SPIRITUAL PATROTS #5

Posted on November 25, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

SPIRITUAL PATRIOTS #5
The Way of Cain

INTRODUCTION
A. In past lessons we noted:
1. The need for spiritual patriots
2. The need for watchfulness and vigilance against false teachers
3. The importance of remembering
4. Some of the characteristics of false teachers

B. During times of war, retreating forces will often swap road signs indicating the names of streets or the direction of particular cities
1. The aim is to confuse the enemy and slow his advance
2. With a good map and compass, it is easy to sort things out and identify the correct route
3. Careless travelers, however, can be led astray by their inattention

DISCUSSION
A. WOE MEANS WHOA
1. Satan delights in leading unsuspecting souls down avenues leading away from God
a. This is why Jude alerts his readers to beware of the tactics of the Devil
b. Christians must choose carefully which road they travel in life
c. To help them, and us, to be alert to this fact, Jude begins this thought with the word “woe”

2. “Woe” is an arresting, heart-stopping word.
a. Jesus used this word to arrest attention in Matthew 11:21-24
1) These were blessed with His presence but refused to repent
2) They had neglected a unique opportunity
b. “Woe” envisions the future outpouring of God’s wrath on those who live unrighteously
1) It is a reproach and a warning all rolled into one word
2) Jude applies this word to those who were teaching false doctrine and were troubling the church

3. The reason for this strong language was that these false teachers were traveling the same crooked path of three notorious false teachers of day gone by: Cain, Balaam, and Korah
a. Jude used this trio as an example of what not to be and exhorted his readers to choose a higher road in life
b. In this lesson we will discuss “the way of Cain”
1) Cain chose the wrong path and paid a dear prince for his error
2) Jude is marking Cain’s path with warning signs so no one wander it by mistake

B. WARNING SIGN #1 – SELF-WILL
1. The “way of Cain” first came to light when he and his brother were making offerings to God (Gen. 4:1-5)
a. Abel sacrificed the best of his flock, and the Lord received his gift with favor
b. Cain brought some of the produce he had grown, but God would not accept it
c. The difference between the two offerings is seen in Hebrews 11:4

2. The excellence of Abel’s sacrifice is seen in that it was offered by faith
a. Romans 10:17
b. Thus, Abel was pleasing to God because He obeyed God’s commands
c. Evidently, God wanted a blood sacrifice

3. Cain may have felt that his produce was as good as or better than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel
a. Was he trying to improve on the command of God?! – Regardless of his intent it was an act of disobedience
b. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22).
c. Whenever man substitutes his own will for that of God’s, he is following the way of Cain

4. There is little doubt that Cain’s sin commenced with an improper disposition, but the result was a disobedient act
a. 1 John 3:7
b. By failing to do what God commanded, Cain showed himself to be unrighteous

C. WARNING SIGN #2 – RESENTMENT
1. Cain was upset that God rejected his offering, and his downcast face revealed his bitterness
a. Paul offered excellent council for a person with Cain’s state of mind… Ephesians 4:26
b. Christians must learn to manage their emotions to constructive ends
c. Those who live at the mercy of their emotions are traveling the way of Cain

2. The Lord attempted to reason with Cain but to no avail
a. God said, “Why are you angry?” (Gen. 4:6)
b. If he was upset with anyone he should be upset with himself
c. Those who blame others for their problems are traveling the way of Cain

3. God encouraged Cain to change his course while there was still time
a. If he started doing what was right he would be accepted
b. If not, sin was ready to punch on him like a hungry lion stalking his prey
c. There is always a way of escaping temptation… 1 Corinthians 10:13
d. This means that those who follow the way of Cain do so by choice

4. Instead of listening to God’s advice, Cain clung to his anger until it lead to murder
a. Whenever a person fills his heart with evil eventually it will reveal express itself
b. Evil hearts are a walking time bomb waiting to go off:
1) In inward difficulties – ulcers, heart attacks, etc., or
2) Hurtful speech or physical violence
c. In either case, anger harms the one in whom it dwells more than the one to whom it is directed

