job 4:18 "He charges His angels with error",). Some serve Satan (Mt. 25:41), for Satan has a kingdom of demons (Mt. 12: 25-27). 16. They are not forgiven or redeemed (Heb. 2:16 -- "For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham."). II. The Activity Of Angels A. Their past recorded activity: 1. Angels ministered to the physical needs of God's people. a. They provided protection and deliverance from danger. 1. Lot and family (Gen. 19:1, 11, 15). 2. Shut the mouths of lions (Dan. 6:22). 3. Could come in force to deliver Jesus (Mt. 26:53). 4. Let the apostles out of prison (Acts 5:18-19). 2. Angels imparted physical strength to man in his time of need. a. During the visions (Dan. 10:8-11, 16-19); After the tempting of Jesus (Mt. 4:11); In the garden of Gethsemane (Lk. 22:43). b. They were sent with man's supply of food. (Elijah, 1 Kgs. 19:5-8). 3. Angels have served as a supernatural means of communication between God and man. a. For the purpose of direction. 1. Zacharias told about having a son -- John (Lk. 1:11ff), Philip to meet the Eunuch (Acts 8:26); Peter to meet Cornelius (Acts 10:3-6, 22). b. For encouragement. 1. Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:17-19); Strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Mt. 4:11); They encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them from prison (Acts 5:19-20); and, told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25). c. For guidance: 1. Sometimes, angels gave guidance so God's people would know what He wanted them to do. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him to take Mary as his wife and to name her baby Jesus (Mt. 1:20-21). d. For revelation: 1. John (Rev. 22:6, 16) 2. The Law was delivered by angels (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2). 3. Visions have been interpreted by special messengers from God (Dan. 7:16, et.al.). 4. God uses angels to execute His judgment on the unrighteous: A destroying angel (2 Sam. 24:16, 17); Angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kgs. 19:35); Herod struck with worms that killed him (Acts 12:23); and so on. B. Their Present Activity. 1. They worship God (Rev. 5:11-14). 2. They are ministers of God's providence (Ps. 34:4-7; Heb. 1:14). Help carry out God's will and providence (Gen. 24:40 [help Abraham's servant]; Ex. 23:20, 23 [lead Israel, drive out enemies]; Ps. 91:11 [Mt. 4:6]; Dan. 3:28 [S. M. and A. in furnace]; 6:22 [Dan in lions den]; Acts 12:23 [struck Herod with worms]). 3. They care about us: rejoice at a sinner's repentance (Lk. 15:10). 4. They carry the spirits of the deceased into Hades (Lk. 16:22). 5. Carry out God's judgments against nations (all thru Rev.). a. Does God need angels to do things for Him? Can't He do those things Himself? I believe these accounts are more for our recognition. If you see an angel doing something, you know it is God's Will or intervention, and not just chance (Dan. and lions; S. M. A. in fiery furnace; etc..) 6. They are 'possessed' by 'little ones" (Mt. 18:10)??? C. Perhaps no aspect of their ministry to man is more talked about than the idea of a 'guardian angel.' 1. Concerning this question, the Catholic Encyclopedia has this to say: "That every individual soul has a guardian angel has never been defined by the Church, and is, consequently, not an article of faith; but it is the "mind of the Church" ". APA citation. Pope, H. (1910). Guardian Angel. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved November 19, 2008 from New Advent: <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07049c.htm> 2. Concerning the question of whether or not we have guardian angels, it also says: "Hebrews 1:14 puts the doctrine in its clearest light: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?" This is the function of the guardian angels; they are to lead us, if we wish it, to the Kingdom of Heaven." 3. Furthermore, it says: "The Bible represents the angels not only as our guardians, but also as actually interceding for us. "The angel Raphael (Tobit 12:12) says: "I offered thy prayer to the Lord" (cf. Job 5:1 (Septuagint), and 33:23 (Vulgate); Apocalypse 8:4)." 4. It then concludes with: "The Catholic cult of the angels is thus thoroughly scriptural. Perhaps the earliest explicit declaration of it is to be found in St. Ambrose's words: "We should pray to the angels who are given to us as guardians" (De Viduis, ix); (cf. St. Augustine, Reply to Faustus XX.21)." 