JEREMIAH’S COMPLAINTS

Posted on March 11, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

JEREMIAH’S COMPLAINTS

INTRODUCTION
A. Man has a tendency to be given to complaint
1. Even some of God’s greatest prophets complained at times
2. Complaints, though, usually come as a result of a lack of understanding
B. Jeremiah 20:14-18
C. What could have brought out such a bitter complaint? Why would he complain that God had let him live, what caused him to wish that he had never been born?
1. In order to understand this, and the other complaints of Jeremiah, we must understand something about his life.
a. He was chosen (he did not choose himself) as a youth to be a spokesman for God.
b. He was lifted from a gentle and quiet town and thrust into the midst of a nation in religious and political turmoil
2. God often used events in the lives of the prophets to symbolize what was to happen to people
a. We see this with Hosea and Gomer, and the names of the children of Hosea and Isaiah
b. In the case of Jeremiah God forbid him to marry, to go to funerals, to go to weddings or to feasts (Jer. 16)
c. While this symbolized the dark future for the nation of Israel, it must have had a profound effect of the life of Jeremiah
3. Kyle M. Yates describes the life of Jeremiah in this way: “Misunderstood by his own family, opposed by priest and prophet, shunned by his people, his life was a tragic experience. Even though he complained and questioned God’s treatment of him he continued to urge his fellow citizens to turn to God for cleansing and deliverance.”
a. In the hour of battle for the city of Jerusalem, he opposed resistance and counseled them to surrender to the Babylonians. It was called “treason” and he was soundly hated as one who weakened the morale of the defenders of the city.
b. Again Yates states: “Throughout his life he was continually conscious of the hand of God upon his very person. This divine compulsion doomed him to perpetual loneliness and to an unending opposition. As God’s spokesman he was constantly going counter to every current of his day. Eternity alone will reveal the suffering, the heartaches, the loneliness and the distress of soul that wrung the heart of God’s loyal prophet.”
D. Added to all this are the persecutions of Jeremiah
1. They refused to take seriously and put into action the word of the God which he preached … Jeremiah 6:16-17
2. They ridiculed his message … Jeremiah 20:7
3. They brought accusations against him in order to cast reflection on his good name.
a. He was accused of deserting to the Babylonians (Jer. 37:12-13)
b. In spite of his protest to the contrary, he was cast into prison on the charge of being unpatriotic and a traitor to his country (Jer. 37:14-15)
c. Jeremiah 18:18 tells how the religious leaders of Judah plotted against Jeremiah
4. He was often harmed physically. When Jeremiah announced that Jerusalem and temple was going to be destroyed like a broken potter’s vessel he was beaten … Jeremiah 20:2
5. Jeremiah was often cast into prison (Jer. 36:26; 37:15; 38:28; 39:15)
6. His life was often in jeopardy because he preached God’s word:
a. From those who knew him best (Jer. 11:21) – men of his home town (Jer. 1:1)
b. Even Jeremiah’s own family sought to harm him because of what he preached
1) Jeremiah 26:11
2) Jeremiah 38:1-6
E. Can we understand how Jeremiah, who on occasions prayed for his enemies and those who persecuted him (Jer. 15:11; 18:20), could at times become very angry, and ask God to destroy his enemies who persecuting him (Jer. 11:20; 15:15; 17:18; 18:21-23)?
1. Perhaps Jeremiah’s bitterest prayer is found in Jeremiah 18:23
2. Let us now look at and consider five specific complaints registered by Jeremiah and lessons to be learned
DISCUSSION
A. I’M LED TO THE SLAUGHTER!
1. Jeremiah 11:18-12:5 (note 11:18; 12:1, 3)
2. Jeremiah’s compliant might be summed up this way: “I preached what you told me to preach and like a lamb I was led to the slaughter. My own family, and the people of my home town seek my life. Let me see your vengeance upon them”
3. God answers Jeremiah
a. Jeremiah 12:5
b. In other words, if you can’t deal with the little ones (the men of Anathoth) how can you deal with the big ones (the leaders in Jerusalem), or if you cannot deal with the little sinners how can you deal with big sinners?
c. God is telling Jeremiah that it is going to get worse before it gets better
4. Jeremiah was complaining to God because of his hard lot.
a. The Almighty strikes him with a terrific blow when He bluntly reminds him of trials, distresses and crises that are yet to come that will make his present irritations seem small.
b. He assures His prophet that He knows and understands and gives credit for all of his past performances. He believes in Jeremiah and assures him that he is being chosen from the elementary training course to be promoted to the more difficult field of battle. Each bit of suffering he has endured has fitted him for new adventures.
5. What about us today?
a. God does not throw us out into the race with horses until we have had training with footmen.
b. Each victory we conquer will prepare us for more difficult challenges ahead.
c. James 1:2-4
d. Perhaps we are being prepared for something worse yet to occur
B. WILL YOU FAIL ME?
1. Jeremiah 15:10-18
2. Here is Jeremiah complaint: “I have done all that you told me to do, and I am suffering for it – where is your help? Will you fail me?”
3. Again, God gives the answer
a. Jeremiah 15:19-21
b. You stay faithful and I will take care of you
4. What about us today?
a. Matthew 6:33
b. Hebrews 13:5
c. God will always be there for us if we will stay faithful to Him
C. WHAT’S THE HOLD UP!?
1. Jeremiah 17:12-18
a. Jeremiah tells God that his enemies rebuke him because the things which God told him to predict had not yet come to pass (v. 15)
b. He reminds God that it was not his idea to preach the message of doom, that he did so only because God told him to do so
c. In short Jeremiah is saying: “I preached you message … now let’s see it happen”
2. Today are you impatient?
a. How often do we want things to happen “yesterday?”
b. Psalm 37:7-9
c. Proverbs 20:22
d. Luke 21:19
D. I DO GOOD AND GET EVIL IN RETURN!
1. Jeremiah 18:19-23
a. Jeremiah reminds God how he had prayed for the good of this people and now they returned only evil. In response to his message they sought his life; “for they have digged a pit for my soul.”
b. So he now asks God to no longer turn away his wrath from them, but to deliver them up.
2. Do we ever feel this way?
a. Do we ever feel as though the good that we do is naught?
b. No we ever find ourselves holding ill will toward others?
c. Romans 8:28, 31-32
E. I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS BUT YOU ARE MAKING ME!
1. Jeremiah 20:7-18
a. Jeremiah then makes his last and most bitter complaint. He accuses God of persuading him to proclaim His words even though he did not really enjoy this
b. I’m doing this only because I think I have to
2. Friends loving and obeying God because we think we have to is not acceptable to God.
a. Psalm 61:1-4
b. Romans 6:17
c. “Do the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6)
CONCLUSION
A. A more crushing burden was never laid upon mortal man.
B. In the whole history of the Jewish race there has been no such example of intense sincerity, unrelieved suffering, fearless proclamation of God’s message, and unwearying intercession of a prophet for his people as is found in the life of Jeremiah.
C. But the tragedy of his life is this, that he preached to deaf ears and reaped only hate in return for his love to his fellow-countrymen.
D. He was lightly esteemed in life, and he sank into the grave a broken hearted man.
E. From being of no account as a prophet he came to regarded as the greatest of them all

