Automated Transcript:

Good morning, hope everyone is doing well. It seems like I remember just about a week ago, there was white stuff on the ground. What happened to that? I got up here with no sets of questions. Will you go get me a, a set of the questions, Not recording, hit the format button And it should format the card When it’s done with that.

Try again. Yes. All right. We are in acts chapter nine. We got down to Around verse 16 and seven, 16 or 17. So we’ll proceed through the remainder of the first lesson, two 56 down through verse 31, and then we’ll cover the questions for that. And then we’ll get into the remainder of the chapter. Let’s begin though,

with a word of prayer, our most Holy father in heaven, we are grateful for this day, humbled to have the opportunity to assemble together, to worship you, to praise your name, to glorify you. We are grateful for the weather. We are grateful for the health that we have to be out and assembled together. We are mindful of those who because of illness because of health reasons,

difficulties cannot make it out to assemble with us. We pray for those who are involved in mission works throughout the world, in this country. And in countries abroad, we know many times in those situations, they have great difficulties and situations to overcome, and we pray that you will bless them as they remain sound in the faith that they might also prosper in health and in their work,

we pray that you will be with us as we go throughout this period of study, may the things that we read here concerning Saul and concerning Peter and concerning the Christians in the first century, be those things which exhort us to greater knowledge and greater understanding of your word. All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. So on Wednesday we were discussing Saul of Tarsus and his journey on the road to Damascus and,

and his seeing of the light that shone from heaven, hearing the voice that spoke to him from heaven. And he asked the question who, who are you Lord? And because the question or the statement that was made to him is Saul. Saul. Why persecute us vow me? The response that Saul makes is who art thou Lord. And the reply is I am Jesus of Nazareth with whom thou persecute us.

God appears to Saul. And God Christ specifically makes it clear that what Saul is doing right now at that point in his life was not correct. That it was the exact opposite of what God would have him to do. Even though he sincerely with all his heart believed it was exactly what God would have him do. And in this, we see one Of the great struggles Of believing people,

because believe in something Doesn’t make that thing True. The fact that it is true Means we ought to believe in it, but that doesn’t work in the opposite direction. The fact that you believe in it doesn’t make it true. And Saul found that out. Saul would make it clear later on in life. When he was put on trial before a grip,

when he was put on trial before others w when he was speaking to the Galatians and writing to the churches that everything he did in his life was done in good conscience, everything he did in life, as far as his actions in, before he was a Christian. And after we’re done in an attempt to please God, but that doesn’t mean that They were.

And so See, have the burden, the responsibility individually, there are elders in the church who have the responsibility for congregations to feed and to shepherd a flock. There are teachers who have responsibility to make sure that they teach that, which is correct. And in accordance with God’s word, but we individually will stand before God on the day of judgment and be held accountable.

Not for our neighbor, not for our friend, not for our spouse, not for our children and not for our parents, but For ourselves. What did we do With the word of God? What did we do with the access and the opportunity and the ability that we received To understand what God expects of us? And if we did not verify our beliefs,

we will be held accountable for those beliefs and the fact that they’re false. Okay. So Saul is Confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus and Jesus true, true or false. Jesus tells him immediately what he needs to do to rectify the situation Faults. What did Jesus tell him to do? Go to Damascus and do what wait is. As we get into the beginning in This introduction,

in the life of Saul, you know, those who as Paul Harvey was saying, no, the rest of the story, you know, that you’re looking at a new Testament that, that 13 or 14 of the, of the books, more, at least half or more of the books of the new Testament are written by this man. And yet, if you’re just getting into The account of,

you don’t know the end of the story, you’re going, wow, this guy is going to do a lot of Waiting because we’re going to find Out from what Paul tells the church at Glacia that after his conversion, there’s still going to be another three years before a lot of the things that we’re going to read about in chapter nine, even finish happening,

Luke’s Going to record it. The way to Luke has a tendency to this happened. This happened, this happened, this happened because he’s getting he’s, he’s moving, he’s getting you through the history, but, but Paul will later on tell us. And I spent three years here. We are doing this. And he does It doesn’t really even tell us what he was doing,

but there’s just a three-year time span where he’s not even on the scene of what’s going on. Okay? So all of this is important as we get into this, because God tells Saul, you go to Damascus and you Wait, and I will send one to you and an ISA. And he will tell you what You must do. And so Saul goes to Damascus.

Now, when he travels the remainder of the way to Damascus, he just gets back on his donkey. Because of course, you always see the pictures of the event and he’s on a donkey when this happens, right? Always no, ma’am, I wouldn’t have a donkey anywhere in the text. Just, just so you know, he didn’t fall off a donkey when this,

So, but he just Gets up and starts walking the rest of way to Damascus, right? No he’s Blind. Who helps him the rest of the way to Damascus The men who were with him. And We read about them here in this text, they, they All right. They heard a voice, but they didn’t see anybody. If you go to the other Passengers where Paul’s recounting this during his trials,

Paul will indicate that they heard the voice and didn’t understand Was sad, but there’s a little Clue in what Paul says, because in one of his recounting of this event, he specifically mentions that he was spoken to in the heat Brew tongue. Well, as a woman, Individual who grew up and was tutored under Gemayel, as one who was part of the Pharisees,

as one who was schooled in the law, Paul would have learned the Hebrew tongue, but most Jews at this point in time didn’t know Hebrew, they were speaking Greek, like the rest of the common world, excuse me. So the likelihood is you have these individuals who are with him, they see the light by all indications, they hear the voice,

but they don’t understand the conversation happening because they don’t speak Hebrew. So just like if I were standing in a room with two people speaking, Italian, I would hear a voice. Now, in that case, I’d see somebody, but I’d hear a voice. And I wouldn’t understand what was being said. That’s the indication of the events going on here.

So these men lead him to Damascus. They know he can’t see, they have no idea. What’s transpired. The indication is he’s not telling them what’s transpired, but they lead him to mask. Is there, he waits for three days and three nights praying and not eating, not drinking, waiting and praying. So then the Lord appears to Anna, nice sins and an ice and division sends an ISA to solve Tarsus.

And an ISDN immediately is excited to go see Saul of Tarsus right now. And, and I S reminds the Lord. You, you do remember why he came here, right? He, you, you know what he’s done to the church in Jerusalem, right? And the Lord makes it clear. He’s my servant. And he will be my instrument to take the gospel to the Gentiles and verse 16.

I will show him how many things he must suffer for my namesake. There are a few of the old Testament prophets, where as you’re going through the old Testament, you’re introduced to this prophet. And you’re you get a record of, as it were their commission, where God initially says to them, this is what you’re going to do. And this is how I’m going to use you.

And almost invariably, it went a lot like Moses’s commission. You remember when Moses went to Mount Sinai or sorry, saw the burning Bush. And he was there on the mountain, which by the way was Mount Sinai. But he he’s there. He sees the burning Bush. God speaks to him from the burning Bush. And God tells him, I’m sending you to,

And he’s not going to listen to you. Well, same way with Jeremiah. God will tell Jeremiah, I’m sending you to this people and they’re not going to hear you. And they’re not going to listen to you, but you’re going to speak my words anyway. And a number of times, and almost every time that you read the commission of a prophet,

you read, I’m going to send you, I’m going to speak through you. And they’re going to reject you Here. In this point in time, you see God saying, I’m going to use Saul. And Saul is going to be my instrument to teach the gospel, and many would receive the word, but who would reject him His own people, Or Paul would write in Romans that he had a desire for Israel to be saved.

He wrote that if he could exchange his own soul for theirs, he would do it, but it would be his own people that would reject him for all the same reasons, really that he rejected the Christians to begin with. And those reasons were he had been Lied to. He had been deceived instead of these Teachers and profits, and are these teachers and priests and lawyers teaching the law,

They had taught their traditions and stuff. Instead of them teaching the truth from God, they had taught their opinions. And when the truth came, they weren’t ready for it. You see When God gives you the truth and hands you the truth, and you learn the truth and you hold fast to the truth. You’re always ready for more truth. You’re always Ready for the next truth that you learn that comes from God,

because you’ve built a foundation of hearing, believing and obeying the truth. Now that doesn’t mean the truth you’re going to find out is going to be Easy. So often We dig into this book and we run into something and go, Oh, Oh, That’s going to require a little bit out of me. How About this one? When Jesus looks at those disciples and those people on the mountain says,

when someone strikes you on one cheek, Okay. Turn to him the other also. Now, now, If we actually honestly go and apply that in Our lives, not all the way At the point, not only all the way at the points where physically strikes us, but down to the personal inner interactions and relationships where we have where we’re Tim did,

because someone did something that we didn’t like to turn around and do the same thing back to them. We’re taught instead to suffer wrong and do good in return. Saul of Tarsus is going to go from one who had caused so much suffering to being one who would endure so much suffering, that there will be a Holy spirit inspired list for us to go back to in second Corinthians and realize everything he went through.

So Jesus would say, I will show him how many things he must suffer for my namesake. And an ice went his way and entered the house and laying his hands on him said, brother saw the Lord. Jesus, who appeared to you on the road. As you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy spirit.

How do you know Jesus tells him to go wait for someone to tell him what he must do, but, but how does Saul know that this man is really the one who’s going to be able to tell him what he must do. And, and I is, is going to provide him some details that Anna Niaz could not possibly have known, because remember you have Saul and his men traveling by all indications alone.

And the light comes down from heaven and who’s who are the only ones who see it, Saul and his men. And who’s the only one who hears the conversation, Saul, as far as hearing it and understanding it. So the only one who knows who spoke to him on the road is him. And there’s no indication. He’s been telling anybody who it was,

but, and I is, comes and says, I know who it was. And I know what he said. And here he says that he is, as you came, has sent me to you, that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy spirit. Immediately. There fell from his eyes, something like scales. And he received his sight at once and he arose and was baptized.

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus immediately, we read verse 20. He preached the Christ in the synagogues and he, or excuse me, that he is the son of God. Now he showed up in Damascus To do what Persecute, anyone who called themselves After Christ. The very first reference we have once he gets into Damascus,

which we discussed Damascus is not a Jewish city. It’s a Gentile city, but there was a Jewish synagogue there. The very first reference we have of him entering the synagogue. The word had to have already come around because Anna Niaz already knows about it. Saul of Tarsus is coming with letters from the, from the priest to be able to put these people in prison,

to be able to persecute them. And the first time he walks through the door, what do you think the Jews in the synagogue were expecting him to say, I’m here with the letters. I’m here to deal with these guys. And he walks in the door and he does what Preaches that Jesus Christ is the son of God. You, I would imagine the people sitting in that synagogue,

What happened? We know where he started, but so something in the middle is missing here. What happened to Saul verse 21, then all who heard were amazed and said, is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and has come here for that purpose so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests. But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus,

Moving that this is the Christ. He did. I didn’t just set out to say, someone appeared to me on the Road. And He said, he was Jesus. Therefore you need to believe me. That was not what Saul did. Saul didn’t preach his conversion. Saul didn’t preach his Mo Jesus miraculously appeared to me on the road to Damascus, no Solve,

Preach Jesus Christ from the old Testament. He went To the scriptures and Prove that Jesus was the Messiah. They were waiting for Question. When Saul was sitting at the feet of<inaudible> learning, Learning those scriptures and learning that law Was the evidence all ready there to prove that Jesus was the Christ. Yes, it was Why couldn’t solve. Prove it. Before Jesus appeared to him,

the answer is he could have, if he didn’t ignore the evidence That gets us Right back to the discussion we had, right, as we started this class. And that is that. So often we have our beliefs and we accept the truth that matches our beliefs and ignore the truth that doesn’t match our beliefs. And that’s what solid done. Because as soon as he knew that Jesus was the Christ,

the son of God, the Messiah, he didn’t have to go, all right, I got to go back to school and I need to relearn all this stuff, because apparently I misunderstood the scriptures all these years. There’s a bunch of scriptures. I just never ran into no, There were a bunch of scriptures. He never properly applied that he already knew.

And so he went and took the same knowledge he already had and taught the exact opposite of what he had always been taught, because it wasn’t a problem with the truth. That was what he read. It was a problem of the willingness to accept the truth in front of his eyes. And we’ve got to be careful about that. Not enough to say,

you know what? I go to this church. I do this. This has been good enough for me all my life. This has been good enough for my mother, my grandmother, my, it doesn’t matter. Everybody in Saul’s ancestry believed what he believed. And the most reputable people, he knew believed what he believed. Didn’t make it right. What made it right was when he finally agreed with God.

