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A Man Who Cared

INTRODUCTION:

A.            Text: Philippians 2:19-24

B.            [S1] Colonel Sanders and the Baby

1.            The late Colonel Sanders (of Kentucky Fried Chicken) was on an airplane when an infant screamed and would not stop even though the mother and flight attendants tried every trick they could think of. Finally the Colonel asked if he could hold the baby. He gently rocked the baby to sleep.

2.            Later a passenger said, "We all appreciate what you did for us."

3.            Colonel Sanders replied, "I didn't do it for us, I did it for the baby." -- Source: Using Humor for Effective Business Speaking, Gene Perret as qtd. in https://www.ministry127.com/resources/illustration/colonel-sanders-and-the-baby

C.           What Paul did, he did for Christ and others.  Already in his letter to the Philippians, Paul had mentioned several times that he might die.

1.            [S2] "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." – Philippians 2:17

2.            Paul still found reasons to rejoice, but he also wanted to comfort his beloved fellow-Christians in Philippi.

D.           [S3] Two Good Men: Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30).  He told them of his plans to send two men to them – one immediately (Epaphroditus) and the other soon (Timothy).  If he couldn't go at that time to the Philippians himself, he wanted to send "the next best things (people)": two men of great character who shared the heart of Paul.

E.            Let's consider one of these two good men in this lesson:  A Man Who Cared…

I.              [S4] THE PERSON: TIMOTHY (2:19-24)

A.            [S4B] "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state." – Philippians 2:19

B.            "That I also may be encouraged when I know your state" – "so that I too may be cheered by news of you" (ESV) –

1.            Paul is in prison awaiting possible execution, yet he is concerned about the condition of the Christians in Philippi, 700 miles away!

2.            To know that the Christians there are doing well (that he would know from a visit from Timothy) would bring him great encouragement and joy even in his difficult circumstances.

C.           "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly" – "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon" (ESV) –

1.            Paul often sent Timothy as his emissary (1 Corinthians 4:7; 16:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:6).

2.            Timothy, the young evangelist and Paul's son in the faith, is mentioned in Paul's letters more than 25 times.

3.            [S5] "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." – 1 Corinthians 4:17

4.            "Paul had probably converted him when Timothy was a teenager (see 1 Corinthians 4:17) and later recruited him to travel with him on his missionary journeys (Acts 16:1-4).  Now Timothy was with Paul in Rome, helping in his work" (Roper 467-468).

II.            [S6] THE personality (2:20)

A.            [S6A] "For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state." – Philippians 2:20

B.            Paul cared deeply for the Christians in Philippi (and elsewhere).  Cf. Philippians 1:3-11.

C.           Paul desired to send Timothy to the Philippians because Timothy cared for them just like Paul did.

D.           "Like-minded" – "of kindred spirit" (NASB) – Gr. isopsuchos, a compound word that combines the world for "equal" (isos) with the word for "soul" (psuchē).  It means to be "equal-souled" or "like-souled" (Roper 468).

E.            "Who will sincerely care for your state" – "who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare" (NASB) –

F.            Consider:  If one of your children was in need and you couldn't get to them, whom would you send?

1.            If my children needed me and I couldn't get to them, I wouldn't ask just anyone to go to them to help them.

2.            I wouldn't ask a complete stranger to go and check on them for me.

3.            I wouldn't ask a casual acquaintance to see about their need.

4.            I would ask someone who loves them and would care for them as I would!

5.            Cf. filling out a form that asks for "in case of emergency, contact _______."  You would only fill in the name of someone who cared and who would respond as promptly and lovingly as possible!!!

6.            That's the way Paul felt about the Philippians.  He wouldn't send just anyone; only one who cared for them like he did.  That one was Timothy.

III.          [S7] THE PROBLEM (2:21)

A.            [S7A] "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." – Philippians 2:21

B.            I wonder…

1.            Did Paul ask some Christians in Rome to go to Philippi to check on the Christians there?  Did some of them turn him down, perhaps saying, "I would, but I'm so busy.  I just can't right now."

2.            "As Christians in Rome went about their daily lives, a small Roman colony seven hundred miles away would have been of little interest to them.  If the needs at Philipp were mentioned, some in Rome might have responded, 'Why should we be concerned about Philippi?  We have more needs right here than we can ever meet!' This kind of spirit has hampered evangelism and mission work around the world" (Roper 469).

C.           Consider some people in need… Here's a list: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the ill-clothed (naked), the sick, the imprisoned.

