Seeking The Lost - International Radio

Lessons from Simon about Temptations and Sin

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:00:12 -0600

Radio transcript for the week of January 29, 2012

John Allan preaches on "Lessons from Simon about Temptation and Sin" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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In a previous study we noticed from Acts 8 that Simon of Samaria was genuinely converted to Christ. We also noted in that study that Simon, after he was baptized into Christ, did commit sin. We are going to focus on Acts 8 in today’s study, too, because we want to notice some lessons we can learn from Simon with regards to sin.

Becoming a Christian does not remove all temptation
First, Simon reminds us that becoming a Christian does not remove all temptation. Acts 8 tells us that Simon had formerly been a sorcerer. He had astonished people in Samaria but now he himself was amazed. The reason he was amazed was because he saw the genuine miracles and signs performed by Philip (Acts 8:13). Simon’s sorcery had been a fake, now he was seeing true power!

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard about what had happened in Samaria they sent Peter and John. Peter and John prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15). The Holy Spirit was available in a miraculous measure in the early Church; those miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are no longer available to the Church because they served their purpose of revealing and confirming the word of God (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

Try to place yourself in Simon’s position. You used to deceive people into thinking you were somebody great. You repented of that lifestyle and obeyed the Gospel. You have seen real signs and miracles with your own eyes. How impressive that must have been to Simon! Acts 8:13 says he was “amazed” at the miracles and signs done by Philip.

And now here come Peter and John. Just by laying their hands on people they can impart in those people miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that Peter and John could impart miraculous abilities to believers he coveted that ability and he wanted it for himself. Given Simon’s background I think we can understand how that would be tempting to him. He had toiled in the past in something that only appeared to be powerful; now he was tempted by the prospect of being able to do something that really was powerful.

Simon tried to purchase the ability and was rebuked by Peter for it. We will say more on Peter’s rebuke in a few moments, but first there is a lesson here for all of us. We need to understand and then remember that no amount of money in the world can buy us God’s favor. God cannot be bribed nor bought. There are some who seem to believe that because they have a lot of money or because they have a lot of influence they can do whatever they want to do and God will excuse them. No amount of money or prestige has the ability to turn something the Bible condemns into something the Bible allows.

Becoming a Christian will not eliminate all temptation. However, we do have assurance from God that He will not allow us to face a temptation that cannot be overcome. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What to do when a Christian sins
Another thing we notice from Acts 8 is what God expects a Christian to do when he sins. In Acts 8 the term Christian was not being used yet; that term is not used until Acts 11:26 and we are told that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Today, however, the term “Christian” is in use and it is also not wrong to refer to a Christian as a disciple.

Simon was converted to Christ. When he heard the gospel he believed it and he was baptized, which Acts 2:38 tells us is for the remission of sins. That means that the Lord added Simon to His Church (see Acts 2:47).

There are some who believe that once a person becomes a Christian it is impossible for that person to sin. That is not what the Bible says, though. In 1 John 1:8 the Bible says “If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” In 1 John 1:10 John said “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

Sometimes Christians do commit sin. The question is not whether Christians sin; the question is what a Christian must do to make things right. The case of Simon tells us.

When Peter confronted Simon about his sin he left no doubt whatsoever that Simon had done wrong. For those who think that sin can never be dealt with in direct and firm terms they might do well to look at what Peter said in Acts 8:20-23:

“But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.’”

Simon could have said “Peter, I don’t like the way you talked to me.” He could have taken issue with Peter being so direct. Thankfully, Simon did not take this approach.

Peter gave us the answer to our question. What does a Christian need to do when he sins? He needs to repent of his sin and pray to God for forgiveness. That’s what Peter told Simon to do.

