11/6/14

From Jim McGuiggan... POOR GOD

POOR GOD

Poor God, the world’s too strong for him; our sins are too deeply ingrained. He’d like to make a difference—truly he would—but he’s helpless. What, with our freewill and the complex inter-dependence of human lives, he has come to a gunfight with a feather duster.

A lot of people in ancient Israel thought like that. God had some power, of course, but he simply wasn’t up to the job he had taken on—that is, to be Israel’s God and Savior. Now and then he was able to deliver them from trouble but more often than not, the gods of the Philistines, Syrians or the Assyrians, or whoever, had the beating of him because he just wasn’t strong enough. What could Israel do? Sure they had no alternative but to make alliances with the strong nations, worship their gods and sideline Yahweh. You’ll remember that Ahaz believed that the gods of the Syrians were serving them well so he called on them. 2 Kings 16:10-13 and 2 Chronicles 28:23.

When we remember that the nation was constantly defying him it’s no surprise that the prophets sometimes have him expressing his frustration (read the book of Hosea). Add to that his sense of helplessness and it’s no surprise that some thought he walked off the job in a sulk and pouting [see Jeremiah 33:23-24 and elsewhere].

But there were always men and women in the nation, prophetic and wise, who knew God better than that. Now and then they’d speak of God’s strange way of working (compare Isaiah 28:21), carrying out his purposes in ways that make no sense to the worldly wise. For example he is going to attack Jerusalem (calling it “Ariel”—“a hearth,” around a sacrificial area, strewn with the proofs of sacrifice)—Isaiah 29:1-3. He will do again what David did in earlier days—attack Jerusalem in order to put his name there. The prophet understood the meaning of the vision and didn’t construe it as divine vindictiveness but as divine earnestness as he went about the redemption of the soul of a nation.

When we oppose the world and attempt to set the prisoners free we’re not making a futile gesture and much less are we appealing for pity from a world that enslaves and crushes. We align ourselves with God and offer ourselves as the instruments of God in God’s world in light of God’s promise in and as and through Jesus. That can’t be a blunder and it can’t be an act of blind stupidity no matter how things look.

How sweet and overly pious all that can sound to some “realists” who insist that “the facts” are against us and that we’re ignoring the realities of life and the suffering of millions. But prophetic souls didn’t stand unharmed at a distance shouting explanations at the frightened protesting people in the besieged city. These faithful men and women lived with and shared the hurts and losses and fears with the rest of the nation so their speech wasn’t the speech of the unhurt; it was the speech of those with vision that while acknowledging the reality of hurt and loss put them in their place under the redemptive sovereignty of an earnest God who will bring the human story to a glorious conclusion saturated with joy and peace and adventure while filled with God-imitating righteousness.

There is more than one way of seeing things and before life is a way of doing things it is a way of seeing things.

Don’t mistake God for some other force or source and don’t mistake his incredibly complex holy purpose for some difficult newspaper crossword puzzle you can work out if you have an hour or two. There are those who because they have seen more of it than the rest of us can grasp, stand in gobsmacked awe at the vision of the immensity and complexity of the universe—from photons to constellations—and there are those who have seen glimpses of God’s majesty who stand sometimes in speechless worship of the God who has created this vast theater of his visible operation and pleasure.

         We're amazed at it all and so we should be! A psalmist said, "When I consider the heavens the work of your fingers, I'm astonished that you'd bother yourself with us humans." But it's no big thing to God though he's very pleased with what he's made. See Isaiah
 40all of it.

          D'you remember the woman who told us about the vision she had of God, this inexpressibly glorious visitor who stood before her, and left her speechless? She finally noticed something in his hand, a tiny nut looking thing, and she asked him what it was. He said, "All created thngs."

         Astonishing? I should say! But let me tell you what I think is even more astonishing. Listen to this.