D. WARNING SIGN #3 – SELFISHNESS
1. Cain lured his brother to a secluded field and killed him.
a. At that moment he took his life as well
b. Whenever a person hates his fellowman, he abides in spiritual death…1 John 3:14
c. John used this sad story to exhort Christians to choose a different course in their personal relationships…1 John 3:11-12

2. It is intriguing to observe the connection between Cain’s attitude toward God and his actions toward Abel
a. The two are inseparably linked
b. If he would substitute his will for God in worship, he would not hesitate to elevate his will over that of his brother
c. Cain’s way is a way if selfishness, and those who are closest to one who is traveling this road should beware
d. Friendships, marriages and relationships of every description have been callously destroyed as a result of consuming self-interest

3. Although fully aware of what has transpired, the Lord confronted Cain with the question: “Where is Able you brother?” (Gen. 4:9)
a. Cain coldly responded, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9)
b. Where love is lacking, trouble is soon to follow
c. The golden rule had been replaced with the law of the jungle

4. When Christians come to a fork in the road of any relationship, Paul urged them to choose the more excellent way… 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:7
a. The most loving path is always the one that follows Christ’s teaching
b. Romans 13:8-10

E. WARNING SIGN #4 – SELF-DECEIT
1. It was also Cain’s way to lie about sin.
a. Rather than face his guilt, he attempted to cover it up the same way he must have hidden his brother
b. For a fleeting moment, he thought he might not be discovered, but that was not the case
c. God told Cain that Abel’s blood cried out from the ground demanding justice
d. As a result of his sin, he could no longer pursue the occupation he loved.
e. Rather than living a settled life of a farmer, he would spend his days as a wandering fugitive

2. God still remembered mercy, however, and placed a mark upon Cain as a warning not to kill him
a. Yet, the consequences of Cain’s sin were almost unbearable.
b. He had to live with having murdered his brother, broken his parent’s heart, and inflicted terrible burden on his family.
c. The tentacles of sin touched the lives of all who loved him

3. Jude declared that false teachers are going the way of Cain
a. False teachers are descendants of Cain because they prefer their own way to that of God
b. They are selfish and quick to vent their anger on anyone who opposes them.
c. The defy God while constantly denying any wrong doing
d. In the end, those who choose to walk in the way of Cain must also share in his punishment

CONCLUSION
A. WEIGH YOUR WAY
1. Every person must choose a path to travel in life.
a. Jesus narrowed the path to two choices… Matthew 7:13-14
b. The broad way leading to destruction or the narrow way leading to eternal life

2. When standing at the crossroads, the natural choice seems to be the wide road
a. It seems to be the easier route
b. But it is a route that leads to misery

3. The prophets have always encouraged people to make a wise choice of the road they will travel in life
a. 1 Samuel 12:23

b. Jeremiah 6:16

c. The right way has been lit by God… Psalm119:104-105

d. John 14:6

e. He has opened a “new and living way” (Heb. 10:20)

B. WHAT PATH ARE YOU TRAVELING TODAY?
1. Is it the way of Cain?
A way paved with selfishness, hatred, lies, and wrath; or

2. The way of Christ?
A way paved with humility, love, obedience, honesty, and grace

3. If you do not like the direction you are travelling it’s not too late to change

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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TAKE CARE OF TODAY

Posted on November 20, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

An ancient Chinese parable tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbor walked by and scoffed, “You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in the year for you to do this.”

But Tan replied confidently, “I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons’ sons will do the same. Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land.”

Many times we become discouraged when something we want to accomplish cannot be done right away, or it seems that we are making little progress, or the end does not seem to be insight. But remember, many of our problems cannot eliminated instantly – but they can be moved one piece at a time, one day at a time. Jesus said, “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof [Sufficient for the day is its own trouble – ESV]” (Mt. 6:34). We have enough difficulties today without borrowing from tomorrow – tomorrow with take care of itself if you take care of today. Perhaps we should remember and contemplate these words of inspiration as we strive to accomplish a “seeming” insurmountable task. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). “I can do all things in him [Christ – NKJ] that strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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MORAL ABSOLUTES

Posted on November 19, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Today, in America, many believe that there are no “moral absolutes.” Many believe in “moral relativism.” How many times have we heard statements like these: “What’s right for you may not be right for me,” or “If it feels good do it,” or “Anything goes,” and “Nothing is right or wrong, there are just different opinions?” All of this is the result of the feeling that there is no absolute truth. “You are entitled to your truth and I am entitled to mine,” is the view held by many.

