CUSTODIANS OF THE TRUTH

Posted on August 9, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

CUSTODIANS OF THE TRUTH

INTRODUCTION

A. Romans 2:11-16

B. Now and then we hear of someone falling heir to some
priceless treasure without having any concept of the
importance or value of what he has, and then proceeding to
be irresponsible in his custodianship of the thing.

C. Or, we may be in someone’s home who beams with pride as
he shows off his expensive library of books – all of which are
evidently unused!

D. The people of Ephesus apparently were proud of their
custodianship of the temple and the image of Diana –
Acts 19:35

E. The Jews were proud of their “custodianship” of the oracles
of God.

1. Romans 3:1-2

2. Deuteronomy 4:5-8

3. Romans 9:4-5

4. The Jews did not do with the word of God what they
should have – Romans 2:17-24

F. Do we have this same problem of seeing ourselves as the
“custodians of the truth” without acceptance of the
attendant responsibilities?

DISCUSSION

A. IN A SENSE, WE ARE “CUSTODIANS” OF
GOD’S TRUTH

1. This thought is seen on the Gospel Hymn – “Swiftly We’re
Turning” … the chorus:  “Into our hands the gospel is given”

2. We are not apostles, and hence not “stewards” of the
gospel in the strictest sense – 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

3. But there is a secondary sense in which we have been
“entrusted” with God’s word – and we need to be faithful
in keeping that trust – 2 Timothy 2:2

4. In a world where the Bible is twisted and bent to fit
every imaginable religious idea, we must determine to
be those who reverently and accurately handle the
saving truth of the gospel

a. 1 Timothy 3:15

b. Titus 2:10

c. 2 Timothy 2:15

5. It is our duty to maintain and continuously teach
genuine respect for the truth and authority of the
Scriptures.

B. BUT WE ARE NOT TO BE ONLY
CUSTODIANS OF THE TRUTH

1. We must not be lifted up with pride about our
relationship to the truth – Romans 2:17-20

2. We must not “guard” the truth without doing the truth

a. We must not be hypocrites who preach but do not
practice – Matthew 23:1-4

b. We must be doers, as well as hearers, of God’s word.

1) James 1:22

2) James 4:17

3) Matthew 7:21-23

3. We must not “guard” the truth without using it

a. Truth is not a museum relic to be preserved.

b. It is a tool – a useful utensil – meant to be used.

c. We are to use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God” (Eph. 6:17).

4. We must not keep the truth to ourselves and not share it

a. Psalm 40:9-10

b. 1 Thessalonians 1:8

c. 2 Kings 7:9

5. In sharing the truth, we must not expect the lost to come
and get it from us – we must take it to those who need it.

a. The conscientious shepherd goes out to look for the
sheep that are lost – Luke 15:4-7

b. Luke 19:10

C. WE MUST ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITIES
INHERENT IN WHAT WE KNOW

1. The more we are privileged to know about God’s truth,
the more responsibility we have as a result – Luke 12:47-48

a. Item: We believe we possess the truth about the work of
the church and the proper method of doing benevolent
work.

1) But how much do we actually help others?

2) Galatians 6:10

3) Many will be lost because of what they did not do

a) Matthew 25:31-46

b) James 2:14-17

b. Item: We believe we have correct notions about the
subject of morality, Christian living, true spirituality,
etc.

1) But what do we personally do to encourage and
strengthen the spiritually weak?

2) 1 Thessalonians 5:14

c. Item: We believe we have right concepts about how to
worship God correctly.

1) But how often do we worship God as we know to do?

2) And when we worship, do we truly worship from the
heart?

3) 1 Samuel 15:22-23

d. Item: We believe we understand the truth about God’s
plan of salvation.

1) But how much personal evangelism are we engaging
in?