So He begins to increase more and more in strength, confounds, the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now, after many days, we’re past the Jews plotted to kill Him. Are I the tables now turn, he was the one who was killing people before now. They’re going all right. Well, we got to get rid of this guy.

This guy has a problem. So they plot to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul and they watched the Gates day and night to kill him. Now, interestingly, they, they, they seek to do this at the Gates. What were the Gates generally speaking in a city in this day and time, All right. Place of commerce,

place of judgment, place of where, you know, when someone was to be judged, they would bring them to the Gates. This is where, this is where the men of renown and those who were high up would often sit in the Gates, The city. So they’re seeking To do an injustice In the place of justice, but they did the same thing to Jesus.

They took Jesus to the courts to be tried so that they go, You have an improper trial and deceive people into believing that he had done something worthy of death. Okay? So this isn’t strange, this isn’t new. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. And when solid come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples,

but they were all afraid of him and did not believe that he was a disciple, but Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him and how he had preached boldly of Damascus in the name of Jesus, this Barnabas, when were we first introduced to him in the book of acts,

Okay. They’re in the end of acts, chapter four, Barnabas is among the Christians who sold property that they owned, gave it to, gave the proceeds of it to the church, to help those Christians who were in need in Jerusalem. And so we, we read about him there and that’s just kind of a passing thing we learned about this Barnabas,

this one who does this, now here comes Barnabas. Again, Barbara’s comes in. He’s known among the Jews or sorry, the Christians in Jerusalem. And he comes in and he vouches for Saul of Tarsus. He says, This is what happened to this man. And I will verify It. Okay. So Then he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord, Jesus and disputed against the healthiness. But they attempted to kill him. Second location where Saul finds himself. Again, he, He speaks long enough, speaks loud enough, tells the truth and enough that people want Him dead. Now in the Intervening years, you go read the book of Galatians. And for the sake of time,

we’re not, we don’t have time, really go do that. But if you go read Galatians chapters one and two and Galatians chapter four, you will read the history that’s in here that Luke doesn’t mention. You’ll read about the three years he spends at Sinai. He comes and begins preaching. You’ll read about the time before he arrived in Jerusalem. You’ll read about Paul,

making sure the Galatians brethren understand that what he preached didn’t originate in Jerusalem. What he preached didn’t originate with the other apostles. What he preached had been given to him directly From Jesus Christ. So somewhere in the intervening time, Jesus prepares Saul to be an apostle. Now it’s of interest That the disciples were with Jesus, How long, approximately three years.

And over In the book of Galatians, Paul references, the fact that after he left Damascus, when he escapes through the wall in a basket, he goes to Sinai for three years. He doesn’t say what he’s doing there. He’s, doesn’t say what’s going on. But just like just Interesting analogies here, just lie. Big Moses gets Put at Sinai to go prepare,

To go to Egypt because remember That’s where the burning Bush happens. God tells Moses I’m sending you to Egypt. And you’re going to bring the people back To this mountain where I appeared to you. So the burning Bush was on Sinai. Moses was on Sinai. God Sent Moses from there, brought Him back. There went<inaudible> is discouraged and running away from Jesse rebel.

Where does he go? Sinai? The text tells us, he goes to Sinai. All of these seemingly repetitions in all Old Testament and new Testament history where God takes someone he’s ready Use and says, let me get you ready to be used. And For three years, Jesus with was with the other apostles. And for three Years, Saul is at Sinai.

Now My opinion and nothing more than that, that it’s during those three years, That Jesus teaches Saul. How he does that. I’m assuming he does it through the Holy spirit, but Teaches Saul what he Needs to know to do what he needs to do, because that’s what he did with the other apostles. And It is going to be of interest that when he comes to Jerusalem,

he comes, they’re not. And he’ll explain this in Galatians. He comes there not to be made an apostle by the other apostles. He’s already an apostle who can make someone an apostle Jesus Christ and him alone. You remember when they’re trying, when they’re replacing Judas, is it the apostles who choose the apostle to replace Judas? Or is it God it’s God.

Okay. So all of this is leading us to this understanding. Number one, he doesn’t preach what the apostles gave him. He preaches what God gave him. He didn’t originate it as an apostle because the apostles made him one. He became an apostle by Jesus Christ. And he first meets the apostles after all of that’s already transpired. But when he first meets the apostles was who they want to do with him,

nothing. They don’t want to have anything to do with him because they’re still afraid that this is all an elaborate ruse. And so it is Barnabas testimony that will cause him to be able to be joined together to these apostles in Jerusalem. So verse 31, then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria, I skipped a verse, wait a minute,

verse 30. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Cesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. So he’s gone back home. Saul of Tarsus makes it back to Tarsus, verse 31. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy spirit they were multiplied.

Okay. So in the midst of the persecution, they’ve undergone in the midst of the struggles that the hands of the Jews that they’ve they’ve endured, who do they fear the Jews or the Lord? The Lord. Do you remember what Jesus told his apostles? When he was sending them out? Matthew chapter 10, do not fear what men can do to you do not fear him who can kill the body,

but cannot destroy the soul. Fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. And so their reverence, their all their respect, their fear. And that’s using the fear in the common sense. Then not the way we use it now of being terrified. Their fear was of God and not men. Okay. So then verse 32. Now,

actually I was going to go through the question. Let’s go through the questions and then we’ll go through the remainder of the chapter. Briefly question number one Less than two 56. Why was Saul going to demands? Discuss All right. Persecute and arrest. Christians, question two. How did Jesus appear to Sol? All right. A light from heaven. What did solves traveling,

companions, hear and see. All right. They heard a voice, but saw no man. For what reason did Jesus tell Saul to go into Damascus? All right. To be told what he needed to do Vision to Anna Niaz what did the Lord say would be SOL’s work The gospel to the Gentiles. Okay. When saw or when was Saul baptized After you?

The site, when Anna Niaz came to him, what did Saul do after his battle? He went to the synagogue to preach. Why was it necessary for Saul to escape from demands? Ask us all right. The Jews were waiting to kill him. How did he get away On the wall? In the basket? When Saul went to Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him who took him to the apostles and spoke on his behalf.

Barnabas. Alright, verse 32. Okay. Came to pass. As Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt at Lydda there. He found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, and he is Jesus. The Christ heals. You arise and make your bed.

Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelled at Lydda and Sharon, which was a neighboring city, saw him and turned to the Lord. So this is following up on what we, what we just read in verse 31, that the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified as SU. So they’d gone under this persecution. They had suffered a great deal at the hand of Saul and others.

And now, as soon as that persecution ends, the church begins to flourish. The church begins to grow. The church begins to expand. And so here, Peter goes to this city and you’d begin traveling around teaching and preaching by all indications, he comes to litter, finds this man in the us and heals him after he had been crippled for eight years.

The likelihood is this is a very small town, very small village. Everybody there knows this man. And here comes this one, Peter preaching these things about Jesus. He shows up, he heals this man. And the miracles did exactly what they were always intended to do. They prove that the yes and juror was from God. And if the messenger was from God,

by performing the miracle and seeing the, the truth that this person came from God for, no one could do these things, except he come from God and academia’s tells Jesus in John chapter three, then the message he preached Chis is from God. So all of Lydia and all of Sharon, as a result of this man being healed believe, okay, verse 36 at Joppa,

there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds, which she did, but it happened in those days that she became sick and died when they had washed her and laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him,

imploring him, not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room and all the widows stood by him, weeping showing the tunics and the garments, which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter them all out and knelt down and prayed and turning to turning to the body.

He said, Tabitha arise. And she opened her eyes. And when she saw Peter, she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive and it became known throughout all Joppa and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon,

a Tanner. Okay. So as you’re looking at this situation is you’re seeing Luke bringing in these accounts as again, go back to acts chapter one in your mind, Jesus said you will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Sumeria and into the outermost part of the earth. And Luke’s setting the stage for the transition. The big transition begins to happen in chapter 10 and chapter 11.

And then Paul and his missionary works, begin to hit that fourth stage of the growth of the church. Okay. Chapter or sorry, question one. We’ll go ahead and do these questions now because I’m pretty certain we’re going to need the extra time. When we get to acts chapter 10, acts chapter nine, verses 32 through 34 of what condition did Peter heal?

Aeneas who lived at Lydda Alright. Palsy or being crippled. What did the people of litter and Sharon do when they saw the healed man, Aeneas turned to the Lord by what was Dorcas of the city of Joppa known. Okay. For making clothes for the widows. She was also known as Tabitha. Where was Dorcas? His body laid after she died.

All right. Now, upper chamber. What did Peter do and say when he raised up Dorcas<inaudible> Okay. He held her hand and told her to arise. By the way, isn’t there an example of Jesus doing a very similar thing. Yes. Okay. What did the people of Joppa do after Dorcas was raised from the dead? They believed in the Lord.

How did Jesus? This is, comes from Matthew chapter six. How did Jesus address God in his prayer, on the mountain? When he showed the disciples? How to pray, Right? Our father who? Art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. All right. Comments or questions? We got a minute or two left. Yes.<inaudible> Absolutely.

Absolutely. The, the only, you know, one of the main differences that you see there is the occasion of the man of Aeneas being similar to the man who was let down through, through the roof. But what did Peter not say that Jesus did? Your sins are forgiven. You, you remember the reaction of the Pharisees when Jesus immediate statement is not take up diabetic and walk,

it was vices. Be forgiven. They, they go, Oh, who can forgive sins? But God, which was exactly the point. So Peter doesn’t enter into this one with your sins, be forgiven you, he does say arise. And I think it is, it is interesting. He says arise and make your bed. Your, your use for this bed has just changed.

You know, when, when you’re crippled, when you’re bedridden, that’s that’s every moment you spend, you spend in that bed. Now you have a reason to get up and make it. Now you have a reason to get up and depart that bed. It’s just an interesting concept. All right. Thank you for your time and your attention. We are dismissed.

It’s good to see each and every one of you here this morning, and for those members of ours that are still still watching it online, we are glad that we have that tape capability for you to participate in worship God via the internet, or to call in, do have some visitors with us this morning. It’s good to see each and every one of you.

And we are so glad that you chose to come worship God with us this morning. If you did not get a chance yet to pick up your Lord’s supper, it is on the table. In the back behind the back Pew. There now would be a good time while I go through announcements to get that, continue to remember our sick ed Richardson. That’s my father-in-law.

He did have a good day yesterday, which is a great blessing. Barbara Dillard. She’s still recovering from her rotator cuff surgery. Joan Springer Marie says that she is doing a little bit better today in the last couple of days. So that’s good news to hear that she’s feeling a little better. And then Donnie fine again, still recovering from his hip replacement surgery.

Route L Wilson has a followup appointment this week with his heart doctor. So continue to pray for Rodel. Dorothy is still having shortness of breath and weakness and stomach pains. So continue to remember and pray for Dorothy Janie. Marlin’s doctor told her that at this time they cannot do another ablation. He can’t say the word ablation because of the condition of her heart.

So she is going to seek another doctor and get a second opinion on that. Julie Adams, who’s a D Lisa’s 26 year old friend that we talked about on Wednesday night. Continue to pray for her with the aggressive lung cancer that that young lady has. And then Caleb Nelson, Springer’s a friend, a 13 year old friend that was unconscious from a sledding accident.

He is awake now and had surgery on the right side of his jaw. His jaw is wired shut at this time, and he is unable to move the right side of his body. So continue to pray for him. But at least he is out of that coma. I have two cards here. The first one is from Jenny Sanderson, Collierville, church of Christ.

Thank you for your kindness support and comforting words for the, and for the beautiful peace plant. We gratefully appreciate the cards, phone calls, and the kind expression of sympathy at the very difficult time. Jenny Sanderson and the entire two family also have a card here from Shelly and Michael stacks. Dear church, family, thank you for the cards, ham and stopping by Sunday at mom’s funeral.

It meant a lot to Michael and I, we love each one of you and are so blessed to call COVID church of Christ. Home love Michael and Shelly stacks. Other announcements, the Potter children home March pantry item is the individual drink packets that you put into water. And also they were here and picked up the commodities. So if you need a new coin,

can we have the coin cans on the table? Outside of Paula’s office, there feel free to pick one of them up after services today. Our worship service today song leader will be Michael Dale opening prayer as Joe caisson. Lord’s supper will be Tommy O’Neil. Our sermon this morning will be Noah Olson and our closing prayer is Tommy Lassiner. Thank you. My first song this Morning will be Holy ground.