1.            Do you know where I got that list?

2.            [S8] READ Matthew 25:31-46

3.            We could add others to this list: the shut-in, the lonely, the lost in our community, the lost around the world, and more.

D.           The Lord says, "I am no longer physically present in the world.  I cannot physically minister to these people who are in need."

1.            "Whom shall I send?"

2.            His answer is: that is why I have the body of Christ – the church – in the world!  WE are to be the Lord's hands and feet in ministering to others in His name.

E.            [S9] "The World's Bible" by Annie Johnson Flint

1.            Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in the way
He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

2.            [S10] We are the only Bible the careless world will read,
We are the sinner's gospel; we are the scoffer's creed;
We are the Lord's last message, given in word and deed;
What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

3.            [S11] What if our hands are busy with other work than His?
What if our feet are walking where sin's allurement is?
What if our tongue is speaking of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him or welcome His return?

F.            Possible objection: "But Lord, I am too busy with other things.  I don't have time."

G.           [S12] "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." – Philippians 2:21.  Is this passage an indictment against us?

H.           [S13] "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
'Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?'"
-- Isaiah 6:8a

1.            I think the Lord is still asking that question today.

2.            "There is so much to be done – some many people to be taught about Jesus, so many people to help, so much to be done.  Who will go for Me?"

I.              Paul was saying, "I care so much about the Philippians.  I want to help them, to know how they are doing, but I can't get to them right now.  Who will go for me?  Is there someone that I can send in my place?"

1.            His answer was Timothy – someone who cared for them just as much as he did, and was willing to go.

2.            [S14] "²²But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." – Philippians 2:22

3.            [S15] "²³Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. ²⁴But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly." – Philippians 2:23-24

CONCLUSION & APPLICATION:

A.            [S16] "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
'Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?'"
-- Isaiah 6:8a

1.            I hope we'll respond the same way that Isaiah did:

2.            [S16A] "Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'"

B.            Are you willing to be sent?  Are you willing to go?

C.           [S17] Here are Four Qualities of "Goers":

1.            [S17A] C – Compassion.  "Who will sincerely care for your state" (v. 20) – "who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare" (NASB)

2.            [S17B] A – Availability.  God is not looking as much for ability as He is availability.  He has given us many abilities; that's not the issue.  Our real issue is availability.  "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." – Philippians 2:21

3.            [S17C] R – Readiness.  "Here am I!  Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).

4.            [S17D] E – Eagerness.  You want to help.  It's your desire to serve, to glorify God, to help someone in need.

D.           "Where Is It?"

1.            A boy on one of the Little League squads hadn't made the starting lineup.  He may not have been the best fielder or hitter on the squad, but there was nothing wrong with his team spirit and willingness.

2.            During a game, the coach thought it was about time to give Billy a little experience.  So he walked over to the boy's place on the bench and said, "Billy, would you like to go in and play center field?"  Billy broke into a big smile, and then said with great sincerity and enthusiasm, "I sure would!  Where is it?" (Aliceville Bulletin 4/7/94).

E.            "The submissive mind is not the product of an hour's sermon, or a week's seminar, or even a year's service.  The submissive mind grows in us as, like Timothy, we yield to the Lord and seek to serve others" (WWW 82).

F.            [S18] "For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." – Philippians 2:21.  Is this passage an indictment against us?

G.           [S19] (blank slide)

 

SOURCES:

Roper, David L.  "Philippians."  Truth for Today Commentary: Ephesians and Philippians by Jay Lockhart and David L. Roper.  Searcy, AR: Resource Publications, 2009.  467-470.

Wiersbe, Warren W. (WWW)  The Bible Exposition Commentary.  Volume 2: Ephesians – Revelation.  Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1989.  80-82.

 

Sermon preached by David A. Sargent

 

He Knows

He Knows

Shawn Thomas once shared the story of how several years ago in Bristow, Oklahoma, there were a
series of contests at the halftime of their high school basketball games. In these contests, people
were blindfolded, and when the buzzer sounded, they could run around and try to pick up money which
had been scattered around the gym floor. Most of the contestants did not do very well; they picked
up a few random bills, but not many.

Finally one particular man did really well; he went right to the biggest bills and took in quite a
haul. He had been blindfolded; how did he do it?

When asked, he said that he had seen in previous contests how most people just ran around without
direction and let the screams of the crowd direct them to go first one way, and then another. So he
decided in advance that he was going to pick out ONE person who could see the money on the floor,
and he would listen to the voice of that person who could see what he could not see, and let them
direct him to the money - and so he did. And his plan paid rich dividends!