2) Are we withholding the true plan of salvation from our
neighbors?

a) Acts 20:20

b) Acts 20:26-27

3) And when we do share the gospel, are we doing so
with an arrogant, condescending spirit?

a) Do we have the attitude of the Jewish leaders? –
John 7:49

b) John 9:34

2. In all spiritual concerns, the privilege of possessing the
truth is vain if we do not do what we should as a
consequence of possessing it – Romans 2:13, 25-29

CONCLUSION

A. On the positive side, there is a wonderful “blessedness” in
doing the Lord’s will – James 1:25

B. We are wise if we not only hear, but do – Luke 6:46-49

C. God had a quite practical reason for revealing everything
He did to us – Deuteronomy 29:29

D. May we have the disposition of Ezra to “seek the Law of
the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances
in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

 

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LANDMARKS

Posted on August 8, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

During World War II allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin. Retreating German soldiers switched road signs and destroyed landmarks in an effort to confuse their enemy. And, to an extent, it worked, for many a G.I. followed a false marker only to end up in the wrong place. That just goes to show the need for landmarks, the importance of reliable signposts by which to steer.

Locally we all have landmarks as well – the courthouse, etc. that are important in helping us find our bearings. Why, if some villain came in one night and removed our signposts, the next day would become a bewildering jumble of uncertainties, and we’d all be lost.

The Israelites had custom of setting boundary stones to mark out property. Just as we do today, so our Hebrew forefathers did then. Wells, fords, buildings, and stone sentinels were their guides. Hence the strict law: “Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set” (Pro. 22:28).

We live in a day of rapid change, and this law is being grossly ignored. Our spiritual heritage is being bulldozed to clear the way for ungodly development. Many professors, authors, and preachers are twisting the guideposts in the minds and hearts of many a wandering soul. Bible traditions are forgotten, and “thus saith the Lord” is being ignored. The result is spiritual chaos – social confusion and rootless individualism. We live in a society that’s lost its bearings and is adrift on a sea of ungodly change.

Friends it’s time to get back to the Bible. “Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set.”

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.wordpress.com/

http://www.syfirst.org

“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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DANGEROUS NATIONS FACING THE CHURCH

Posted on August 3, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

DANGEROUS NATIONS FACING THE CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

A. For those who love to worry, current events continue to
give them much opportunity.

1. When the atomic age began, many built fallout shelters in
their back yards, convinced that a nuclear attack was
eminent.

2. We “fought” the “cold war” for decades.

3. We continually develop newer and much more powerful
weapons

4. Some were certain in the past that we would surely fall to
communism at any moment

5. As a result of all of this many learned to fear the Russians
and the Red Chinese

6. Currently we worry about terrorism and the nations behind
this fear factor

B. In this lesson I want to ask you what nations are the
most dangerous to the church today?

1. Some might be surprised that Muslim Nations are not the
ones that we should fear most

2. What are the nations that we should fear most?

a. Which ones are the most dangerous?

b. Let us proceed and see!

DISCUSSION

A. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF DOMINATION

1. The government of the church is spelled out in detail
in the Scriptures

a. Christ is the head of the church – Ephesians 5:22-24

1) Christ is the head of the church

2) Therefore, the church is subject to Christ

b. Elders are the appointed authority of the local
congregation

1) Paul talking to the Ephesian elders – Acts 20:28

2) Therefore the local congregation – Hebrews 13:17

2. © Too often, though, a man or a woman, is allowed to
become “dictator” in the church.

a. There was such a one written about in  –  3 John 9-10

b. The Lord is to be the only dictator in the church

B. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF ABOMINATION

1. In many ways a Christian or a congregation can become
something that will make God sick  – Revelation
3:14-16

2. We need to remember that all the ways of the wicked are
an abomination unto the Lord

a. Proverbs 8:7 – sin is an abomination

b. Proverbs 11:1 – dishonesty is an abomination

c. Proverbs 15:9 – evil actions are an abomination

d. Proverbs 15:26 – evil thoughts are an abomination

e. Proverbs 16:5 – pride/arrogance is an abomination

f. Proverbs 21:27 – the worship of the wicked is an
abomination

g. Proverbs 28:9 – some prayers are an abomination

3. We must keep ourselves and the church pure that we
not become an abomination unto the Lord

C. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF CONDEMNATION

1. It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter what the
world is saying about the church, it doesn’t matter what one
congregation says about another congregation, as long the
local congregation is doing the will of God

