SWEAT AND BLOOD

Posted on February 20, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Teddy Roosevelt is quoted as saying:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

In a spiritual application, there are too many Christians who are not willing to put forth the sweat and blood that is needed for spiritual victory. Many do not care, and others are afraid of making a mistake – so they never try. The victories of Christianity belong to those who have “fought the good fight,” who “have finished the race,” and “have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). That is why Jude said that we must “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Jesus said, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Mat. 10:22).

Victory does not come to those who merely say they are a Christian. Victory comes to those who live Christianity.

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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PROTECTIVE WINGS

Posted on February 19, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Have you ever seen a chicken hawk go after its prey? The old mother hen is often aware of the presence of the hawk in time to gather her chicks under her wing. With a furious fuss she squawks till her brood is safe by her side. She fluffs out her wings and protects them with her own body. The chicken hawk dives and the old hen turns her body toward him and cocks a wary eye without moving from her children. The predator comes in again for the kill and the mother spreads her wings even wider. A third time he dives only to be thwarted by the determined self-sacrifice of the mother hen. She is too big to be a target and the chicks are too safe to be seized so he flies away.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Mat. 24:37). Jesus begged the Jews to come under His protective wing – but they would not. Thus, Jesus said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Mat. 23:38). They had refused the Lord’s protection and were left vulnerable – sure to be destroyed.

Today many are refusing the protective wings of the Lord. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3) and forgiveness is in Christ (Eph. 1:7). We have protection under His wings (1 Pt. 1:5), and the tools we need to overcome the pains of life (Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 10:13).

But remember we must get under His wings (Gal. 3:27) and remain there (Jn. 14:15; Rev. 2:10). Friends, don’t expose yourself to the “chicken hawks” of this world.

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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DO WE HAVE BIBLICAL AUTHORITY TO DEFEND OURSELVES?

Posted on February 18, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

DO WE HAVE BIBLICAL AUTHORITY TO DEFEND OURSELVES?

INTRODUCTION
A. Our topic for today is a very hot and controversial issue
1. Can a Christian be a policeman … serve in the military?
2. Do we have biblical authority to defend ourselves or someone else?
3. Is it right to employ lethal force to protect yourself and others?
4. 2 Peter 1:3

B. Self defense defined:
1. “The protecting of oneself from injury at the hand of others”
2. Self-defense is not about taking vengeance – it is not about punishing
criminals
3. Self-defense involves preserving one’s own health and life when it is
threatened by the actions of others
4. When we speak about using potentially lethal force in self-defense, we are
talking about using weapons to protect ourselves and others, even if the
weapons used could kill the attacker

DISCUSSION
A. BIBLICAL OBLIGATION TO PRESERVE LIFE
1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
a. We have an obligation to preserve our body and the life and body of others
b. We are not our own – we are bought with a price
2. Psalm 82:3-4
a. God’s moral principles never change
b. We have an obligation to protect those in danger
3. Proverbs 24:10-12
a. We have a moral obligation to “rescue” them who are in danger
b. We are not to have the attitude: “I know him not, he is no friend of mine;
why should I trouble myself about him?”
4. These principals of righteousness are brought forward in the New Testament
– the Law has changes but the principals remains the same

B. OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGES ON SELF-DEFENSE AND LETHAL FORCE
1. Exodus 22:2-3
a. If a man break into your house at night the taking of his life is justified –
because the intent of the intruder is unknown and one’s family must be
protected
b. If a man break into your house during the day he is to be treated as a thief
and not a murderer
2. Psalm 18:34; 144:1
a. The skill of the use of weapons are taught here
b. Whether literal of metaphorical to use of weapons is positively portrayed
here … weapons for defending yourself
3. In Nehemiah 4 the lives of the people of Israel were in danger
a. Nehemiah 4:11 … their enemies planned on killing them to stop the work
of building the wall around Jerusalem
b. Thus … Nehemiah 4:13-14
c. Nehemiah 4:17, 23

C. NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGES ON SELF-DEFENSE AND LETHAL FORCE
1. Luke 22:35-38
a. If they did not have a sword they were to sell something and buy one
1) A sword was not use for hunting
2) A sword was used for protection and war
b. The disciples were told to arm themselves … Make sure they have ample
protection
2. Luke 12:39
a. Jesus spoke favorably about the householder and his right to use force not
to allow his house to be broken into
b. This has a spiritual application – Jesus would not use something forbidden
to make a spiritual point
3. John 18:10-11
a. Jesus is saying: even though we have the right to employ our swords in
defense of this unrighteous arrest, we are intentionally putting aside our
lawful right and I am allowing myself to me taken without resistance
b. Jesus did not tell Peter to throw away his sword, but to put it away

D. THE SCRIPTURES MAKE THE ANALOGY BETWEEN WAR AND
SOLDIERS TO THAT OF CHRISTIAN WARFARE
1. Ephesians 6:10
2. Philippians 2:25
3. 2 Timothy 2:3-4
4. Philemon 1-2
5. Jesus would not use that which is sinful to make an analogy
6. The New Testament does not have laws for the Christian and the
non-Christians – the laws of Christ apply to all mankind
a. Marriage law applies to all
b. Fornication applies to all
c. Note Romans 13:1-6

E. OBJECTIONS TO A CHRISTIAN’S SELF-DEFENSE
1. Many think that Jesus taught “passivism”
2. Matthew 5:38-39
a. Christ teaches here against personal retaliation against insult and pride
b. No life is in danger in in these verse … Protection is not needed
3. Romans 12:17-21
a. We are not to take revenge or be involved in personal retaliation
b. “If it be possible…” (v. 18)
4. Romans 13:1-4
a. Some only goverment can protect – not Christians
b. But again, The New Testament does not have laws for the Christian and
the non-Christians – the laws of Christ apply to all mankind
5. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
a. This teaches that religion is not be of force – unlike Islam
b. This has nothing to do with protecting ourselves

CONCLUSION
A. Christians have biblical authority to protect themselves – even by lethal force
B. But, again, remember, this is not retaliation or veagence
1. We are not to take the law in our own hands
2. Christians have the biblical right to be armed and thus have the ability to
protect themselves and others

SERMON COMPILED BY DAVID HARRIS AND TOM MOORE

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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KNOWING TEMPTATION

Posted on February 12, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

“A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is … A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means – the only complete realist.” C. S. Lewis

How was Jesus victorious over temptation? He used the word of God (“It is written…” – Mt. 4:4, 7, 10). The word of God warns, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (Jam. 1:13-16). How can we overcome temptation? The same way Jesus did – we must use the word of God as our guide. “Be ye doers of the word, and hearers only” (Jam. 1:22).

Fighting temptation to sin is never easy, but worth the effort. If we fight the good fight of faith a crown of righteousness will be awaiting us (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Remember, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

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


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.”

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THE NEED FOR INVOLVEMENT

Posted on February 11, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

THE NEED FOR INVOLVEMENT

INTRODUCTION
A. Isaiah 57:1
1. Isaiah is writing to God’s people during a time of gross idolatry and
rebellion
2. Righteous martyrs were being killed without just cause
3. An invasion from the north was forthcoming
4. Multitudes did not seem to care – They just did not want to get
involved
5. Herein we see:
a. A lack of involvement
b. A lack of attention given
c. A lack of caring and concern demonstrated
d. A lack of effort to remedy the situation

B. They had neglected their relationships with:
1. God – Vertical
2. Their fellowman – Horizontal

C. “No man is an island, entire of himself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in all of mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; the bell tolls for thee.” (17th Century Poet John Dunn)
1. Those words hold an emotional charge for many – and should for all
2. People are not isolated from one another, but rather are
interconnected. Each one of us is deeply involved in all of mankind

3. Everything that happens anywhere in the world that effects people
should be a matter of our concern, especially as it pertains to the
Lord’s church

a. Illustration: In the state of Israel, the Jewish Knesset, bowing to
the wishes of the Orthodox Jews, passed a law stating that anyone
attempting to “proselyte” a Jew is subject to spend 15 years in a
Jewish prison

b. Illustration: In Sweden, Swedish lawmakers approved a
constitutional amendment that would criminalize opposition to
homosexuality. Anyone caught preaching against homosexuality
or opposing it in any way is subject to spend six months to four
years in a Swedish jail. This is one of several attempts to
criminalize Christianity.

c. Illustration: As a result of a strong Hindu influence among Indian
authorities, the Indian province of Tamil Nadu, has handed down a
new law forbidding the practice of “Christian baptism.” Anyone
caught doing this would be sentenced to five years in jail.