Holy ground. This is<inaudible>. We’re standing on<inaudible> for<inaudible> press and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> for the<inaudible> prize and<inaudible><inaudible> you? Ah, Oh, ah, perfect.<inaudible> we were<inaudible> for you with ah, made clean by. Jeez, you are. Oh, ah, perfect. And<inaudible> we were<inaudible> for you with<inaudible> made clean by.

Jeez, we<inaudible><inaudible> and I know<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Hey Jesus.<inaudible> we are standing in his presence on<inaudible> we<inaudible> on<inaudible> and I know that<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Hey, jeez.<inaudible><inaudible> when we<inaudible><inaudible> when we<inaudible><inaudible> The song before our opening prayer will be number 490. It is well with my soul. It is well with my soul.

When is like<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> but<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> B roll back as a<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> That’s bow. Oh God, our father in heaven. We true to come before your throne thanking the old God for the love that you have for mankind. And we do pray dear father,

that it is well with our souls, that we’re trying to do our best to live a life that would be pleasing to you. It would give you the honor and the praise and the glory are so thankful. Dear father, for your precious son, coming to this earth and suffering and dying on the cross of Calvary. We’re so grateful for the love that was demonstrated there for each and every one of us for all of mankind.

We pray father that as we have studied your word this morning, that it has strengthened our faith. That has it. It has encouraged us as we go through life to be better servants in the kingdom, that we might be a body of Christ here that is known to be children of yours that are known to be faithful to your word that are known to be caring and loving toward the souls round about us that have never named the name of Jesus father.

We pray that we always keep one another in our thoughts and in our prayers that we are always mindful of one another. As we go through various burdens in life, that we truly are prayerful for each other. And especially for the body of Christ here, we’re thankful there, father that we can come here this day to worship you. We pray in spirit and in truth,

we pray that we are demonstrating our love as we continue to, to sing these songs of praise to you. As we admonish one another through these words, and we give you the praise for mindful father of those that are in other lands, teaching and preaching the gospel. And we pray you help us to continue to support those efforts and be with the ones that are in those other countries,

teaching and preaching the gospel. We pray for your watch and care over them. And that many souls might be able to hear the word proclaimed and that they’re honest hearts that they will no, that is from you. And yeah, it’s your will. And that they will believe and obey that word and become children of yours. Father. We pray that you be with us here,

as we continue to try to reach those in this area where the gospel that you strengthen each and every one of us we might say or do something to those that we come in contact with that will give us that opportunity to share your word with them. We pray father that as we look about us, we remind for those that are going through difficult times,

particularly those that have health issues. We pray that you be with the doctors and nurses that are administering to them and pray that they might regain their health bother. We’re mindful of those that have lost loved ones recently. And we pray that we might be of some comfort to them. Is it grieves their hearts. Father help us to be more aware of those that have left the faith and are not your children they’ve sand.

And they separated themselves from you help us to be conscious of those precious souls and try to encourage them as best. We know how to come back to you and repent of their sins and dedicate their lives in service to you. Once more father, we pray that you be with us in our worship service today, we ask that you be with Noah’s. He breaks into us the bread of life.

We pray that you bless Sam as he continues his studies at the school of preaching, as well as Michael pray, you be with both of these men, as they prepare themselves better to be ministers of your word, that you would bless them and help us to encourage them are so thankful, dear God, for Aaron and Eddie, if they worked with a congregation here,

we love and appreciate them so much for all that they do for the congregation here, ask that you continue to bless them and watch over him and Tonya with us, our father, and forgive us. If when we fail, then we help us to repent and come back to you and be faithful service in the kingdom. And Jesus, we pray. Amen.

So long to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper will be number 366 by Christ redeemed. I cry is three deemed and cry is three<inaudible>. We keep up<inaudible> and the de<inaudible> and<inaudible> his body<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible>. And as we drink, we see, and<inaudible> he, ah, and that<inaudible><inaudible> and we, you know, ah,

one bright chain<inaudible> and<inaudible> ah, The day we prepared to eat of this bread and drink the cup that wrote to us as children of God represents the body and blood of our savior. Let each one of us think of the horrible death that Christ died for our sins. Would you bow with me, our heavenly father? We thank you for this bread,

which does your children represents the body of our savior. Our heavenly father, we ask that you strengthen each of us in our daily lives. As we strive to follow the word and the example that Christ brought for us, this we ask in Christ’s name. Amen. Okay. If you bow with me, our heavenly father, we continue our thanks for this fruit of the vine,

which just represents the blood of Christ. We thank you, dear Lord, that Christ was willing to sacrifice his life for our sins. We thank you for this fruit of the vine, which is able to cleanse us of our sins as we partake of it, help each one of us to do so with a truly thankful heart. This we ask in Christ’s name,

amen. We now have an opportunity to return unto God. A part of that, that we’ve been blessed with and we truly are blessed. Would you bow with me, our heavenly father? We thank you for all that. We’re blessed with blessing them for life. We thank you for all of the material blessings that we enjoy in this country. As we prepare to return unto the a part of that,

dear God, probably that we would do so with a cheerful and happy heart, pray that this money would be used to spread your word throughout the whole world, Jared Lord. And that man can, would turn to the push salvation. This we ask in Christ’s name. Amen. The song before the lesson will be, Have vine own way. Number five,

five, two. If you’re using the book, if you’re able, let’s stand for this song, please have an own way.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> search me and<inaudible> master to<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> the<inaudible><inaudible> hold over my bee. So<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and me May be seated. Good morning. There’s a privilege to be able to be with you this morning.

I don’t want to say how much I appreciate this congregation. And I’m glad to again, be able to worship with you all this morning. Our lesson this Morning is very simple. Our lesson is Christian responsibilities, Christian responsibilities. As Christians. We are given things from our gone, a work to do. If you go to Matthew chapter 25, and he look at verses 14 and following four 14 through verse 30,

we won’t take the time to read that. But Jesus is talking about the parable of the talents. Now he talks about how a man had had he had servants and he gave one servant five talents, another two and another one. And then you continue reading. And then when the, when the master comes and you see the servants, the servant with the five talents increased his,

the servant with the two increased his, but One, he didn’t do anything. And so what happened to that one? What happened to the one that, that the master gave responsibility To what happened when he didn’t fulfill that? Well, look at verse 30 And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There should be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We as Christians are responsible for many things,

you know, in Ephesians chapter two, I want you to notice verse number 10, look what, what Paul tells The church at Ephesus For. We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. We have works that we need to do. We are commanded by God to fulfill the things,

the responsibility, And he has commanded us to do notice that everyone is responsible for themselves. Now we can help one another along, but it’s a it’s comes down to my soul. If there’s one thing that you need to be selfish about in this life, it better be your soul. Make sure that you get to have a note, a second Corinthians five and verse number 10 for,

we must notice all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that everyone may receive the things done In his body. That persons, whether that be good or bad For ourselves, and we’re given the choice, do we want to fulfill the responsibilities that God has given us? We’re given that choice. God allows us to choose. Of course, there are consequences to each,

you know, Joshua 24, you you’ve read verse 15, choose you this day, whom you, whom you will serve. That knows what Joshua says. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We’re given the choice. What are we going to fill the command from God? Are we going to, to, to take that response to those words,

Responsibilities as Christians and obey His wheel, I’m going to look at a couple of responsibilities in general, that Christians have and the church It needs to fulfill these things or else it cannot be faithful to God. Let’s look at our first point. Firstly, Christians have a responsibility first and foremost to God. If I cannot fulfill my responsibility to God, Everything else does not matter.

I first Need to be responsible to God. Look at Micah chapter six, you’ve heard also verse number eight, he has showed the Oh man, what is good? And what doesn’t The Lord require of me. But to notice this, do Joe To love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Yes, I’m responsible to do those things. According to my,

to my God, as a, as a Christian, I need to be responsible to go for one. He deserves it. He created us and therefore he deserves the utter most respect Back, you know, in Romans chapter 12 and verse number one, notice what Paul says here in verse one of Romans 12, I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your body.

Notice this a living sacrifice Holy acceptable unto God notice this next phrase, Which is your reasonable service. That’s just reasonable. That’s just what you, what you, as, as a, as that’s what you need to do as a Christian, John simply lays a pattern for Christians to follow. Does he not want you to turn over to first John chapter one?

I know I’ve, I’ve done a Divo on this, but I love these verses so much. Notice what John says. First, John chapter one verses five through nine. He tells us if we’re going to be responsible, have fellowship with God. I need to do and live as a Christian. Notice what he says, verse five. This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare to you that God is lying to him is no darkness at all.

If I want to be with God, I need to be where he is and that’s in the light. And then, and then John continues on and he tells Christians how to be responsible to God, how to live in fellowship with God. Notice. Firstly, if we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.

I can’t just profess to know God, I can’t just claim that I’m a Christian I have to do Is his will. That’s number two, verse seven. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the lie, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ. His son cleanses us from Olsen. If I’m going to be responsible to God,

what w what we’ve said before, I have to meet God Where he is. I have to do what he says, walking the line. If I want his son’s blood to keep on cleansing me, I have to do his will. Number three, if I’m going to be responsible to God, I have to be humble. As We looked at Micah,

chapter six, verse number eight, walk humbly with God. I gotta be humble. Look at verses eight and nine, a first John chapter one. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. And the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, verse nine, he is faithful. And just to forgive us, our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If I’m going to be responsible to God, I need to be humble. I need to walk Humbly with my God. When I sin in which I will, I need to repent. I have to repent. I need to do those things. I love This idea. A brother, actually, one of them I,

Well, he’s a second year student and we were talking and he said he had a great sermon idea. I love this title. Sin is expected, but not accepted. Think about that. God knows we will sin. We’re not going to be, to be perfect, but he never accepts it. He never accepts when we sin, therefore we need to repent.

And if I’m going to be responsible to God, I have to do what walk humbly with God. Yes, Christians are commanded first and foremost, to be received To the one who created him for one, he deserved as a 10 for another. That’s what they’re commanded to do, but no number two, Christian is also responsible to themselves. Oh, they have responsibility to themselves.

This kind of does run along with our first point, but notice Christian Christians are responsible concerning themselves. I want you to notice first Timothy chapter three in verse Number 15, first Timothy Chapter three, verse number 15. But if I tarry long that thou mass know how now ought to Addis, to behave myself in the house of God, which is the church of the living,

God, the pillar and ground of the truth. I need to be responsible to myself and the church. I’m responsible as a Christian to, to, to, to fulfill the things that God would have me to do. Whether I be whether the wan be a father, a mother, a teacher, a student, a doctor, a business owner, whatever the case might be.

They have responsibilities to themselves. Firstly, more importantly, spiritually. But what about those things physically? We’re we need to take care of ourselves physically to be not, you know, on first Timothy chapter five, notice what Paul tells Timothy in verse number eight, first Timothy chapter five and verse number eight. We have responsibilities physically. We can’t negate those things.

No, the physical and spiritual and not on the same level, but they’re still important. Notice first Timothy five and verse number eight. But if any, provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house, you have denied the faith and is worse than it Lymphedema our bodies matter, physically. Yes. We need to understand that we need You abstain from all those things that could harm us,

physically alcoholism, drugs, things such as that gluttony, all of those sands that we need to, to put away. Yes, I have to. I have a responsibility to myself, physically Know we, we also need to understand that we cannot be at lazy people. We can’t be lazy. We need to get to work. You know, Paul would,

It would address this idea. If you’ve got a second Thessalonians Look at verses Or excuse me, a second Thessalonians chapter three, verses 10 and 11. What’s interesting. We’re studying the Thessaloniki. Well, actually that’s Lonial Timothy and Titus as we’re going through the testimonials. One of the things that we’re doing is, is they’re anticipating in the coming of Christ and they weren’t working because they were not working.

And those what Paul says, second Thessalonians, chapter three, verses 10. And following for even when we were with you This week, man, did you, if any, would not work neither, should he eat first 11 for, we hear that there are some which walk among you. Disorderly Working, Not at all. The are busy bodies. We as Christians cannot be alone,

Lazy people. We need to get to work. That’s what got you Commands us to do. If you think about it. What if we don’t? Well, if we sit back, That’s not fulfilling God’s commandment, but what does it also do at all? Also opens doors to temptation. You’ve heard the phrase, idle hands. Do the what? Devils work.

Yes. We as Christians responsible to take Care of ourselves physically. What about our finances? What about the things that God has entrusted us to do all that? That’s just, that’s just money. That’s not important. And in the grand scheme of things, money is, is, is going to, to be burned up one day. But God still commands us.

