Are there consequences on this earth for the choices we make? Why, absolutely there are. One example of this is found in Ephesians chapter six, verses one through three. In Ephesians chapter six, verse one, Paul tells those who is he’s writing to Children, obey your parents. Verse two, he says, Honor, your father and your mother.
And verse three, he says, That it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. This was a promise of God from the Old Testament that Paul says is equally true in the New Testament that honoring and obeying your parents is fundamental to your existence. As long as they are serving the Lord, and as long as they are instructing you in the path of righteousness, that will cause you to be prosperous, to be well, to do well. Understand, choices have consequences.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ, visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
<inaudible> good evening. We are in book of acts. This evening, acts chapter 10. Everyone is doing well enjoying this nice winter weather we’re having for anyone who’s not in the Memphis area who may be watching online. It’s about 60 degrees outside. So, all right, we, we concluded up chapter concluded chapter nine on Sunday, and we’ll use just kind of the last few verses of that is our introduction into chapter 10 because Luke sets the stage for the events of chapter 10,
as he closes out what we have broken up into chapter nine. But let’s begin with a word of prayer. Our gracious father in heaven, we bow before you grateful for this day, grateful for all of its blessings, grateful for the things that you do for us each and every day, we pray that you be with us as we go through this period of study,
may the things that we say, the things that we do be in accordance with your will. May we learn the lessons that you have placed here for us in the book of acts. And may we come to a greater appreciation for the barriers and the walls that you have torn down in our world, that we might have unity and oneness in Christ. We pray that you will watch over those who are struggling with illnesses and,
and injuries and difficulties pray that they might be returned back to their desired help. All this. We pray in Jesus name, amen. And in acts chapter nine, Bri, we read beginning in verse 36 at Joppa, there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which has 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, they laid her in an upper room and since lit Lydda was near Joppa, 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 by him, weeping showing the tunics and garments, which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out and knelt down and prayed and turning the Bonnie or 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 came, 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. So G sorry. Peter is in Joppa at this time. It’s tend to,
we, we tend to believe and understand that Joppa would be a small village, a small community by comparison to some of the others. And certainly by comparison to Cesarea that we’re going to read about here in chapter 10. So Peter at one point is Inlyta the two disciples come and get him and bring him to Joppa. He comes to Joppa. He heals Tabitha,
also known as Dorcas. And as a result of that many in Joppa, we’ll hear the word of God and we’ll believe chapter 10 then picks up with, there was a certain man in Cesarea. Now Cesarea is a coastal city on the coast of the Mediterranean. See, this is a city that would have been because of its coastal presence. This is a city that would have been of significance to the Roman empire because they would quite often move their,
their people, their troops and other things across the Mediterranean sea and come to port cities like Cesarea in order to cut off the, the journey going up into Europe, back down. So, sorry. Ceria is a city that is in Israel, but it’s under, as all Israel was at the time it’s under Roman control. And as a result, there are Roman soldiers and centurions there in that city.
So there was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius a Centurion of what was called the Italian regiment. Okay. So a few things that we know right off the bat, number one, he is a Centurion, which is a Roman soldier. Secondly, we know that most likely he’s a Roman, not just a Roman by birth in the sense that is Rome expanded and different cities and countries and nations pled allegiance to Rome and were,
or were taken over by Rome. Many of these places would become those places where if you were born there, you were a Roman. Even if your nationality wasn’t Roman, who can we think of in the book of acts? Who’s a Roman, But not from Rome. Saul of Tarsus. Okay. As we’ll read later on in our studies, Saul is one who will make it clear to those soldiers in Jerusalem and in other places that he’s a Roman.
And that is because the city of Tarsus, if you were born in the city of Tarsus as a free individual, you were a citizen of Rome. You weren’t part of just attributor tributary nation or, or city or region. You had citizenship, right? It’s in Rome. So you could be a Roman by Citizenship, same way. You can be American by citizenship,
But not be technically Taking a Roman by blood or nationality. You weren’t originating from Italy or from those regions. But that’s probably not the case with this man. This man is part of the Italian regiment. This man is most likely from the region around Rome and has been stationed in Cesarea at this time. But notice the description about in verse two, a devout man,
and one who feared God with all his household who gave, owns generously to the people and prayed to God. Always here is a century in, and it’s interesting how many times we run into centurions and soldiers who come from the Roman army, who interact with those individuals in, in the new Testament, who aren’t, they’re not playing the role of invader.