(Gleaned from material by Frank Briscoe)

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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WHAT WE NEED

Posted on March 8, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

In his bestselling book called, “Into Thin Air,” Jon Krakauer relates the hazards that plagued some climbers as they attempted to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Andy Harris, one of the expedition leaders stayed at the peak too long and on his descent, he became in dire need of oxygen.

Harris radioed the base camp and told them about his predicament. He mentioned that he had come across a cache of oxygen canisters left by the other climbers but they were all empty. The climbers who already passed the canisters on their own descent knew they were not empty, but full. They pleaded with him on the radio to make use of them but it was to no avail. Harris was starved for oxygen but he continued to argue that the canisters were empty. The problem was that the lack of what he needed had so disoriented his mind that though he was surrounded by something that would give him life, he continued to complain of its absence.

Many today are complaining about not being able to live a fulfilling life, and that something is missing in their life. Many complain while the answer is right before them. The apostle Peter declared, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). Friends, God’s word is the oxygen that will give us spiritual life – with our spiritual lives in order, life has true meaning, and it is a life worth living. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). What the world needs is right before us in the New Testament. Friends, partake of its life giving flow.

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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“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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WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT

Posted on March 7, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

I don’t know who first uttered these words but they set forth a terribly important bit of wisdom: “If there is nothing above us we will be consumed by all that is around us.”