Be good stewards of it. And that’s our responsibility. Physical. What about spiritually? What about spiritually? I want you to notice What Paul tells the Corinthians. Look at first Corinthians chapter six, verses 19 through 20 notice There, Their body is not their own notice. What know you, not that your body is the temple of the Holy ghost, which is in you,

which you have of God. And you are not your own notice that we’re not our own. I don’t serve myself anymore. Galatians two verse 20, I’m crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live yet. Not I, but Christ live within me and the life of which I now live in the flesh. I live by the faith in the son of God who loves And gave himself for me.

But go ahead. Act of first Corinthians chapter six, look at verse number 20. Notice you were Bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in, in your spirit, which are God’s. I’ve a responsibility to myself spiritually because of it. It’s not mine body. It’s God’s. I serve him. I do Well. He commands me to do.

I need to examine myself. What are some things that I can do to make sure that I am responsible spiritually? What? Well, firstly, live a life of diligence in second Timothy chapter two in verse number 15, Paul tells Timothy in the, in the King James to study to show myself approved unto God, a Workman that needs not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth. You look at American standard American standard. It says Be diligent shell, a life of diligence to God. That’s what we are commanded to do. We are responsible to God for that, But also notice I’m not only responsible to, to, to study and to know his word, but Apliant and also to abstain from sin.

Yeah. Colonia is chapter five and verse 22. Notice what Paul says. He says abstain from all appearance of evil abstain from all appearance of evil. Now, does that mean For instance? Well, I Can’t, I can’t shop at Walmart because they sell alcohol. Oh, I can’t shop at this store because they sell cigarettes. All of those things such as that,

I don’t believe that’s what Paul is saying here. I think there’s, if we, if you use this illustration, for instance, if I were going to going to go into Walmart and Michael were to, to see me go into Walmart, what is the first impression that he’s going to think of me? Oh, there’s no going to buy alcohol. No,

there is no a probably going to, to buy groceries. Now, if Michael were to see me walk into a bar, what’s that impression that would be a different impression. Oh, there’s different impressions. There. We need to abstain from all appearance of evil. And we need to Understand that we need to make sure That we don’t put ourselves in situations where we could sin.

Hey, what’s interesting. You know, and the church, we, sometimes we try to get as close to sin as we can without I won’t cross the line, but I’m gonna try and get as close as I can Do that. Try to stay away from sin as much as you can. Why, why? Well, because God is Holy look at first Peter chapter one,

verses 13 and following first Peter chapter one, verses 13 and following, I love these verses wherefore gird of the loins of your mind. Be sober, be, be temporary, be self-control and hope to the end for the grace. That is to be brought onto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves, according to the former lusts in your ignorance,

Notice this, but as he, what Jeff called you is Holy. So That’ll be Holy in all manner of conversation and anything you do notice verse 16 because it is written. Be Holy for, I am Holy. What are we striving to be like? We’re striving to be like God. And so we can’t put ourselves in situations where sin is present.

That’s my responsibility to myself, to abstain from sin, to live a life of diligence. But let me touch on this for a bit. A moment. We also have A Responsibility to, to ourselves, spiritually to attend the assembly. Now are there exceptions always? Yes. God understands for those who are sick for those who physically cannot make it. God understands those things.

But sadly, I believe the church, some souls are lost in the church universally because Simon taken log rather stay home. It’s easier for me to, to, to worship at Home. Now I want To put this out here. There are exceptions, But to those who can go out to the store to socialize In restaurants and things such as that, You can go to the store There at worship,

Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves. And we need to understand that. And sadly we have not. Sometimes we need to stress the importance of the Assembling. It’s important. It’s a commandment of God and yes, that’s my responsibility. Now, again, God Understands and in some situations and things such as that, But again,

worship is Important and I have responsibility in myself, spiritual, The land physically that’s to serve God and him alone. But number three, our third point for this morning, I’m not only responsible for my life as a Christian. What about my brother? Now? I know that that might not. I’m not contradicting myself here. I cannot get to heaven for you.

I can not be baptized for you, but our, this this point, we’re going to address this idea that we are. We have some things that we need to do for, We need to understand that Christians need to take responsibility in matters concerning all on brother. Well, how do I do that? Well, number one, I need to show kindness.

I need to show love. That’s my responsibility. God has commanded us to do that. Look at Ephesians chapter four, look at verse number 32, Ephesians chapter four and verse number 32. Notice this and be kind one to another tenderhearted, forgiving one another. Even God for Christ’s sake, hath Forgiven you. I love that verse notice also Galatians chapter six and verse number 10 as we have therefore opportunity.

Let us do good until all men, especially unto them. Who are the household of faith? That’s my responsibility to my brother. That’s all Responsibility to one another. As Christians, we are commanded to be kind is Christ show kindness unto us. Can we not simply show the same to our brother? And number two, a Christian is commanded to show love,

but we also cannot be those who are going to stir up straight. That’s my responsibility. I can’t be those who are going to go behind one. Another’s back to gossip to create division. I can’t do that. That my responsibility is to show love to one another. Look at James chapter four, James chapter four, look at verse 11, speak,

not evil. One of another brethren. We have a problem with someone let’s go to them alone, not go to the five other people around let’s love. Show love one to another. We were stopped. We are commanded to stop being busy bodies and creating division. I guess that’s not the church. The body of Christ. God is the author of,

of, of, of, of peace, not confusion. And therefore that’s what we are commanded to do. That’s my responsibility to want to know, to be kind and to do those things. But also notice my responsibility is, is, is, is as a Christian to one another is to reprove sin when one And perhaps is, is living in sin or,

or struggling with certain sin. Do I just let that go and say that’s all right. Just, just, just excuse them this. No, I need to tell him his fault To teach him the better way. According to the scriptures. Not my opinion, but that’s my responsibility because let me ask you a question. Let me think. Let, let’s think about this in an illustrative terms.

If you go back to his ego, chapter 33, I love this example has Equal talks about a Watchman. He sees the army coming and he sees the army coming and he knows that. And he tells his people. He tells the city, well, now they’re worn. And it’s up to them. If they want to, to flee or do whatever they need to do to get away from that,

the Watchman has done And his job, but the Watchman sees the army, the enemy coming, He sees, he understands. He knows that they’re going to come To this city says nothing. People don’t know. Now the people are still going to die. They’re they’re going to be to die, but whose fault is it as well? The Watchman, if I see my brother in sin,

if I do nothing, it’s my responsibility to tell him, is it not? So Christ commands us, Matthew 18. If I have a problem with my brother, go to him And tell him the fault alone, Matthew 18, but also notice I’m not only to reprove sin, stop gossip, be kind one to another in the church, but also to forgive also to forgive notice,

Colossians chapter three, verses 12 and following Washington, chapter three, verses 12, and following put on there. Four has the Elective, God, Holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness long suffering. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any right? And As Christ forgave, you so also do ye When one comes it,

perhaps someone were to do me wrong and they were, and they were to her pin. I apologize and repent. Truly. My attitude must be to forgive as Christ forgave me now, what does that mean? Does that mean like, excuse sin. Absolutely not. But when they repent, I forgive as God does. And that’s our responsibility to our on brethren.

You need to show kindness to show love, to forgive when others were pissed. Basically it points It’s down to, to, to, to, to following Christ Because that’s what Christ would do. Would he not? We are called to encourage one another and to be there for one another. That’s our responsibility. Look at Romans chapter 15, verse number two,

Romans 15 and verse number two, let every one of us please His neighbor for his good to edification. That’s our goal as Christians to Edify one another to encourage one another and to make sure that we’re all following the path of Christ men. Number four fourth point for this morning is this. We also have a responsibility. Those who are earning that brethren yes,

to those who are we, we are encouraged to, to be kind one to another. But what about those who are airing as we would? What about when, when, when a member in the church is perhaps struggling with a certain sin or will not repent, there are responsibilities that the church needs to do. I want you to notice Galatians chapter six,

Galatians chapter six, I love verses one and two. Notice what Paul tells the churches of glacier. He says brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you at your spiritual restore, such a one in the spirit of maintenance, considering myself less than I’ll also be 10 Barry, one another’s burdens. And so fulfill the law of Christ. We as Christians,

When we see a brother or sister struggling with a certain sin, we ought to be there for them, for one to encourage them. But to also show them The better way now with drawl is that the never The first step, if they are wanting to do better, if they are struggling with a certain sin and repenting, we need to be there and to help them along that way,

why it’s not to, to get back at them, but it is to help them along the way. Notice James chapter five. I love these verses as well. Notice verses 19 and following James chapter five verses 19 and following notice brethren, if any of you do air from the truth, Convert him. Notice this, notice what it does for his soul.

Let him know that he will. She converted the sinner from the error of his way. She’ll save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins. When I see a brother or sister in fault, I need to show them that better way. That’s my responsibility to those who are struggling with sin. And we need to understand that that’s mine,

My responsibility, but what about this one? What about a brother or sister who is struggling with sin, but yeah, Well, not repent. What’s our commandment. Well, just excuse it to the side. Just put it aside. No. So I’m over commanded to do there’s a different approach. No, to second Thessalonians, chapter three in verse number six,

notice these Are those who walk disorderly. Now We command you brethren in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ that notice this, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother. They walk it disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us. This tradition is not man’s traditions. The gospel, the gospel of Christ to those who are walking, not according to the gods.

What is our responsibility disorder Really? As to if you think about in the, in the army or military, those who walk in and rank and simply just order list to walk out of rank to those who are not walking, according to the tradition. And what’s what our responsibility as Christians is just to, To do what make sure there is no sin Push out sin as,

as much as possible. You know, in Joshua chapter seven, when akin sin, God was, God did not allow them to flourish. What happened? San entered the camp and they, You know, what’s interesting what sin also does. It doesn’t also hurt me. It hurts many individuals. And going back to what we read in Galatians chapter six brethren,

if any of you do are from the truth and or excuse me, if any man be overtaken in a fault, you at your spiritual restore, such a one in the spirit of maintenance, What is this? Considering myself less. That will also be Tempted. That’s my responsibility to make sure That sin is pushed out. And when one brother or sister who will not repent of their sins Steps to be taken.

And that’s of course what Jesus commands. If you go to Matthew chapter 18, this is what, what Christ is talking about here. If there is a brother who has a fault and, And we need to understand this idea. Notice this first 15 Matthew 18 verse 15, moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between me and him alone.

And if he shall hear the Taoists gain that breath, that’s the first step that you don’t have to go tell five other people it’s between you and him alone. But if he will not repent, once you bring him, brought him to God, once you have brought him this notice verse 16, but if he will not hear thee and take what the one or two more the,

in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. There’s the next step. If he will not hear they, once you go with him alone, you bring one or two more, But knows this. If he will not repent, you bring him the truth. This is not just an opinion, but you bring Him the truth.

Notice verse 17, if he shall neglect To hear them, tell it into the church. And if you neglect to hear the church, let him Be unto thee as a heathen man in a publican. What is this? The idea, basically, we call this disfellowship or withdrawal when there is One who is not willing to repent, we do not accept sin,

but notice that This, this is not done to get at the brother or sister. This is not to say we got him, But it’s to save their soul in general. And that’s, that’s our responsibility to look at first Corinthians chapter five and verse number five, Paul here addressing this same idea to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,

that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Jesus, that’s the purpose of this. This is not to, to, to, to make sure that Just to get at him Ourselves look better, but to make sure that soul is say that’s that’s. The Purpose is also to save The church. Why? Because a little 11, 11.

Yeah, The whole lump, a little sin. It can be so much It’s destructive. And that’s our responsibility. When the sin is in the camp, I can’t let it remain. I can’t. That’s my Possibility as Christians. Let me ask you a question. Is, is anyone exempt from this? Well, it’s my mother. It’s my mother.

It’s my father. That’s living in sin. It’s all right, right. It’s okay. No, because Jesus Says, if any man come to me and hate not love less. His father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters Yana had his own life. Also, he cannot be my disciple. We need to understand. And they Christ comes first and yet sin cannot remain in the camp.

No matter the cost. Notice number five, Our last point for this morning, we’ve looked at many things that we were responsible for to our brethren, to ourselves as Christians. What about something to our government? I think sadly, and just looking at the church Again, I’ve said this before. COVID has not only affected those physically, but sadly, spiritually,

sadly, spiritually. I want to look at this for a bit. A moment. Firstly got it. It’s called Christians to be responsible. Has he not to our government? I want you to notice Romans chapter 13, God has called all Christians to be responsible to the authority, which they’re under Romans chapter 13 and verses one and two, let every soul Be subject unto The higher powers for there is no power,

but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God, whosoever therefore exist. If the power resistant the ordinance of God and they, that resist shall receive to themselves damnation, We Are commanded to be responsible to those which we Were under. But no, I Disagree with those who are in power. I disagree with the laws, the commandments that are stating doesn’t mean you have to agree with them That they don’t contradict The law of God.

