What Does The Bible Say?
Revenge
The urge to get even is strong, isn’t it?
What Does The Bible Say?
Romans 12:17-21 says… “ Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” “No, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
From this scripture, we learn:
1. We should not repay evil for evil.
2. We should realize others are watching.
3. We should live peaceable lives.
4. We should trust that God is just.
5. We should do good to our enemy.
6. Instead of being overwhelmed with evil, we overwhelm evil with good.
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Plan Ahead
Lately, we hear a lot of plans being made. We plan wars, retirement, business expansion, etc. It might surprise you to know God has something to say about our plans.
What Does The Bible Say?
James 4:13-16 says... "Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil."
From this scripture, we learn:
•1. We do not really know what the future holds.
•2. Our life is short.
•3. To leave God out of our plans is arrogant and foolish.
•4. We should say, "If the Lord wills" when we plan.
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
Who Is In Charge?
One of the big controversies in church these days, is "who is in charge?" Some say the preachers...some vote...some have some sort of denominational organization who makes the rules.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 28:18-20 says... "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
From this scripture, we learn:
•1. Jesus has "all authority".
•2. If Jesus has all authority, then we really have none.
•3. Jesus gives the commands such as evangelism.
•4. We are to teach and obey His commandments.
•5. This is comforting to us to know the one who has all authority has the power to ‘be with us always.'
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
Why Go To Church?
Someone asked why do we go to church all the time? This question asks ‘what happens when we worship and why is it wrong to skip worship'.
What Does The Bible Say?
Hebrews 10:19-25 says... "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
From this scripture, we learn:
•1. When Christians worship, we actually approach God. Words like "enter the sanctuary" and "draw near" illustrate this truth.
•2. When Christians worship, we acknowledge and celebrate the truth of our salvation.
•3. When Christians worship, we proclaim the faithful love of God.
•4. When Christians worship, we encourage other Christians to "stir one another up to love and good works".
•5. When Christians worship, not everyone attends (verse 25) but they should.
•6. When Christians worship, we should all be present and encouraging one another.
There will be a day (THE DAY) when all will meet the Lord. Attending on the Lord's day qualifies you for the DAY OF THE LORD.
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
Repentance - 3
How important is repentance anyway?
What Does The Bible Say?
Luke 13:3 says... "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Luke 15:10 says... "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
II Peter 3:9 says... "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
From these scriptures, we learn:
•1. Jesus uses the strongest language when He says, "Unless you repent, you will perish."
•2. Jesus also said, "In Heaven there is great rejoicing when one sinner repents."(Turns to God)
•3. Peter tells us the reason God has delayed His judgment is He loves you and wants you to repent.
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
Repentance 2
Some believe repentance is the act of being sorry for your sins.
What Does The Bible Say?
Hebrews 12:16-17 says... "See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears."
II Cor. 7:19 says... "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
From these scriptures, we learn:
•1. Esau was a sinner.
•2. Esau received the consequences of his sin.
•3. Esau was sorry. (He had tears.)
•4. Esau did not repent.
•5. Paul tells us in II Cor. 7, there are two kinds of grief. Godly grief and worldly grief.
•6. Only Godly grief leads to repentance.
•7. All sinners are sorry...some for their situation, some for the consequences of their sins, but some are sorry they sinned and change. The act of changing is REPENTANCE.
HAVE YOU REPENTED?
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
Repentence 1
A question that needs to be asked is ‘what is repentence?' Many don't know. Some think it means being sorry.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 21:28-32 says... "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' ‘I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."
From these words of Jesus, we learn:
•1. This man gave his sons the same commandment...Go work.
•2. One son said he would not go.
•3. Then he repented (or changed his mind).
•4. We assume he was sorry about his first statement.
•5. We know he changed. This change is called repentance.
•6. If you are disobeying God and you change direction and obey Him, you are repenting.
HAVE YOU REPENTED?
If you have a Bible question, send it in.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
My Own Business
Maybe you have heard someone say, "What I do with my body is no one's business but mine." And even though we could argue about the damage we might do to others (mate, children, parents) by our selfishness, it would be good for us to ask "What Does The Bible Say?"
What Does The Bible Say?
I Corinthians 6:18-20 says... Shun immorality. Every other sin, which a man commits, is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So Glorify God in your body.
In this passage we learn...
1. That immorality is a sin against our body.
2. A Christian's body is a temple of God. (Where God lives on Earth.)
3. God already owns your body.
4. He bought us.
5. Our duty is to glorify God in our bodies.
So it makes a big difference what we do with our bodies.
DOESN'T IT?
Christ's Resurrection
The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is such an important event that it has always been surrounded with controversy. Some reject the resurrection story completely and insist that it is possible to be a Christian in every way without the resurrection.
What Does The Bible Say?