You and I need to do the same thing. But to whom should we listen?

God can see what we can't see. He has a lot more information than we do. In fact, God knows
everything; He is omniscient, all-knowing.

So if we are wise, we will do well to trust Him and to obey Him.

God knows what we need and He has revealed to us what we need to know in His Word.

He knows. that our greatest need is salvation from sin, for sin condemns us and it will lead to our
destruction (Romans 3:23; Matthew 7:13-14).

He knows. that we need someone to come to our rescue, so He did. God sent His Son into the world
"to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). He came to rescue us by dying on the cross
for our sins so that we might be forgiven of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (John
3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7).

He knows. that we must listen to His Word and accept His offer on His terms if we're going to enjoy
these eternal, spiritual blessings that are much greater than gold. "And the Spirit and the bride
say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires,
let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The Lord
knows those that are His (2 Timothy 2:19) and will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue
to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

God is omniscient; He knows what we don't know. And so more than anything else, we need to put our
trust in Him, listen to His revealed will, and heed His instructions.

Won't YOU?

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from Shawn Thomas at
https://shawnethomas.com/2012/02/19/our-omniscient-god-psalm-139/

Bible study about women

http://www.whatthebiblesaysaboutwomen.abiblecommentary.com/index.html

TEKEL--you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient

 

Daniel 5:27 TEKEL--you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.(NASB)

 

Belshazzar, King of Babylon, has prepared a feast for the lords of his kingdom and stands before them to blaspheme the God of heaven. He has shown contempt for the things of God; he has praised false Gods of silver, gold, brass, iron and wood; he has not glorified the God who has given him breath (Daniel 5:1-4. 18-23). This was to be a night of revelry unprecedented in the history of Babylon but in the midst of it the king's countenance is changed when he sees the handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5-6). God was not invited to that feast but he came anyway because he had an account to settle with Belshazzar.  Do you not believe that God weighs each one of us on his scales every day of our lives. There is absolutely nothing that is not put on his scales (1 Samuel 2:3; Hebrews 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Hear the writer of Hebrews as he tells us, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of  the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).

 

The question of the hour for you and I is simply this: "Where do we stand as we are weighed on the scales?  If we were to stand this moment at the judgment bar of God, would we be found wanting? Is our life one in which we are daily laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)? Are our affections on things above, do we truly seek those things above (Colossians 3:1-2? Are we really seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)? Are we letting our light shine in order for God to be glorified (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Timothy 4:12)?Would we be found wanting according to Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Fear God and keep his commandments"?

 

I pray that all of us will go forth down the pathway of life seeking the greatest objective in this life which is to one day stand approved before God and live forever in that land where joy will never end.

 

To God be praise and dominion for ever  and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

 

Charles Hicks

candshicks@att.net 

 

CHS
"Everyday Is An Adventure"

Acts 19:10

 

CAN IT BE THAT SIMPLE?

David Anguish

“All the residents of Aaia heard the word of the Lord” because of Paul (Acts 19:10).  Yet, many disciples in Asia had never seen him (Col. 2:1).  The most sensible explanation for that is that those churches were planted and nurtured by others who had learned from Paul and took the teaching to the people back home.  Colossians tells us as much (1:7; 4:12-13).

Acts 19:9-10 report that, when he left the synagogue, Paul “took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.  This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”

A different manuscript tradition for v. 9, reflected in an ESV footnote, adds that his daily reasoning was done “from the fifth hour to the tenth.”  That leads us to look again at verses 9-10.  Whether or not he did it five hours a day, Paul taught in the hall of Tyrannus every day for two years.  The result was that all Asia heard the word.

Obviously, he would have taught about the faith, but what specifics of the faith?  Might the fact that he “took the disciples with him” suggest something, especially when noticed in conjunction with texts like Colossians 1:28-29?  It certainly looks as if Paul was interested in teaching more than “first principles” and “the plan of salvation.”  The Tyrannus Hall lectures were valuable disciple instruction time (see Luke 1:4; Acts 2:42; 18:25; 21:21; Gal. 6:6; et. al.).

That would explain how Epaphras could, in a relatively short time, become conversant enough with the teaching to be an effective church planter.  Conversely, that we do not generally see teaching programs comparable to what Paul did today doubtless contributes to the struggle of many churches to replicate the positive growth we see in the first century.  We can’t teach what we don’t know.