5. While no passage specifically states that every person has a guardian angel, the Bible does teach that angels do guard or protect as Ps. 91: 11 declares: "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Now, we know that this was a passage concerning Christ (Mt. 4). Does it also refer to us? 6. In addition, (Mt. 18:10) may suggest a guardian angel because of the statement Christ made regarding little children when He said, "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." Mt. 18:1ff -- "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child (paidion -- child, tot, infant) to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones (mikros -- smaller, younger, lesser in rank) who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." ... "10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." 7. Many believe that "their angels" is teaching a special angelic connection, awareness, and posture "between" angels in general and the saved in general (cp. Heb. 1:14). 8. Some contend the verse is teaching more. They are persuaded Mt. 18: 10 teaches that each individual saved person has his own specific angel assigned to him. This assigned angel they call "a guardian angel." No doubt, the scriptures teach some connection. However, "the doctrine of an actual guardian angel" doesn't have enough information to support it. To be certain, any view regarding man and angels in any providential circumstance must not present angels as interfering with man's free moral agency, responsibilities, or acting contrary with the gospel (Jn. 7: 17; Acts 2:40; Gal. 1:6-9, 1 Cor. 13:8-10). a. For example, some people believe that they should contact and pray to angels. b. Some people believe that they receive special knowledge or teachings from angels. 1. We need to remember that God’s angels are not extra-biblical teachers. God’s word says they are messengers - that’s what “angel” means - and they minister to us. God has revealed to us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), in His Word. c. Some people believe that when they die they become angels who go back to earth to minister to their family and friends. However, we do not become angels after we die. Angels are not glorified human beings. d. What our culture needs, rather than an obsession with angels, is strong discernment built on the foundation of God’s word. And, the truth is: God's Word doesn't tell us any more about this subject. D. Their Future Activity. 1. They will accompany Christ at His return (Mt. 16:27 Son of Man will come... with His angels). 2. They will announce His coming (1 Thes. 4:16 with the voice of an archangel). 3. They will separate the wicked from the righteous (Mt. 13:41-42, 49). 4. They will help execute judgment (2 Thes. 1:7-8). 5. Wicked angels will be judged by faithful men (1 Cor. 6:3). 6. The wicked await judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jd. 6). In the end, Satan and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire forever (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10) Conc.: A. There are many fantastic things that angels have done, and will yet do in relation to man. Yet, God has seen in His mercy and grace to do for us what He has not done for them. 1. We should be happy and thankful for this blessing. Let us not waste this great blessing of salvation and forgiveness that we (mankind) alone have been granted. Sam Csonka-Minister |
| Is It I? Scripture Reading: Mt. 26:17-25 Intro.: A. Early in His ministry, Jesus began to make statements concerning His death (Jn. 2:19-22). 1. After Peter's confession in Mt. 16:16, Jesus began to reveal to His disciples how He would die (Mt. 16:21). On His way to Jerusalem during the final week of His life, He took the disciples aside to tell them again what awaited Him (Mt. 20:17-19). 2. The parable of the wicked vinedressers (Mt. 21:33-39) declares His rejection and death at the hands of the Jews. B. Finally, when He met with the disciples to eat the Passover (and institute the Lord's Supper), Jesus added a new element to the story: one of His own disciples would betray Him to the leaders of the Jews (Mt. 26:21). 1. The Lord’s statement produced an emotional shock and the disciples one by one began to ask, “Lord, is it I?” (Mk. 14:18-20). 2. Each of them was concerned if some personal weakness, unbeknownst to them, but known to the Lord, would cause them to betray Him. 3. In Mt. 26:31, Jesus said that all of them would fall away that night. The others did not suspect Judas (Jn. 13:21-30). But, the scriptures tell us that Judas had already made the deal (Mt. 26:14-16). In Mt. 26:25, perhaps in an attempt to mask his plan, Judas himself asks, "Rabbi, is it I?" C. There are times when all need to look at our lives and ask, "Lord, is it I?" 1. The apostle Paul admonished Christians to put themselves to the test; ask themselves whether they were truly dedicated to Christ. 2 Cor. 13:5 -- "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified." 