4. What are your feelings about these? Shock-Anger-Concern … there
is nothing in the world that does not affect us in some way –
especially the brethren

D. Since the beginning of time people have trouble with concern and
involvement
1. God asked Cain where his brother was. Cain said, “A I my brother’s
keeper” (Gen. 4:9)
2. Cain soon learned the answer to his question
3. The first murder occurred when Cain slew Abel
4. As a result of a lack of concern for his brother, Cain received a curse
and became a fugitive and a wanderer
5. How unfortunate it is that so many today are cursed by their own
lack of concern for their own fellowman

DISCUSSION
A. Listen to what Jesus says about involvement – or a lack thereof
1. Matthew 25:41-46 … They were condemned for their lack
of involvement with others in a helping way
2. Luke 16:19-31
a. Notice that:
1) Two men lived
2) Two men died
3) The situation of those two men in the next life was exactly the
opposite of what it had been in this life
a) The rich man became a beggar in Hades
b) The poor man because a rich man in Paradise
b. Notice that the rich man here is not described as being a murder or
a thief
c. His sin was that he disregarded the beggar Lazarus, who lay at his
gate full of sores
d. He didn’t get involved in helping the needs of others

B. A classic example of real involvement – The Good Samaritan
1. Luke 10:30-37
a. A man had been robbed and beaten
b. Notice the travelers that ventured by…
2. A Priest
a. A man of God – a teacher of the people
b. Notice he “saw him” and “passed by on the other side”
3. A Levite
a. They cared for the Tabernacle/Temple as well as performing other
duties
b. Notice he “came and looked on him, and passed by on the other
side”
4. A Samaritan
a. A man the Jews looked down upon
b. Notice what true compassion looks like in verse 34:
1) “Went to him” – Activity
2) “Bound up his wounds” – Helped immediately
3) “Poured in oil and wine” – Giving
4) “Set Him on his beast” – Inconvenience
5) “Brought him to an inn” – Time consuming
6) “Took care of him” – Sacrifice
5. The Robber saw an object to abuse (10:30)
6. The Religious saw an obstacle to avoid (10:31-32)
7. The Righteous saw an opportunity to aid (10:33-35)

8. The Application:
a. When we see an erring brother will our actions be that of the Priest
and Levite – or the Good Samaritan?
b. When we see the lost will our actions be that of the Priest and
Levite – or the Good Samaritan?
c. When we see those in need will our actions be that of the Priest
and Levite – or the Good Samaritan?
9. The world does not care how much you know until they know how
much you care

C. Resisting Responsibility
1. We live in an age when more and more people are running away
from involvement
a. they are resisting responsibility and saying, “I don not want to get
involved.”
b. In our day there is a disturbing tendency away from being
involved in the need of others
2. Why are people reluctant to become involved?
a. Fear
1) This leads people to think, “I don’t know how; I can’t”
2) We need to rise about fear
3) 1 John 4:18
b. Selfishness
1) This must never be a part of Christianity
2) 1 John 3:16-18
3) Romans 5:8
4) Galatians 2:20
c. Indifference
1) Many are unconcerned and uninterested – many just
do not seem to care
2) What if God were this way toward us?
3) Sadly many are indifferent toward others and the
Lord’s work
4) Revelation 3:15-17

CONCLUSION
A. The Lord needs your help with:
1. Involvement in the lives of people
2. Involvement in the work of the local congregation
B. Notice these two great attitude found in the Bible:
1. “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth” (1 Sam. 3:9)
2. “Here am I, send me” (Isa. 6:8)
C. These will be our attitudes if we will follow the instruction
found in Mark 12:30-31
D. Let’s get involved and make a difference in the world and
the Lord’s church