Simon, for his part, demonstrates the attitude a Christian should have when he sins and that sin is brought to his attention. In Acts 8:24 we read that Simon said to Peter “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Sin should alarm us, and it seems that it did alarm Simon when he was aware of it. It certainly alarmed Peter when he saw Simon commit the sin. If we are guilty of sin it should not be something that makes us feel cool, calm and collected. When we are guilty of sin it should bother us.

When we are guilty of sin we should also want that sin removed. Simon did not want any of the things Peter had spoken to come upon him. He wanted that sin taken away. In 1 John 1:9 John told Christians “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Simon did not hesitate. When his sin was pointed out he took action immediately. He sought help right away. We do well to do likewise, and to show the same attitude that Simon did in response to Peter.

Conclusion
Simon was not a perfect person, and neither are we. He was guilty of sin and that sin had to be pointed out to him so he could repent. So, Simon is not a perfect example for us but there are many examples we can glean from studying Acts 8 and many lessons that are valuable for Christians.

Simon gave up what had been a lucrative lifestyle to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is a good example for us in that respect because he shows us that Jesus Christ must come first in our lives.

Simon reminds us that when a person becomes a Christian that does not mean that they will never again face temptation. Satan tempted Jesus. Satan tempted Peter and the other apostles. Satan will tempt you because Satan tempts everybody. If you are a Christian do not make the mistake of thinking that you can never be tempted.

When we learn about Simon we also learn what a Christian must do when he sins. He needs to repent of his sins and pray to God just as Peter instructed Simon. Simon teaches us that when we become aware of sin we should immediately take action to remove it from our lives.

If you are listening today and you are not a Christian then there is sin in your life and on your record. It has to be removed if you want to spend eternity with God. The Bible reveals to us how our sins can be washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17)
Believe (Mark 16:16, John 8:24)
Repent of sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38)
Confess Christ (Matthew 16:16, Acts 8:37)
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21)
Be faithful unto death (1 John 1:7, Revelation 2:10b)

What the Church of Christ Believes About Grace

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:00:18 -0600

Radio transcript for the week of January 22, 2012

Todd Clippard preaches on "What the Church of Christ Believes about Grace" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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Churches of Christ are often accused of not believing in the grace of God. This misunderstanding arises from our insistence that penitent sinners be immersed in water in order to receive forgiveness of sins and salvation, just as the Bible teaches in Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21 and a host of other passages.

What churches of Christ do not believe is the denominational, Calvinistic view of grace. That is, that man is saved by grace alone, without any action or response on man's part.

This teaching arose in the 16th century as a result of Martin Luther's rejection of Roman Catholicism's doctrine of works-based salvation (sale of indulgences, works of penance, rosary, etc).

The New Testament word for "grace" is from the Greek charis, and is used in a variety of ways:

Verbal pleasantries – Luke 4:22
Good will, favor – Acts 2:47
Kindness of a master to his servants or inferiors – Luke 1:30
To invoke the help and protective favor of God – 1 Cor 1:3

In regard to salvation, grace is God bestowing to man that which he could never find or achieve for himself – Ephesians 2:5, 8-10.

It has been said that justice is me receiving what I deserve; mercy is me not receiving what I deserve, and grace is me receiving what I could never deserve.

Are Grace and Law mutually exclusive as so many claim? Some cite Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” But what to what law does Paul refer? Even a superficial reading reveals Paul here refers to the law of Moses.

So then, are we under a law of any kind? The same Paul who wrote Romans 6:14, also wrote Romans 4:15 – “where there is no law, there is no transgression.” Also Romans 5:13 “sin is not counted where there is no law.”

Thus, all men must be under some kind of law, for Romans 3:9 condemns both Jews & Gentiles as sinners. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Finally, 1 John 3:4 says that “sin is a transgression of the law.”

So, that which proves too much proves nothing: if there is no law, there can be no sin, & if there is no sin, there’s no need for grace.

The manifestation and exercise of God’s grace always follows a specific pattern:

God’s grace, which delivers to man;
God’s law, which man,
Thru his faith must obey, thereby;
Receiving God’s reward which could never be earned.