Our nation’s Founding Fathers recognized its truth when they wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our human dignity, rights and freedoms come to us NOT from our President, our Congress or our Supreme Court; they come to us from God our Creator. No king, ruler, president or potentate confers them upon us. Perhaps that concept does not seem to be very bold to us today, but it was the foundation of our Declaration of Independence, the beginning of what back then was known as the American Experiment. Experiment? Yes! What our Founding Fathers asserted back then was radical because the people in the rest of our world were governed back then by kings, dictators and totalitarians who ruled as if people were their possessions, as if their subjects belonged to them and not to God.

In all things, remember, “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (2 Pet. 2:9-10). We belong to God! We are His special people!

Therefore, in all our decisions “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mat. 6:33), and keep in mind, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

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

Welcome


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LESSONS FROM THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM

Posted on March 6, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

LESSONS FROM THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM

INTRODUCTION
A. On the Pentecost following the resurrection and ascension of Christ, “there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven,” plus numerous proselytes (Acts 2:5, 10)
1. One historian estimates that the residents of the city normally numbered approximately 100,000 at the time of the events described in Acts 2.
2. Of course, the pilgrims at the feast swelled its population to perhaps many times more than this number.
3. The faithful from all parts of the world converged on the city for the Passover, and, due to the vast distance from which many of them came, they would doubtlessly stay the fifty days until the Pentecost before beginning their homeward trek.

B. It is not mere happenstance that the first gospel sermon was preached in Jerusalem at this time.
1. Seven centuries earlier Isaiah identified Jerusalem as the place where the word of the Lord would be proclaimed … Isaiah 2:2-4
2. Jesus verified this … Luke 24:46-47
3. The establishment of the church in Jerusalem was a culminating step in God’s plan for the redemption of mankind. For this reason some have considered Acts 2 to be the pivotal chapter in the Bible.
C. Let us now consider some exemplary characteristics of the early church in Jerusalem.
DISCUSSION
A. IT WAS A CHURCH THAT WAS DOCTRINALLY SOUND
1. Notice the first description we read of them … Acts 2:42
a. The “teachings” referred to here was not the private opinions or philosophies of the twelve
b. They had received the promise of the Spirit … John 14:26
c. The emphasis on both teaching and obeying the inspired word in overwhelming in the Bible, especially in the New Testament
1) Matthew 7:15
2) Galatians 1:6-10
2. It does not matter how sincere people may be or how many “good works” they may do – if they do not abide in the doctrine of Christ – they have not God and strive in vain
a. Matthew 7:21
b. 2 John 9
3. Our day is cursed with hundreds of congregations that have sold their soul for public approval, denominational fellowship, numbers, and dollars – at the expense of truth
a. The cause of their behavior and change of direction are easily discovered – they cease to love the Truth and seek its authority for their practices.
b. Colossians 3:17
c. Proverbs 23:23
B. IT WAS A CHURCH WITHOUT DISTINCTION
1. The church in Jerusalem was composed of all classes of people
a. There were the apostles, who were spiritual giants
b. There were those who had murdered Jesus, who must be classified as spiritual pygmies
c. There were Palestinian Jews, Hellenistic Jews, and even some proselytized Gentiles from various areas, languages, and cultures of the world
d. There were the wealthy (Barnabas) and the poor (widows)
2. In the early days of the church at Jerusalem there seemed to be no consciousness of class, economic level, or race.
a. Unfortunately, an element eventually arose within the Jerusalem church that separated themselves from other brethren based on race, but it was soundly rebuked by the apostles (Acts 15:1-5; Gal. 2:11-13)
b. James, the 1/2 brother of Jesus apparently was an elder in the church in Jerusalem, and he too, was among those who rebuked this action.
c. James would later write … James 2:1-9
d. Galatians 3:28
e. Acts 10:34-35
3. Since God does not recognize social, economic, sex, or racial distinctions when it pertains to redemption from sin and fellowship with Him, we dare not!
C. IT WAS A UNITED CHURCH
1. In the early days, the Jerusalem church was bound together in a unity of purpose that must have been a source of great joy to all the brethren
a. Acts 2:44, 46
b. Acts 4:32
2. The Jerusalem church was characterized by a:
a. Unity of place
1) Acts 2:26
2) In the temple – no splinter groups
b. Unity of prayer
1) Acts 2:42
2) Acts 4:23-24
c. Unity of practice
1) Acts 2:37-38, 41- everyone had been commanded to repent and be baptized
2) In their worship (Acts 2:42)
3) 1 Corinthians 4:17
D. IT WAS A COMPASSIONATE CHURCH
1. Luke repeatedly describes the compassion of the Jerusalem church in the early days:
a. Acts 2:44-45
b. Acts 4:32, 34-35
2. Of all people, the Lord’s faithful church, not only as individuals, but also as congregations, should be compassionate and generous in responding to the needs of those who are helpless
3. Consider a few cautions:
a. Congregations should not mimic the “Salvation Army,” seeking to become primarily a “benevolent” institution
1) The principal work of the church is to preach the gospel
2) Philippians 2:15-16
b. Not everyone who seeks help is worthy of it
1) 2 Thessalonians 3:10
2) Many make a living begging
3) Other squander the money alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and gambling
E. IT WAS AN EVANGELISTIC CHURCH
1. The had a simple procedure – they taught privately and publicly … Acts 5:42
2. Notice what the church did when they were being persecuted … Acts 8:4
3. We must fulfill the great commission to be a church well pleasing to God
a. Matthew 28:19-20
b. Mark 16:15-16
CONCLUSION
A. As great as the church in Jerusalem was – there is a sad ending, the Lord’s church is no longer found in Jerusalem
1. If it is there, there must only be a handful
2. A church once with thousands of members – now non-existent
B. This is what happens when one does not continue in the apostles’ teaching
1. I am reminded of the words of Paul … Galatians 5:7
2. Let us do all we can to keep the church here in Hamilton without spot and without blemish
3. Remember, apostasy is always only one generation away … Judges 2:10