They’re not playing the role of persecutor. They’re not playing the role of, of the bad guy. It is interesting how many times they are playing. And I say, playing it just for accommodative charms, they are in the story. They account as the faithful Ones, Jesus Would say concerning the Centurion that he came into contact with, who had a servant who was sick.
And Jesus said, I will come to your house and I will heal them in this insurance. You don’t need to come to my house. You say the word he said, I have under my authority and I give them orders and they go, and they do. And I don’t have to go with them in order to have my will brought forth. He said,
you don’t need to come to me in and just say the word am I serving will be healed. And Jesus marveled For he had not found such faith. No, not in all. He is real. And yet he finds that faith in a Roman Centurion here, we find another Centurion. He is devout. He is a sincere, he is Thoughtful and studious in his knowledge of God’s word,
the indication is he has come into contact with the, the old Testament law through the, perhaps the synagogue in Cesarea that he has learned concerning Jehovah. He has learned concerning the God of the Israelites. He has learned concerning these things. He is not a Christian, and yet He is one whose action Match here, His desires to serve God. And as I was studying through this,
and one of the things that, that truly kind of stood out to me, not only in what some others had stated concerning this passage, but just in thinking about it is how often we have A struggle as Christians, where we know what we ought to do. And yet we don’t Do a good job living out. What we know Is true. And yet Here’s a man who absent any true revelation from God beyond what he had gleaned from the Jews.
As a People is living out a life of service to God. He’s giving his, He’s helping, he’s serving. And yet he’s in a position of authority. He’s a man of prosperity. He’s a man of power and authority, and yet he’s a servant To the people around him. So he’s one who gave alms, generously prayed to God, always about it.
The ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision, an angel of God, coming in and saying to him, Cornelius, and when he observed him, he was afraid. Now that is not an ah, An abnormal reaction by a fact, that’s a very normal reaction. You go to the occasions of Mary and the angel. You go to the occasion of Joseph or the angel.
You go to the old Testament and angels appearing. And that’s the consistent reaction. Who is this? Okay. Later on in the text, we’ll see that Cornelius will describe the appearance of the angel. When he’s speaking to Peter, when he’s describing the event, as one whose appearance was glowing. So it’s not just that, Hey, somebody who looked like a man slipped through the,
the, the, the gate outside and the soldiers between him and the tent walls and happened to, you know, or, or whatever it, none of this is Man. And he knows it because this doesn’t look like a man. This Looks like one who is glowing in his appearance. But then also we read that he was afraid and said, what is it,
Lord? So he said to him, your prayers and your arms have come up for a Memorial before God now send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon a time Tanner, whose houses by the sea. He will tell you what you must do. It seems as though, and this is a little bit of,
of, of, of inference. We’re drawing out of this. But It seems as though this Centurion Has become acquainted with the scriptures, he knows who Jehovah is, or yeah, Least in some form or fashion has become acquainted with the God of Israel, whether that was in Rome before this, because we know there were Jews in Rome, or if it was in Cesarea,
but his actions are seeking to be pleasing to the God. He knows that it exists. His desires are seeking to be pleasing to the God. He knows exists. His prayers are to be seeking, to be pleasing to the God he knows exists. And yet it also seems to be clear, he understand Lens that he, as a Roman Does not have the same position with the God.
He knows exist. Yes. As he sees others, have He sees those around him who have a position and a relationship with God that he does not possess, which is why it’s clear in the text, there something that he desires. And the angel says, Go send to Simon, Peter, and he will tell you what you meant. I do.
So you have encapsulated in this, the realization that this Roman knows he’s missing something, this Roman knows that he’s lacking something. And it seems also clear from the remainder of the text that he doesn’t see his position as one who is saved or adequate or resolved of sins before God think about it under the Jewish law, what is it that would have taken care of sins for him as a Roman?
Okay. So in everything we read in the old Testament, both in the patriarchal, patriarchal age and the mosaic age, it is offering and sacrifice TIG together with priesthood. It is the priest under the old Testament, who is the mediator, right back in the patriarchal age, the fathers plate, or were, were put in the position of being the mediators on behalf of their families.