2. Along this same line of questioning, there are several things we must constantly ask ourselves. Here are just a few: I. "Is It I" Who Would Deny The Lord By An Unfaithful Life? A. One might be tempted to look at Peter's denial of the Lord, and boldly say "I would not have done it." But, many deny the Lord by unfaithfulness. 1. The very lifestyle that we live can either glorify God or bring reproach upon Him (Tit. 2:1-8). B. Many return to the corruption of the world and practice things which are not fitting for saints (Eph. 5:1-7; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). 1. We must always pay close attention to ourselves (1 Cor. 10:12). 1 Cor. 10:12 -- "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." C. It is our task to remain faithful. 1. We are commanded to be faithful (Rev. 2:10). 2. We are expected to be faithful in our duty toward God (Lk. 17:7-10). 3. Our faithfulness in little matters demonstrates a lot (Lk. 16:10). D. There are a number of individuals in the Bible which are described as faithful (Moses, Silas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Timothy, etc). 1. If you had lived then, would you be described as faithful? Can the Lord count on you to take care of business, and keep the sin out? II. "Is It I" When Little Is Received From Worship Services? A. Worship should make one 'better'. One of the designs of corporate worship is for 'edification' (1 Cor. 11:17; 14:26). 1 Cor. 11:17 -- "Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse." 1 Cor. 14:26 -- "How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." 1. The result is that we draw near to God and to each other (Jas. 4:8). B. Regrettably, this is not the case for all worshippers. Some admit that they seemingly 'get nothing out of worship services.' Whose fault is it? 1. We should strive to make services as uplifting as possible. But, who determines what is uplifting and what is not? Should we have more songs or less? More prayers or less? More preaching and teaching? And, who decides? We won't all have the same idea of what is good enough. 2. We must at least be prepared if worship is going to be edifying. a. The body and mind must be alert if we are to comprehend and learn. We need a good night's sleep; a hearty breakfast; or perhaps a hot cup of coffee? b. Worship requires the 'spirit' (Jn. 4:24). Is my mind free from distracting influences so that I am able to concentrate? Am I just too tired to listen? c. Am I prepared to hear and make changes in my life (Eccl. 5:1; Acts 10:33)? 1. Lessons from God’s word should 'judge' me (Heb. 4:12). One should also be uplifted when they hear a sermon rebuking sin or a refutation of false doctrine, and not just when they hear a lesson about Jesus or Heaven. d. Many who are able to attend do not do so, or do so only occasionally. In these situations, little exhortation is received. 3. When I receive little from the worship assembly, whose fault is it really? III. "Is It I" When The Church Seems Cold And Unfriendly? A. Friendliness should characterize all of us. The “cold shoulder” has little influence for good on others. 1. Paul commanded brethren to greet one another with a holy kiss (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; et. al.). a. Whether this is meant to be literal or just cultural, we should always exemplify love, friendliness, and compassion. B. Society can be very cold and distant. Most people are looking for closeness and a sense of belonging. 1. This is where so many churches fail. They greatly emphasize doctrinal soundness (as they should) but lack love and compassion. We must speak the truth, but must do so in love (Eph. 4:15). 2. If you went to a congregation that broke into little huddles after services and only a couple of people spoke to you, would you go back? a. A living, growing church should have closeness that is obvious to all. C. Sometimes, members complain that there is a lack of joy and happiness, but some of the unhappiest are not doing a thing to change things. They expect everyone else to do something for them. In the words of JFK: "Ask not what your church can do for you..." 'Church' is not just about what you can get or take. 1. At times, some brethren are 'offended', and they feel that others avoid them when they show no interest. Maybe it is you. Maybe you're the problem. Maybe you're perceived as being cold and unfeeling? Maybe you are perceived as unapproachable? Perception can be bigger than reality. "Lord, Is it I?" IV. "Is It I" When The Unity And The Growth Of The Church Is Threatened? A. This can be the result of murmuring and complaining. 