2. All too often we are more concerned about the
condemnation of men than we are the condemnation of
God!

3. 1 Corinthians 11:34

a. Many were in danger of coming into condemnation
because they had corrupted to worship of God

b. They had turned the worship of God into a common
meal

4. John 3:19

a. When the church begins to love darkness more than the
light we will be condemned

b. When the church begins to care more for their own
wants than God’s we will be condemned

5. Romans 8:1

a. We must be in Christ to avoid condemnation

b. We must walk after the Spirit to avoid condemnation

6. Remember condemnation begins in the house of God –
1 Peter 417

D. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF PROCRASTINATION

1. Getting people to put things off is one of the devil’s
greatest weapons

a. As one procrastinates in doing a certain thing, over time
that thing needing to be done will be forgotten

b. We need to understand that procrastination will end in
destruction   –   2 Chronicles 29:11

2. Many are procrastinating when it comes to becoming a
Christian

a. 2 Corinthians 6:2

b. Acts 24:25

3. Romans 13:11 – each day we are one day closer to the
judgment, and one day we will have no more chances

4. Therefore  – Ephesians 5:14

E. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF DISCRIMINATION

1. The danger lies not so much in the church being
discriminated by those without, but by practicing such
within the church ourselves.

2. The church of our Lord is not to discriminate because
of:

a. Race

b. Social status

c. Wealth

d. Heritage

3. James 2:1-10

a. They were guilty of showing respect of persons

b. This is sin … We must fulfill the royal law

4. Galatians 3:26-28

F. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER OF CONTAMINATION

1. We need to remember that the church is only as pure
as those who make it up!

2. Pollution is not just a problem in our environment, it is
also a problem in the church

3. James 1:27

4. Many in the first century were not doing this:

a. 1 Corinthians 5:1-6

b. 1 Corinthians 11:20-21 – they had polluted the Lord’s
Supper into a common meal

5. Many today are polluting the Lord’s church

a. Trying to be like the world

b. Trying to bring in the philosophies of men

G. THE CHURCH IS IN DANGER DENOMINATION

1. For those who still try to hold to the “Old Paths,”
the move toward Denominationalism seems not to be
possible

a. But I assure you is happening in many places

b. For years, the denominations have tried to make us one
of them

c. Today, they are succeeding at an alarming rate.

2. Liberals among the Lord’s church cherish the thought
of being unified with the denominational world

3. Change agents are trying to turn the church into a
denomination through such things as:

a. Unity in Diversity

b. Promise Keepers

c. Having traditional and contemporary worship services

d. Changing God’s plan of salvation, etc.

4. But the Bible says:

a. 1 Corinthians 1:10

b. John 17:20-22

CONCLUSION

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HYPOCRISY

Posted on August 2, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

HYPOCRISY

By Tom Moore

The story is told about a father complaining about the amount of time his family spent in front of the television. His children watched too many cartoons and neglected their homework. His wife preferred watching soap operas as opposed to doing housework. What is his solution? He declares, “As soon as the football season is over, I’m going to pull the plug.” Hypocrisy! Someone once said, “Hypocrisy is like a pin. It is pointed in one direction, and yet headed in another.”

Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines hypocrisy as an “act of playing a part on stage; a feigning to be what one is not; the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion.” A hypocrite is one who fakes virtues or qualities he does not have.

In any great forest you will find huge trees. They tower above other trees and appear to be the very picture of strength and maturity. However, loggers will sometimes not even bother to cut down these huge trees. At first one wonders, “Why leave them? – After all, a tree that big must contain twice or three times the amount of limber as a smaller tree.” The reason is simple. Huge trees are often rotten on the inside. They are the hollow trees that children’s picture books show raccoons living in. And they are the trees that are often blown over in a strong windstorm because, while they appear to be the picture of strength, in fact their hollowness makes them weak. This is the essence of hypocrisy – appearing strong on the outside, but hollow and rotten on the inside.

One of the saddest things about hypocrisy is that many in the Lord’s church have succumbed to this deadly playacting. Some Christians try to outwardly appear faithful and concerned about the Lord’s work, but inwardly they are worldly – they are only pretenders. Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Mt. 23:27-28). Jesus said we must beware of hypocrisy (Lk. 12:1). Paul speaks of hypocrisy when he says, “They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Tit. 1:16).