God spoke through the fathers, to the pro or by the profits to the fathers, Hebrews chapter 11, Hebrews chapter one, verse one. So in the old Testament, in the patriarchal age, God works through the fathers. Then the Ariana’s priesthood exists and God works through the Levi sites, but we’re the Levi priests sent to be priests for every nation under heaven,
just Israel, their role as mediator. Yes. It could involve in, we do read about those who came into the Israelites camp and those who joined themselves to Israel and those who became prophesies. Yes, we’d read all of that. But the, the stark contrast, even at the temple, in Israel, in Jerusalem, they had the courtyard of the women and they had the courtyard of the Gentiles.
The Gentiles didn’t get to go into the inner sanctuary, but then Jen thousand, get to go into the temple. They got to stand outside. Their relationship was not on par. It was not equal with Israel under the Mosaical law. And so this individual Cornelius is seeking something better. You could almost say that Cornelius already realizes The truth. That is the book of Hebrews,
that when the Israel, My nation left Moses and went to Christ, they were leaving something inferior and going to something Better. And Cornelius is looking for something Better. So notice the angel says, send to, or go to Cesarea and sin Men to Simon who’s. Her name is Peter he’s lodging with Simon, the Tanner, the houses by the sea,
all these instructions, all these directions. I think it was interesting when one teacher made a point that He said, if, if God, God, and his angels can be so specific as to make sure That Cornelius goes to the right place, to the right House, to the right person, and can give all the necessary instructions to do that. Why is it?
We would think that he couldn’t give the right instructions for how to become a Christian And not, and make it clear. It is Some people have this idea. Well, you know, it’s just not clear what the Bible says about it. Homebush. If God Can be clear about how to go find Simon, Peter in Joppa, he can be clear about how to become a Christian.
So that was just an interesting point that I had noted is as I was studying for this, but the angel who spoke to him had departed Cornelia’s verse seven, called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among who are from among those who waited on him continually and sent. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
So he gets two of his household servants, one of his soldiers, and he sends them to Joppa to find Simon Or the next day as they went on On their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the house, hop to pray about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat. But while they made ready,
he fell into a trance and saw heaven, open and an object like a great sheep bound at the four corners, descending to him and Down to the earth in it were all Kinds of four footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, rise, Peter, kill and eat.
So Luke gives us the pattern of events here. God appears to Cornelius first tells him to send Messengers, to go get Simon. Peter. He Sends the messengers and as they’re traveling the next day, Simon, Peter still in Simon, the Tanner’s house, he’s in Joppa. It’s the sixth hour. It’s getting around mealtime. He’s hungry. They’re preparing the food.
He’s up on the rooftop. And he goes into, as the text describes it, a trance, he sees a vision. I think it’s kind of interesting. Quite often, we, we associate visions with people. Sleeping. Here are two visions where they’re not sleeping. It’s not the, it’s not the time of day where it’s it’s sleep time. It’s not nighttime.
Both of these are during the day. Both of these individuals seem to be fully awake at the time of the events, and yet they see visions. So Peter seasoned this vision, an object, the text says like a great sheet, descending out of heaven. What’s inside the sheet, a, an exquisite zoo without any bars. As I was looking at this text,
my mind kept going back to an event in the old Testament. Do you remember when Isaac had been born and God appeared to Abraham and said, take your son, your only son, and take him to the Mount and offer him as a sacrifice to me, God told Abraham to do something that Abraham would never have imagined himself doing, ever, and had certainly never done before.
And what was Abraham’s response? Say what he immediately got up and did what God said, what was Peter’s response? But Peter said, verse 14 now, so Lord for, I have never eaten anything common or unclean, interesting contrast. Isn’t it a ceremonial law under the law of Moses concerning those things. Those which were Ceremonially clean and unclean, those things that were to,
to use the common term nowadays kosher and, And Peter, He says, nah, I’ve never eaten these things because the law tells me not to. Now, does Peter know that the law of Moses has been there Lacrosse? Yes. Yes. Does Peter know that he is no longer under the laws restriction and bondage of the law? Moses? I think He knows,
but he sure isn’t living like it Because Part of this is had he been living like it. He would no longer have been treating Gentiles As second class citizens. And yet he still is. He’s still following the traditions and the standards and the expectations of the Old law, The old covenant and those teachings that had in traditions that have been built up on top of those things by the Jews.