In the days of Claverhouse she was standing beside her husband as they were being threatened but wouldn't back away from truth they held. A callous religious brute and bigot raised the gun and blew her husband’s head to pieces. The jeering murderer wanted to know, “And what do you think of your good man now?” As she gathered up the pieces of his head and brains in her apron she quietly but defiantly said, “I always thought much of him but I think even more of him now.” Now that's astonishing! How can God create that kind of faithno coercion, a free, glad-hearted faith in two little humans.

Let’s be careful that we don’t become so enamored with Brian Greene’s string theory of ultimate reality that we think we have found God’s personal dwelling place in some dimension under the quarks—where Jesus presently dwells with the Holy Father. For the present it's enough to say he joyfully and contentedly dwells in the hearts and lives of the faithful, contrite and gallant who are more taken by the spellbinding Holy Father himself than by his glorious creation.

       In our eagerness to be scientifically up to date we’re not to buy into some “string pantheism”. If the “string” is there as the ultimate fabric of creation reality you can be sure God doesn’t live in it and even more sure that he isn’t made of string.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, theabidingword.com.

Myth and the Claims of the Bible Writers by Kyle Butt, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1651

Myth and the Claims of the Bible Writers

by  Kyle Butt, M.A.

In academic circles these days it is not unusual to hear a person suggest that the events recorded in the Bible are myths. The word myth is given various meanings, but one that is commonly understood in modern parlance is the idea that the person or event being discussed has “only an imaginary or unverifiable existence” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Thus, the listener or reader is led to believe that the stories found in the Bible do not have a “verifiable” historic base, and are founded on little more than the imagination of the authors. This allegation describing the Bible stories as myth, however, falls woefully short of the truth on a number of grounds.
First, the Bible has been proven to be the most accurate, historically verifiable book that has ever been produced. Years of archaeological finds have unearthed enough evidence verifying the Bible’s accuracy to bury the claim of myth a thousand times over (see Butt, “Archaeology and the Old Testament,” 2004a and “Archaeology and the New Testament,” 2004b).
Second, not a single, legitimate contradiction has been found that would suggest that the biblical writers falsified information. For years, skeptics have found alleged contradictions between the biblical texts. These alleged “contradictions” have been proven to be false, and adequate answers proving the noncontradictory nature of the Bible texts have been given (see Alleged Discrepancies, n.d.).
The list of other evidences that silence the allegation of myth could get quite lengthy. Such aspects as the scientific foreknowledge of the Bible, its predictive prophecy, and its unity over hundreds of years of writing are just a few of these powerful evidences.
It is important to note that along with these various evidences, the testimony of the writers themselves must be added to the material that points overwhelmingly away from the idea that the Bible is mythical. The Bible writers insisted that their writings were not based on imaginary, nonverifiable people and events, but were instead grounded on solid historical facts. The apostle Peter, in his second epistle to the Christians in the first century, wrote: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (1:16). In a similar statement, the apostle John insisted: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life.... [T]hat which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1,3).
When Luke wrote his account of the gospel of Christ, he specifically and intentionally crafted his introduction to ensure that his readers understood that his account was historical and factual:
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed (Luke 1:1-4).
In a similar line of reasoning, Luke included in his introduction to the book of Acts the idea that Jesus, “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).
In addition, when the apostle Paul was arguing the case that Jesus Christ had truly been raised from the dead, he wrote that the resurrected Jesus
was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
This handful of verses by Peter, Paul, John, and Luke, reveal that the Bible writers insisted with conviction that their writings were not mythical, but were indeed based on factual events. Furthermore, they specifically documented many of the eye-witnesses who could testify to the accuracy of their statements. The claim that the Bible is filled with myths can be made, but it cannot be reasonably maintained. The evidence is overwhelming that the Bible writers understood and insisted that their information was accurate and factual. Their claim of factual accuracy has been verified by the discipline of archaeology as well as by refutations of alleged contradictions between the various writings and history. The Bible is not a book of myth that belongs beside the likes of Mary Poppins or Peter Pan. It is a book of inspired, factual, historically accurate information that deserves its rightful place in the annals of history as the most amazing book ever written—bar none.