Michael Weed once perceptively observed that, “While Sunday schools and Bible classes provide an unending array of discussion groups, sharing sessions, and ‘meaningful experiences,’ biblical illiteracy and ignorance of basic Christian beliefs are reaching epidemic proportion among youth and adults” (“Why Johnny Can’t Pray,” Christian Studies [1992]: 11).

Weed’s words remain pertinent.  The problem is one of both quantity and quality: when we don’t study often, or deeply, we know little of substance to share.  It really is that simple.

August 2012

www.davidanguish.com

 

Are we in the last days?

End Times need not be confusing at all. B.C., A.D., 2nd Coming, Eternity

This study will be of far more benefit to you if you make sure you carefully read all the Scriptures referred to!

There are but two ages: this age, and the age to come. This world, and the world to come. This age includes all world history from the creation through the Mosaic and Christian periods to the time of Christ’s return and the judgment – which time of return only God knows. Matthew 24:36. Date-setting is futile. Only God knows when.

The world to come, which is after the final judgment, is eternal life and eternal punishment. There is no special deal in the end-time for Israel. All have the same inheritance – the same hope, the same eternal future. Acts 26:6-7; 28:20; Galatians 3:18-29; 6:14-16; Ephesians 4:4; Titus 1:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-5. The “all Israel will be saved”, Romans 11:25-32, is that remnant of physical Jews who, like Gentiles, believe in Jesus as Lord of all. Romans 9:6-8,27,30-33 … the point of Romans 1:16-17 and 9-11. God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34-43; Romans 2:11.

      Plain, non-figurative Scriptures reveal the basic structure through which the figurative Scriptures such as Daniel and Revelation must be interpreted. Jesus spoke of the restored throne of David when he said the kingdom of God was at hand, and when he taught the kingdom parables. Matthew 4:17; 13:1-53. Peter showed Jesus was sitting on the throne of David in Acts 2:29-36. To interpret figurative passages as though literal is foolish. More later.

       Here are some Scriptures that clearly speak of “this age” and “the age to come”, there being no other ages:

      Matthew 12:32

      Mark 3:29

      Mark 10:30

      Luke 16:8

      Luke 18:30

Luke 20:34–36

Romans 12:2

1 Corinthians 1:20

1 Corinthians 2:6, 8

 

1 Corinthians 3:18

1 Corinthians 10:1-11

2 Corinthians 4:4

Galatians 1:4

Ephesians 1:21

Ephesians 2:2

1Timothy 6:17–19

Titus 2:12

Hebrews 6:5

This simple, two-age view shows the simplicity of end-times (eschatology) in the New Testament. Jesus died and rose alive to shepherd one people for ever. John 10:14-18,27-30. When you compare this two-age truth with other end-time views, it is clear that these two ages have, amongst other things, the following implications for end-times:

 

•   This age and the age to come, taken together, exhaust all time, including the endless “time” of eternity.

 

•   There is no period between “this age and the age to come”. The so-called rapture and 7 years of tribulation,

and a 1000-year reign in Jerusalem, are based on a misunderstanding of  Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation.

 

•   This simple biblical structure of redemptive history does not allow for premillennialism or postmillennialism.

 

•   An exposition of the whole of Revelation 20:1–10 provides strong proof that the amillennial

     view of eschatology (i.e. there is no literal thousand year reign of Christ in Jerusalem) is the biblical  view.

 

•   The thousand year reign is simply one of many figurative metaphors used in the Bible to explain the struggle between good and evil, and the outcome of that struggle as complete victory in Christ the King.

 

•   Stars falling from the sky, while it might sound like what will happen when God destroys our world at the end

of time, is used frequently as an apocalyptic way of speaking of a nation’s world crashing down, whether it is Babylon, Edom, Israel or Rome. Isaiah 34:4; Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:13; 8:10. Ignoring the context of such metaphors, or interpreting them literally, will lead to all kinds of erroneous ideas.

 

•   The signs in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are for the destruction of the temple in AD70. See Luke 21:20.

 

The following single, plain Scripture, when read and applied, will end much of the confusion about end times:

 

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

 

1.  Christ’s resurrection 2000 years ago is the basis of our own future resurrection into the age to come.

2.  When Christ returns, it is as King, and then comes “the end” – not the start - of His kingdom.

3.  This means Christ’s kingdom (it is spiritual, not earthly) has already been in force since His resurrection 2000  years ago. See John 3:3-6; 18:36; Acts 2:22-36 (especially vss29-32); Colossians 1:12-14; Hebrews 12:28.