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FIVE VIEWS FROM THE CROSS

Posted on February 6, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

FIVE VIEWS FROM THE CROSS

INTRODUCTION
A. Setting the stage…
1. Matthew 27:27:26
2. John 19:17-18
3. Matthew 27:35-37

B. We have received great benefit as a result of what took place just outside the
walls of Jerusalem
1. Galatians 2:20
2. Galatians 6:14
3. Galatians 5:24

C. Let us travel back into history…
1. Passover was a busy time in Jerusalem
a. Every Jew wanted to be in Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover
b. The situation was so volatile that the ruling Romans reinforced the guards
for the occasion

2. With a crowd that large it is only reasonable to assume that there was a mass
of people at Calvary for such a public spectacle as a crucifixion
a. They were like many groups today – migrating to the spot of action
b. Something critical to all mankind was taking place outside one of the city
gates of Jerusalem

3. The victim that day was the one we claim as our Savior on this day

4. Jesus had gone through the mockery of a trial
a. He had gone without food and rest
b. He had been:
1) Hit with fists and slapped
2) Spat on – had His pulled (Isa. 50:6)
3) Crown of thorns … Scourged
c. No doubt, Jesus was in a terribly weakened state

5. The shameful procession to the place of crucifixion revealed a people whose
lives had not been tempered by God’s love

6. While Jesus was being crucified, hanging on the cross between two thieves,
awaiting His death, the pain He was feeling must have been excruciating
a. Nevertheless, in that great pain He was thinking of others – not Himself
b. What did Jesus see from the cross?

DISCUSSION
A. JESUS LOOKED AND SAW MISGUIDED PEOPLE
1. Luke 23:34 … Matthew 27:36
2. The crowd that gathered there, for the most part, was under the influence of
powerful men
a. They had been taught to trust the Sanhedrin in such matters
b. On this day the Sanhedrin had yielded to the influence of several powerful
men
c. They had set events in motion that moved so rapidly the people became
misguided
3. Jesus still loved them and wanted them to experience forgiveness
a. He took the initiative to forgive those misguided people
b. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”
4. Jesus looks at us today with a desire that we will know forgiveness

B. JESUS LOOKED AND SAW AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WANTED TO GO
TO HEAVEN…AND ANOTHER ONE WHO DID NOT
1. Luke 23:39-43
2. Even in the process of dying, Jesus took time to think of others
3. Notice the difference in the two men:
a. The one repented and was forgiven
b. The one who did not repent died in his sins
4. The same is true today
a. Some will listen and some will not
b. Some are interested and some are not
c. Some will obey the Gospel and some will not
5. Today, let us seek those who will…

C. JESUS LOOKED AND SAW TWO PEOPLE WHO NEEDED SPECIAL
ATTENTION – ONE WAS FAMILY – THE OTHER WAS A FRIEND
1. John 19:25-27
2. Jesus saw the broken heart of His mother
a. He knew how much she loved Him
b. He also knew that it was the oldest son’s responsibility to care for her
c. He instructed her to look to for her needs
3. Jesus saw His broken hearted friend, John
a. It appears that John was Jesus’ closest earthly friend
b. Jesus knew John needed a way to demonstrate his love
c. Even in His hour of pain, Jesus helped others
4. We should not be so self-centered that we are blinded to the needs of others…

D. JESUS LOOKED BACKWARD OVER TIME AND SAW ALL THE
FAITHFUL AND RIGHTEOUS THAT WOULD FINALLY BECOME
PERMANENTLY CLEANSED THAT DAY
1. Hebrews 9:11-15
2. The righteous people in the Old Testament, through their faithfulness and
animal sacrifices, had only paid the interest on the sin debt that they owed
3. Jesus, in His death, paid and removed the total sin debt for all Old testament
faithful … and us as well

E. JESUS LOOKED FORWARD ACROSS THE PAGES OF TIME AND
SAW YOU AND ME
1. Hebrews 9:26-28
a. Hebrews 9:22
b. Hebrews 10:19-25
2. His blood has the cleansing power to reach every sin committed since Genesis
3 when the first sin was committed, to the last sin committed in the future
before His return
a. Eternally speaking … You are no match for your sins
b. You cannot cleanse yourself by yourself
c. Only by the blood of Christ can you be made clean in God’s sight
d. Once you have obeyed the Gospel and have been
cleansed of every sin you have ever committed –
remember this… Romans 4:7-8