REFERENCES

Alleged Discrepancies: Apologetics Press, (no date), [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/allegeddiscrepancies/.
Butt, Kyle (2004a), “Archaeology and the Old Testament,” Reason and Revelation, 24[3]:17-23, March, [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2502.
Butt, Kyle (2004b), “Archaeology and the New Testament,” Reason and Revelation, 24[10]:89-95, October, [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2591.
“Myth,” 2005, Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, [On-line], URL: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=Myth.

From Mark Copeland... He Taught As One Having Authority (Matthew 7:28-29)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

              He Taught As One Having Authority (7:28-29)

INTRODUCTION

1. During His earthly ministry, Jesus astonished the people with His
   teaching...
   a. He astonished them in the synagogues - Mk 1:21-22; 6:2
   b. They were astonished by His sermon on the mount - Mt 7:28-29

2. What impressed the people was that "He taught as one having
   authority"
   a. Unlike the scribes, who simply interpreted the Law
   b. Jesus spoke as One had the right to make the law!
      1) E.g., "But I say to you...But I tell you..." - Mt 5:22,28,32,
         34,39,44
      2) E.g., "Take heed...You shall not be...Do not..." - Mt 6:1,2,5,
         8,19,25

3. The question might be raised, "Did Jesus have the authority to speak
   this way?"
   a. He may have taught with authority, but was it His to do so?
   b. Should we, who read that which He taught, give heed to obey what
      He said?

4. At a time when many do not heed the words of Jesus...
   a. Not only those in the world
   b. But, sadly, even many who profess Him to be Lord
   ...the authority of Jesus needs to be recognized and followed by all,
      but especially by those who claim to be His disciples

[In this study, we shall review the authority that Jesus has, beginning
with...]

I. THE INHERENT RIGHT OF JESUS' AUTHORITY

   A. BY VIRTUE OF BEING THE CREATOR...
      1. All things were made through Him - Jn 1:1-3; He 1:2
      2. All things were made by Him and for Him - Col 1:16
      -- As Creator, Jesus has the authority to expect and demand
         whatever He desires of His creation

   B. BY VIRTUE OF BEING THE HEIR...
      1. As prophesied, Jesus would be given all things - Ps 2:8
      2. As the Son, Jesus has been appointed heir of all things
         - He 1:2
      -- As the Heir, Jesus has authority over that which has been
         given Him

   C. BY VIRTUE OF BEING THE REDEEMER...
      1. Jesus has redeemed us from our sins - 1Pe 1:18-19
      2. This He has done with His own blood - Ep 1:7; Ac 20:28
      -- As our Redeemer, He certainly has authority over those who
         have been purchased by His blood!

[As Creator, Heir, and Redeemer, Jesus has both the inherent right and
the earned right to speak with authority.  Dare we living today not
recognize such authority?  Consider others who gave voice to...]

II. THE RECOGNITION OF JESUS' AUTHORITY

   A. HE WAS WORSHIPPED BY ANGELS...
      1. When He came into the world - He 1:6
      2. As He sat on the throne of God - Re 5:11-12
      -- Angels deemed Him worthy to receive power (authority)

   B. HE WAS RECOGNIZED BY DEMONS...
      1. They acknowledged He had the authority to destroy them - Mk 1:
         23-24
      2. They obeyed His rebuke - Mk 1:25-26
      -- Demons, even when possessing power of their own, could not
         resist His authority

   C. HE WAS PRAISED BY THE REDEEMED...
      1. Those before the throne and the Lamb ascribed salvation to God
         and the Lamb - Re 7:9-10
      2. Even as John praised Him for having authority over the kings
         of the earth - Re 1:5
      -- If we are among the redeemed, should we not also recognize His
         authority?