In our present day many are hypocrites in worship. Our Lord declared, “Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Mt. 15:7-9). How many Christians come to the assembly to worship, but have left their heart elsewhere? Simply “going through the motions” is not pleasing worship to God – it is hypocrisy!

Many Christians are hypocrites when they see only the faults of others and refuse to see their own. “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me cast out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye” (Lk. 6:41-42).

One can be hypocritical when they try to make laws where God has not made them. Our Lord warned, “But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, these eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath?” (Lk. 13:15-16).

There are many other ways that one can be a hypocrite that are just too numerous to mention. But remember this, hypocrites are great pretenders. Thus, let us be warned, for the Great and Almighty Judge said that hypocrites will not go to heaven (Mt. 24:51)!

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THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Posted on August 1, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

By Tom Moore

God has revealed His will to us exclusively through the Bible. Peter informs us, “For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).  We have in the Holy Scriptures the expressed will of God, penned by men who were guided by the Holy Spirit. For this reason Paul said that the Scriptures are inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16).

One of the ways in which the Bible instructs us is through its silence. Peter proclaimed, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Pet. 4:11). From this statement a motto in the Restoration Movement of the early nineteenth century was coined: “We speak where the Bible is speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent.” Because of this motto, it is common to refer to this attitude as “the silence of the scriptures.”

The phrase “silence of the scriptures” is not found verbatim form in the Bible, but the principle is found repeatedly through the pages of holy writ. Moses, a great leader of Israel, announced, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). Moses, by inspiration, informs us that it is a sin to “diminish,” or to change the requirements that God has set forth. It is equally as clear that we are not to “add to” the word of God. To add to the will of God is to speak where God has not spoken, and thus, to sin against God.

Balaam realized the principle of the “silence of the scriptures.” Notice what he declares, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of Jehovah, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; what Jehovah speaketh, that will I speak” (Num. 24:13). To go beyond the commandments of the Lord is to have no respect for the silence of the scriptures; and therefore, no respect for God.

Another example is found in the book of Leviticus 10. “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded them. And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and devoured them, and they died before Jehovah” (Lev. 10:1-2)[emp. mine TM]. God had specified what he wanted, and did not have to detail all that He did not want. Jehovah simply stated what He wanted and that automatically eliminated all else. One does not have to be a “rocket scientist” to understand the principle of the “silence of the scriptures,” and our need to comply with its teachings.

We also see the principles of the “silence of the scriptures” in the New Testament. Paul wised for the Corinthian Christians “that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written” (1 Cor. 4:5). Paul warns his brethren in Corinth not to violate the “silence of the scriptures.” We must be concerned solely with what the Bible says, and not go beyond what it teaches.

The penalty for violating the “silence of the scriptures” is vividly seen in Revelation 22:18-19. John writes, “I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.” Violating the “silence of the scriptures” has serious consequences! Remember Nadab and Abihu?

There are basically two views held concerning the concept of “the silence of the scriptures.” Consider first the WRONG VIEW: “If the Bible does specifically prohibit an action, then it is all right to engage in that activity.” To all those who hold fast the truth, this is a very terrifying view, for it is easy to imagine where this view could lead. It would literally open the “flood gates” for all types of falsehoods.

Many, if not most, of the proponents of instrumental music in worship would, in an attempt to argue their case say, “Well, the Bible does not say you can’t use instrumental music in worship. Therefore, it must be all right.” If this reasoning were correct, then it would be all right for us to have hamburgers and cokes for the Lord’s Supper. This, of course, is an absurd view.  This violates “the law of exclusion.”

What is “the law exclusion?” Well, we use it almost every day. For example, Let’s say you go to a restaurant and order a bowl of soup and a salad, and they bring you a bowl of soup, a salad, an order of fries, and a piece of pie. What would your reaction be? If you are like most folks you would protest and say, “I didn’t order the fries and pie!” What if the waiter comes back and says, “Well, you didn’t say not to.” Would you go for that? No, of course not. You do not have to go through the whole menu and inform the waiter of what you do not want – you order what you do want and that automatically eliminates all else. We understand and use the “law of exclusion” in our every day lives, why can’t some understand it in spiritual matters?