A recent poll found that 67% of Americans do not believe in moral absolutes. Among “Baby Boomers,” the percentage was even higher at 78%. Even 62% of “professing Christians” said that there was no absolute standard of right and wrong. Is it any wonder that America is in such a sad state morally?!

My friends, there is an absolute standard of truth and we can know that truth. Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). Jesus says that God’s word is truth. Thus, what God says is right – IS RIGHT! Our Lord also declared, “If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). One can know absolute truth. Remember, “O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). God’s word is our moral absolute!

Think About It!

Have An Awesome Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Posted on November 18, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Remember to tune in to the Harris and Moore Expedition tonight, and each Monday night, at 7:00pm CST as we discuss important Bible topics and vital moral issues we are faced with today.

Tonight we will discuss part two of The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Listen in at http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org. This is a live call-in program. Give us a call at 1-855-QABIBLE.

You have heard what men have said now listen to what the Bible says.

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #3

Posted on November 18, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #3
Concerning the Miraculous #1
The laying on of Hands

INTRODUCTION
A. Fierce battles now loom and rage relentlessly relative to the availability of modern day miracles and modern day revelations
1. In reality the two go hand-in-hand
2. Contenders for one will sooner or later contend for the other
B. Sadly, there is even misconceptions and false doctrines taught in the Lord’s church concerning the influence of the Holy Spirit

DISCUSSION
A. THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE AND SCRIPTURAL
1. The battle would end quickly and cease forever if there were a scriptural understanding of the matter concerning the Holy Spirit, the apostles, and the laying on of hands
2. It is important to realize that from Pentecost onward (Acts 2) the Father and Christ have imparted miracle working ability only the Holy Spirit baptism recipients (we will discuss this more in another lesson), and those whom the apostles laid their hands on
a. Since we have neither group around today, it is a foregone conclusion that men are not now presently endowed with miracle-working powers
b. There is no need for such … in another lesson we will speak more on this issue as we study 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
3. These miraculous powers were given for the revelation of truth and its conformation
a. All truth has been revealed…
1) 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2) 2 Peter 1:3
3) No new revelation from God has been given since John penned Revelation (AD 96)
b. Miracles in the first century were also used to conform the word of truth
1) Mark 16:19-20
2) Hebrews 2:3-4
3) There is no need for a new conformation of an old message fully conformed in the first century
4) We have the Bible today and no longer need miracles – as we will prove in our next lesson

B. PROVISIONS FOR APOSTOLIC HELPERS
1. While Jesus ministered here on earth in the flesh, he could only be in one place at any given time. He selected disciples and apostles to help Him.
a. As great as the apostles (13) were they could only be in 13 places at one time
b. Therefore the Lord provided them a miraculously endowed helpers
2. The church began in AD 33 on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus
a. It would be close to 20 years before any of the New Testament books were penned
b. It would be some 63 years before the New Testament was complete
c. So, inspiration was in men before it was placed in a book – the Holy Bible
3. Through the laying of the apostles’ hands, miraculously endowed men could join hands with the apostles for the furtherance of their worthy and wonderful work
4. There are several instances of this in the book of Acts and in the epistles…

C. THE LAYING ON OF HANDS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
1. Stephen and Philip are mentioned initially among the 7 men selected to serve tables in Acts 6:2-7. Later both of these preformed miracles
a. Stephen preformed miracles… Acts 6:8
b. Philip preformed miracles in Samaria… Note Acts 8:6-12
c. The implication is that they received such power by the laying on of the apostles’ hands in Acts 6:6

2. Stephen not Philip had received Holy Spirit baptism as the 12 had in Acts 2 or that Paul received in Acts 9

3. Philip, called the evangelist (Acts 21:8), enjoyed phenomenal preaching success in Samaria
a. Miracles and signs were done by him
b. Philip could and did perform miracles and signs:
1) But he could not transmit miraculous powers to others
2) This exclusively belonged to the apostles
c. Listen carefully to the word of the Holy Spirit through the pen of Luke… Acts 8:14-17