I Corinthians 15:3-8 says... ‘For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.'
I Corinthians 15:12-20 says... ‘Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied.'
In this passage the Bible teaches us:
1. If Christ was not raised then no one is raised from the dead. Verse 13
2. If Christ has not been raised then the apostles' preaching is empty. Verse 14
3. If Christ has not been raised then our faith is vain. Verse 14
4. If Christ has not been raised then the apostles are liars. Verse 15
5. If Christ has not been raised then our faith is futile. Verse 17
6. If Christ has not been raised then Christians who have died have perished. Verse 18
7. If Christ has not been raised then we are a pitiful bunch. Verse 19
But read verse 20 of I Corinthians 15... ‘But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.'
This means in Christ we face resurrection from the dead...the promises of the apostles are true...our faith is sure...and those in Christ are the Blessed of the Universe.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED
Who should be baptized? Some say infants; some say saved people, others say believers who have repented but are not yet saved.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Mark 16:15-16 says... And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
Those who are believers are baptized. Salvation is the result of God's grace and man's faith (believe and be baptized).
Acts 2:38 says... "And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Here, when these people discovered the truth that Jesus is God's son and that they had rejected him, they were convicted (cut to the heart). They cried out, "Men and Brothers, what shall we do?" They were told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Salvation came after these believers repented and were baptized. Many years later, Peter would say, "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers subject to Him." (I Peter 3:21) So since infants cannot repent or believe, they are not candidates for baptism. And since salvation immediately follows Christian baptism, it is not possible to be saved prior to baptism. The proper candidate for baptism is a sinner who knows the word of God, believes in Jesus and has repented of his sins.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Authority
Authority is so basic. We all want to know who is in charge. Who calls the shots? Most controversies in the church are really about authority. How much I have! How much you have! Who gets the absolute last word!
What Does The Bible Say?
Ephesians 1:22 says...And He has put all things under His feet and has made Him the head over all things for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Matthew 28:18-20 says...And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
These two passages clearly teach...
1. Jesus is the head (ruler) of the church.
2. Jesus has all authority.
3. If Jesus has all authority, I have no authority.
We love Jesus as our Savior. It is time we submit to Him as Lord. It is time that His word becomes our law. It's time we quit voting. It's time we quit maneuvering for authority.
Is it possible for you to pray the prayer of Jesus?
"Not my will, but thine be done."
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Abortion
One of the hottest subjects today is Abortion. No one is neutral on this subject. Some who advocate the right to abortion, say the Bible does not talk about it.
What Does The Bible Say?
Psalm 139:13-17 says... "For thou didst form my inward parts; thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are thy works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from thee. When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are thy thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Luke 1: 40-41 says... "...and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 2:12- says... "And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger."
It is true the word abortion does not appear in the Bible. Neither do words like cocaine, internet, child pornography. But murder is condemned as in "Thou shalt not kill."
We also see in the above scriptures that God is involved in the earliest moments of life. John the Baptist, while still in his mother, is called a ‘Babe'. This is the same name given to the newborn Jesus. The Bible makes no distinction between pre-born and newborn babies.
With these truths in mind, we dare not even consider the killing of unborn babies.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Truth
There is a movement today that teaches there are No absolutes. You can know nothing for sure. Everything is relative. If this were so, you would know at least one absolute. Nothing is absolute.
What Does The Bible Say?
John 8:32 says... "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 17:17 says... "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth."
Here Jesus assumes and teaches that truth is the guarantee and provider of freedom. Jesus teaches that truth can be known. Jesus teaches that the Word of God is truth.
So many today say ‘There is no truth', but Jesus says, "There is truth and it is the Word of God."
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Sincerity
Maybe you have heard someone say, "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere."
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 7:21 -23 says... "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." "Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'
Jesus says there are those who will be lost even though...
1. They say Lord, Lord (acknowledging Jesus as Lord).
2. They preached.
3. They cast out demons.
4. They did mighty works (miracles).
Jesus said doing the will of God (obeying God) is the most important.
Nothing is more important than obeying God.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
The Way To God
We are the most informed people ever. We see and hear events as they happen all over the world. We are also exposed to numerous world religions. Eastern religions...New Age religions...cults and Islam to name a few. Because of their influence, you hear people say, "There are many paths to God and Christianity is but one of them."
What Does The Bible Say?
John 14:6 says... Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me."
Acts 4:12 says... "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
In these passages we learn there is no way to God except through Jesus. There is no salvation outside of Jesus.
If we want the promises found in the Bible, we obey the commands found there. Since Christ is the only way to God, we must be in Christ.