Let’s notice a biblical example of the “law of exclusion.” In Numbers 20 the Israelites, as they had many times before, began to murmur for a lack of water. Moses approaches the Lord with the situation, and the Almighty tells Moses to “take the rod, and assemble the congregation … and speak ye unto the rock” (Num. 20:8), and this action would produce water for the people. But as is seen in Numbers 20:11-12, Moses violated the “law of exclusion” by striking the rock – thus showing that he did not truly believe in the Lord, failing to sanctify Him before Israel. As a result Moses was not allowed to enter the PromiseLand. The three things that God commanded automatically excluded all else. Notice that God did not tell Moses NOT to strike the rock. God simply told Moses what He wanted and that eliminated all else.

Can you imagine the size our Bibles would be if God chose to specifically tell us everything that we were not to do? Our Bibles would of such size we could not carry them. They might not even fit into our houses! We see the wisdom, therefore, of “silence of the scriptures” and “the law of exclusion.”

The CORRECT VIEW of “the silence of the scriptures” is that “man cannot do anything that God has not authorized.” Remember that God authorizes through direct statement, implication, and example. The apostle Paul declared, “And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). Acts 4:7-10 clearly shows that “in the name of” is the same as by the authority of.  “Now  these  things,  brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written” (1 Cor. 4:16). We will be judged by what is written – not by what is not written (Jn. 12:48; Rev. 20:12). We should not concern ourselves with what “is not written,” but with WHAT IS WRITTEN. Let us give heed to and understand the principle of the silence of the scriptures. The destiny of our souls hangs in the balances. What will your destiny be?

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IS ONE CHURCH AS GOOD AS ANOTHER?

Posted on July 31, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

IS ONE CHURCH AS GOOD AS ANOTHER?

INTRODUCTION

A. Matthew 16:18

1. Ephesians 1:22-23

2. 1 Timothy 3:15

B. In the general public, many are cynical about the
numerous “Christian denominations” today – the notion
that one church is as good as another has given way to
the contemptuous view that churches as a whole are
unnecessary.

C. In the churches, the “ecumenical” movement (which
promotes worldwide unity among denominations) is
popular, and denominational mergers are often in the
news.

1. “Unity in diversity” is the basic principle of ecumenism

2. According to ecumenism, the various groups which
profess Christianity are more alike than they are different,
and since they have so much in common they can have
“unity” despite their disagreements.

D. Many have long believed it does not matter which church
one belongs to, as long as one is sincere.

1. Popular evangelists advise people to “join the church of
your choice.”

2. Common views:

a. If one needs a church, any church will do. One is
pretty much as good as another.

b. Churches are like vitamin tablets in a bottle – it
matters that you take one, but it does not matter
which one.

c. When it comes to churches, they are interchangeable
for all practical purposes.

E. One fellow compared churches to motor oil: “There are
many different brands with slight differences, but any
one of the major brands will get the basic job done.”

F. But does this viewpoint stand up to close examination?

DISCUSSION

A. COMMON SENSE

1. As already mentioned, indifference is usually the
forerunner of cynicism – when one (in the name of
open-mindedness) gets too lazy to make up his mind
which side he is on, the next thing is to flatter himself
that he is above the fray altogether.

a. Mark it down, the fellow who says any church will do
is likely to be a fellow who, deep down, thinks all
churches are pretty much irrelevant to real life.

b. If it does not matter what one believes, can it matter
whether one believes at all?

2. Can we not see that this issue is too important and urgent
to be cynical about?

3. Do we believe truth can contradict itself – or be
whatever we want it to be?

4. Surely our disposition ought to be like that of the Bereans

a. Acts 17:11 … does that sound like it doesn’t matter
what one believes?

b. Revelation 2:2

1) It does matter what we believe

2) Therefore one church is not as good as another

B. SCRIPTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. A person today looking for the Lord’s church is in
much the same position as a first-century person
looking for the Messiah Himself!

a. The question “Could this be the Christ?” was a
question one could not afford to be wrong about

1) John 4:29

2) John 7:25-31

b. But there were many who claimed to be the Christ

1) Acts 5:36-37

2) Matthew 24:5, 24

c. Were any of the many “Messiahs” who appeared
then as good as any of the others?

d. What was the likelihood that one of these, out of all the
others, was the “one true Messiah”?