4. Peter and John could do something Philip was unable to do
a. Simon realized this… Acts 8:18
b. They could and did transmit miraculous power to the newly baptized Samaritans – they traveled some 70 miles to do so
c. Peter and John prayed, but it took more than their prayers to transmit these powers
d. It required the laying on of “the apostles’ hands”

5. Remember, Simon saw this to be true (Acts 8:18)
a. The blessed Samaritans received the miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit as a result of the laying on of the apostles’ hands – not prior to it
b. The apostles did not lay their hands on Simon because his heart was not right

6. Acts 19 is another occurrence of this phenomenon
a. Acts 19:1-5
b. Paul helped 12 men at Ephesus to realize that their baptism was not valid – they know only John’s baptism
c. When they received the valid baptism of the great commission… Acts 19:6

7. In every one of these instances in Acts, there had to be personal contact between the transmitting apostles and the receiving beneficiaries

8. The power could not be carried through a third party or by means of a literary document such as an epistle

D. THE LAYING ON OF HANDS IN THE EPISTLES
1. Romans 1:11
a. He desire was to go to Rome that he might lay hands on them that they might received the miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit
b. He could not send this transmitted power through a 3rd party, or by the epistle he was writing
c. Paul alluded to these powers in Romans 12:6-8
1) The possessor of these powers received them from direct contact with an apostle
2) Acts 2:10 reveals that sojourners from Rome were present at Pentecost
3) Paul also knew many at Rome, and gave personal salutations (Rom. 16:3-15)
4) He may have also conferred upon this power when they were with him in other places

2. Both the Corinthians and the Galatians had received powers, and Paul surely had ample opportunities to transmit such while laboring in Achaia and in Galatia.

3. Three chapters in Corinthians (12-14) are devoted to spiritual gifts.

4. Galatians 3:5… In Galatia, Paul had ministered to them the Spirit, and had worked miraciles among them personally

5. The Ephesians possessed miraculous powers as we learn in Acts 19:1-7 and Ephesians 4:7-13
a. The Ephesians elders who met with Paul in Acts 20:17-38 may well have possessed miraculous ability
b. Paul worked 3 years in Ephesus and likely conferred such powers to them

6. Notice what Paul wrote to Timothy… 2 Timothy 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:14
a. Who conferred these gifts to Timothy? The elders, Paul, or both?
b. The elders herein may have been miraculously endowed ten themselves with prophetic powers
c. The presbytery (elders) did not, could not transfer the gift to Timothy
1) It was done through the laying on of the hands of Paul
2) The presbytery merely sanctioned the action

CONCLUSION
A. With no Holy Spirit baptism recipients now living and with no one old enough to had had their hands laid on them by the apostles – miracles have obviously ceased
B. Again, if you do not know what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit then you do not know anything at all about the Holy Spirit

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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THE POWER OF LISTENING

Posted on November 14, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

One mother described how her teenage daughter taught her the power of listening. One evening after dinner her daughter was especially disappointed and depressed about a situation at school. Although she was tired herself, the mother sat and listened as her daughter poured out her concerns. As the daughter continued, the mother wondered to herself, “What can I possibly say to help her? I feel so powerless right now.” While she listened attentively, unable to come up with any words of comfort or wisdom, the daughter paused and said, “Thanks for sitting with me, Mom. I feel better now.” And that was the end of it – the daughter’s whole outlook on her situation had changed. The mother had done the very thing the daughter needed: she’d listened.

As this mother, we do not always know what to say to ease the pain of another – but as this mother realized, simply listening from the heart can be of great comfort to those suffering. Truly listening to one another can also be great way of preventing turmoil in the church. Paul said, “that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Cor. 12:25). Friends, let us listen to one another – truly listen.

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights Church of Christ
Hamilton, Texas

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WITH A GOOD SHIP

Posted on November 12, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Norman Vincent Peale once told of encountering a hurricane while on a cruise in the Atlantic. After the captain managed to sail around the danger, he and Mr. Peale were visiting with one another.