We are commanded to them. And that’s our responsibility. If the government has ordained laws, that, that, again, don’t contradict, we are commanded to about, I think there are two questions or two things that we can ask ourselves Here. Does the Oracle does it? The law in which they’ve stayed that doesn’t contradict God’s law. Does it prohibit me?

Number two from going against God’s law. That’s what we need to ask ourselves. And if it, It doesn’t matter what I think I have to obey for instance, what about the speed limit? I do sometimes wish the speed limit was faster, But it doesn’t matter if gods, If the authorities have stated something that doesn’t contradict, I don’t think I’m going to go to hell or not.

If I concerning the speed limit, therefore I need to obey that ordinance. What about taxes? Well, I don’t like paying taxes. Well, not many do, but it’s still an Oracle of the government. What about this one? What about masks? What about masks? Well, I don’t like wearing masks. It’s annoying to me. It, to me Personally,

it is as well, but when there’s an ordinance that they, that the government has stated, We as Christians are obligated to obey, no matter unless it contradicts God’s law. I don’t think a mass can prohibit us from worshiping. God does it. I don’t think it does. Therefore. I need to obey Now again, if, if they, if they give us that,

that opinion or you get to choose, then that’s one thing. But if it is mandated, we, as Christians are obligated to Obey. If it doesn’t contradict The law of God and we noticed this, I love this phrase, Christians first, then Americans, I’m a Christian, Just because I’m a Christian. Doesn’t mean that those civil rights and Liberty,

These are just thrown away. I’m a Christian first. Then I am an American or whatever country I’m under. You want. It’s interesting. When Paul was writing Romans and when he was writing, He has letters. What did it, what government were they under? Were they under Governments that were acceptance of Christianity? I’ll just do what you want. You get to choose.

Right? They were under harsh persecution. You know, we were reading. Yeah, I can’t re I think it was a couple of days ago concerning the Roman emperors. I won’t go into details cause it really is Immoral. But Some of the things that they were that the Roman emperors were doing Wing was, was twisted. Paul says, obey, go back to Romans 13.

Notice again, Number one, let every soul be subject unto the higher powers Unless you disagree with them. Right? Whatever. So it will be subject to under the higher powers. If they, if there is an ordinance that they have Told us to do, we are commanded now again, what about if they have given us commandments to disobey the law of God?

What are we to do? We are to disobey. Look at acts chapter five and verse 29, acts chapter five and verse 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men stop preaching on homosexual. The reality that we can’t do that you Cannot sing, sing praises unto God In worship. No, can’t do that.

I obey God first. And then the government, why are we doing this? Why, why, why this responsibility here? It’s for the Lord’s sake. It’s for God. That’s why I do it in first, Peter chapter two in verse 13, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. I do this for God and turn. When I obeyed the authorities,

according to the scriptures, I obey God. That’s my responsibility as a Christian. And we have a responsibility to pray for them to obey them. If it doesn’t contradict the law of God, that’s my responsibility as a Christian. And sadly, it’s a sad thing. It’s not something to, it’s a depressing thing to think that Christians are losing their souls because of these negated responsibilities.

That’s a sad thing that the church is doing. But looking at our lesson this morning, we, as Christians are responsible for many things, God has commanded us to do many things in the church. He’s given us responsibilities. And I want us to think about something again, as we, as we go back to that parable in Matthew 25, the master has given us responsibilities as he not the master has given us things to do.

When he comes back, is he going to look at us and say that we’ve done nothing with those responsibilities? Is he going to look at us and say, I never knew you depart from me either that work iniquity or is he going to tell us entry into the joy of Lord? Well, well done now. Good faithful servant. You have done many things.

I’ve given you responsibilities. I given you commandments to do, and you’ve done them. Enter in, live with me for eternity. Do we not want him to say that of us? Think we do. And, and perhaps there is one here this morning who is a Christian, but has not done the things that God would have them to do in these things.

God has given us these commandments for reason, because he wants us to obtain eternal life. He wants us to because he loves us. Second, Peter chapter three in verse nine, the Lord is not Slack concerning his promise. As some men counts Lochness, but as long suffering he’s patient toward us. Not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.

But perhaps there’s one who has never even started that journey to become a Christian. Do you believe that Jesus is a son have gone? Are you willing to repent of your sins? Confess Christ before man, and then be baptized for the remission of your sins will be added to the church. The greatest institution known to man, the church, the body of Christ.

If you are added to the church, you’ll be able to go to heaven by living faithfully. If you do unto God, a beautiful blessing, we need to re be responsible as Christians. And if there is one here this morning, this subject in the invitation, won’t you come as we stand. And that’s what we see.<inaudible><inaudible> Oh, no way.

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but to trust and eh, then fan ships. We, we<inaudible>. Oh, well the walk by here is a side and Hey, what he says we well do where he Sans. We well, never fear on the trust and Oh, Hey trust. And<inaudible> for there’s. No,<inaudible> to be happy, but to trust and<inaudible> Song for our closing prayer will be number 634 we’ll work till Jesus comes.

Oh, land<inaudible>. Nah, man.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> well<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> two GS, a scribe, a flat for a sea bed. Me. See, he’s too wrong.<inaudible> on his breast. He asked me, Oh,<inaudible> to Jesus comes. Well, Jesus comes and<inaudible><inaudible> ah,<inaudible> no more<inaudible><inaudible> tide and reach my head.<inaudible><inaudible> well<inaudible> to,

Jesus comes when Jesus comes and<inaudible> Which he brought with me. I got and father in heaven. We indeed thank you for this beautiful first day of life and the freedom of opportunity that you’ve given us to gather here in worship and sing praises to your name, father. We thank you for the great lesson that was brought to us this morning by Noah and father,

we pray that we may study deeper into that and carry that with us through our daily lives, to bring that shine and light to those around us. Father, we’re mindful of those who were mentioned. There were sick and we pray father that you will be with those that are sick and return them back to a great slate of house and father be that well,

that, that you will comfort them. Those doctors tending to those father. We pray that you’ll be with us and keep us safe and forgive us for our sins in Jesus name. Amen.

Automated Transcript:

<inaudible><inaudible> Appreciate everyone’s patience. We are running a few minutes behind, but that’s all right. So we are going to be doing a review where we’re in between sections. We’re about to, as we’ve been studying the life of Christ, we’re about to move from that to the early church in the book of acts. So our review we’ll cover some of the classes,

some of the lessons that we went through in the life of Jesus, but then also the first few chapters of the book of acts, part of what we were getting this, where those at home could be able to see the questions on the video. So we’ve got those, we’ll go through as many as we, as we get through and hopefully everything will,

will work. You know, sometimes it does sometimes it doesn’t, but let’s begin with a word of prayer, our gracious father in heaven, we bow before you grateful for the day that you’ve given to us grateful for this life that we have and the opportunities we have in it. Most especially grateful for the opportunity to worship you, to praise your name,

to glorify you and all that you have created to recognize your majesty and your power in the very existence that we have and the life that we have, but also in the things that you have created us to be able to do. We pray for our nation and for its leaders, that they make choices that will lead our country on pals of righteousness that will provoke and promote that,

which is good and brings unity. As long as that unity is based in righteousness, we pray that we might make choices in our own lives that will promote righteousness and unity and faith and love in our own homes and in our own communities. And among those who we come in contact every day, we pray for missionaries and nations around the world that they be able to spread the gospel,

that they have opened doors of opportunity to teach the truth and to bring law souls to you. We pray that you will forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. So we’re going to begin in John chapter 11 with lesson 86, John chapter 11, we’ll read the passage and then we’ll ask and answer the question.

John chapter 11, verse 57. Now both the chief priests and Pharisees had come had given a command that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him at the Passover before Jesus, his death. What was the order given by the chief priests and Pharisees in Jerusalem? And I’m going to allow the folks who, who are in the room.

If they want to answer to answer what was the order that was given. All right. They were too. If anyone knew where he was, they should report it. Okay. Chapter 12, verse one, then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead.

Where did Jesus go? Six days before the last Passover Bethany. Okay. Chapter 12 verses two through four and verse nine of John there. They made him a supper and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.

And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil, but one of his disciples, Judas, Iscariot Simon’s son who would betray him said, and then let’s go down to verse nine. Now a great many of the Jews knew that he was there and they came not only for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead in Bethany before the last Passover with whom did Jesus eat supper who was present?

Lazarus? Who else? Martha, Mary Judas, the disciples, and one other person, Simon, Who as we’ve discussed, I believe to be Judas as father. Okay. John chapter 12, verse three. I’m going to kind of reverse this. I’m going to read. I’m going to give the reference, read the questions, then read the passage.

What special treatment did Mary show Jesus at the supper in Bethany before the last Passover, then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of oil. So what did Mary do to Jesus? All right, knowing it, his feet with oil and a wipe them with her hair.

What was Jesus’s response verses seven and eight, but Jesus said, let her alone, she has kept this for the day of my burial for the poor you have with you always, but me. You do not have always, why did, why did she do this? According to verse seven in preparation for what? Alright. For his preparation, for his burial,

and then who was opposed to Mary using the costly ointment to anoint Jesus’s feet Judas was why was he opposed to it? We, we actually, we didn’t read that yet. That’s verse six. Then he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box and he used to take what was put in it.

So why did Judas object to this? Okay. If the money had been given to the disciples to Jesus or to, to, to them to give to the poor, then it would have gone in his money box. And he was a fif what was Jesus’ response to Judas. All right. So we’re going to correct that. We’re going to get,

we’re going to get on it. As soon as we get done with this question, we’re going to get on a lesson that matches the slides. I pulled number 89 out and it was supposed to be 86. So what was Jesus’ response to leave her alone? All right. That she, that the poor they have with them always, but Christ. They don’t always have with them.

Okay. So we’re going to skip to lesson. Oh, no minor out of order. Now tell you what we’re going to do this skip to less than 92. Do you see 92 in my list? 92, Mark chapter 12, verse 41 through 44. And John chapter 12 verses 20 through 50. And to Eric Halvorson. Thank you for texting me and letting me know that we weren’t on the same thing since I couldn’t see it since it was behind me.

I had no idea. Mark. Chapter 12, verses 41 through 44 as Terry, I saw you looking up there and you were rating it. How? Like, I don’t know why he’s confused by this. He’s got the page right in front of him. He’s got it up on the screen. Now. I know I was confused. You know,

sometimes, like I said, Sometimes, yeah, You think, you know what you did and you don’t always know what you did, Mark. Chapter 12, verse 41, question one. From what location in the temple did Jesus watch the people giving their money? Okay. Chapter 12, verse 41 says now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.

And many who were rich put in much. So where was Jesus? Okay. Opposite the treasury. Okay. So he’s, he’s opposite of watching all of this take place. Verse 42. How much money did the poor widow give verse 42 says then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrant. How much money did she give to Mike?

Some translations say to pennies, Mark chapter 12 verses 43 and 44. Why did Jesus say the poor widow had given more than the rich people? Notice what we read? Verse 43. So he called his disciples to himself and said to them, assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury for,

they all put in out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty put in all that. She had her whole livelihood. So why did Jesus say this woman gave more than everyone else? Because she gave everything she had. Okay. So we’re going to skip over to John chapter 12. Again, John chapter 12, verse 24, Verse 24,

question four. How did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Verse 24. I’m going to read verse 23 as well. Jesus answered them saying the hour has come. That the son of man should be glorified. Most assuredly. I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies. It remains alone. But if it dies,

it produces much grain. Why or how did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Okay. When you plant a seed, the seed has to die for the plant to grow. And so Jesus is saying that by going to his death, he going to produce the fruit of the very reason why he came here to begin with he was going to accomplish his goal.

Chapter 12, verse 37. Why had Jesus performed so many signs for the People? Verse 37 says, but although he had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in him. So why is it? Jesus had performed the song Signs that they might believe. Okay. Chapter 12, verse 42. Why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him?

Verse 42 says nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him less. They should be put out of the synagogue. So why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him. Okay. For fear, The Jewish leadership that they might be put out of the synagogue, by what individuals,

excuse me, by what will individuals be judged on the last day, verse 48. He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that, which judges him. The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. So by what will individuals be judged on the last day? The word of God, the word of Christ. Okay.