1. There may not be a deliberate effort on the part of members to tear down, but they become dissatisfied and the result is the same. 2. We do not realize the destructiveness of our actions. The Bible calls murmuring a grievous sin. God punished the children of Israel quite harshly for murmuring (Num. 14:1-11; 1 Cor. 10:10). 3. Is the reason for the complaint that “things are not going the way I wish”? Life is not always all about me and what I want. Neither is the church. It is the Lord's church, and it is all about what He wants us to be. Are we about what He wants? B. If we are prone to contentious, combative conflict, we will accomplish nothing as far as the growth of the church is concerned. All we will accomplish is its destruction. 1. If we have problems with other brethren, those problems need to be resolved in the proper way (Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15-17). C. When people see others falling away, and none being brought to Christ, we need to ask, "Is It I? Don't blame the preacher, elders, teachers, men, or everyone else. What have I done? And, what am I doing to help the situation? V. "Is It I" When Another Is About To Be Overcome By Discouragement? A. We have to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). Gal. 6:2 -- "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." 1. These are excessive burdens that wear us down; and sometimes we just can't handle the on our own. 2. Jobs friends may not have said the right things, but they at least showed up when they needed to (Job 2:11-13). B. How do we respond to another’s burdens? 1. With indifference? Perhaps we have the attitude that 'he is responsible' or 'she should have known better'. Perhaps that is true; but we still have a responsibility to do our part. 2. We have a duty to encourage. We cannot go to heaven if we are not concerned about others (Mt. 25:31-40; 1 Thes. 5:11, 14). 1 Thes. 5:11 -- "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." ... "14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." Conc.: A. When things aren't quite the way they should be, before I point the finger at someone else, I need to ask: "Is It I?" 1. Remember that the time you have for self-examination is very short. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). 2. Unfortunately, there are those who “judge” themselves unworthy of eternal life through rejection of the gospel (Acts 13:46). "Is It I?" |
| The Seven Blunders Of The World Scripture Reading: Mk. 12:18-27 Intro.: A. Probably we have all heard of the "Seven Wonders Of The (Ancient) World," though many of us may not be able to list all seven. 1. There are even Seven Wonders Of The Modern World according to National Geographic Online. 2. The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World are: The Great Pyramid of Giza, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, The Mausoleum of Maussollos at Hilicarnassus, The Colossus of Rhodes, The Lighthouse of Alexandria. B. But, as great as these "Wonders" of men are, there are some things even more fantastic: Seven Great "Blunders" of men. 1. Today, I would like to examine these Seven Great Blunders Of The World. I. There Is No Hell You know, with all of the references about Hell in the scriptures, you would think that a person could simply accept it. But, there are some religious groups who cannot (will not). Jesus taught, yeah warned, about Hell. Mt. 5:22 -- "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire." Can one be in danger of something that does not exist? You can be cast into it by God. Mt. 5:29 -- "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." Jesus told the Jews that they were sons of somewhere. Mt. 23:15 -- "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." He also told them that they would not escape it. Mt. 23:33 -- "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" Mk. 9:42 records that its fire shall never be quenched (...in this non-existent place). And, for a place that does not exist, Jesus warned that it was something to fear (Lk. 12:5). So, Jesus says it does; who do you believe? II. Living For The Present Probably no-one learned about living for the present more than the rich fool of Lk. 12:13-21. Surrounded by wealth and fortune, he could only think about himself. Unfortunately, some folks only seem concerned about the here and now. Hebrews 11:9-16 teaches us that the Patriarchs knew that this world was not the end all of existence. They looked for another existence beyond this life. The Bible clearly teaches existence after this life. Heb. 9:27 -- "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," Tit. 1:2 speaks of there also being eternal life. 1 Tim. 4:8 says: "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." For those who only think of living for