And so here he is, God Presents him by the way, he he’s in what stave at this moment, He’s in a trance, but what did we read right before that? He’s hungry. I mean, Here’s the situation he’s hungry. And God says, here’s your soul. And yet he refuses. There’s another occasion. Life Peter, after Jesus is resurrected from the dead.
Before he ascends back into heaven, Jesus will say to Peter, Peter, do you love me? And Peter will respond. I love you. And Jesus will ask him again and he will respond. I love you, Lord. He will ask him Again and he will finally respond somewhat differently. I love you Lord, to which then Jesus will say,
feed my sheep. Jesus will set an expectation for people Or to be the one who walks in front. Cause that’s what a shepherd was. You see A shepherd doesn’t drive the sheep from the back. He doesn’t, he doesn’t herd the sheep like a cattleman does a shepherd Walks in front. And yet Peter’s not walking in front. Here. He is in Cesarea or in Joppa here.
He is in a region outside of Jerusalem, outside of a highly Jewish population and into an area which is much more likely to be populated by Gentiles as well. And is he going to the Gentiles? No, he’s not walking in front.<inaudible> Absolutely the question being a Matthew chapter 16. When, when Jesus says or ask the apostles, do you know who or who do men say that I am?
And they say some say, you’re Elijah. Some say you’re a Jeremiah or one of the prophets. And he says, Hoonah, you say that I am. And Peter responds, you are the Christ son of living. God. And Jesus will respond to Peter individually. And the apostles collectively that under them was given the keys of the kingdom And They had a responsibility to open the doors.
And Yet to the Gentiles, they’ve still not opened the door. So all of these things are coming to a head. All of these things are coming together here in this text. Peter said not so Lord for, I have never eaten anything, common or unclean and a voice spoke to him again. The second time, what God has cleansed, you must not call common again.
I remind you the contrast of Abraham to Peter. The first time God says to Abraham do this. And we’re told in the text that God is testing Abraham to see whether or not he will obey him. And Abraham immediately arises and obeys not on the third time. And yet three times God tells Peter arise and eat and tells him what I called clean.
You don’t call it Or unclean. And Peter three times refuses now In Peter’s. I think the text leads us to clearly understand Peter is looking at what he has always done as an act of purity As a withholding himself. I mean, raise your hand if you’ve ever smelled bacon cooking and didn’t think I want some of that. And as a Jew who Devout Jew,
would he have eaten any of that? No. According To Peter, he did, but Now, Well that might be true. I think Peter makes it clear. He’s never consumed anything that common or unclean. All right. So this was done three times verse 16 and the object was taken up into heaven again. So at no point did Peter give in at no point,
did Peter do what he was told to do now while Peter wondered within himself, what this vision, which he had seen meant? Not only does he not do what he’s told, he also doesn’t understand What he’s being told. Okay. As a whole, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and stood before the gate.
And they called and asked whether Simon whose surname was Peter was lodging there. While Peter thought about the vision, the spirit said to him, behold, three men are seeking you arise. Therefore, go down and go with them. Doubting nothing. I have sent them an interesting statement, exists here and elsewhere in the book of acts. And it is One of those statements that makes it clear That the spirit Hear it.
The Holy spirit, as he’s elsewhere referenced the Holy ghost disease elsewhere referenced is not Just some power out there. There are some who have the mentality that there’s Jesus, who’s God, there’s the father. Who’s God with the spirit. Isn’t quite on the same level. And maybe he’s not even a, a being a person in. Maybe he’s just the power of God.
And that’s not true. The pronoun that’s used here by were told specifically in the text that the spirit spoke to Peter, And what’s the pronoun. I it’s a personal pronoun. It’s a pronoun That indicates a being Said, this, a person said this on The spirit is God. He is deity. He plays a different role in redemption, But he is no less God than Jesus or the father.
So the speed The spirit says to Peter, You go with them and I find this phrase, interesting, Doubting nothing. The natural tendency would be, I’m not so sure about this. Wait a minute. These are Gentiles because All these are the servants of a Roman Centurion. So they’re probably Gentiles and a Roman soldier Probably Gentile go With three Gentiles to a Gentile’s House.