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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“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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IGNORING THE OBVIOUS

Posted on March 5, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Perhaps you remember the cartoon strip, Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin is a little boy with an overactive imagination and a stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who comes to life as his imaginary friend. In one cartoon strip, Calvin turns to his friend Hobbes and says, “I feel bad I called Susie names and hurt her feelings. I’m sorry I did that.” Hobbes replies, “Maybe you should apologize to her.” Calvin thinks about it for a moment and then responds, “I keep hoping there’s a less obvious solution.”

Many times we ignore the obvious solutions to our problems that the word of God has revealed to us. Many have the belligerent attitude of those in Jeremiah’s day, “As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of Jehovah, we will not hearken unto thee. But we will certainly perform every word that is gone forth out of our mouth…” (Jer. 44:16-17). Others thinks that biblical solutions are too difficult, or simply something they would rather not do as was the case of some in Jesus day who did not like what Jesus taught, “Many therefore of his disciples, when the heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?…Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (Jn. 6:60, 66). The obvious solutions to our problems are not always easy – but the answer is found in the word of God.

Friends, God’s word has the resolution to all our problems (2 Pet. 1:3) – thus, trust and obey His revealed solutions. Your happiness and eternal destiny depends on it.

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

Welcome


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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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TODAY IS A NEW DAY

Posted on March 1, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Do not let the memory of your defeats dismay you. Those defeats happened yesterday. Those mistakes, blunders, follies – the things that shame you and fill you with remorse – they are part of a day that is gone. Today is a new day. God has given you a new twenty-four hours. The best way to put the horrors of yesterday behind us is to fill today with a new and better effort. Put your trust in God and walk in the old paths (Jer. 6:16) and good things will happen.

Paul said, “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). “Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Think About It!

Have A Great Weekend!

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

Welcome


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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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THIS OLD BOOK

Posted on February 28, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ, yes, to glory itself for eternity. [author unknown]

How often do you read and studied your Bible? “Give diligence [study – KJV] to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). The Psalmist declared, “Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psa. 119:97).

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

Welcome


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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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THE STORM

Posted on February 27, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Read Matthew 14:22-33. In this Gospel account the disciples of Jesus were in a boat “in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves.” Jesus walks on the water to frightened disciples and stills the storm. Three important lessons shine forth in this context.

First, JESUS ALWAYS COMES IN THE STORM. It had been a great relief to escape from the pressure of the crowd to His place of prayer – but Jesus tore Himself away because His friends needed Him. He is watching you also in the storm and will certainly come to your aid. Remember, cast “all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you” (1 Pt. 5:7). “I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).