The captain said he had always lived by a simple philosophy namely that if the sea is smooth, it will get rough; and if it is rough, it will get smooth. He added something worth remembering: “But with a good ship,” the Captain said, “you can always ride it out.”

Spiritually speaking, our good ship is our faith in Christ. With a good ship, you can always ride it out the storms of life. Life is unpredictable, but God is with us. Consider the words of our Lord, “Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.” (Mt. 7:24-27).

Since faith come by hearing the word of God, we should easily see how our obedience to the word of God can help us face the various storms of life. Through the word of God we can build a firm foundation to withstand the tempests that threaten our happiness and well-being. Obediently dig into God’s word and you will have a good ship to ride out the storms.

Think About It!

Have A Great Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

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BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Posted on November 11, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Listen in to the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible this evening as we discuss the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Tune in each Monday at 7:00pm CST on http://www.harrisandmoore.org or http://www.knowthetruthradio.org as we discuss important biblical topics. This is a live call-in program. Call in at 1-855-QABIBLE, or get involved in the chat room at knowthetruthradio.org. You have heard what men have said, now listen to what the Bible says.

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THE SOVEREIGN RULE OF GOD

Posted on November 11, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

THE SOVEREIGN RULE OF GOD

INTRODUCTION
A. We live in a time of great uncertainty
1. Turmoil in places abroad
2. Terrorism in places at home

B. It is easy to be filled with anxiety
1. What does the future hold?
2. Will things get better, or only worse?

C. What attitude should the Christian have in such times as these?
1. Should we fear the future?
2. Shall we worry for our well-being?

D. The answer can be found in remembering that God is in control.
1. But is He really?
2. Even in times of uncertainty and anxiety – is He really in control?
3. It may help our thinking to understand “The Sovereign Rule of God”
4. “Sovereign” means having supreme power and authority

DISCUSSION
A. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Declared by the prophets…
a. Isaiah prophesied God would have the Medes overthrow Babylon
b. Isaiah 13:17-20

2. The prophets depicted the nations as “tools” in the hand of God
a. Isaiah 10:5-15 … note Isaiah 10:5
b. Using wicked nations to punish other wicked nations
c. But leaving none unpunished

3. The prophets proclaimed God’s judgment upon such nations as…
a. Babylon – Isaiah 13-14
b. Assyria and Philistia – Isaiah 14
c. Moab – Isaiah 15-16
d. Damascus – Isaiah 17
e. Ethiopia and Cush – Isaiah 18
f. Egypt – Isaiah 19
g. Edom and Arabia – Isaiah 21
h. Jerusalem – Isaiah 22
i. Tyre – Isaiah 23

4. All these judgments came true as prophesied; verifying God’s existence and sovereignty
a. For example… Isaiah 46:8-11
b. God sovereignty was verified in the case of Daniel…
1) When God revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation, Daniel came to realize the sovereign rule of God – cf. Daniel 2:19-21
2) Daniel prophesied of the rise and fall of the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman empires – Daniel 2:36-40
3) Daniel explained that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great tree and its fulfillment was to impress him with God’s sovereignty
a) Daniel 4:19-26
b) Note Daniel 4:17, 25, 32, 34-37

B. THE BASIS UPON WHICH GOD GOVERNED SUCH NATIONS…
1. Implied in Proverbs 14:34
a. A righteous nation is exalted, but a sinful nation is disgraced
b. This distinction (being exalted) based upon righteousness… Jeremiah 18:7-10

2. Some illustrations of this principle
a. Babylon, to be punished for its evil treatment of its subjects – Isaiah 10:1-4
b. Other pagan nations, as listed by Amos – Amos 1:3-2:3
c. Likewise Judah and Israel – Amos 2:4-8

3. God’s sovereignty over the nations in Old Testament times was clearly manifested. But what about today?

C. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CHRIST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. God’s sovereignty is proclaimed in Messianic prophecy…
a. Pertaining to the Messiah’s reign – Isaiah 9:6-7
1) The government will be on His shoulder
2) There will no end to increase of His government

b. Regarding God’s everlasting kingdom – Daniel 2:44
1) Established in the days of the fourth kingdom, the Roman Empire
2) A kingdom which will never be destroyed – Luke 1:31-33
3) A kingdom which will break in pieces and consume all kingdoms

c. Such prophecies indicate that the sovereignty of God would continue in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ!