Illustrations of Grace: Noah – Genesis 6-8

God's Grace – Genesis 6:8
God's Law – “build an ark” (6:14)
Man's Faith/Works – “Noah did according to all God commanded him.” (6:22; see also Hebrews 11:7)
Reward – “only Noah & those in the ark remained alive” (7:23)

Illustrations of Grace: Jericho – Joshua 6:1-21

Grace – “I have given Jericho into your hand” (6:2). Note the past (accomplished) tense of God's words. He speaks of the fall of Jericho as an accomplished fact, when in fact Jericho was not yet given into Joshua's hand.
God's Law – “You shall march around the city” (6:3-5)
Faith – “they marched around the city” (6:14)
Reward – “the wall fell down flat” (6:20)

Illustrations of Grace: Naaman - 2 Kings 5

Grace - 5:3-8
Law – “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times” (5:10)
Faith – “he went and dipped seven times in the Jordan” (5:14)
Reward – “his flesh was restored” (5:14)

God's plan of salvation follows this same script. God's Grace has appeared to all men, teaching us (Titus 2:11-14).

God's Law is given to man -- namely:

The need to believe in Jesus and the Gospel (John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 4:12).
The command to repent (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of thinking leading to a change of living.
The command to confess Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10).
The command to be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
The need to live faithfully until death (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10), walking in the light to stay in contact with the cleansing blood of Christ (1 John 1:7).

Have you been the recipient of God's grace by obeying His word? If not, let us know how we can help you! ...

Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:00:49 -0600

Radio transcript for the week of January 08, 2012

Harold Bigham preaches on "Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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Text:
Matthew 5:10-12 states, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Introduction:
God’s people have always experienced forms of persecution. Why do persecutions happen? How should we react to persecutions?

Discussion:
What is Persecution?
Persecution implies an opposition to the general norm of society and her worldly philosophies. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). 1 John 2:15-17 states, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." Paul wrote, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8). Persecution is a result of godly living. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).

Persecution is suffering for the cause of Christ. Peter and John are great examples of such persecution. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done" (Acts 4:13-21). In Acts 5:40-41, the account states, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

Stephen died for the cause of Christ. "Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:57- 60).

The early church was persecuted for the cause of Christ. "And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles" (Acts 8:1).

Wrong Concepts of Persecution
Persecution is not suffering because of some sin that we have committed. " If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" ( 1 Peter 4:14-16).

Persecution is not the temptation to sin but is the suffering received for not surrendering to the temptation. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:12-15).

Wrong Attitudes to have When Being Persecuted
Retaliation, Resentment and a bitter attitude. We are not to "get even" but rather let God give the vengeance. "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not) (Romans 12:14). " Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20-21).

Retreating or quitting. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

Rebuking God for the persecution . Job is a great example of one who refused to blame God for his misfortunes and persecution. "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips" (Job 2:9-10).

Right Attitudes to have When Being Persecuted
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when suffering for Christ. "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:12).

Realize the reward for being persecuted because of having a strong conviction for Christ. “For great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).

Recall how great men and women of God endured persecutions in their life. Note Hebrews chapter 11 and see the men and women of God who endured persecutions. We can benefit from their example.

Conclusion:
God's plan reveals that after hearing the gospel taught, that we are to have faith (Romans 10:17; Mark 16:15-16). This faith leads us to repent of our sins and to confess the good name of Christ as the only begotten Son of God (Luke 13:3,5; Romans 10:9-10). The final step of God's plan of salvation is scriptural baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). We are then commanded to be faithful even until we died for Jesus to go to Heaven in the afterwhile (Revelation 2:10).

My friend, do you love God's Word? Will you consider our study today and then respond in loving obedience to the commands of God? May God bless you as you continue to read and study the Bible. ...