2. Today, if we have correctly identified the Messiah,
would we want to connect ourselves to any church that
this Messiah did not acknowledge as belonging to
Him?

3. The truth is, Christ does not acknowledge just any
church that professes Him.

4. Apostasy was predicted early on

a. 1 Timothy 4:1

b. Some congregations soon disregarded Christ’s authority
such that He was about to disavow them

1) Revelation 2:5

2) Revelation 3:16

c. Then and now, faith and practice matters
enormously  – Matthew 7:21

5. As with individuals, churches that go beyond the
“doctrine of Christ” forfeit the right to wear His name
–  2 John 9

C. A BASIC POINT OFTEN OVERLOOKED

1. If we ask whether one “has to be a member of the
Church of Christ to be saved,” we are probably missing
a crucial point.

2. The Lord’s church is not the one “correct”
denomination that one must find to be saved.

3. The church of the Lord consists simply of Christians,
those who have been “added to the Lord”

a. Acts 11:24

b. Acts 2:47

c. The Lord’s “disciples” are not members of any
denomination.

d. They cease to be the Lord’s disciples if they attach
themselves to any congregation or organization operating
outside the boundaries of Christ’s authority  –
Luke 6:46

4. It needs to be recognized that if one is in any
denomination at all, he is in something that came along
many years after the Lord’s church began.

CONCLUSION

A. In the New Testament, the question of which church to be a
part of is the question of which congregation to associate
with – not which denomination to join.

B. The person who has genuinely obeyed the gospel of Christ
will want to submit to the Lord’s will the question of which
congregation to work and worship with – Colossians
3:17

1. We must seek His will about all such vital questions.

2. That can only be discerned by a prayerful, honest
investigation of the Scriptures

a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

b. 2 Peter 1:3

C. Thus the more basic question is whether one has actually
obeyed the gospel.

1. The question of whether one is actually a Christian – and
in fellowship with Christ – is a most important question.

2. If a group of churches do not teach the truth about this,
they can hardly belong to the Lord.

 

 

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READ THE NEW TESTAMENT

Posted on July 30, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

The New Testament of Jesus Christ contains:

181,253 words

7959 verses

260 chapters

27 books

Did you know an average reader (8 verses a minute) who spends 30 minutes a day can read the entire New Testament through in 30 days?  Do that every day and one would read the New Testament through 12 times in a year.  Do that for just 10 years and one will have read the New Testament through 120 times! 

Our unfamiliarity with the Bible is a witness against us.  No larger than what the New Testament is, why haven’t we mastered that material?  We’ve been Christians for years, decades even, yet we fumble through the pages unsure of our destination.

You would think that a book, the only book, which gives us directions to Heaven would be consumed and devoured by people wanting to go to Heaven.  You would think that such a small amount of material, which directly affects our eternal destiny would be read, studied, analyzed, and mastered. 

Friends, there’s no excuse.  Our ignorance betrays us.  We’ve chosen the world over the Word.  But it’s not too late.  Most who read this message will have another ten years to live.  Spend a half hour every day for those next ten years and you will have read the New Testament through 120 times!  Think of it!  Such little effort put forth for such great results!  What awaits you?  Just…

27 books

260 chapters

7959 verses

181,253 words

Read 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

http://harrisandmoore.org

https://fromthepreacherspc.wordpress.com/

http://www.syfirst.org

“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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SCRIPTURAL IN NAME

Posted on July 27, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

SCRIPTURAL IN NAME

Tom Moore

As we look about the religious world of our day we will discover hundreds of names that supposedly represent the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood. At the same time, as we look into holy writ we become aware of the fact that God clearly instructs that most of these names are not biblical – thus, having no scriptural authority. Since these names are without biblical authority – it is unbiblical and disrespectful to adopt them as followers of Christ.

