How powerful is God??

It is something we cannot truly fathom,

Creating all people, beginning with Adam (Genesis 2).

 

He shaped and formed the world with His power,

Everything from huge galaxies to a little flower (Genesis 1).

 

He made nature so we could stand in awe.

Truly His strength is without flaw (Jeremiah 32:27; Romans 1:20).

 

No one can dare to challenge His might.

Not even Satan will win the fight (Revelation 20:10).

 

Yet His power is often intertwined with love,

Especially the sending of His Son from above (John 3:16).

 

God's power can save us from our sin,

If we would but give our lives over to Him (Luke 9:23-24).

 

So let us fear God and keep His laws (Ecclesiastes 12:13),

And His power will deliver us from hell's jaws (Revelation 20:15).

 

Therefore, let us fear God and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7),

And by God's power we will experience our soul's retrieval (Colossians 1:13-14).

 

Brett Petrillo

Free sermon outline on the incarnation of Christ

The writer of Hebrews exhorts that Christ should be faithfully served, not abandoned, because He is a superior messenger to all other heavenly messengers (chapter one). Then, he gives another reason for holding fast to Him in chapter two. His readers were apparently struggling in their faith and gradually slipping back into the religion they had left. They lacked incentive, but the epistle gives reason after reason for why it should be restored.
In chapter two, he refers to Jesus' humanity. Through it, He perfectly fills the role of High Priest in a way no Levitical priest could do under the old law. He enumerates the reasons why Jesus became flesh, and each reason was for each of us as individuals.

• He became flesh to taste death for every man (9). He exercised God's grace on our behalf. He was willing to make God's understanding of our frailties empirical (experienced by human senses) by tasting death in a human body.

• He became flesh to render the devil powerless (14). Before the cross, where Jesus gave up His physical body in death, the devil had the power over man. All mankind sinned and there were various sin offerings provided by God in the different ages. Yet, they could not "take away" sin (10:4,11). But, when Jesus died and was raised from the dead, He rendered the devil powerless over those who faithfully obey Christ and remain faithful unto death.

• He became flesh to deliver the enslaved (15). Knowing no hope of deliverance from the horrible state of sinfulness makes for a miserable experience (Rom. 7:25). Christ came to deliver us from the awful slave master of sin (John 8:34).

• He became flesh to become a merciful and faithful High Priest (17). 12 times in Hebrews, Jesus is called the Christian's High Priest-the High Priest of our confession (3:1), in Heaven (4:14), sympathetic and sinless (4:15), appointed by the Father (5:5), without predecessor or successor (5:10), who went before us (6:20), holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (7:26), seated at the Father's right hand (8:1), an offering priest (8:3), and offering His own blood (9:11). His service in administering His blood on our behalf is merciful (kind, forgiving, protecting) and faithful (trustworthy and sure).

• He became flesh to come to the aid of the tempted (18). He well remembers what it is like to suffer in a human body. Not just that greatest moment of suffering, up on the tree, but the daily discomforts (Mat. 8:20), abandonment (John 6:66), and betrayal (John 18:27; Mark 14:45). Therefore, He can help me right now with my problem. Nothing is too big, too mysterious, or too difficult for Him.

Five reasons from Hebrews two are given for why Jesus became flesh, but all of them are for me (and for you)! What a thrilling though. Let's serve this wonderful Savior!


Neal Pollard

One is either "in Christ" or not

Worst or Best?

In Ephesians the second chapter, Paul in just a few verses shows the worst and best condition in which one can find himself.  Consider the following:
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Eph. 2:11-13).

One is either “in Christ” or not.  “Without Christ...having no hope...without God in the world” -  can it get any worse than that?  In such a state one is doomed to eternal damnation in the fires of hell.  That’s exactly where the Ephesians were prior to their conversion.

On the other hand, when one obeys the gospel, is “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), and remains faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10) - can it get any better than that?  In such a state one looks forward to eternal bliss in the joys of heaven.  Thankfully, the Ephesians got there.

Which scenario will it be for us, the worst case or the best?  It all hinges on what we do with Jesus.  In Christ, or without Christ?  The choice is yours.  Please choose wisely!

- by David McPherson

 

Jesus Christ truly is the most inspirational story!