Simon's Conversion was Genuine

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:00:38 -0600

Radio transcript for the week of January 01, 2012

John Allan preaches on "Simon's Conversion was Genuine" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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In our time together today we will be studying from Acts 8. Our focus is on a man named Simon. The Bible tells us that Simon had been a sorcerer; when we read about him in Acts 8 we find that he believed the Gospel and was baptized.

There are some who contend that Simon was not genuinely converted to Christ. The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate that Simon was, in fact, truly converted.

The Setting
In Acts 8:1-3 we learn that a great persecution had arisen against the Church in Jerusalem. In the previous chapter (Acts 7) we read about Stephen: Stephen was a disciple of Jesus Christ who was put to death by stoning because of his faith.

Acts 8:4 tells us that the Christians who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Wherever they went, they took the Gospel with them.

In Acts 8:5 we read that Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached. We know what he preached, verse five tells us he preached Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul tells us that the Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, we have no doubt that Philip preached that to those in Samaria.

We also know that people responded positively to Philip's preaching (Acts 8:6-8).

Simon's Conversion
We are ready now to be introduced to Simon. We can know that Simon was truly converted because of what he did, as it is recorded for us here in Acts 8.

First, notice that he did the same thing that others in Samaria did. In Acts 8:12 the Bible says "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized."

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His apostles he commanded belief and baptism. These people in Samaria believed and were baptized.

Acts 8:13 tells us that Simon also believed, and that he was baptized. He did the very things Jesus said needed to be done and he did the very same things that others in Samaria had done. I have never heard anybody contend that the others at Samaria who believed and were baptized were not sincere. Since Simon did the same things they did there is no reason whatsoever in the context to question his sincerity.

Also notice that Simon gave up his sorcery (Acts 8:9-11). Luke recorded that Simon had once claimed that he was someone great (Acts 8:9). The people in Samaria at one time gave heed to him (Acts 8:10-11). But Luke said Simon "previously practiced sorcery." Thus, we know that Simon gave it up. The reason that he gave it up is also evident: Simon gave up sorcery because he believed the message Philip preached.

In other words, Simon turned away from sorcery so he could turn to Christ. Once Simon believed and was baptized he continued with Simon.

We can know that Simon was converted by what Philip did. Philip made no objection to Simon being baptized and he permitted Simon to continue with him. None of Philip's actions cast any doubt on Simon's conversion.

Finally, we can know Simon was converted by what the apostles did. When the apostles heard what had happened in Samaria they sent Peter and John to them. Peter and John came for the purpose of imparting the Holy Spirit. It is true that while the apostles were there Simon was guilty of sin. He attempted to buy the gift of God with money.

Peter gave instruction to Simon on the matter, but notice what he said. He told Simon "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22).

We have already noticed Mark 16:16 where Jesus said belief and baptism are essential. In Acts 2:38 Peter answered the question "Men and brethren what shall we do?" by command them to repent and be baptized. Yet, here he tells Simon to repent and pray.

If Simon had not been genuinely converted Peter would have demanded repentance and baptism. Since Simon was already a genuine convert he commanded him instead to repent and pray. This is consistent with 1 John 1:8-9 where John told Christians "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Peter and John did not question Simon's conversion. When Simon sinned Peter treated him like a disciple who had sinned and needed to repent. Peter, John and Philip knew what we can know from studying Acts 8: Simon was genuinely converted to Christ.

If you have not been genuinely converted to the Lord we urge you to obey the Gospel:

Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17)
Believe (Mark 16:16)
Repent (Luke 13:3)
Confess (Matthew 16:16)
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21)
Be faithful unto death (1 John 1, Revelation 2:10)