I’m not sure I should be doing that. And the spirit tells Peter doubt nothing. In other words, Peter, it’s time to start living your faith. How many The times does Jesus look at the disciples and say The words, Oh, ye of little faith. And so often that reference is to them doubting what God was doing And not understanding. So the spirit tells Peter And do not doubt for,
I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius and said, yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come? As I imagine in my mind is almost like a movie. They show up at the door, they start yelling out, trying to find out is this, where is this?
Where Peter Simon, Peter is lodging. And before he would even be in earshot, he starts walking down and there may be standing at the gate, having a conversation with Simon, the Tanner or someone else in the household, they’re talking quietly. And he comes up and no reason why he should have heard anything that they said. And yet he walks up and says,
I’m the one you’re looking for. And so he says, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come? And they said, Cornelius, this injurious a just man one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews was divinely instructed by a Holy angel to summon you to his house. And to hear words from you,
then he invited them in and lodge them. That would have been against the traditions of the Israelites to lodge a Gentile. And yet Peter does it on the next day. Peter went away with them and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Okay? So some of the Jews, these, these are Jews that are there in Joppa. These are among those who have believed as a result of Peter’s teaching,
go with him. And the following day, verse 24, they entered Cesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius, met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up saying, stand up. I, myself am also a man. There’s going to be another occasion in the book of acts where Barnabas and Paul will be in a location.
And because of the miracles they perform, there will be people who will fall down and worship them, believing them to be gods. And they as well will say, no, no, no, you worship the Lord. Not men. We’re just men. You go to the book of revelation and you find the occasion where John sees himself fall down before the angel and worship the angel who tells him these things.
And the angel tells him, no, now you worship the Lord and him alone. Do you worship? Okay. So Peter lifted him up saying, stand up. I myself am also a man, by the way, this also shows you the heart and the attitude of coordinator. Yes. He saw someone who in stature in a society would not have been anywhere close to his equal.
Peter’s a, what by occupation, a lowly fishermen from Galilee. I, I don’t imagine he’s showing up in the grander and great robes of a, of a great man. He’s showing up like a common man. And yet a Centurion bows down to him. This interior sin has the heart of a servant and does not see greatness, the way many other people would.
And so he says, you know how unlawful it is, or verse, verse 28. You know, this is Peter saying the Centurion. You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man, keep company or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Now he knows what the vision means.
Now he understands he gets it now. Oh, that’s what I was supposed to learn. And so he reveals what it is that he has learned. Therefore, I came without objection, as soon as I was sent for, I asked then for what reason have you sent for me? So cornea, you said four days ago, I was fasting until this hour.
And at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house. And behold, a man stood before being in bright clothing and said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard. And your arms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is launching in the house of Simon, the Tanner by the sea.
When he comes, he will speak to you. So I sent to you immediately and you have done well to come. Now. Therefore we are all present before gone to hear all the things commanded you by God. This is the Apitomy of the best audience you could ever ask for as a preacher, they showed up before you ever got there, they were ready to listen before you ever started speaking.
And the moment you started speaking, they believe in obey. I mean that you can’t ask for anything better than that. Okay? So Peter opened his mouth verse 34 and said, in truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, whoever fears him and works righteousness is accepted by him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel,
preaching peace through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all that word. And I find this interesting. Peter says that word, You know, As residents in Cesarea, Peter, doesn’t treat them as if they know nothing about Jesus, But it’s Some point. It seems they had not yet understood the reality About Jesus. They Probably heard about a man in Jerusalem who was crucified,
who claimed to be the Messiah, but they had no evidence and no knowledge of that being true. Peter acknowledges They know something about Jesus, but notice what else he says that word, you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea and began from Galilee after the baptism, which John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth. And we were with the Holy spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing.
All who were oppressed by the devil for God, was with him. And we are witnesses of all things, which he did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day and showed him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before, by God,
even to us who ate and drank with him after he Rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is he who was ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead to him, all the prophets, witness that through his name, whoever believes in him will receive the remission of sin Wins.
Now something of note, Peter says The same one that was crucified Died. We ate And drank with after he was resurrected. Now, why would, would That be of significant interest to a sinner Under Roman law who had authority to put anyone to death? Only the Romans. So for Peter to say that This man was crucified, that means a Centurion knows who put him to death.