So now we’re actually going to transition over into the book of acts. So Michael, if you will pull up number Less than 112, Less than 112 acts chapter one verses one through eight and verses 13 through 26. So as I mentioned where we’re headed back into the book of acts in our normal studies. And so starting on Wednesday will be, I believe in acts chapter nine.

So the next few review lessons that we go through in the remainder of the time that we have will come from the book of acts, starting in chapter one, going through chapter eight, chapter one, verse three of the book of acts, how did Jesus, excuse me? How had Jesus proved to the apostles that he was alive? Chapter one, verse three.

He says to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. So how did Jesus to the apostles that he was alive? He showed himself to them. He was present with them chapter one, verse three, again, over how many days did Jesus appear to the apostles between his resurrection and Ascension 40 Chapter one verse eight before Jesus ascended to the father.

He promised the apostles that the Holy spirit would give them blank. And then also, where were the apostles to be witnesses? Verse eight says, but you shall receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. So what is it? Jesus promised they would receive the Holy spirit also power.

Okay. And they would be witnesses in what locations. Alright. Jerusalem, Judea Samaria. And to the end of the earth verses 13 through 15 of acts, chapter one name the 11 apostles gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ Ascension. And when they had entered verse 13, they went up into the upper room where they were staying Peter James, John, and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James,

the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. So the names of the apostles, we’ll just go through this for the sake of time are Peter James, John, Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James, the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. This is the other Judas, not Judas Iscariot.

Okay. Which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place, acts chapter one, verse 20, which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place. Verse 20 says for it is written in the book of Psalms, let his dwelling place be desolate and let no one live in it. And let another take his office.

Who was speaking at the time. According to verse 15, Peter was okay verses 21 through 26 of acts, chapter one verses 21 through 26. What were the qualifications given for the person who was to take Judases place? Verse 21 says therefore of these men who have accompanied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us.

One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. And they proposed two Joseph called Barsabbas, whose name was justice and Mathias. And they prayed and said, you will Lord who know the hearts of all show, which of these two, you have chosen to take part in this ministry. And apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they cast their lots and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the 11 apostles. All right. What were the qualifications given for the person who would take Judases place? He had to have been present with the Lord, from what point? To what point? All right. From his baptism to his, to his Ascension and had to be a witness of the resurrection,

but then also what was the method used to choose the man to take Judases place? They cast lots. And what was the name of the chosen man Mathias? All right. Acts chapter two, acts chapter two beginning in verses one through four. I’m going to read all three of these questions all at one time. And then we’ll read the verses. When did the Holy spirit,

which Jesus had promised to the apostles come in, what visible form did the Holy spirit appear? And what were the audible results of the appearance of the Holy spirit? Chapter two verses one through four. When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing,

mighty wind. And it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them, divided tongues as a fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak with other tongues. As the spirit gave them utterance. When did the Holy spirit, which Jesus had promised to the apostles come on the day of Pentecost and what visible form did the Holy spirit appear?

All right, like cloven tongues of fire on their head. What were the audible result of the appearance of the Holy spirit sound of a re mushing? Righty. Let me try that again. The sound of a rushing mighty wind. And what else? What did they speak? All right. They spoke each in a or a, they spoke with other tongues,

other languages, chapter two, verses five through 11. What nations of people were gathered at Jerusalem on Pentecost. We’re just going to read these and leave it at that beginning in verse nine, we read Parthians and Medes. Elamites those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Kapha, dosha punches, and Asia Phrygia and Pamphylia Egypt, and the parts of Libya adjoining siren visitors from Rome,

both Jews and proselytes Christians and Arabs. We hear them speaking in our own tongues. The wonderful works of God speaking, many other languages. Why could the people understand the apostles there? According to verse 11? All right. They heard, if you go through and count, there’s more locations than there are even apostles. And so the apostle spoke, but they heard each one in their own tongue acts chapter two verses 13 through 15 acts,

chapter two verses 13 through 15, yes or no on Pentecost were the men who spoke in the many languages drunk as accused verse 13. Others mocking said these are full of new wine. But Peter standing up with the 11, raised his voice and said to them, men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you. And he,

my words for these are not drunk as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. So yes or no. Were the men who spoke in many languages drunk as accused? No. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 23, acts chapter two, verse 23 in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say,

put Jesus to death? Verse 23 says him. That is Christ being delivered by the determined purpose. And for knowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death. So in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say, put Jesus to death, the Jews at those who were standing there right then,

okay. Did Jesus’ body decay after death acts chapter two, verse 31. He foreseeing this beacon concerning David spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. Did Jesus’s body decay after death? No. Where did Peter say Jesus is now verse 33, therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the father,

the promise of the Holy spirit. He poured out this, which you now see and hear. So where did Peter say Jesus is now at the right hand of God, acts chapter two, verse 37 and 38 and 41. We’re going to read all the questions and then go through and answer. Describe Peter’s replying to the people on the day of Pentecost.

When they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit and how many obeyed that day let’s go to verse 37 of acts chapter two. Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

men and brethren, what shall we do then Peter said to them, repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy spirit for the promise is to you and to your children. And to all who are afar off. As many as the Lord, our God will call.

And with many other words, he testified and exhorted them saying, be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. And that day about 3000 souls were added to them. So describe Peter’s reply to the people on the day of Pentecost, when they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins, all right, repent,

and be baptized for the remission of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit After they did what? All right after they were baptized after they obeyed what Peter said, how many obeyed that day? About 3000 souls. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 47. Last question. In this lesson who added others to the original group of obedient persons,

we read verse 47, praising God and having with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily, those who were being saved, who added others to the original group of obedient persons. The Lord did all right. Lesson one 14, acts chapter three, question one from acts chapter three, verse two. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate been crippled?

We read in acts chapter three, verse two, and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called beautiful to ask owns from those who entered the temple. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate? Ben crippled his entire life from his mother’s womb acts chapter three, verses six through eight.

What did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate verses six through eight says, then Peter said silver and gold. I do not have, but what I do have, I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

So he leaping up stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking leaping and praising OD what did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate? All right. The ability to walk acts chapter three, there that’s a typo. There acts chapter three, verse 12 and verse 16, which of the following did Peter say healed the cripple by the beautiful gate,

a Peter’s power B Peter’s godliness. See a medical doctor or D faith in Jesus, faith in Jesus. I’m going to go with that. I don’t even think we even have to read that passage. All right. According to Peter, question four, where, or excuse me, were the Jews responsible for Jesus’ death? Let’s go to verse 13 of acts,

chapter three, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified his servant, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of pilot when he was determined to let him go. But you denied the Holy one and the just and asked for a murderer to be granted to you and killed the Prince of life whom gone,

raised from the dead of which we are witnesses. According to Peter we’re Jews responsible for Jesus’ death. Yes. All right. Acts chapter three, verse 17. Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son? Verse 17 says yet. Now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance as did also your rulers.

Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son, Ignorant Acts chapter three verses 18 through 19, according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer and die? And how did Peter challenge the listeners verse 18? But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ would suffer.

He has thus fulfilled, repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. So that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. So according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer Die? Okay. Right. It was told by the profits and fulfilled by Christ. How did Peter challenge the list? All right,

Right. And he challenged them to repent and be converted. Chapter three, verse 24 through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Verse 24 says yes. And all the profits from Samuel and those who follow as many of us have spoken, have also foretold. These days, you are sons of the prophets of the,

and of the covenant, which God made with our fathers saying to Abraham in your seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham. That should be Verse 25 in that reference, not verse 24. All right. Acts chapter four, Few minutes,

Flipped acts chapter four, beginning in verse one going through verse two. Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison verse one. Now, as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captains of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in, preached in Jesus, the resurrection from the dead.

Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison? Okay. Right. Because they were preaching of Jesus’ resurrection verse 14 of acts chapter did the Jewish leaders believe that the crippled man had been healed verse 14 and seeing the man who had been healed, standing with them, they could not, or they could say nothing against it. Did they believe that he had been healed?

Yes. That’s why they couldn’t argue with it. Chapter four, verse seven and verse 10. By what power did be, did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed? Verse seven says, and when they sent or when they set them in the midst, they asked by what power or by what name have you done this verse 10 says,

let it be known to you all. And to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus, Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him, this man stands here before you whole his name did Peter say, or I’m reading the wrong question. By what power did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth. All right. Verse 12. In whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Verse 12 says now, is there salvation in any other for, there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved in whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Oh, Jesus. In the name of Jesus.

Okay. After let’s acts chapter four verses 19 through 20, after the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John, not to talk about Jesus and immor Peter and John, a stopped preaching in public B said that they had to obey God rather than men or C lost their temper and screamed at the Sanhedrin. The, they said they had to obey God rather than men.

All right. The crippled man, chapter four, verse 22, the crippled man by the beautiful gate whom Peter healed was over blank years old verse 22 for the man was over 40 years old on whom the miracle of healing had been performed. He was over Age 40. All right, Acts chapter four, verses 32 through 35. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group?

Her who were poor in physical necessities, chapter four, verses 32 through 35. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common and great power. The apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord. Jesus and great grace was upon them all,

nor was there any one among them who lacked for all who were possessors of land or houses sold them and brought the throw seeds of the things that were sold and laid them at the Apostle’s feet. And they distributed to each as anyone had need. And that’s the end of the passage. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group who were poor in physical necessity?

All right. They gave of what they have. They sold their, of their property and their houses and gave it to those who were in need. Okay. For the sake of time, we are going to end there, there are handouts available for those who might like to come by and pick them up just by way of review to go through the remaining chapters,

we will pick up with acts chapter nine on Wednesday night. Thank you for your attention. And we’ll be back to start worship services in a few weeks.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> good morning. Appreciate everyone who is here in person. There are a few of us and we appreciate everyone’s presence. We also appreciate everyone who is joining us remotely. Few announcements as we get started.

Remember our sick ed Richardson specifically also remember Barbara Dillard, Joan Springer, Donnie Flanagan, and Rodel Wilson, and update on Dorothy. She is back at home, recovering from a heart attack and a stint surgery. She is week from surgery. So definitely keep Dorothy in your prayers. Janie Marlin, her doctor canceled her appointment this week. So she will try and see a doctor this week for her aphid issues.

Potter’s children’s home will be here Thursday morning to pick up our collection of commodities. If you have coined cans, please bring those Wednesday night and have those here before Thursday. And also if you have any additional commodities, make sure those are here before Thursday. One last announcement Michael’s dad. James Dale will be speaking on the saved are in the church Tuesday night on the nationwide gospel call.

So a good opportunity to get a chance to hear him unless you’re planning on making any trips to Arizona anytime soon, it might be your only opportunity to hear Michael’s dad. So tune into that call into that Tuesday night at nine o’clock. If there are not any other announcements, Michael will lead us in our opening prayer. At the appropriate time, Noah will lead our singing and have our closing prayer.

And then Michael will also take care of the Lord’s supper. And I will present the sermon, I suppose. All right. No. All right. Good morning. Number 634, six three four. For you’re going to be using a song book. We’ll work till Jesus comes, sing the first and last verses of six, three, four. All right,

let us sing. Oh, land<inaudible>. When will the mom, man, When I found lame, I armor by and well and he side, Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes well till Jesus comes and will be a guy. I saw that once my save your side, no more, my stab shall wrong with am brave ass, chilling tide and reach my Handley.

Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes and will be guy<inaudible> Next song is going to be number 609, six zero nine. I’m not ashamed to own my Lord six zero nine. After which we have a prayer brother, Michael Dale, six zero nine. I’m not a shame to my Lord.<inaudible> main chain, neon, nurs of his word, the glory of his cross.

Jesus, my God, I know his name. His name is on my<inaudible> no more. Will he bud? My soul to shame no lead, my whole being lost for mass. His throne is promise. And then he can, well,<inaudible> what I’ve come it into his hands.<inaudible> then. Well, he on my worthless name before his father’s face and then a news porn for me,

my please bear with me Our awesome father in heaven. How Holy your name is? We thank you so much for this time that we have to come together, whether in person or online to be able to sing songs of praise to you and lift our voices in prayer and know that we are heard and hear a portion of your word. We thank you Lord for the technology that we are provided today,

to make sure that we are all able to come together, whether in the building or just in spirit. We thank you Lord so much for your son who, who died on the cross for us. And it is in his name. We pray amen. As long before the Lord’s supper to help us prepare our minds is not in a song, but that will be on the slides to set the face.