Specific and Generic Commands - Daily Service

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:00:39 -0600

Radio transcript for the week of December 25, 2011

Ricky Berger preaches on "Specific and Generic Commands - Daily Service" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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Hello, my name is Ricky Berger. I, along with John Allan, Harold Bigham, and Todd Clippard, am a speaker on the “Seeking the Lost International Radio Broadcast.” We thank for your time and interest in Seeking the Lost. It is our desire to bring you Bible based lessons both in audio and transcript form. We encourage you to look at our website www.seekingthelost.net. On it, you can listen to and/or read any of the lessons presented by the STL speakers. Here, you can also find a schedule that lists radio coverage area, times, and frequencies. In addition to weekly radio programs, we offer free Bible correspondence courses and “Seeking the Lost, Ready Bible Answers.” Ready Bible Answers allows you to submit any Bible question(s) you may have through our “contact information” link, or by writing to the Clinton church of Christ address given below. We will answer your question(s) according to your request, either on a radio program (your name does not have to be given if we answer on the radio), or by personal correspondence with you.

Seeking the Lost is under the oversight of the Clinton church of Christ eldership in Clinton, Mississippi, www.clintoncoc.org. Brother Ken Gardner is the deacon over missions and works closely with Seeking the Lost, he can be reached through our “Contact Information” link, or by writing to:

Seeking the Lost International Radio
C/O Clinton church of Christ
155 Broadway St
Clinton, MS. 39056 USA

If you do not have internet access, any request for Bible lessons and/or correspondence courses can be made by writing to this address.

As members of the church of Christ (Romans 16:16), it is our desire to search the scriptures (John 5:39), and do the will of God (Matthew 7:21). Part of that will is to teach the gospel (Mark 16:15). We will give you Bible references in our lessons and encourage you to check them (Acts 17:10-11). If you should have any questions and/or comments please contact us so we may study together (2 Timothy 2:15).

And now a lesson entitled: "Specific and Generic Commands - Giving”

For the year 2011, I would like to teach a series titled: “Specific and Generic Commands.” The first four lessons are designed to show how God teaches us by both specific and generic commands. We will do this by studying commands to different people in the Bible. Then, we will notice some specific and generic commands for people today to obey.

What are specific and generic commands? Specific commands are commands God specifies. When God is specific about what to do, it excludes anything else or any other way. In other words, when God tells us exactly what to do, He doesn’t have to tell us everything not to do. A generic command is when God gives us the authority to choose how to best obey the command. When God gives us a command, we have the authority to use whatever it takes to carry out the command, as long as it does not change the command.

In Romans 12:1-2, we are commanded to put forth daily service in the Lord’s kingdom. Too many “Christians” try to get by with doing as little as possible. Some think because they have been baptized and show up for church they will automatically go to Heaven. However, the Bible teaches that once you are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), that it is at this point when you begin your new life (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Daily service to God is both personal and public. Personal service includes Bible study (Acts 17:10-11), prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), thinking about God’s word and good things (Philippians 4:4-9), clearing your mind of bad thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5), and drawing closer to God (James 4:8), to just name a few. Public service would include what Jesus says we will be judged by in Matthew 25:31-46. There is much work for the Christian to do (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are to help others (Galatians 6:10; James 1:27), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2), seek those who have fallen away (Galatians 5:4; James 5:19-20), visit, provide when able, and encourage others. The beauty of the church and God’s people is that we all have different talents. We should desire to use them and work together for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 12:12ff.).

Thank you for studying with us. May you desire to obey God in all you do.

What does the Bible say about salvation?

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Not everyone will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Only those who obey God will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:21).
Obedience means believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6).
Repenting of sins (a change of life) (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
Confessing your faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10).
Being baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21).
Live as a faithful Christian until death (Titus 2:12; Revelation 2:10).

What does the Bible say about how we are to worship God?

We are to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
Worship is to be on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
The male members are to lead the worship service (1 Corinthians 14:34).
God’s word is to be preached (Acts 20:7).
Prayer is to be offered to Him (Acts 2:42).
Christians are to give cheerfully according to how God has prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
The Lord’s Supper is to be taken (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7).
Members are to sing one to another from the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
We are not to change by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19).

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