And one thing the Centurion knew, and the Romans knew is how to kill somebody. If somebody was put to death in Jerusalem, it was at the hand of the Romans. And if he was put to death at the hand of the Romans, he was quite dead. When he got off that cross, how then could he be eating and drinking with them A few days later if he weren’t resurrected from the dead?
Just an interesting point there. So while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles. Also, we’re going to talk about that more in the next class in chapter 11 for they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God,
then Peter answered. Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy spirit just as we have. I do want to point out This text is one of them. The few places where the three occasions of the pouring out of the Holy spirit are all mentioned in the same context. You remember that Peter mentioned concerning Christ being anointed with the Holy spirit.
When did that? That is baptism. And we have mentioned here of the Holy spirit falling upon the Gentiles in this occasion. And we have mentioned that they received the Holy spirit as we have the, we there, as you get into the chapter, 11 is going to be clear. It’s not Peter. And those other disciples with him, it is Peter and the other apostles.
Okay. We’ll, we’ll get into that in chapter 11. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Okay. So we’ll use the questions on Sunday to use as a review, as we get into chapter 11, but that is chapter 10 and we will rehash some of these things in chapter 11,
because chapter 11 is a recounting of the events of chapter 10 as Peter brings the news back to the Jews. All right. Thank you for your attention. Not today. Yes.<inaudible> Good evening. Good to see everybody tonight here to cry. We’ll charge Christ and I went to night. Bible study. Good to have you out here. Hope everybody’s doing well.
We don’t have a lot of announcements, but I’ll run through them right. Quick are sick to remember. Barbara dude are still recovering from her surgery. Joan was praying or still maybe getting a little bit better. And Donny Flanagan, Rodale Wilson, Janie, Marlin, still having issues with her AFM and Arthur Wilson was in the emergency room Monday with heart issues.
But she’s back home and doing better BJ and Tish Clark over at far till have COVID and Julie Allen Adams, the laces friend has got an aggressive lung cancer and Kayla Nelson. That’s the young boy that the Springers no, we know had a slate in accident. He has a broken jaw. That’s been wired up and he’s unable to move his right side. So we need to remember all these people in our prayers and hope that they do get better.
Oh, Aaron is leading singing. Noah has the devotional and Terry Wheatley has the closing prayer. Thank you. You would please. Mark number 911, 911. This’ll be the song of invitation for you’ve marked. That turned the number 957, 957. This world is not my home. Yeah. This world is not my home. I’m just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere on the blue angels back me from heavens off and off. And I can feel at home in this Whoa, Danny. Oh, Oh one. You know, I have no friend. Like if heaven’s not my home, man,<inaudible> from heaven’s open door and I can feel at home in this wound any more. They’re all expecting me.
And that’s one thing I know my savior. Pardon me? And now high on word go. I know he’ll take me through though. I am weak and poor and I can feel at home in this world any or, Oh, you know, I have no friends like you, if heaven’s not my home, man, Lord. Wow. Well, I do the angels back me from heaven’s open door and I can feel at home,
man, this<inaudible> just upping.<inaudible> the saints on every hand, shouting victory, their song sweet is pray stress back from heaven show. And I can feel high at home, man, this world, any<inaudible> you know, I have no friend like you, if heaven’s now my home, man. Wow. Well, I do the angels back me from heaven’s open door and I can feel at home man,
this Whoa, any more so Good evening ties outside my jacket. I think one of the most saddest things is for one to know the truth and yet to deny it and lose their soul, to think that they had a shot. And not only that, but they knew the truth and they had every opportunity to obey it. Yeah. They’ll have to die.
They’ll have to live for eternity, knowing that they had it there in acts chapter 26, we are giving the example of Paul. And this is a great example of knowing the, of understand. Once we understand the truth, we need to obey it. Notice verse number three, Agrippa knew these things, especially because I know the acts 26 verse three,
especially because I know the to be expert and all customs and questions, which are among the Jews. Wherefore, I beseech you to hear me patiently. Then jump down to verse number 27 King. Agrippa believe it. Now the profits. I know that that believest he knows these things. He understands. Then look at verse 28. It’s a sad statement.