Man-made names are condemned in the New Testament. The apostle Paul declared that we all are “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” and “Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos: and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10). To give honor to a person such as “Luther” over the name of Christ is to divert honor belonging only to Christ. To exalt an ordinance such as “baptism” is to lift it higher than the name that is above every name – Christ. Paul warned the early church against doing such evils – and the same warning holds true for us today.

The church that Jesus built has no one exclusive name, but has several designations giving us proof of ownership. Jesus refers to His church as “My church” (Matthew 16:18) – therefore, it is the Lord’s church – not man’s. God refers to His church as the “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2). This, of course, shows ownership. The Lord’s church is called “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). Paul said, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). The Almighty refers to His church as the “churches of Christ’ (Romans 16:16). Paul is referring to various local congregations, designating them as belonging to Christ. Christ is the owner of the church – therefore, His name should be on the title.  The church is also referred to as the “body of Christ” (Colossians 1:24). It is the body  which belongs to Christ. The church is also describes as the “bride of Christ” (Revelation 21:2), the “church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15), and the “house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15).

These names are not denominational names, and they do not refer to different churches. These are names referring to the one true church we read about in the New Testament. These names glorify the Father and the Son. These are the names God has chosen for His church.

Marshall Keeble, once commenting on the importance of a name, related this illustration that a check is no good without a name. Brother Keeble told of a preacher who was conducting a meeting in a certain city. There was a lady who attended every night and heard him assert that there was nothing in a name. He said that they were to work out their salvation, and the name had nothing to do with it. He made this point over and over in his sermon. One night the lady told him that she would like to make a contribution to his ministry. The next day the preacher went to her house to pick up the money. She gave him a check and he went directly to the bank to cash it. The cashier returned the check to him saying that there was no name signed to it. “She must have forgotten to sign it,” exclaimed the preacher, so he returned to the lady’s house to get her to sign the check.  To his surprise, she informed him that she had not forgotten to sign the check but was only doing as he had preached and did not put her name on the check. The lady made her point, and taught him never to preach that again.

Remember, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Our faith is to be based on the facts of God’s word (Romans 10:17). Our feelings, our think so, and what others say is not to be our authority in religion. The church of our Lord must not wear man-made names such as Baptist, Mormon, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Methodist, or Catholic.

Jesus is the means of our salvation. “He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12). It is “in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Colossians 2:10-11). This is true because “God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name” (Colossians 2:9). The church is the bride of Christ – therefore we must wear the name of Christ. We are the family of God. Should we not, then, wear the family name? Should we not honor the one who purchased the church with His own blood?

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GOD’S FAMILY

Posted on July 26, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

GOD’S FAMILY

INTRODUCTION

A. The Song – “God’s Family”

We’re part of a family that’s been born again;

Part of a family who love knows no end;

For Jesus has saved us, and made us His own,

Now we’re part of a family that’s on its way home

When a brother meets sorrow we all feel his grief;

When he’s passed thru the valley we all feel relief;

Together in sunshine, together in rain,

Together in victory thru His precious name

And tho’ some go before us, we’ll meet again;

Just inside the city as we enter in;

There’ll be no more parting, with Jesus we’ll be

Together forever, God’s family.

B. Family is important to us

1. We treasure family relationships, memories, gatherings …

2. I suppose that is why God chose the concept of “family,”
as one of the ways He refers to His church

a. Ephesians 3:14-15

b. Paul speaks of the family in heaven and on earth

3. We often speak of our church family and how precious it
is to us

4. Let us spend a little time discussing “God’s Family”

DISCUSSION

A. DESIGNATIONS USED TO DESCRIBE THIS
FAMILY

1. “Brotherhood”

a. 1 Peter 2:17 … we are to love the brethren

b.  “Brother” (or brethren) is found 319 times in the New
Testament, where “sister (s)” is used 22 times

c. By and large, these terms define a physical relationship

d. These words are sometimes used in a spiritual sense

e. 1 Peter 5:9

f. 3 John 10

g. These verses stress a relationship between Christians –
a relationship that places them as one concerning a
standing in Christ.