2. God’s sovereignty is professed by Jesus and His apostles…
a. After His resurrection, Jesus claimed all authority – Matthew 28:18

b. His apostles taught that Jesus had all authority
1) He is head over all things – Ephesians 1:20-22
2) All have been made subject to Him – 1 Peter 3:22
3) He is the ruler of the kings of the kings of the earth – Revelation 1:5
4) He will reign until He comes again – 1 Corinthians 15:24-26
a) A reign “in the midst of His enemies” – Psalm 110:1-2
b) Destroying with His coming the last enemy, death! – 1 Corinthians 15:26

c. The sovereignty once exercised by the Father is now being exercised by the Son!

D. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHRISTIAN…
1. Jesus is truly Lord of lords and King of kings!
a. 1 Timothy 6:15
b. Revelation 17:14; 19:16

2. No government exists without His approval – Romans 13:1-2

3. What happens in governmental affairs is a matter of His concern
a. He rules the nations with a rod of iron – Revelation 2:26-27
b. He brings nations into judgment, especially those that oppose Him (the theme of Revelation, cf. Revelation 17:14)
c. As did His Father, the Son has various means at His disposal to judge the nations (war, famine, and pestilence) – cf. Revelation 6:1-8
d. Don’t forget, such judgment may involve using one wicked nation against another!

4. The best thing a Christian can do for the welfare of his country:
a. Spread the gospel
1) It has the power to save men – Romans 1:16
2) And to make them righteous – Romans 1:17; cf. Proverbs 14:34

b. Pray fervently – Timothy 2:1-3; cf. Luke 18:7-8
1) Every time you pray, you are given a private audience with the King!
2) Sincere prayer to the King will have more influence than a trip to the ballot box!

c. Remember that our true strength is in the Lord
1) Not in weapons (such as horses)
a) Isaiah 30:15-16
b) Isaiah 31:1-3
2) But in righteousness, wisdom, and knowledge – cf. Isaiah 33:5-6

CONCLUSION
A. We need not look to the future with anxiety
1. For the one in control is our Lord and Savior, Jesus
2. If we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, our needs will be provided – Matthew 6:33

B. Even if persecuted, we can still rejoice
1. For the kingdom of heaven is ours! – Matthew 5:10-12
2. Jesus can help us to “weather the storms” – Matthew 7:24-27

C. Speaking of the sovereignty of Christ
1. His sovereignty over the nations began when He was raised from the dead
2. When we are united with Him in His resurrection, we can enjoy His sovereign rule

D. How can one be united with Christ in His resurrection?
1. By being baptized into His death and then raised with Him to walk in newness of life
2. Romans 6:3-11

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
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“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

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CRITICS

Posted on November 8, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

The following quote was found on the inside cover of a magazine: “Doctors’ mistakes are buried, lawyers’ mistakes are imprisoned, accountants’ mistakes are fined, dentists’ mistakes are pulled, pharmacists’ mistakes get sick, electricians’ mistakes are shocking, carpenters’ mistakes are sawdust. But just in case you find any mistakes in this magazine, please remember they were put there for a purpose. We try to offer something for everyone. Some people are always looking for mistakes and we don’t want to disappoint them.”

One thing all of us can count on is that there will always be critics. We as God’s people will be criticized for doing the right things. Sadly, these criticisms will even come from our brethren at times.

Jesus was constantly criticized (Mt. 12:1-8, 22-32; Mk. 2:6-12, et. al.). He was even criticized while hanging on the cross for all of mankind (Mt. 27:39-44)! Regarding criticism, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Lk. 6:22-23).

If we are criticized for doing the wrong things – then we should accept it (Pro. 28:23; 29:1), and make the needed improvements.

Remember, when you are standing for the truth – there will always be critics. Do not allow these critics to keep you from faithfully doing the will of the Lord!

Think About It!

Have An Awesome Day!

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
http://www.syfirst.org
http://preachersfiles.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/preacherspc/

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.”

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Leave a comment