Secondly, JESUS USES THE ELEMENT WE DREAD AS THE PATH FOR HIS APPROACH. The waves were endangering the boat, but Jesus walked on them. In our lives are people and circumstances we dread, but it is through these that the greatest blessing of our lives will come, if we look through them to Christ. “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28). “Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Thirdly, DO NOT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF JESUS. Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, but when he took his eyes off his Master, and looked at the turmoil around him, he began to sink. Friends we will sink in the seas of difficulty if we take our eyes off of Jesus. Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2).

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

Welcome


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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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YES, BUT HOW?

Posted on February 26, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

A man borrowed a book from an acquaintance. As he read through it, he was intrigued to find parts of the book underlined with the letters YBH written in the margin. When he returned the book to the owner, he asked what the YBH meant. The owner replied that the underlined paragraphs were sections of the book that he basically agreed with. They gave him hints on how to improve himself and pointed out truths that he wished to incorporate into his life. However, the letters YBH stood for “Yes, but how?”

Those three letters could be written on the margins of ours souls: “I ought to know how to take better care of myself, but how?” “I know I ought to spend more time in scripture reading and prayer, but how?” “I know I ought to be more sensitive to others, more loving of my spouse, more understanding of the weaknesses of others, but how?” These are all good qualities and we know that, but how can we acquire them?

As Christian people we know the kind of life we ought to live, and most of us have the best of intentions to do so, but how? We are afraid because we know where the road paved with only good intentions leads! Paul, it seems, struggled with this very issue: “For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practice” (Rom. 7:19).

In my thinking love and repentance are the key to “how.” Jesus said, “If you love me, ye will keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15). If you truly love the Lord – “you will – you must.” But, because we are mere mortals we many times fall short of our spiritual goal – that is where repentance comes in. Repentance is feeling remorse for our short comings and then changing for the better. Perhaps these words of Paul should be our motivation: “Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Press on toward the goal in love and repentance.

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

Welcome


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PRIORITIES – PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST

Posted on February 25, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

PRIORITIES – PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST

INTRODUCTION
A. There are priorities that must be set in the affairs of life.
1. Earning a living takes precedence over recreation.
2. Schoolwork takes precedence over sports.
3. In dispensing medical treatment in a disaster or battlefield situation, those with the most serious injuries that can be treated are given priority.
B. As we shall see, there are certain priorities which apply in the spiritual arena of life.
DISCUSSION.
A. MATTHEW 6:33
1. This is the key verse in the context of Matthew 6. If one wants to have the essentials just named in the above verses, let him meet the requirements of this verse.
2. “Seek” denotes an active, diligent search and inquiry, which is required of both alien and saint.
a. This disposition and commitment characterized our Lord.
1) Matthew 26:39
2) John 9:4
b. Christianity is a taught religion; one cannot be born by the natural birth into it; a process of teaching and learning is necessary in order for one to become a Christian.
1) Matthew 28:18-20
2) Mark 16:15-16
c. To practice the religion of Christ, one must put forth diligent effort
1) 1 Corinthians 15:58
2) Matthew 10:37-38
d. The effort of living the Christian life is illustrated by several well-known activities.
1) It is depicted as waging a spiritual war.
a) 2 Timothy 2:3-4
b) 1 Timothy 6:12
2) It is pictured as running in a foot-race.
a) 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
b) Hebrews 12:1-2
e. Determination is required to live the Christian life successfully.
1) Luke 13:24
2) Luke 9:23
3. The object of our search is plainly stated.
a. Many seek for the wrong things – money, material goods, fame, position, worldly honor.
b. We are told to seek the kingdom of God.
1) John 3:3
2) No one can stumble into the kingdom; it must be sought … Isaiah 35:8
3) We are to seek to obtain the benefits it offers and for the privileges it bestows.
c. We are told to seek the righteousness of God.
1) Psalms 119:172
2) Ecclesiastes 12:13
3) 1 John 3:7
4) Romans 10:1-3
5) We obtain the righteousness which God bestows on us when we obey the Gospel of Christ! … Romans 1:16-17
4. The order of our search is stated: we are to seek the God’s kingdom and righteousness First.
a. Nothing is to equal or to surpass their importance
b. The kingdom of God is the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16-19; Dan. 2:44; Isa. 2:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2; Col. 1:13-14; Eph. 1:3).
1) The common notion of modern religious men is that the church is unimportant.
2) They fail to see that the church and the kingdom are one and the same.
3) If they could learn this truth, then the Lord’s statement would become as meaningful to them as it is to us.
4) It is of such great importance that it must be placed first in our priorities.
5) If one puts the church first:
a) Will he stay away from the assemblies?
b) Will he refuse to give?
c) Will he work for the church?
c. God’s righteousness is placed on the same plane as the kingdom.
1) They are joined by the conjunction – “AND”
2) It is in the church that we are able to work righteousness and be fully obedient to the will of God.
3) To seek righteousness is to do those things which result in obtaining the righteousness of God.
d. In cases where we have a choice between an act of obedience [worship or service] or some worldly entertainment, which is more important to us?
1) If we could be in a Wednesday night Bible class, but we choose to attend a ball game or go fishing, which have we shown is more important to us? Which have we
placed first?
2) If we could attend a service in a gospel meeting being conducted by the local congregation, but we choose to go camping, or attend some secular function, or take a
trip, which have we shown is more important to us? Which have we placed first?
e. Many attend only one service weekly, when it would be possible for them to attend all of them.
1) If every other member attended only once weekly, what would become of the local congregation?
2) If all attended every service possible, how greatly would the church prosper!
f. Some give only a token amount to the Lord, while spending a great portion of their income on their selfish pleasures. If all did that, what would become of the local
congregation?
5. If we put the kingdom and righteousness of God first, then all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be thrown in as an added blessing. The primary blessings are spiritual;
these material essentials are given to boot.
B. ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE REQUIRED BY THE GOSPEL?
1. The price for pardon was great.
a. Although salvation is free to us (Rev. 22:17), yet it cost the Father, the Son, the Lord’s apostles, and our first century brethren more than can be estimated.
b. To receive pardon brings upon us a heavy price; it might cost us some of our family and friends; it will cost us a great deal of our time and effort.
2. The price for knowledge is great.
a. Ecclesiastes 12:12: “… study is a weariness of the flesh.”
b. Much effort is required to learn, but the reward is greater!
3. The price for spiritual strength is great.
a. As physical strength requires exercise and time, so spiritual strength demands time, effort and activity.
b. 1 Peter 2:1-2
4. The price of reaching Heaven is great.
a. We are required to imitate the life of our Lord – an easy prospect (1 Cor. 11:1)
b. We are to abide in Christ (John 15:6).
c. We are to die in Christ (Rev. 14:13).
d. To obtain Heaven, we must give up the world; to have the world, we forfeit Heaven.
C. ARE YOU READY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD?
1. Are you ready and able to give a reason for your hope? – Peter 3:15
2. Are you ready and able to teach the lost and weak brethren?
a. Matthew 28:19
b. Galatians 6:1
3. Are you ready and able to support every good work? – us 3:1
4. Are you ready and willing into die for the Lord? – 2 Timothy 46-8
5. Are you ready for the Lord’s return?
a. Matthew 24:42-44
b. Matthew 25:1-13
D. ARE YOU CONTINUING STEADFASTLY?
1. Are you steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine? (Acts 2:42).
2. Are you steadfast in the fellowship of the saints? (Acts 2:42).
3. Are you steadfast in the breaking of bread? (Worship – Lord’s Supper Acts 2:42)
4. Are you steadfast in prayer? (Acts 2:42)
E. IF ANY MAN WILL, HE CAN PARTAKE OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY
1. Revelation 22:17
2. The final choice is up to the individual (Luke 9:23; Rev. 22:17).
3. Are you following Christ?
4. Are you exercising self-denial?
5. Do you daily bear his cross?
CONCLUSION.
A. We are now living in the time of probation.
1. We can pick and choose what we wish to do.
2. We are free to exercise our free moral agency; God respects our right to choose; He gave us this right.
3. Will you elect this day to seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God?
4. If you have not, will you begin now to put the Lord FIRST?
B. How much does the Lord mean to you?
1. With your life providing the answer, what is most important to you?
2. Do you love him with the entirety of your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

[Gleaned from Bob Winton]

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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