the present, the Bible warns of giving an account of how we have lived. Jude 15 -- "to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." Jesus also taught in Mt. 12:36 that we must give an account of how we live in this one. "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." The apostle Paul reminded the brethren in Rome of a final judgment. Rom. 14:10 -- "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." He did so also to the Corinthian brethren: 2 Cor. 5:10 -- "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." The bottom line: Eccl. 12:13-14 -- "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." III. Being A Good Person Will Save You One of the most contested and debated discussions in the Bible is that of faith and works (and which saves). Without going deep into this, we want the listener to understand that simply being a good person will not save you. You cannot earn or merit your way into heaven. Paul in Rom. 4:1-4 briefly discussed this. It takes the grace of God to do for man what man could not do for himself. Paul also points this out in Eph. 2:8-13. And, he also reminds Timothy of this in 2 Tim. 1:8-10 that we needed Christ. IV. Thinking One Has Plenty Of Time The Bible everywhere warns us that we do not have infinite amounts of time in which to live or do things. We especially do not have time for wasting, or ignoring God. In Lk. 12 the rich fool looked forward to tomorrow. But, he never got it. David in the Psalms spoke of man's general average lifespan being 70, or perhaps 80 years (Ps. 90:10). Eccl. 9:10-12 speak of time and chance happening to all men; so we are not guaranteed a tomorrow. Paul warned that we do not have unlimited time in which to live: Eph. 5:15-16 -- "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Why? Because James explains the brevity of life -- and like a small flame can be extinguished at any instant. Jas. 4:13-15 We are also warned that the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (1 Thes. 5:1-4). V. Doctrine Is Not Important Jn. 17:14-17 show us that 'doctrine' is something which is taught, from God, and not by man. Jesus warned His disciples to beware of some doctrines (Mt. 16:12). Mt. 15:8-9 Jesus taught that the teachings of men can ruin what we try to do. Mt. 15:8-9 -- " ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ " Eph. 4:14 show that the doctrines of men can trick us. Eph. 4:14 -- "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting," And Col. 2:22 warns us not to subject ourselves to them. According to Paul, there was only one correct doctrine. Rom. 16:12 -- "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." Other doctrines are forbidden (1 Tim. 1:3), as they are contrary to sound doctrine (10). We must continue in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2: 42), which is the doctrine of Christ. For, if we do not, we do not have fellowship with God (2 Jn. 9) Only by continuing in the proper doctrine can men be saved (1 Tim. 4:16). 1 Tim. 4:16 -- "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." Is doctrine unimportant? - not according to the scriptures. VI. One Church Is As Good As Another Is a church originated and established by Jesus Christ only as good as one started by Joseph Smith, Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, or Mary Baker Eddy? Are they all in the same boat? The Bible teaches that there was and is only one true church which originated in the mind of God. Only one church for which Jesus died; only one about which the apostles taught, and only one unto which the early Christians were added by the Lord (Acts2:47). 1 Cor. 12:28 -- "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues." How many were there? There is only one general assembly and church of the first born registered in heaven (Heb. 12:23). There is only one body of which Christ is Head: Col. 1:18 -- "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." Col. 1:24 --"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church," Eph. 1:22 -- "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church," Eph. 4:4 -- "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;" Only one church of Christ: Mt. 16:18 -- "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Eph. 3:21 -- "to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Eph. 5:23-32 Only one church of God: 1 Cor. 15:9 -- "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." 