1) Galatians 3:26-29

2) By no means does this remove the distinction between
the genders or their unique, God-given responsibilities,
but it strengthens our understanding of the close
relationship that should exist between siblings in the
spiritual family – we are a family!

3) 1 Timothy 5:1-2 … a family relationship is here
clearly described

2. “Child” (or children) is used 168 times in the New
Testament

a. About 80% of the time, the terms (child/children) are
referring to a physical family

b. However, we are called the “children of God”

1) Romans 8:16

2) Therefore, when applied to Christians, the sense of the
term reflects a paternal relationship with the Father

3) We are the “children of God”!

3. “Household of God” (or, house of God)

a. Ephesians 2:19-20

b. 1 Timothy 3:14-15

c. “Having a great priest over the house of God” (Heb.
10:21)

d. 1 Peter 4:17

4. God as “Father”

a. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

1) Since God is our Father – we are His children

2) A family relationship is clearly seen

b. John 8:44

1) There are only two spiritual families

2) We are members of one or the other

c. God is our Father!

5. Jesus as “Son” – thus, our elder brother

a. Hebrews 3:3-6

b. Hebrews 7:25 … as our elder brother, Jesus
intercedes…

c. Jesus is our elder Brother!

B. TO ENTER GOD’S FAMILY THERE MUST
BE A BIRTH

1. It is noteworthy that Jesus compares our entrance into
salvation, and thus into the family of God, as a birth

2. John 3:3-5

a. A parallel verse … Acts 2:38

b. Thus … Acts 2:47

3. As one is born into a physical family, so must we be a
partaker of the spiritual birth to be a part of the family of
God

C. THE FAMILY CONCEPT IS A PERFECT
PARALLEL TO THE CHURCH

1. It denotes a sense of belonging

a. Isn’t wonderful to know that we have a place in the
family of God? That we can belong to the greatest family
in the world

b. Belonging to a family bond provides:

1) Comfort … 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

2) Strength … Ephesians 4:11-16

2. It signifies relationships

a. We have a unique relationship with the Father and with
each other

b. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 … Good family relationships demand
appropriate conduct

c. John 16:23 …We can approach God – as our Father – in
prayer!

d. Colossians 1:12 … We have an inheritance from the
Father

3. It draws a line

a. Everyone is not in the family of God

1) Our Heavenly Father designated certain entry
requirements, and if these criteria are not met, one is
not a member of the family

2) Merely running with the family does not make you a
part of the family.

b. Along this line it is important for us to remember that
Satan is subtle (Gen. 3:1) and his sole intention is to
separate us from the Father.

1) One of his most effective attacks upon Christianity has
been the blurring of lines concerning just who is and is
not in the family.

2) If you were to ask various people in the community
how one becomes a part of the family of God – you
would get many different answers

3) Again, notice how the Bible says we are born into the
family of God  1 Peter 1:23

D. ALL OF GOD’S FAMILY ARE IMPORTANT

1. In our physical families we all have different abilities and
appearances – but all are important and loves

2. The same holds true in the family of God

3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

E. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
CHILDREN OF GOD’S FAMILY

1.  2 Corinthians 6:17-18 .. be separate from the world

2. Ephesians 5:1-2, 8 … as God’s children we must be like
our Father and be children our Father would be proud of

3. John 13:35 … we love each other so that others will want
to be a part of God’s family

4. Galatians 6:1-2 … bear each other’s burdens – lean on
each other

5. Matthew 28:18-20 … try to bring other into the family

CONCLUSION

A. THE FUTURE OF GOD’S FAMILY

1. Romans 8:16-17

2. 1 Peter 1:3-5

3. 1 John 3:2

 

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HOW DO YOU REACT TO TRIALS?

Posted on July 25, 2012 by from the Preachers PC

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. 

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. 

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me, what do you see?” 

“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked. “What does it mean, mother?” 

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity-boiling water-but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. 

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. 

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. 

“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?  Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?” 

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? 

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. 

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? Count your blessings, not your problems. Remember, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jam. 1:2-4).

Think About It! 

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