4.  At His return, all are resurrected and judged, and Jesus hands His kingdom back to His Father – his work done.

5. This 1 Corinthians 15 Scripture leaves no room for fanciful ideas about 7 years of tribulation or a 1000 years

    reign from Jerusalem, which are  based on misunderstandings of what symbolic-apocalyptic language means.

 

In the context of the Book of Revelation, the reference to coming to life and reigning with Christ for a thousand years, is simply a metaphor for victory after the death caused by the persecuting Roman Empire of the first century AD. Revelation 1:1-3 shows that the book is mainly dealing with events that were to “shortly come to pass” – shortly after Revelation was written 2000 years ago! 2:8-11 and 14:9-13 say much the same thing as reigning with Christ for a thousand years, but in plainer language, as do  2 Timothy 2:8-13 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Figures of speech are used to emphasise and gain attention. Revelation is encouraging faithfulness in the face of execution by Roman hordes. In Revelation 20 there is no literal chain binding Satan. The 1000 years reign of chapter 20 is just a code for total victory in Christ, as the 10 days of 2:10 is code for brief persecution, as 42 months (time, times and half

a time) is the time of testing and overcoming, and as 666 of 13:18 was code for the Roman Emperor – “the beast.”

 

David Carr

 

Christians in the city of Rome faced great danger when they assembled together for worship

What Would They Say?

The Bible tells us about the intense persecution that was endured by early Christians. We know that many were imprisoned, and a large number were put to death (Acts26:9-11). Uninspired historical accounts give us additional information about the terrible trials and sufferings of those first disciples.

We are told that Christians in the city of Rome faced great danger when they assembled together for worship. Because of this they were often forced to hold their meetings in secret places. We know that they sometimes met in the catacombs (underground cemeteries). Evidence from those secret meetings can still be seen today. It is said that at the height of this persecution members of a family would leave for worship at different times so that they would not generate suspicion from neighbors. They changed their meeting place and the time of the assemblies each week to avoid being discovered.

Did you ever wonder how these early saints would react if they were able to comment about the practice of their modern day brothers and sisters? Don't you imagine that they would be shocked to learn about the things that keep some Christians from attending all the worship assemblies and Bible studies?

What was it that kept you from the assemblies last week? Too tired? Too busy? A school function? A ballgame? A band concert? A vacation trip? Relatives from out of town visiting? A fishing trip? A round of golf? A minor sniffle or headache? Too sick to worship (but not to sick to go to work)? Just didn't feel like coming? Stop for a minute to think what those persecuted Christians of the first century would say if they heard YOUR excuses.

Why did those people take such risks? Why did they suffer so much? The answer is obvious: they loved the Lord and were committed to His service. What about YOU?

- by Greg Gwin

 

 

Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas

The Value of the Cross

Some years ago, a 14-foot bronze crucifix was stolen from Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
It had stood at the entrance to that cemetery for more than 50 years. The cross was put there in
1930 by a Catholic bishop and had been valued at the time at $10,000. The thieves apparently cut if
off at its base and hauled it off in a pickup.

Police speculate that they cut the bronze cross into small pieces and sold it for scrap. They
figured that the 900-pound cross probably brought about $450. They obviously didn't realize the
value of that cross.

So many do not realize the value of the cross of Christ, that is, the cross upon which Jesus was
crucified and the reasons that He did so.

The Cross of Christ reveals.

1. The Justice of God. Sin is an affront to God and to His will for our lives. It is a
transgression of His will (1 John 3:4) and even a failure to do what is right (James 4:17). "For
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "The wages of sin is death"
(Romans 6:23), therefore ALL deserve to die for their sins.

God is a just God, therefore He must punish sin.

Jesus, the sinless Son of God, "bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to
sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus took
the punishment for our sins on our behalf. His death on the cross satisfied the justice of God (see
Romans 3:23-26).

2. The Love of God. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His
one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved
God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice ("propitiation") for our sins" (1
John 4:9-10 NIV).

Jesus, the Innocent One and the Offended One, died for us - the guilty offenders. Why would He do
that for us? Because He loves us and wants to save us.

3. The Way of Salvation. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the
Father except through Me" (John 14:6). "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1
Peter 3:18).

God will save those who place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed)
into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who
continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being
saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). The message of the cross - the Gospel of Jesus
Christ - still has the power to save ALL those who will trust and obey Christ (Romans 1:16).

Won't YOU?

-- David A. Sargent

* from Lee Eclov, in the sermon, "The Agony of Victory," PreachingToday.com.