CONCLUSION
A. When Jesus was on the cross we were on His mind
B. Jesus cared enough to go to the cross for you and me
1. Will you care enough for Him to obey His commandments and come to the
Heavenly father through Him?
2. 1 John 5:3

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CHRISTIAN SYNERGY

Posted on January 25, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in V formation, you might be interested to know that science has discovered about why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Beloved, if Christians would use this same type of synergy in their efforts for the Lord think what great good in the Lord’s church we can accomplish!

Solomon puts it this way, “…a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:12). Jesus said, “If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mk. 3:25). United we stand – divided we fall! The apostle Paul declared, “Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). The Psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psa. 133:1)!

Let us work together in harmony, and in truth, for the common good of the Lord’s cause.

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


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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SEVEN I AM’s OF JESUS

Posted on January 21, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

SEVEN I AM’s OF JESUS

INTRODUCTION
A. Who do say that Jesus is?
1. Jesus asked this same question to His disciples about what others thought of
Him and then asked them what they thought of Him (Mt. 16:13-15)
2. Peter said… Matthew 16:16

B. On another occasion Jesus said… John 5:39

C. Deuteronomy 18:15-19
1. The scriptures says that Jesus was this prophet
a. John 5:46-47
b. Acts 3:19-22
2. Notice back in Deuteronomy 18 that it says they did not want to hear the voice
of the Lord anymore or see His glory in Horeb (v. 16).
3. Then God says He will put His words in a future prophet’s mouth if they do
not listen to his words, God will require it of him (vs. 18-19).
4. John 8:24

D. In the first century many of the Jews were berating Jesus for who He said he
was – Notice Jesus’ response … John 8:56-58

E. The “I Am’s” Jesus proclaimed in John’s account of the gospel helps us to really
understand what Jesus should mean to us…

DISCUSSION
A. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
1. John 6:48 … He gives us what we need
2. There are some basic things which we need to survive – food and water
a. Just as we need food to survive in a physical sense, so we need spiritual food
to survive.
b. Jesus is the spiritual food that we need. He is the answer to the craving of the
world.
c. John 6:49-51
a. With Jesus as our spiritual food we can live forever
b. The world can never provide this
3. Matthew 5:6
a. But many reject Christ as the “Bread”
b. John 6:66-68
4. Jesus gives what we need!

B. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
1. John 8:12 … Jesus is the light in our darkness
2. “Light” is a symbol of truth and darkness is a symbol of error and ignorance
3. John 1:4
a. Jesus is the light of the world because He is both the possessor and bearer of
light to mankind, having come into the world to make the way of the Father
known.
b. “Light,” as here used, is not synonymous with salvation but is the source
from which it springs since where there is no light there is no salvation.
4. Thus those who follow Him do not walk in the darkness of error but are
privileged to have “the light of life.”
a. Those possessed of the light, “walk in the light as he is in the light” …
1 John 1:7
b. Those walk in the light become light-bearers to others… Matthew 5:14-16
5. Ephesians 5:8-14
6. But here is a problem …
a. John 3:19-20
b. But… John 3:21

C. I AM THE DOOR
1. John 10:9 … Jesus brings us to where otherwise we could
not go
2. Jesus is the entrance into security and fellowship.
a. The point is that only through the Lord, and by means of His way is salvation
possible – the sheep had to pass through the Shepherd to enter the sheep fold
b. As the “door,” Jesus will allow no one to enter who does not belong
1) He is the protector
2) In ancient times the shepherd was the door to the sheepfold
3. Ephesians 2:18

D. I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
1. John 10:11 … He cares for us and gives us what we need
2. A shepherd provides direction, food, water, healing, and protection for his
sheep…
3. Jesus is our Shepherd
a. Psalm 23
b. Hebrews 13:20
c. 1 Peter 2:25
4. Our Shepherd provides:
1) Direction
2) Food and water
3) Healing
4) Protection