[Finally, let's note...]

III. THE EXTENT OF JESUS' AUTHORITY

   A. HE HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH...
      1. As announced by Him prior to His ascension - Mt 28:18
      2. As received when He ascended to sit at God's right hand
         - Ep 1:20-22; 1Pe 3:22
      3. Including ruling over the kings of the earth as King of kings
         and Lord of lords - Re 1:5; 1Ti 6:14-15

   B. HE IS HEAD OVER THE CHURCH...
      1. He is the head of the body, the church - Col 1:18
      2. Even as He is the savior of the body - Ep 5:23
      3. As the Head, He has delegated His authority to His apostles
         a. Promising His Spirit to guide them into all the truth - Jn 16:12-13
         b. Commanding them to teach others to observe all that He
            commanded - Mt 28:20
         c. Proclaiming that whoever receives them, receives Him - Jn 13:20

CONCLUSION

1. As revealed in the New Testament, Jesus clearly has all authority...
   a. Which must be confessed in order to be saved - Ro 10:9; Php 2:9-11
   b. Which will be confessed at the Judgment - Ro 14:10-12

2. The key issue, then, is what we do in light of this authority...
   a. Will we listen to Jesus and heed Him who speaks with such
      authority?
   b. Will we as His church allow His apostles to lead and guide us
      through the authority delegated to them?

Those willing to accept Jesus as Lord, will do what He says (cf. Lk 6:
46); as prophesied by David, they will freely volunteer in the day of
His power (Ps 110:1-3).

May we all honor and accept the authority of Jesus Christ!

eXTReMe Tracker

From Mark Copeland... Building To Withstand The Storms (Matthew 7:24-27)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

               Building To Withstand The Storms (7:24-27)

INTRODUCTION

1. 1998 was quite a year for natural disasters in the state of
   Florida...
   a. There were killer tornadoes, devastating fires, destructive 
      hurricanes
   b. Impacting the lives of many people

2. Such disasters proved to reveal much about contractors...
   a. We learned that some builders were unscrupulous
   b. Failing to build according to code, many homes and buildings were
      destroyed

3. Jesus made a parallel between storms and buildings at the end of His
   sermon - Mt 7:24-27
   a. As He sought to encourage people to act upon His sayings
   b. Contrasting the difference between those who were doers and not
      just listeners

4. In this lesson, I wish to address the following questions...
   a. What do the "houses" of the wise and foolish builders represent?
   b. What "storms" is Jesus talking about?
   c. How can we "build" so as to be able to withstand the storms?

[Let's begin by identifying the "houses"; I suggest that...]

I. THE HOUSES REPRESENT OUR LIVES

   A. EACH OF US IS BUILDING A "LIFE"...
      1. A life that will eventually face the vicissitudes of life
      2. A life that will respond to the many ups and downs that come
         our way

   B. WE ARE BUILDING THESE "LIVES" UPON A FOUNDATION...
      1. The foundation is whatever teaching, doctrine, or philosophy
         to which we subscribe
      2. It may be a philosophy or doctrine adopted from others, or
         developed ourselves

[We cannot escape the fact that we are "builders."  The question is 
whether we will be wise or foolish builders.  The tests that will 
determine are called "storms"...]

II. THE STORMS ARE THINGS WHICH THREATEN OUR WELL-BEING

   A. THIS MAY INVOLVE LITERAL STORMS...
      1. Such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc.
      2. Which may take away all we own, perhaps even our loved ones
      3. How we respond to such tragedies will reveal the quality of
         our "building"
         a. Will we be emotionally devastated?
         b. Will we be able to stand strong, willing to continue on
            without despair?

   B. IT MAY ALSO INVOLVE FIGURATIVE STORMS...
      1. Such as illness, loss of loved ones, financial setbacks
      2. Which may take away our health, family, possessions
      3. Again, how we respond to such tragedies will reveal the 
         quality of our "building"
         a. Will we be emotionally devastated?
         b. Will we be able to stand strong, willing to continue on 
            without despair?