In 2008, four-year-old Reece Delashmit was involved in a serious car accident. He suffered brain damage, went into a coma for four months, and was put on life support. The damage he sustained made activities like standing nearly impossible. The family spent every day since the accident focused on helping Reece to recover.

 

Over time Reece was able to stand with the help of a brace. Then, a couple of years ago, Reece's father, Rick, took a look at himself and realized he had reached an unhealthy weight.   Rick explained, "Finally, I said, I've got to change this. Here I am and I've got the most inspirational, toughest kid in the world right under my roof, and I'm now taking that example and doing it myself...He used to be in a coma, I used to be a fat guy. My son is recovering from a brain injury. We have a deal now. If he's standing, I'm running." Rick's running encourages Reece to stand, and Reece's standing encourages Rick to keep running. Since their pact, Rick has lost 70 pounds, and Reece can now stand for 90 minutes at a time (Yahoo).

 

About 2000 years ago, our Savior went through one of the most horrific experiences. He was rejected by those He healed, helped, and taught. He was persecuted by those who claimed to follow God. In the end He was placed upon the cross and slaughter without cause. Although He was unjustly killed, not even death could take Him out. Ephesians 1:20-22 says, "which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet..."

 

As for us, we were lost in our sins and dead in our trespasses (Colossians 2:13). Then Christ came along and offered us salvation through the blood He shed on the cross (vs. 14). Because of this amazing sacrifice, we should want to keep running towards Him. Through the power of God, Christ is now reigning up in heaven. Therefore, along as He is reigning, we should keep running! And Scripture makes it clear that He will always reign (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 10:16), so we must keep working to be with Him in heaven.

 

Jesus Christ truly is the most inspirational story! He received so much of what He didn't deserve, and did for us far more than we deserve. He is reigning, so let's keep pressing towards heaven (Philippians 3:14).

 

-- Brett Petrillo

Weak preachers

 

John warns, "For many deceivers have gone out into the world..." (2 John 7). The particular deceiver in that passage denied that Jesus came in the flesh. Looking at the religious landscape today, John would no doubt repeat himself. There are so many deceivers who are leading people away from the truth of Christ and about Him. Consider several identifying marks of false teachers, which the Holy Spirit makes known.

• They turn the grace of God into lasciviousness (Jude 4). They distort what grace is, making it a blanket that hides blatant, willful sin, lust, and materialism. Some rationalize and condone the practice of sin, with the false assurance that God's grace will cover it without an abhorrence of sin and genuine repentance.
• They cry "peace, peace" when there is no peace (Jer. 8:11). Superficial comfort is given to people in their sin. How many preachers, rather than confronting sin, tell people they're OK?
• They overthrow the faith of people (2 Tim. 2:18). Teaching which distorts or waters down the potency of scripture is to faith what a virus is to the immune system. False teaching destroys people's faith in God.
• They teach for doctrines the commandments of men (Mark 7:7). If it contradicts or nullifies revealed truth, it is of man rather than God. Looking at Christendom today, so much of what is widely embraced and assumed to be true are blatant departures from the Bible.
• They cover up their true intentions (Matt. 7:15). Jude describes the various motives of false teachers. Some do so for the sake of being accepted. Others do it for illicit gain. Some do so out of an arrogant sense of self-importance. Yet, they usually insist they are trying to help people get closer to God. Jesus insists that they deliberately hide their agenda.
• They are well-liked (Luke 6:26). Few preachers relish offending people or upsetting them. Yet, preaching the whole counsel of God means that, sometimes, some will not like it. Preachers and teachers should proclaim the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), but truth taught will sometimes offend no matter how pleasantly and gently it is delivered. Those who compromise truth to placate their hearers may have their acceptance, but God will reject them.
• They secretly introduce their teaching (2 Pet. 2:1). Why? Were they to publicly proclaim such ideas, they would be exposed. Their ideas can only survive if spread to weak-faith individuals who are not so discerning in more intimate settings. Truth is not afraid of inspection. Error grows in darkness rather than "Sonlight."
• They are destined for eternal torment (Rev. 20:10). No matter what success they achieve in this life, there will be an eternity to pay for it. Take soberly the warning of James 3:1.