Divine set the fees to Bible in the first and last first, let us see<inaudible> Steve align, no bread and a fruit of the upline and say<inaudible> beef for the shrine and up the little may we<inaudible> his dad<inaudible> we thing Stan<inaudible> is<inaudible> and<inaudible> He’s got with me as we remember our Lord sacrifice our Lord in heaven. We humbly bow before your throne.

And we thank you Lord, for the sacrifice of your son and for this bread, which represents his body. When he asked that we do this in a pleasing manner in his name, amen. Please dealt with me, Our father in heaven. We come before you again, and we thank you so much for this fruit of the vine that represents your son,

shed blood for the covering. It gives us and the washing and regeneration that we gained from it. We asked that we never forget this and that we keep it in our minds and our hearts throughout the entire week and not just on Sunday. And thank you Lord for his sacrifice. Amen. Now this time we have set aside a time for offering, please bow with me,

Lord, in heaven, we thank you for the many blessings that you put upon us and that we receive in this world that you’ve created for us. We ask that as we give we so bound to flee so we can rebound to flee in the service of you. We ask that we give with a cheerful heart in your son’s name. Amen for the lesson will be number 647,

six four seven. If you are using a song book, do you want to go ahead and Mark 909, nine zero nine. Okay. A song of invitation, six 47, soldiers of Christ arise. We’ll sing all five verses. Let us soldiers of Christ.<inaudible> strong in the strength which gone up.<inaudible> strong in this rain, which God supplies through his being love is strong in the Lord of us.

That is my team who in the strength, jeez truck, who in this range of genies us trust is more than conch or Stan. Then in his grade,<inaudible> with all his strength and my tank to arm you for the fall, but take to arm you for the fight up.<inaudible> God leave no one garden.<inaudible> no weakness of the muscle.

Take every Birch you and every gray take every virtue. You, every grace and fortify the home, not that having all things done and know your conflicts pass, you may or come through Christ alone, alone. You may your come through Christ alone and stand in Tyra<inaudible>. And in the process of that, we have observed one of the amazing attributes of creation.

And that attribute is the nature of a snowflake. Those who have looked at these things under magnifying glasses will tell us there’s no two snowflakes alike. They are unique. They’re unique of how God Created them. And as I was thinking about that this week, one of the things that I fought about was the church, because the church is unique among all organizations,

among all bodies, among all assemblies, among all history, the church stands unique. Now there are some attributes of the church that are not unique. So, so let’s, let’s notice those just, just to get that idea out of the way, there are some things about the church that are not unique. For instance, it is not the only church that claims to be a church.

There’s a church in many cities on every corner that you drive by. It’s not the only one that claims to be a church or even a church associated or recognizing God. It is not the oldest religion in the sense of the church began when Jesus ascended back into heaven and the apostles had the power of the Holy spirit come upon them. As we talked about in Bible class,

and that as a form of religion, changing from the old law and the patriarch and Mosaical law to the new law is only about 2000 years old. And yet there are religions that history will tell us like those among Chinese cultures that are 5,000 years old. So somebody said, well, it’s not the oldest religion. It is not the only group that claims you can reach heaven by being a member.

Now it’s significant to know that there’s a difference as with many things in this world, there’s a difference between what people claim and what is actually true. But if we turn over to Galatians chapter one, verses six through nine, Paul will write to those in the churches of Galicia, that he was marveling, that they were so soon removed from the grays,

which called them by the gospel to another gospel, which he said is not another gospel, but some have perverted you and brought you away from God. So even in Paul’s day, just mere decades after Jesus ascended into heaven, after the church was established just mere decades. After this point, there were already those claiming you could get to heaven by a way,

other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, but notice as well, it is not unique in that it is not free from controversy internally and externally among organizations and even among religious organizations, controversy inside and out is not abnormal. And if you Are a part of a local congregation or a part of the church, universally in view of both aspects of the church,

you will recognize that controversy exists, but it existed even in the first century, turn to acts chapter 20 and acts chapter 20. As Paul is meeting with the elders from the church at Ephesus, he is meeting them there in the aisle or they’re on the Island and He is going to Speak with them because he knows that there are things that he needs to tell them before they don’t ever see him again.

So he meets there with those elders and he says to them and acts chapter 20 and in verse 29, therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For. I know this that After my departure, Savage wolves will come in among you not sparing the flock also from among yourselves,

men will rise up speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves, therefore watch. And remember that for three years, I did not cease to warn everyone night and day With tears. Yeah. Notice Paul said that there was going to be controversy. There was going to be division. There was going to be struggling. The first attribute that he says,

or the first direction from which he said, that’s going to come, is those coming from the outside? He said, there’s going to be grievous wolves, perverse individuals who come in from the outside seeking to draw away men after themselves. But he said, it’s not just going to be those on the outside that are going to cause the problems he said.

There will also be those from among you. Now he’s talking to elders, he’s talking to the leaders of the church. He’s talking to the shepherds of the flock of God And he points it, them and stuff As there’s going to be those from among you who rise up seeking to draw away disciples after your selves. That moment As Paul is there with those elders,

I imagine To be very much like When Jesus was with the 12 apostles there at the table, in the upper room on the night of his betrayal. And he said, one of you sitting here will betray me. And they said, Lord has an eye. Lord, is it? I Lord has an eye at imagine the elders were looking at Paul going,

Well, I mean, it’s not going to be me. He must be talking about one of these other guys. But the reality Quality is the church is not free from controversy internally and externally. And in that way, it is not unique, But also it is made up of imperfect beings like Every other organization on planet earth. There are Some senses in which the church of Christ is not unique.

And I’m sure there’s more that can be added to the list. As I know, there are more attributes that can be added to the unique list than what I’ve prepared for this morning. But in these way, the church is not unique, but that doesn’t mean the church is not unique. The church is unique as it stands today, among all religions in existence today,

and every religion that has ever exist and every assembly, body or group of individuals or organization that has ever existed in history, the church stands unique and it is unique for these among many more reasons. Number one, the church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on humanity, turn to John chapter one, John chapter one, John is he is writing and giving these things that he writes.

So that those who read the things that Jesus did might believe and through their belief, their faith in Christ might have life through his name. John begins with this in the beginning was the word. And the word was with God. And the word was, God, the word was fails. The word was deity. The one who was in the beginning with God,

the one who was God. But then he says he was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. And without him, nothing was made that was made the word that was with God. The word that was deity, the word was the one who created everything that exists the world and all that is there in. But if you skip down to verse 14,

we read and the word became flesh. Now you can go back to the old Testament and you can go back to the days of Moses. When God from Mount Sinai spoke to Moses and said to Moses, this is the law. This is what I’m giving to you. Now you go and give it to the children of Israel. And you can remember that occasion where God told Moses that he was going to pass by before him,

because Moses desired to see the Lord. And God said, you’re not going to see me to my face, but you’re going to see my, my hind parts as it were. You’re going to see the back of me, but you’re not gonna see the front of me because you would die if you did. And God manifested himself to Moses there in that form.

But God did not take on flesh. So even among the worship and the, the accurate and correct worship of God, there was never a time before the church where there was a religion founded by God who took on flesh. And yet the church is, but notice verse 15, John bore, witness of him and crying out saying this was he of whom.

I said that this was, excuse me. If I can read this. This was he of whom. I said, he who comes after me is preferred before me for, he was before me and of his fullness. We have all received. And grace for grace for the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time.

The only begotten son who was in, who was in the bosom of the father, he declared him. John points out that the word became flesh, but he doesn’t leave us guessing about who he’s talking about. He says the word that became flesh was the same one. John, the Baptist testified of saying, this is the son of God. And that word that became flesh was Jesus Christ.

The church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on flesh and no other organization in all of history has ever been able to claim that because no other organization in all of history of that, has it been true? But notice, secondly, it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died. Again. John chapter 20 in John chapter 20 and in verse 26,

as John is preparing to close his record of the life of Christ. We read in John chapter 20 and in verse 26 and after eight days, his disciples were again inside the inside where they were gathered together, inside and separated from everyone else. So after eight days, his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came the doors being shut and stood in the midst and said peace to you.

They’re in a room. The door is shut by all indications. It’s like it was the week before the door was shut and locked. And yet, instead of Jesus opening the lock, instead of knocking on the door, Jesus just shows up in the room and he says to them, peace to you. Then he said to Thomas, reach your finger here and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side.

Do not be unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered and said to him, my Lord and my God, Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God and the believing you might have life in his name. Jesus died. Jesus was hung on a cross. Jesus was nailed to a cross, a sign placed above his head, said the King of the Jews. And it was written in three different languages. He was scourged.

He was beaten. He was mocked. He was ridiculed And he was killed. And as he hung on the cross and was all ready at the point where he had given up his spirit, the Centurion came along and was going by and breaking the legs of those two other individuals who were on their crosses because it was time for the repairing of, of the feast.

And there, they couldn’t have dead bodies hanging around during FaceTime. And so he breaks the knees of the other two, but he comes to Jesus and he’s all Ready, dead end, Thrust that spear up into his side and outcomes, blood And water Syngenta Recognizes that the death process has already begun to take place. The church was founded by a man who died,

but he didn’t stay dead. He was resurrected for, he appeared to the apostles on the Sunday, after his resurrection, he appeared to them again on the next Sunday, after his resurrection and appeared to Thomas as Well. But This additional fact is he did not just rise from the dead. He did not just come back to life, but he ascended to the father,

acts chapter one, acts chapter one. And in verse one, the former account I made oath. The awfulness of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach until the day in which he was taken up. After he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs,

being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father, which he said, you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit.

Not many days from now. Therefore, when you come together, they asked, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put into his own authority, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses of me in Jerusalem and in Judea and Sumeria to the end of the earth.

Now, when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they stood steadfastly looking toward heaven, as he went up behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, men of Galilee, why do you stay in gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will.

So come in like manner. As you saw him go in to heaven, the one who was deity, the one who took on flesh, the one who died, the one who was resurrected and showed him siloed by many infallible proofs, that he was alive. That one ascended back to the father, which is why in Hebrews chapter 12 in Hebrews chapter 12.

And in verses one and two, the Hebrew writer tells these Christian TRIBE these Christians. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great, a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily besets us. And let us run with endurance. The racists set before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

the originator, the creator of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross. He was the founder, the creator of all things that exist. And yet he took on flesh and for joy went to the cross who, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

One thing that makes the church unique against every other organization, every other religion, every other aspect, and the thought of mankind, every other government, every other assembly of people is it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died again. Now, why is that last piece so critical? Because if you say, you know what, this was,

this was, it was founded by a man who died and was resurrected. Well, what if Lazarus, after he was resurrected by the Lord, decided he’d ought to preach his own glory, his own majesty and get his own disciples and draw them away after Lazarus. Well, then that would be a religion started by a man who died and was resurrected.

But what happened to Lazarus? He died again. Jesus Christ among all humanity among all who have ever lived is the only one who has ever died to be resurrected, never again, to taste death, which is why he is called the first born from the dead. And the church was founded by the one who died was resurrected and never died again. But thirdly,

the church is unique because it was in doweled by its creator with a unique mission message and might turn back to acts chapter one and acts chapter one. We just read this, we’ll read it again just briefly for the sake of drawing these thoughts together, but in acts chapter one, we are presented with this reality, the former account I made. Okay.

The off list of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach. It’s significant that Luke, as he is riding to the office says, I want you to understand the teaching and the actions of Jesus Christ until the day in which he was taken up. After, after he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles who may have chosen.

Now, wait a minute, Jesus rise who died was resurrected and never died. Again. Not only did things while he was here, not only taught things while he was here, but he left commandments for those who were amazed when he left notice also whom also he presented himself alive after his sufferings, by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days.

And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, even during the time where Jesus was alive and on the earth, after he was resurrected from the dead, he was still teaching them about the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them. He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father there, which he said,

you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. Not many days from now. Now we know in John chapter 16, as he was speaking with the apostles in the upper room, that Jesus told them that the Holy spirit, the comforter would be given to them to guide them in. And to all truth,

air four, he says, verse six, when they had come together, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put in his own, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses,

they were going to speak on Christ’s behalf. We’re going to be witnesses concerning him in all or in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Sumeria and to the end of the earth. So notice that the church is unique because it has a unique mission. If you turn back over to what Luke had just concluded in his former writings in Luke chapter 24, Luke concludes his previous letter to the office with this font in Luke chapter 24,

beginning in verse 46. And he, then he said to them, thus, it is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the promise of my father upon you,

but Terry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are dude with power from on high. Now Luke gives this account of what Jesus tells the apostles. He also gives the account in acts chapter one, you might say, well, which one’s accurate. The answer is both of them are. And Luke is putting together the fact that repentance and remission of sins was what they were to be witnesses about.