E. I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
1. John 11:25 … Jesus is the live giver – brings us from death to spiritual life
2. The personal pronoun is emphatic in the Greek text; I, and no other, am the
resurrection and the life. He was the origin, the design and the power of both;
in no way were they obtainable except by him.
3. The most penetrating of all questions is that of death. The facts of death speak
against our human pride and self sufficiency.
a. Death reminds us that all is not well and that we are in need of help.
b. Jesus is our hope in death, He is the help that we need, the answer to our
greatest longing for life.
4. Even though we die physically we can live spiritually throughout eternity
a. 1 John 1:1-2
b. We are resurrected in two senses:
1) Romans 6:3-4
2) John 5:28-29
c. Eternal life can only be found in Jesus

F. I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE
1. John 14:6 … Jesus guides us through life’s difficult ways
2. Jesus is the Way
a. The pronoun “I” is emphatic: “I (and no other) am the way…” The way
where? To the Father!
b. Acts 4:12
c. By virtue of His atonement heaven is opened.
3. Jesus is the Truth
a. Jesus is the embodiment of all that is necessary for us to know to reach
heaven. He is the Word, the personification of all saving truth
b. John 1:17
c. John 17:17
4. Jesus is the Life
a. Jesus is the source and preserver of life
b. 1 John 5:12

G. I AM THE TRUE VINE
1. John 15:1 … Jesus makes us unbelievably successful
2. He is the “true” vine; literally, the real and genuine vine, and perfect in fruit-
bearing, as opposed to one without life-giving properties, unable to supply the
vitality needed by the branches.
a. John 15:2-8
b. The vine gives life to plant and we must abide in the vine to bear fruit
c. To abide in the vine we must abide in His words
d. We glorify God by baring fruit
e. If we do not abide in the vine we are cast forth and burned

CONCLUSION
A. It should be easy to see how important Jesus is to our
spiritual lives
B. Many say they know and love Jesus, but…
1. John 14:15
2. Mark 16:16

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ABORTION – It’s Been 40 years

Posted on January 21, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

It’s been forty years since it’s been legal in our nation to abort children in the womb. What blessings have been forfeited for such faithlessness? We still reel from the memory of losing about 3000 of our fellow citizens on 9/11. Yet many are numb to the fact that approximately the same number of lives have been taken each day for the last 40 years by abortion.

Tune in tonight to the Harris and Moore Expedition through the Bible at http://www.harrisandmoore.org as we discuss what the Bible has to say about abortion.

Listen in at 7:00pm CST as we discuss this important moral issue.

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
1300 East Boynton Street
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

Welcome


https://fromthepreacherspc.org/
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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.”

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THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

Posted on January 14, 2013 by from the Preachers PC

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

INTRODUCTION
A. A young preacher decided to try preaching a sermon on the second coming of Christ without any notes. He memorized each point carefully, including a dramatic introduction. Stepping into the pulpit, he sounded forth the beginning words of Revelation 22:7 “Behold, I come!” But then he forgot what came next! Hoping to jog his memory, he quoted it again, a little louder and more dramatically: “Behold, I Come!” Still, he couldn’t remember what came next! In a last-ditch effort to salvage his sermon, he took a few steps back, then launched forward shouting, “BEHOLD, I COME!” His momentum carried him over the top of the lectern into the lap of a good old sister on the front row. “I’m so sorry, sister,” the preacher sputtered. “It’s all right, sonny,” the old sister replied. “You warned me three times you wuz a’ comin!”

B. Acts 1:11
1. Confusion abounds about the second coming of Christ.
2. My friends, there are many who are gazing into space – not prepared for when our Lord comes again

C. Daniel Webster was once asked: “What is the most serious thought that ever occupied your mind?” He replied, “My individual responsibility to God.”
1. Song by J.H. Stanley, “Careless soul, O heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone; O how sad to face the judgment – unprepared to meet thy God.”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10
3. Song: “There’s a great day coming, a great day coming, There’s a great day coming by and by, when the saints and sinners will be parted right and left,
Are you ready for that day to come?”
4. When Paul stood on Mar’s Hill, he declared that God … Acts 17:31