Preachers (and teachers), have backbone. Preach the truth, even if it is difficult and opposed. Have faith. Whatever it costs to be faithful to the Word, know that heaven will surely be worth it all. Have conviction. Do not let circumstance determine content (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

 

 

--Neal Pollard

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If you don’t use it, you lose it

Then they said: there are only 7 musical notes in the scale, but look at what Beethoven, Mozart and many others (yes, even Elvis and Johnny Cash) have done with those seven.  (Personally I don't think we can consider our current brand of rock music because it seems to me that they only use a couple of the notes over & over).

 

The third thing mentioned is: there are only 10 numbers, but look at what great entrepreneurs have done with those ten.  And not only them, but scientists and mathematicians too.  Example: atomic energy.

 

The point that I believe the author of the above three things was getting at is, for us to look at how we've been able to use the things that God has provided to mankind.  How a small number of things can be tremendously enlarged on.  I'm going to liken these 3 things to the parable told by Jesus that's generally known as the Parable of the Talents.  Please read this parable in Matt. 25:16-30.

 

Briefly, in this story told by Christ, that relates to the "kingdom of heaven (the church) is like," He talks about various employees being given a varied amount of money (talents) to use while the "master" is away for a period of time.  In our lesson today I'm equating the "talents" to abilities.

 

The actual details as to how much or how many "talents" are involved in the story is unimportant as far as the meaning of the story.  What is important is how they were used, or not used.  I'm going to apply the principle of Jesus' story about the "talents" to helping us see the spread of the Church, the kingdom, throughout the whole world and I'm going to use the principle seen in our aforementioned 3 interesting things.

 

 

There were only 12 Apostles on the Day of Pentecost , yet through their teaching and preaching they saved "about 3000 souls" that very day.  (Acts 2:41)   That effort began the spread of "the kingdom" throughout the world as those who had been "added to the church" went about "adding" others on a daily basis.  And, it hasn't stopped yet, nor will it cease until time ends and the "kingdom" is called home.

 

Now, let's return to the parable for a few thoughts and here are mine.  We all have varied amounts of ability.  Some, like the parable, more than others and with the understanding that, if given a lot, a lot in return will be expected. 

 

And here again, as in the lesson of the parable, the amount IS NOT the important factor.  How we use whatever amount of ability we have IS the important part.  This is the principle I see as being brought out by this parable.  That we use whatever ability we've been blessed with to increase the "Master's" business. 

 

When you read the parable you'll notice something I mentioned earlier.  That some had been given more than others.  However, one who had only been given a small amount, failed to produce anything with that "talent."  Instead, he "hid" it and when called for an accounting offered up, in today's vernacular, a lame excuse.  Let's look for a moment at that excuse.

 

Let me just cite his words here: "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.  So I was afraid and I went and hid your talent in the ground.  Here you have what is yours."  (Verses 24-26)   The account goes on to say that he was punished severely for the non-use of his "talent."

 

You know, by man's way of thinking, he might be seen as being prudent or wise to not have invested his master's money, thereby being able to return it when the master came back.  But, that's not the true picture shown by the Master's statement regarding his saving of the "talent."  It wasn't "saved."  It was not used.  There's a big difference.

 

That difference can be seen when we understand that the "Master" in the story is God.  The "talents" are His gifts, through His grace, of the natural abilities given to all His servants with the expressed thought that they are to be used for, and to, the glory of the "Master." 

 

Think of it this way: a rich man, a "Master" provides monies (abilities) to his employees (servants) with the expectation that they produce an increase for him.  Just as God expects His "kingdom" to increase by the use of the abilities He bestows on His servants - Us! 

 

 

There is an old saying that I've always found to be true in all situations.  That old saying is: "If you don't use it, you lose it."  And, like the non-user in the parable, the end result of neglecting our God-given amount of ability can only be described as disastrous to usward.  Most definitely pointed out by the "Master's" pronouncement of judgment on the non-user is that to "bury" our God-given ability is a sin and will be recognized as such.