1 Cor. 11:22 -- "What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you." 1 Cor. 10:32 -- "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God," So, does the Bible teach that one church is as good as another? VII. Baptism Is Not Essential For Salvation Many religious groups make the claim that baptism in water is absolutely not essential in order to obtain the remission of sins. But, Peter preached (via inspiration) that it was (Acts 2:38). Jesus Himself stated that those who believe the gospel and are baptized will be saved (Mk. 16:16). And, Peter also stated that baptism in water now also saves us (1 Pet. 3:21). Besides that, baptism in water is what God stipulated that would put on into Christ. (Gal. 3:26-27). And Paul referred to getting into Christ thru baptism (Rom. 6:3). Finally, Paul reminded the brethren at Colosse (2:11-13) that it was through baptism that they put off the body of the sins of the flesh. Now, if one still has their sins, are they saved? That is why Ananias told Saul to arise and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). Conc.: A. Don't be guilty of committing any of these great blunders of the world. 1 Thes. 5:17 -- "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." |
| Should Christians Keep The Sabbath? Scripture Reading: Heb. 8 Intro.: A. Are Christians commanded to keep the Sabbath? 1. Many religious people in the world think so. Even people who claim to be Christians believe that we should keep the 10 Commandments. Is this what the Bible teaches? I. Keeping The Sabbath: A. If Christians are supposed to keep the Sabbath, what must be done in order to keep it? Keeping the Sabbath required: 1. No work or laboring (Ex. 20:8-11). 2. No baking or boiling, no gathering or going out of their 'place' (Ex. 16:23-29). 3. Bear no burdens, do no work (Jer. 17:21-22). 4. Offer two lambs plus other offerings (Num. 28:9-10). B. If we're gonna keep the Sabbath, we had better do it right. In fact we had better keep the whole Law of Moses, and not just one part of it. 1. Keeping the Law of Moses required: feasts, morals, sacrifices, priests, Tabernacle or Temple, altars, etc. (Num. 28 - 29) II. Unto Whom Was The Law Of The Sabbath Given? A. God's covenant was with Israel (Deut. 5:1-3, 12-15; Ex. 31:12-18; Neh. 9:13-14). 1. It was not with their fathers. 2. Sabbath-keeping was to remember freedom from Egypt, not creation. 3. A sign between God and Jews throughout THEIR generations. 4. It was for their rest and refreshing. 5. Sabbath made known to Israel, not others. B. Did Abraham keep the Mosaic Law? 1. God promised to Abraham 430 years before the giving of the Law. This promise cannot be annulled (Gal. 3:8, 15-18). Therefore Abraham was not under the Law. 2. The Law was "added" "till" the Seed should come. When the Seed came, that which was to bring them unto Christ is no longer needed (Vs. 24-25). It was only temporary. 3. Lk. 24:44 says Jesus fulfilled the Law; thus, it was no longer needed. C. Heb. 8 (Jer. 31:31-33) shows us that the Old Covenant, which included the Sabbath, was abolished. 1. Christ mediated a better covenant. The second was to take the place of the first. The New covenant was not according to the Old Covenant with fathers. The first was obsolete, growing old, and vanishing away (Vs. 13). 2. Why was the new covenant better? What the O.T. Law did: VS What the O.T. Law could not do: 1. Brought knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20) 2. Made remembrance of sin (Heb. 10:2) 3. Was a schoolmaster (Gal. 3:24) 4. Sanctify for Cleansing of flesh (Heb. 9:13) 1. Justify (Rom. 3:20) 2. Make perfect (Heb. 7:19; 10:1) 3. Make Righteous (Gal. 2:21) 4. Forgive sins (Heb. 10:4) III. A Change Of The Law? A. Notice 2 Cor. 3:4-17 -- Paul was a minister of the new covenant. Notice how he contrasts the two: The Old Covenant: VS The New Covenant: 1. The Letter kills (Vs. 6) 2. Ministry of death (Vs. 7) a. Written and engraved on stones 3. Ministry of condemnation (Vs. 9) 4. Passing away (Vs. 11) 5. Old Testament (Vs. 14) a. Moses 1. The Spirit gives life (Vs. 6) 2. Ministry of the Spirit (Vs. 7) 3. Ministry of righteousness (Vs. 9) 4. Remains (Vs. 11) 5. Christ (Vs. 14) a. The Lord -- Liberty B. Christ took it out of the way, nailing it to the Cross (Col. 2:14). He wiped out the 'handwriting of requirements' found in the Old Law. Why? - Because the Old Law made a distinction against the Gentiles. He abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances (Eph. 2:15). Thus there is a change of the law (Heb. 7:12). No more Sabbath-keeping. IV. Forcing The Mosaic Law On Christians: A. What happened when the Jews tried to bind the things of the Old Law (circumcision and Law keeping necessary, Acts 15:5) on those under the New Law (of Christ)? 