Then Agrippa said on Nepal, almost that persuade me to be a Christian. Almost can never be enough. There’s no, almost with God. It’s, it’s simply, you’re either a Christian or you’re not you obey or not simply like the analogy you’re pregnant or you’re not, you’re a male or female or something such as that. And yet here I agree.
It was almost persuaded. The question that we have to ask ourselves today is, and we can apply this to even us as Christians. When we hear the truth, perhaps it’s a, it’s a sin that we’re struggling with. Perhaps it’s something that we know that the God’s word commands us to do. And we know that if we obey it, we might have to give something up.
Perhaps something was holding a grip of back from obeying. The truth is something holding that is something holding us back from obeying something that we know to be true. We know that God’s word says that we are commanded to do a specific thing, but are we almost persuaded? Turn over real quick to Matthew chapter 16, Matthew chapter 16, we must understand that our life is not our own Matthew 16 verses 24.
And following then Jesus then said, Jesus unto his disciples. If any man will, will come after me, let him deny himself. Okay. And take to the cross and follow me for whosoever will save his life shall lose it. And whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it. But notice verse 26 for what is a man profited.
If he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul question that we must ask ourselves is what are we going to give up? Or where, or what or this, where are we going to let determine the outcome of our soul popularity, money, power? Are we going to be like a gripper?
And we know the truth we know to do good, but if we don’t obey to this sin, James four verse 17 question that we must ask ourselves daily, is this, are we going to know the truth and obey it or know the truth as a grip? It did. And then, and, and if our soul were to be required of us tonight,
we would have to go throughout all of eternity thinking I had it. I knew the truth. It was brought to me. I could see it in scripture, but I denied it because I didn’t want to obey and deny myself. And perhaps there was one here tonight who is struggling with that. You, you know the truth and you understand that, but you need to be pushed in that direction.
God requires repentance from us. Second, Peter chapter three and verse nine. But perhaps there’s one here tonight who has never obeyed the gospel to be added to the church, the body of Christ. Would you repent of your sins? Confess Christ before man, and be baptized for the remission of sins. And you can be added to the church as Aaron led the song.
I love this song. This world is not my home. The feminist is not our home. We have nothing to look forward to. So why don’t we come as we, as we stand and sing<inaudible><inaudible> so<inaudible> bring him your a<inaudible> gray or small wat troubles. You<inaudible> hard. He will read the<inaudible>. Bring him<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> ah,
nah, nah. Trust in him shall be made. So, eh<inaudible> so all my<inaudible> his friends shall be<inaudible> out. Him. Life would be dog<inaudible> Let us pray. Our gracious heavenly father. We thank you for another beautiful day Lord in all the blessings that you give us, Lord, we various are sick up to you. Lord.
Just be with them. And the ones that were mentioned here tonight, Lord, and just comfort them, inhale them as you see fit. Lord, as we depart tonight, just let us say that it was good to be in your house. Thank you for forgiving our sins, these things. We’re asking your name. Amen.
What does it mean to honor your father and your mother? In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse one, we read, Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Verse two says, Honor, your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with promise.
One of the examples of understanding this is given when Jesus tells the Jews, they were not honoring their parents as they ought, because they were not providing for them in their old age. We need to be sure to honor our parents, which includes providing for them when they’re old. Do you honor your parents? I hope you do.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
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Watch more of Aaron’s videos about Salvation, the Gospel, the good news, the gospel message salvation, and in-depth studies of the books of the Bible by visiting https://cozort.org, and Collierville church of Christ.
This video is a production of Collierville Christian Radio, the Collierville church of Christ, and the Gospel Broadcasting Network.
Aaron Cozort is the preacher for the Collierville church of Christ.
The Collierville church of Christ meets on Sundays morning and afternoon at 575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
To learn more about the Collierville church of Christ, visit colliervillecoc.org
Not currently a subscriber to Admonition? Sign up for this daily video devotional by Email: www.colliervillecoc.org/daily or www.cozort.org/free.
What does it mean to honor your father and your mother? In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse one, we read, Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Verse two says, Honor, your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with promise.