 

Ron Covey

Examples of a paradox

It is a true paradox. Today,  I've been married longer than I have ever been.  I've been a father longer than I have ever been.  The same is true for me as a Christian, a preacher, and every other relationship I am in.  My experience in all of these has never been greater than it is right now.  Yet, as I examine things, I realize just how much I do not know.  I am not saying that truth is unknowable, for such a statement would be false and contradictory to what God affirms in Scripture (John 8:32; Eph. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15; etc.).  It is just that I realize how little I understand compared to what needs to be understood, that I find the challenge of putting truth into practice in every situation requiring wisdom and understanding as daunting as I ever have.  Yet, despite such a realization, my optimism has never been greater.  Why?  Because I have never believed more strongly in the power and wisdom of God, nor have I ever depended more on Him for strength and provision where I am lacking than I do today.  I feel smaller, but He seems bigger.  While the walk on the narrow way seems a steeper, more strenuous, incline each day and the challenges to faith more daunting, more than proportionate to this is my realization that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Eph. 3:20). My conviction about what the Bible says has never been stronger. My belief in God's existence, involvement, concern, and righteousness has never been more than this moment.  Yet, my awareness of my finiteness and limitations, the transiency of this life, and the ferocity of the adversary is acute.  Incredibly, this doesn't cause me to despair. It causes me to hope. It takes the focus off me and puts it where it belongs-on Him! He is able to establish me through His Word (Rom. 16:25). He is "able to make all grace abound to" me, that I, "having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" (2 Cor. 9:8).  The most important thing for me to know, every day in every challenge and responsibility, is that God is able (Rom. 14:4; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 2:18).

Don't misunderstand me. I am not despairing. I am not even frustrated. I am hopeful and excited.  One of the greatest promises of Scripture is, "But He gives more grace" (Jas. 4:6). He will walk with me through the darkest valleys (Psa. 23:4). As He holds my hand and guides me through His word and His providence, He also points me toward His house.  He tells me He will help me get home and when the narrow way becomes too steep or arduous for me to walk alone, He will carry me in His everlasting arms (cf. Deu. 32:7). I will keep studying His inspired guidebook and striving to apply it to my life.  And as I do, I will increase my dependence and reliance upon Him, confident that "He who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).  That's really all I need to know!

 

Neal Pollard

 

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Church attendance

A Positive Article on Church Attendance

“Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.”

Dwight L. Moody

 

For many years I have clipped and filed various articles from church bulletins, magazines, and printed off e-mails on a wide variety of topics.  I have accumulated numerous file cabinets packed with files on just about any topic you can imagine. These have been invaluable to me over the years in my ministry in counseling and personal study as well as sermon and class preparation. 

One thing I have noticed over the years is that my file on “church attendance” has countless articles spanning 30 years, but there are very few positive ones in the file. 

Most begin with guilt or a sarcastic comparison to our attendance at work or sporting events and then a threat of eternal damnation and then a pointed exposition of the first half of Hebrews 10:25.

I’d like to offer another approach: 

While it is true that some folks attend worship out of: guilt, pressure, habit, tradition, or for the social aspects there is a growing group of folks that see the gathering of the saints for what God intended it to be. 

If you broaden your scope past the “not forsaking the assembly” part of Hebrews 10:24-25 you glean a better understanding of why we need to be together.  In verse 24 we are challenged to “stir up one another to love and good works” and in verse 25 we are called to “encourage one another.”  If you aren’t present, you miss out on that part. 

When the church meets it is a chance to share our lives together as we worship an omniscient God.  We get to pray, sing, commune, and give as a family.  We get to hear the Word of God taught, explained and applied to our present context.  We are made aware of the needs of our forever family members and we get the opportunity to meet needs as they arise.

The early church Luke described in Acts chapter 2:  devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship to breaking of bread and the prayers (v. 42),  sold their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need (v. 45),  attended the temple together and broke bread in their homes (v. 46), received their food with glad and generous hearts (V. 46), and praised God and had favor with all the people (v. 47).  With that mindset and outlook it is no wonder the early church grew.  They loved being together and their attitude and lifestyle was attractive and contagious. 

When you read through Acts and get a sense of the spirit working through the early church you pick up on the fact that they didn’t HAVE TO go to church; they GOT TO go to church. 

That’s my approach.  I come to worship to be with my forever family and to get and give hugs from folks who I have grown to love as we share a common mission and vision.  I am encouraged through the prayers and the singing of my brothers and sisters in Christ and I am humbled to have the honor of standing on the stage week after week presenting a message from God’s Word that always encourages and challenges me as well as the hearers.

No, I don’t HAVE TO worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ  I GET TO ...and I hate to miss it. 

So rather than “brow beat” or resort to guilt or preach attendance sermons to those who are actually in attendance my prayer is that folks will participate in worship with a sense of eager anticipation and grateful wonder. 

—Kent Jobe