Once Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
FORNICATION
The other day I overheard a young lady ask another what ‘fornication' meant? It is true that this word, like many, is not used much today. Perhaps because our culture has such a relaxed view of sexual relations. The idea of having sexual relations between people who are not married (fornication) is common. It is rarely frowned on and even encouraged some.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Colossians 3: 5-8 says... "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk from your mouth."
Galatians 5:19-21 says... "Now the works of the flesh are plain; fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Fornication is called earthly or of the flesh. Fornication is in a group of really bad sins. Fornication will keep you out of the kingdom of God. Fornication must face the wrath of God.
These passages warn us that fornication is serious. Those who practice fornication should repent (stop). The words used are "Put to death". To put it simply, God made us as sexual beings. He intended for us to fulfill these needs in marriage. Nowhere else.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Pornography
There are no neutral people on the subject of pornography. Some are totally repulsed by it. Others say since it is only images and not real, they see no harm in it.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 5:27-28 says... " You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Job 31:1-2 says... "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin? What would be my portion from God above, and my heritage from the Almighty on high?"
Here, the Bible teaches us sin begins in the heart long before physical action is taken. We have become immoral people in our minds and imaginations. We also realize, like Job, our relationship with God is damaged when our minds are impure.
Let's join with David and pledge: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is base. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cleave to me." Psalm 101:3
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Homosexual Marriages
Some may ask, "What about a committed, loving homosexual relationship?" Even some government authorities are granting marriage licenses for such couples.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 19:4-6 says... "He answered, "Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning, made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one'? So they are no longer two but one."
All other scripture references to marriage agree with Jesus' statement.
1. Marriage is created by God.
2. Marriage is a covenant between males and females.
3. Since sexual intimacy between people of the same sex is sinful, a Biblical marriage is impossible.
Government mandates may or may not be right. There was a time it was legal to own slaves. Today it is legal to kill an unborn baby.
Hebrews 13:4 says... "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous."
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
The Lord's Supper
There are many questions concerning the Lord's Supper. Who should eat? Should we eat the bread and drink the cup or only the bread? Should we partake weekly, monthly or yearly?
What Does The Bible Say?
I Corinthians 11:23-29 says... "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
Acts 20:7 says... "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech until midnight."
1. The Lord instituted it.
2. The Lord told his disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup.
3. Paul the Apostle repeated the instruction to the church, to eat the bread
and drink the cup.
4. We eat this meal as a memorial to Jesus.
5. The Lord's Supper is an opportunity to confess our faith. "We proclaim His death."
6. We are to examine ourselves and eat this meal humbly and sincerely, never casually or arrogantly (unworthy).
7. In the Old Testament, God commanded, "Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). God's people did not quibble about which Sabbath. They kept every Sabbath.
The Church, in the Apostles' day, ate the Lord's Supper on the Lord's Day...the first day of the week. Since every week has a first day, we eat the Lord's Supper every Sunday.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
How Many Churches-
Every time there is a census there are more churches named. Several years ago the number was over 5,000. These churches differed from one another in name and doctrine. Some welcome this diversity.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 16:18 says... "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it."
John 17:20-23 says... "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me."
I Corinthians 1:10 says... "I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
In these passages we learn:
1. Jesus promised to build His church not churches.
2. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one or together.
3. When the church in Corinth was dividing, the Apostle Paul insisted that they be united.
When churches divide, Christ is not glorified and the world does not believe. That is a high price to pay for our selfishness.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Court of Final Appeal
From time to time we come to decisions and dilemmas. Sometimes it is hard to know which way is the right way to go. All people and churches have a Court of Final Appeals. This is where we go for our absolute final answer. Some do what ever their ‘heart' tells them. "I know what I feel in my heart," they say. But...
What Does the Bible Say?
Galatians 1:8-9 says... "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed."
Proverbs 16:25 says... "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Jeremiah 17:9 says... "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?"
You can probably remember a time when you were really sure about something and later found out you were wrong. The truth is you can't trust your ‘heart'. But you can trust God's word. Let's make a "Thus Says the Lord" our Court of Final Appeal.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Witchcraft
One day last week, I was in a bookstore and overheard a woman talking on her cell phone to her daughter. She was trying to decide which of two books on witchcraft to buy.
Many see the occult as a harmless hobby. Others see it as a natural religion. But...
What Does The Bible Say?
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says... "When you come into the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, any one who practices divination, a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium or a wizard or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord; and because of these abominable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you."
Galatians 5:19-20 says... "Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit..."
Acts 19:19-20 says... "And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily."
In those passages, witchcraft and similar practices are called an abomination before the Lord. These are among the very sins that cost the Canaanites their life and land.
In the New Testament, sorcery is listed as a work of the flesh and those who practice such will not enter the kingdom of God.
When people in the city of Ephesus became Christians, they repented of their witchcraft and burned their books.