They were to preach the gospel and Jesus had to die. So the gospel could be preached because Jesus died. And he was unlike anyone who had ever died. And because he was resurrected and he was unlike anyone who was ever resurrected and because he never died, again, the message they preached was unlike any other message that’s ever been preached. It was unique because it was Jesus Christ.

And as Paul says in first Corinthians chapter one, it was Jesus Christ and him crucified the message that they preached was part of the mission they were sent to fulfill. And that was repentance and remission of sins being preached to the entire world. Turn to Romans chapter one has Paul writes to the church at Rome. He tells these brethren beginning in verse 14,

I am a debtor, both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. So as much as in me as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also for, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes for the Jew first and also for the Greek,

for in it. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, the just shall live by faith for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God says, as he writes this through Paul, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The message of the gospel is unique for it is the only thing that will save mankind from their sins.

They were sent a mission To preach the gospel to the entire world Or debtors as Paul describes himself to preach the gospel to the entire world, the message that they preach was the only message that would save mankind. And yet It was the church is unique. Not only Because of its mission, not only because of its message, but because of It’s Mike,

there are two The senses in which the church is powerful and it is powerful In a way, unlike any other organization in all humanity’s history. First Then foremost, it is the might that we read about in acts After one in acts chapter one Beginning in verse six, the apostles asked Jesus, will you restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus tells them it is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the father has put in his own hand.

He says, verse eight, you shall receive power. When the Holy The spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses. Now, you and I here in the assembly of the body of Christ today, do not have the gifts of the Holy spirit. But in the first century, when the church was founded, they did and they were there for a purpose.

They were there to confirm the message that was preached, that the message came from God, that the message was true and that the message could not be denied. And it was unique against every other message that had ever been proclaimed. The might of the church, big gain in the miraculous gifts of the Holy spirit and the revelation of God through those gifts.

But the might of the church didn’t end there when those gifts went away, because Those gifts were passed on only by the laying on of the Apostle’s hands. And when the apostles were dead and gone from this life, no one else had that ability to pass on those gifts. So with the apostles and all those who had met them in their lifetimes, the gifts went away.

We read about that in Ephesians Chapter four, and yet Paul and Ephesians chapter four says that these things were for a time while the church was in its infancy while it was growing to maturity until the gospel had been praised until the message amendment preach until those who were elders and teachers and deacons and ministers could come to a fullness of faith and a fullness of understanding.

So they wouldn’t be swayed about by every wind Doctrine. But Paul makes it clear. There was coming a time where these miraculous gifts were no longer going to be necessary. These miraculous gifts were not going to be needed. And yet it did not change The might of the church. And Matthew chapter 16, we read Beginning in verse 13, when Jesus came into the region of seven,

Three of Philippi, he asked his disciples saying, who do men say that I, the son of man am? So they said some of some say, John, the Baptist, some Elijah, others, Jeremiah, and One of the prophets he said to them, but who do you say that I am Simon, Peter, Or answered and said, you are the Christ,

the son of the living, God, Jesus answered and said to him, blessed, are you Simon? Barjona for flesh. And blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this Rock, not the rock that was Peter, but the rock that was the revelation of God,

I will build my church. But notice this statement, this, This statement about the church, the ekklesia, the called out of God, the church of Christ. This statement stands as you Nate, among all the organizations in history. He said, As upon this rock, I will build my church and the Gates of hell Eighties shall not prevail against it,

Of what organization in all of history. Can it be said that the Gates of hell Death did not overcome it, Of what organization can it be said in all of history that this organization stood and was able to withstand the power of Satan and the power of sin and the power of death. First Corinthians chapter one verses 50 through 58, Which organization can it be said in all of history was w was able to withstand the Gates of Hades.

And there’s only one. It is the church that Jesus built versus 19. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. And whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus, Jesus, the Christ Jesus had a mission to fulfill.

And in doing that, he left Half the church with a unique mission, a unique message and a Unique might in all history, but then consider as well. Number four, the church Is unique because it was purchased with a unique asset. Go back to acts chapter For 20, as Paul is there with the elders, as he Is speaking with those elders from the church at Ephesus,

he says to them in acts chapter 20 beginning in verse 25, He says, and indeed, now I know that you all among whom I have Gone preaching the kingdom of God will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men for, I have not shown to declare to you the whole counsel of God,

therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he Purchased with his own blood. Now, if nothing else was true, if not Nothing else that we’ve said in this lesson was applicable. This one thing would make the church unique because Paul, as he is, as he is speaking to these elders is he leaves this to us.

As Luke records, this in the book of acts tells us that the church was purchased with the one asset, nothing else in all of history Purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. The church stands unique because it was purchased with a unique asset fifthly. It is completely And entirely unified. Now Someone’s going to raise Their hand and say, Oh wait, wait,

wait. As you said up there in that point about what is not unique about the church, that it is not free from controversy. How is it now you turn around and say it is completely and entirely Unified. And the answer is in John chapter 17 On chapter 17, as Jesus is praying among the apostles, as he is preparing to go out into the garden,

preparing to be betrayed. He says in his prayer to God, beginning in verse 20, Actually, let’s go back To verse 18. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. Speaking of the disciples, the apostles, and for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone,

but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they all may be one as you father are in me and I in you, that they may be one in us. And that the world may believe that you Sent me Jesus Prayed for a unity and a unification to exist in the body of Christ. That was unlike anything else in all history,

in all mankind, because it was unity with Christ in the same unity he had with the father. And some One might say, well, yes, Aaron, I understand that, but that’s what Jesus had wanted. But that doesn’t mean that’s. What is He is? And I beg to differ turn first, John chapter one in first John chapter one,

we read about this unity. We, I read about the reality of the unity that exists in the body of Christ and nowhere else. John writes beginning in verse four. And these things I wrote, we write To you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard From him and declare to you that God is light. And in him is no darkness at all.

If we say we have fellowship with him, we walk in darkness and walk in darkness. We lie and do not practice the truth. You say, Erin, I’ve looked in the body of Christ and I’ve looked among congregations. And there are people doing ungodly things. There are people at war with one another there’s people in controversy. There’s people doing things that are not right.

They are not living the way Jesus wanted them to live. And therefore there is not Unity in the church. And I beg to differ because God’s is that though Those who walk with him in light have fellowship with him and those who are in Darkness do not. It doesn’t matter who sits in a Pew on a Sunday morning. It matters who is in fellowship with God and then consider this.

He says, if we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, his son cleanses us from all sin. What is it that could stop the true unity of the body of Christ?

And the answer is sin, but what is it that the blood of Christ continually cleanses those Christians who were part of the church of Christ from all sin. And so there is unity in the body of Christ, unlike any other place in all of humanity, but then sixthly, the church is unique because it is perfect. There are not many things. Matter of fact,

I don’t believe there are any things in this life in our day and time of which you can say this thing is truly perfect, but that’s not accurate. When it comes to the church in Ephesians chapter five, Paul writes concerning the church and says, beginning in verse 25, husbands love your wives. As Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her,

that he might sanctify and cleanse Her with the washing of water By the word that he might Present her to himself, a Glorious church, and notice his description, not having spot or wrinkle or, Or any such thing, but that she should be Holy Add without blemish. What is that is Wholly sanctified, set apart cleanse and without blemish, not without any major blemish,

not without any minor blemish without blemish. It is perfect. All of the things that we have that are made up of precious metals or precious elements are gauged quite often in their value, their strength, their uniqueness on their perfection rating, but the finest cut diamond in all of human history, compares nothing with the unique perfection of the church. Number seven,

it is unique in that it can be created or generated perfectly anywhere in the universe under any conditions. If generated from the proper seed. Something that is interesting about seeds is seeds contain the potential for life. And if you were to take a seed from one location on the earth and it might even be, and this has been done before a sea, that was thousands of years old,

and you play of that seed in the right conditions, that seed will produce whatever it is a seed of, but in human history, there’s never been a seed that could generate anywhere under any conditions. If planted, except the seed of the church of Christ in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is he is speaking concerning his kingdom. His church says in Matthew chapter 13,

beginning in verse 18, therefore hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away. What was sown in his heart? This is he who received the seed by the wayside, but he who received the seed on Stony places. This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.

Yet he has no rooted himself, but endures only for a while for when tribulation or persecution arises. But because of the word immediately, he stumbles. Now he who receives seed among the thorns is he who hears the word and cares for cares and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. And he becomes unfruitful, but he who receives the seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understand it,

understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces some a hundred fold, some 60 and some 30. If you were to take the word of God and you were to extract it out of humanity and extracted out Of this world, and you were to carry it off into a S on a spaceship to Mars, as long as you had a human being who could hear it,

it could produce the church. Again, it is the only thing in all history that if jet that can be generated perfectly, anywhere in the universe, under any conditions, if generated from the proper seed, but eighth, and finally, the church is unique because it can has, and will be imitated, but never be replaced from the very beginning of the church.

There were those who sought to duplicate it. There were those who sought to change it. There were those who sought to model after it. There were those who saw to create one, just like it, but there’s never been another one. Just like four. It stands alone. It has never gone away nor will it ever. It has never been replaced nor could it be for,

for it to be replaced. DD would have to come back and flesh the would have to come back and walk this earth again. They would have deity would have to die again. Deity would have to be resurrected again. Dad would have to return to the throne of God again, and that’s never going to happen. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 16, verse 18,

upon this rock, I will build my singular unique one church. And the Gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. So while the church of Christ might be imitated, the church of Christ might be duplicated. The church of Christ might be manipulated to go away from him and be deceived by others. The church of Christ will never be replaced. The church of Christ stands unique in all history,

and it stands unique for the mission, the message and the might of God and the power of God to save mankind from their sins. If you’re outside the body of Christ and the church you are outside of salvation, Paul writes in Ephesians chapter two, that you are an alien from God and enemy of God. And without hope. Why? Because if you’re outside the body of Christ,

you are inside of sin and you have no hope, but you have hope in Christ. And if you are one who’s willing to do as the first century church did, when they were sinners, when they heard the word of God, they believed it. The seed was planted in their hearts and it began to grow and it took root and it produced fruit by them hearing the word of God and believing it,

but not just hearing it by them doing something about what they heard. They heard, they believed. And they repented because Jesus said repentance and remission of sins had to be preached in all the world because he went to the cross. They heard, they believe they repented. They confessed Christ as Lord and savior because they recognized he was the one true living.

God who took on flesh and walked this earth. But ascended back into heaven, never to die again, and having confessed the name of Christ. They were immersed in water for the remission of sins and they died. And then they Rose to walk in newness of life. Romans chapter six, verses three and four. The church is unique because it’s made up of people who were once dead,

but they’re not anymore. They’re alive in Christ. You’re outside of the body of Christ. You can change that today by entering into the church, which Jesus Christ died to purchase with his own blood. And the only place in which salvation is found. If you have need of the invitation of God, it is available now as we stand. And as we said For you and me,

let us say so a two and spring, and is the founder of, from the us or something and bids, Saul free. The dreaming well, you to the fountain three. Well, you can TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call TIS a fountain, Oh, up and four. There’s a living stream with a crest,

all gleam from the throne of life. Now it flows while the water’s role let we are priests all hear the call. That four, three, the<inaudible> will you to the fountain free. You TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call is fountain. Oh, and for all of them, there’s a rock that’s glass. And so is let that man,<inaudible> water.<inaudible> tears for you and me and his stream.

I seen let us, Hey son, Joel<inaudible> will you to the fountain and free will you come TIS for you and me thirsty. So here the welcome call, tos founder, and Oh, and for Raul. Well, thanks Aaron for that great lesson this morning, we’re going to have a closing song and it’s going to be number 957. This world is not my home.

We’ll sing the first verse only. And then we’ll have our closing prayer. Nine 57. This world is not my home. Let us sing. This world is not my home. I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, the angels back on me from Evans opened, or, and I can feel at home in this world any more.

Oh Lord. You know, I have no friends like you. If heaven’s not in my home, then Lord, when will I do the angels back on me from Evans opened or, and I can feel at home in this world, any<inaudible> Let us pray our heavenly father. We thank you for another beautiful Lord today. Thank you for the privilege Lord,

to come into your house and worship you, Lord, we thank you for the message that Aaron brought us today. Lord, just to apply it to our hearts and let us use it in our everyday life. Lord, Lord, be with the sick, healed him as you see fit Lord, and just they with us as we leave and just keep us safe and bring us back at the next appointed time.

These things we ask in your precious name. Amen.