One of the examples of understanding this is given when Jesus tells the Jews, they were not honoring their parents as they ought, because they were not providing for them in their old age. We need to be sure to honor our parents, which includes providing for them when they’re old. Do you honor your parents? I hope you do.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse one, Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and says, Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Children are to be expected to obey their parents, whenever their parents are instructing them in accordance with the word of God. We need to make sure that we teach our children, that when they respect and obey their parents, they’re not just obeying their parents, but they’re obeying their heavenly Father as well.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ, visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
Details About Admonition
Subscribe to Admonition on Youtube:
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3syE1ogS5LPeEsnAfgnYrg?sub_confirmation=1
Sign up for a daily devotional by Email: https://cozort.org/free
Leave a comment for the host of Admonition: https://cozort.org/contact
Watch more of Aaron’s videos about Salvation, the Gospel, the good news, the gospel message salvation, and in-depth studies of the books of the Bible by visiting https://cozort.org, and Collierville church of Christ.
This video is a production of Collierville Christian Radio, the Collierville church of Christ, and the Gospel Broadcasting Network.
Aaron Cozort is the preacher for the Collierville church of Christ.
The Collierville church of Christ meets on Sundays morning and afternoon at 575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
To learn more about the Collierville church of Christ, visit colliervillecoc.org
Not currently a subscriber to Admonition? Sign up for this daily video devotional by Email: www.colliervillecoc.org/daily or www.cozort.org/free.
In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse one, Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and says, Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Children are to be expected to obey their parents, whenever their parents are instructing them in accordance with the word of God. We need to make sure that we teach our children, that when they respect and obey their parents, they’re not just obeying their parents, but they’re obeying their heavenly Father as well.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ, visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse two, we read, Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. There is a promise attached to honoring, obeying, reverencing our parents. We owe them that honor because they were placed in that position by God.
We need to make sure that our attitude toward our parents, whether we are children or aged, is what it ought to be. God expects us to honor our parents.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ, visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
In Ephesians chapter six. And in verse two, we read honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. There is a promise attached to honoring obeying reverencing our parents. We owe them that honor because they were placed in that position by God. We need to make sure that our attitude toward our parents, whether we are children or aged,
is what it ought to be. God expects us to honor our parents For more from the Collierville church of Christ. Visit www.colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
Details About Admonition
Subscribe to Admonition on Youtube:
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3syE1ogS5LPeEsnAfgnYrg?sub_confirmation=1
Sign up for a daily devotional by Email: https://cozort.org/free
Leave a comment for the host of Admonition: https://cozort.org/contact
Watch more of Aaron’s videos about Salvation, the Gospel, the good news, the gospel message salvation, and in-depth studies of the books of the Bible by visiting https://cozort.org, and Collierville church of Christ.
This video is a production of Collierville Christian Radio, the Collierville church of Christ, and the Gospel Broadcasting Network.
Aaron Cozort is the preacher for the Collierville church of Christ.
The Collierville church of Christ meets on Sundays morning and afternoon at 575 Shelton Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
To learn more about the Collierville church of Christ, visit colliervillecoc.org
Not currently a subscriber to Admonition? Sign up for this daily video devotional by Email: www.colliervillecoc.org/daily or www.cozort.org/free.
In Ephesians chapter six, and in verse two, we read, Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. There is a promise attached to honoring, obeying, reverencing our parents. We owe them that honor because they were placed in that position by God.
We need to make sure that our attitude toward our parents, whether we are children or aged, is what it ought to be. God expects us to honor our parents.
For more from the Collierville church of Christ, visit Colliervillecoc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
In Ephesians chapter six. And in verse two, we read honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. There is a promise attached to honoring obeying reverencing our parents. We owe them that honor because they were placed in that position by God. We need to make sure that our attitude toward our parents, whether we are children or aged,
is what it ought to be. God expects us to honor our parents For more from the Collierville church of Christ. Visit Collierville coc.org. This is E T B N. Let the truth be told.
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.
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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.
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.
Hey we do.<inaudible> he<inaudible> and where<inaudible>. Oh,<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> to being happy and jeez. Ah, but to trust and eh, not a bird and we<inaudible>. Nah<inaudible> but<inaudible><inaudible> Hey, nada grief.<inaudible><inaudible> but is<inaudible>. Oh,<inaudible><inaudible> for there’s. No,<inaudible> to being happy and jeez. Ah,
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.