1. Tested God (Vs. 9) by putting a yoke on the necks of non-Jews; Troubling the Gentiles (Vs. 19, 24); Elders gave no such commandment (Vs. 24). The Spirit only burdened them with a few necessary things (Vss. 28-29), but the Sabbath is not mentioned! B. Law-keeping is repudiated: 1. Gentiles have not the Law (Rom. 2:14); neither do they need any of it. We are not under that system of Law (Gal. 5:18). We are delivered from the Law, having died to it (Rom. 7:6). 2. By deeds of the Law is no flesh justified (Rom. 3:20). They were dead to the Law thru Christ (Rom. 7:4). Those under the works of the Law are cursed (Gal. 3:10). Christ redeemed from that curse. 3. "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." (Col. 2:16-17). {See 1 Chr. 23:30-31; 2 Chr. 2:4; 8:12-13; 31:3; Neh. 10:33}. Thus the weekly Sabbath observance is not to be expected of Christians. C. No Old Law for Christians. 1. Notice Gal. 4:21-26 -- We are to learn from the symbols in the Law: The Old Covenant: VS The New Covenant: 1. Son of bondwoman (Vs. 22) 2. According to the flesh (Vs. 23) 3. Mount Sinai covenant (Vs. 24) a. bondage - Jerusalem [physical] 4. According to the flesh (Vs. 29) 5. Cast out (Vs. 30) 1. Son of freewoman (Vs. 22) 2. Thru promise (Vs. 23) 3. Jerusalem [above] (Vs. 25) 4. According to the Spirit (Vs. 29) 5. Heirs (Vs. 30) 2. This points out the contrast between the Old Law and the New Law. 3. In Gal. 5:1-4 Paul warns against trying to be justified by the Old Law. D. Since the Old Law was done away, any principle or statement found within the New Law that was also in the Old, had to be purposefully adopted and integrated. 1. For a law to be binding on Christians under the new covenant, that law must be found within the new will. Where in the will of Christ is a Christian commanded to keep the Sabbath; and where are the guidelines found for the keeping of it? V. Arguments Made For Sabbath-Keeping: A. Sabbath-Keeper Argument: Ex. 20:8-11 teach us to remember the Sabbath for God rested. Gen. 2:1-3 teach that God, from the beginning, instructed man to keep the Sabbath. Answer: The Gen. account mentions the Sabbath, but does not tell WHEN God sanctified it. Ex. 20 tells us WHEN God sanctified it -- On Mt. Sinai (Neh. 9:13-14). We know for WHOM (Ex. 20:2 is very clear that this was for Israel. See also Ex. 19:3). God's covenant was with Israel, and Israel only. A sign between God and Jews throughout THEIR generations (Ex. 31:12-13, 16-17). Sabbath was made known to Israel, not others (Neh. 9:13-14). It was not with their fathers (Deut. 5:1-3). We also see WHY they kept it: A refrain from work and a refreshing (Ex. 31:12-18). Sabbath-keeping was a memorial of freedom from 'Egyptian slavery', not 'creation' (Deut. 5:12-15). B. Sabbath-Keeper Argument: Mk. 2:27-28 "The Sabbath was made for man". So, man should keep it. Answer: Is this man in general or Jews? Jesus is speaking to Pharisees; the Sabbath was only commanded to Jews; Jesus' answer refers to those under the Law. Therefore, He was referring to Jews only. But, finish the passage: "...and not man for the Sabbath". What came first, man or the Sabbath? The Sabbath was made law under Moses. C. Sabbath-Keeper Argument: Jesus kept the Sabbath, and Paul kept the Sabbath. Paul told Christians to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Answer: Did Paul keep the Sabbath as a Christian or as a Jew? -- If the latter, then we must all become Jews. Paul went to synagogues and taught on the Sabbath because that is where the Jews were. They were not at work or elsewhere. It was only Paul's custom to go to the synagogues first (Acts 17:2) D. Sabbath-Keeper Argument: Mt. 5:17-18 teach that Christ did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it. Answer: He said that nothing would pass from the Law or Prophets TILL all was fulfilled - and it was. Rom. 10:4 -- "For Christ is the end of the Law..." He fulfilled it. Heb. 7:12 -- "... of necessity there is also a change of the law." Eph. 2:15 says that the Law was abolished by Christ. E. Sabbath-Keeper Argument: Dan. 7:25 is a prophecy of changing times and law. Catholics changed the worship day from Sabbath to Sunday. Answer: This passage says he will think to change (KJV, ASV) and intend to change (NKJV). It does not say that he actually would change it. Catholics being responsible for changing Sabbath to Sunday is an assertion, and unproven assumption. "Times and law" -- What law was changed? The N.T. Christians worshipped on Sunday (the first day of the week). Conc.: A. What is so special about Sunday (the first day of the week)? The Lord resurrected on Sunday. It was proof of His victory over Satan and sin. The first preaching of the gospel was on Sunday, when souls were first saved and added to His church. When did the early Christians worship? When did they observe the Lord's Supper (communion)? When were they assembled and able to put their money in store? - Sunday. |