DISCUSSION
A. Jesus IS Coming Again!
1. Jesus Himself promised that He would … John 14:1-3
2. The angels said that He would … Acts 1:11
3. The apostles taught that He would
a. Paul … 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
b. Peter … 2 Peter 3:9-10
c. John … 1 John 2:28; 3:2

B. No Man Knows When Jesus Will Return … Matthew 24:36
1. No one know when the Second Coming of Christ will be – except the Father
2. People have been setting dates for centuries – but they are ALWAYS wrong!
a. There was group in the 2nd century AD that sold their belongings, waited for Jesus to return. He didn’t! Police had to disperse them because they
resorted to stealing to survive.
b. William Miller (Adventist) set specific day in 1843. When it failed, he revised his calculations to 1844. That also failed, and he faded from the scene
(Ellen White replaced him)
c. Watchtower (JWs) predicted the “end of the present order of things” for 1914, 1918, 1925, & 1975 (perhaps other times too?)
d. Numerous pre-millennial leaders said the “end” would be within 40 yrs. (one generation) of 1948 (when Israel became a nation). So, the end should
have come no later than 1988!
3. What about the “signs”?
a. Whenever we hear of famines, earthquakes, wars, etc. (esp. in Middle East), you can know the “doomsdayers” and prophecy mongers will be writing
more books and making more videos announcing that the end is just around the corner (cf. what happened re: Gulf War; Y2K; 9-11, Mayan Calendar,
etc.)
b. The “signs” of Matthew 24 were concerning the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) – NOT concerning 2nd coming of Christ
c. No “signs” will precede His return
1) Matthew 24:37-44 … life will go on as usual – His return will be sudden and unexpected
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:2
3) 2 Peter 3:10
4) The Lord will come as a “thief in the night” (how many “signs” does a thief give that he is going to come and rob your house?)

C. What Will Happen When Jesus Returns?
1. NOT a second chance for unbelievers … Hebrews 9:27-28
2. NOT the establishment of an earthly kingdom over which Jesus reigns for 1000 calendar years
a. The kingdom of Christ is here NOW, and Christ is reigning NOW
1) Jesus said the kingdom would be established during the lifetime of the people to whom He spoke in … Luke 9:27
2) Peter said on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection that Christ was on David’s throne (Acts 2:29-36)
3) Christians are NOW in Christ’s kingdom (Col. 1:13)
4) Jesus is NOW King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15)
b. At His return, Jesus will NOT establish His kingdom, but will deliver it back to God the Father
1) 1 Corinthians 15:24
2) The return of Christ marks the end, not the beginning, of His reign
c. What will happen at our Lord’s return?…
3. When Jesus returns, He will raise the dead
a. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23
b. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
c. John 5:28-29
4. When Jesus returns, He will judge everyone
a. Matthew 25:31-46 (note vs. 31-33)
b. 2 Corinthians 5:10
5. When Jesus returns, He will destroy the material creation … 2 Peter 3:10-12
6. When Jesus returns, He will take the redeemed home
to Heaven
a. John 14:1-3
b. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
D. THERE WILL BE REWARDS IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
1. For the wicked a horrifying reward is given.
a. Matthew 25:46
b. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
2. Even in the church, a division is going to be made of the sheep & the goats…
a. Matthew 13:38-43
b. Here we learn that the reaping of the earth is done by the angels of God.
c. The manner of judgment is not a difficult one; but left to humans, it would be an impossible task.
3. For the faithful, it will be the greatest of all rewards.
a. 2 Corinthians 5:1
b. John 14:1-3
c. It is hard to imagine the excitement and joy in that which is to come. Even as Paul was preparing to part this life, he said … 2 Timothy 4:6-8

E. WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE BE TO HIS COMING?
1. Given the uncertainty of when He is coming, we must prepare ourselves as though today is The Day!
2. 1 Peter 4:18
3. Philippians 2:12

CONCLUSION
A. Jesus IS coming again – there is no doubt that the Bible teaches this.
B. “When” is an unknown. Our task is not to speculate, but to be prepared for that day, whenever it may come.
C. Jesus will raise the dead, judge the world, destroy the world, and take the redeemed home to Heaven.
D. If Jesus came right now, would you be ready?

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