We should have nothing to do with the works of the darkness.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Worry
All around us we are warned of trouble. Wars, sickness, financial crisis, personal problems are everywhere. We are tempted to worry.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 6:25-34 says... "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
From this sermon, Jesus teaches us not to worry because:
1. Birds and flowers don't worry and they have all their
Needs met.
2. Worry doesn't help. You can't live longer or grow taller
By worrying.
3. God knows what you need and takes care of you.
4. Your time is better spent doing what you can. Seeking
God.
5. You have plenty to do today; don't borrow trouble from
You see...this is our opportunity to trust God.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
In Christ
It has become a popular idea today that Christ is but one of many ways to God.
What Does The Bible Say?
Colossians 2:8-15 says... "See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have come to fullness of life in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ; and you were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, having cancelled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this He set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in Him."
From this scripture we learn:
1. The whole fullness of Deity dwells in Him. Verse 9
2. You can come to fullness of life in Him. Verse 10
3. You put off the body of flesh in Him. Verse 11
4. You are buried with Him in baptism. Verse 12
5. You are raised with Him through faith. Verse 12
6. You are made alive together with Him. Verse 13
7. You have overcome the power of Satan in Him. Verse 15
Be careful whom you listen to. Some want to have you for dinner. Verse 8
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Baptism
A while back a fellow asked me, "Why do you guys make such a big deal out of baptism?"
What Does The Bible Say?
Romans 6:1-7 says... "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin."
Acts 22:16 says... "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
I Peter 3:21 says... "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
These are only three of the passages that deal with baptism. You might want to read all of them. A concordance will help. But from these passages we learn:
1. Baptism puts us into Christ.
2. Baptism puts us into his death.
3. In baptism we are raised to walk in newness of life.
4. Baptism is where we are freed from sin.
5. Baptism washes away sin.
6. Baptism saves you.
God only has to say something once for it to be true. But we should pay close attention when he says something over and over.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Is The Scripture Sufficient?
Many today are seeking some second blessing...beyond the Scriptures. They seek some extra knowledge, extra insight and extra security.
What Does The Bible Say?
II Peter 1:2-4 says... "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promise, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion and become partakers of the divine nature."
In these passages we learn:
1. Grace comes in the knowledge of God.
2. Peace comes in the knowledge of God.
3. He has granted ALL things pertaining to life and Godliness. If He has given us all things, what would be left that we have not received?
4. We receive all things through knowledge of Him.
5. What he gives us is precious and very great.
6. This promise enables us to escape sin.
7. This gift enables us to become one with God.
What more could you want?
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Reverend
Many people want to show respect to their ministers. These men have taught them much and have done a lot for them. To love and want to honor a minister is a natural desire. One of the titles given to ministers is "Reverend". The idea is that this is God's man.
What Does The Bible Say?
Psalms 111:9 says... "He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: holy and reverend is His name." KJV
From this passage we learn:
1. Reverend is an old word found only once in the Bible.
2. Reverend means Holy and Full of Awe.
3. Reverend is used in the Bible as a name for God.
4. Since this word is used only as a praise of God, it would be inappropriate to use it in reference to any man.
5. We should not call our ministers "Reverend".
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Fool!
Somewhere in the back of our mind we remember we are not supposed to call someone a fool. But why?
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 5:21-22 says... "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire."
This passage quotes Jesus with a severe warning. Calling another a fool is a serious sin. Why?
1. A fool is not accountable.
2. A fool is not responsible.
3. A fool does not have the ability to consider his actions and make decisions.
The Bible teaches us that God made man in His image. We are not like the animals. We think, reason, consider and decide. Our accountability is a great compliment from God. To call a man a fool is an insult to God's greatest creation.
WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
GETTING EVEN
Revenge is sweet say some. But for all of us, the desire to keep things even is great.
What Does The Bible Say?
Romans 12:16-21 says... "Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly, never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
From this passage we learn...
1. We are to live in harmony with others.
2. Watch out for arrogance.
3. Do not seek revenge.
4. Ask yourself what is the noble response.
5. So far as depends on you, live peaceably with others.
6. Leave vengeance to God.
7. You can overcome evil with good.
Letting God keep score demands faith on our part but remember...
WE ARE TO LIVE BY FAITH!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
FALSE TEACHERS
How do you know if a teacher is a false teacher or not? Some go by personality. Some go by popular opinion.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 7:15-23 says... "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.'
From this scripture Jesus teaches us:
1. There are false teachers.
2. These false teachers deliberately teach error.
3. They are like wolves.
4. You can know them by their fruit (what happens when their teachings are carried out). Do I get closer to God? Is my life better?
5. Just ‘saying' Lord, Lord is not enough.
6. We must do the will (obey his commands) of God.
Since false teachers are not going to heaven, you want to avoid them.