   C. THEN THERE IS THE FINAL "STORM" OF LIFE...
      1. That of death and the final day of Judgment - cf. He 9:27;
         Ro 2:4-6
      2. Which will be the truest test of our "building" (i.e., 
         character) - cf. 2Co 5:10-11
      3. The Lord will describe the kind of "builder" (or servant) we
         have been
         a. E.g., "Well done, good and faithful servant..." - Mt 25:21
         b. E.g., "You wicked and lazy servant..." - Mt 25:26

[The longer we live, the more "storms" we are likely to face; and there
is the final "storm" that none can escape!  How can we be sure to build
our lives so as to withstand the storms?]

III. OBEYING JESUS IS THE KEY TO WITHSTANDING THE STORMS

   A. BEING A "HEARER" ONLY IS NOT SUFFICIENT...
      1. Such is foolishness, building on a shaky foundation that will
         not stand the test of storms - Mt 7:26-27
      2. As James wrote, one is deceiving only themselves - Jm 1:22-24
      3. Like the unscrupulous contractor, the storm will reveal the
         true quality of one's character
      4. As Moses said, "...your sin will find you out."- Num 32:23

   B. WE MUST "DO" WHAT JESUS SAYS...
      1. Those who "do" what Jesus said will be those to withstand the
         storms - Mt 7:24-25
      2. Because their lives (houses) are built upon the "rock" (a 
         solid foundation)
      3. As James went on to write, it is the doer who is blessed in
         what he does - Jm 1:25

   C. HOW THE SAYINGS OF JESUS HELP US WITHSTAND THE STORMS...
      1. His saying regarding where to lay up treasure - Mt 6:19-21
         a. In which we are told to lay up treasure in heaven, not on
            earth
         b. If we heed His words, our hearts will not be distraught if
            earthly treasures are stolen or lost
      2. His saying regarding what to seek first - Mt 6:33
         a. Calling upon all to seek first the kingdom of God and His
            righteousness
         b. By heeding His words, we need not have anxiety for the 
            future
      3. Indeed, His sayings provide the basis for a solid foundation
         in which to build a life...
         a. That will avoid being misled by false prophets - Mt 7:15-20
         b. That will stay on the straight and narrow way that leads to
            life - Mt 7:13-14
         c. That will fulfill the Law and the Prophets - Mt 7:12
         d. That will receive what good gifts God desires to give His
            children - Mt 7:7-11
         e. That will not be judged by some inconsistent standard 
            - Mt 7:1-6
         f. Where the necessities of life are provided for - Mt 6:30-34
         g. Free from materialism and anxiety - Mt 6:22-29
         h. With treasure that cannot rust or be stolen - Mt 6:19-21
         i. With acts of righteousness that are well-pleasing to God 
            - Mt 6:1-18
         j. With righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and
            Pharisees - Mt 5:20-48

CONCLUSION

1. Yes, this is a life that can truly withstand the storms!
   a. Whether it be the literal or figurative storms of every day life
   b. Or the storm of the Day of Wrath and Judgment that is yet to come

2. What kind of foundation are you building your house (life) upon?
   a. Heed what Jesus is saying, and your life will be solid
   b. Be listeners only, and your life will be as shaky as sand!

Just as Jesus is the Rock-solid foundation of the church (1Co 3:11;
Ep 2:20; 1Pe 2:4-6), so let Him be the Rock-solid foundation of your
life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Who Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven? (Matthew 7:21-23)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

            Who Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven? (7:21-23)

INTRODUCTION

1. Most people believe they will go to heaven when they die...
   a. Their hope is fostered by the comforting words of many preachers,
      priests, and rabbis
   b. Their hope is based upon the idea that heaven is for all
      believers, or for those whose good works outweigh the bad

2. But are such hopes well-founded?
   a. Will most people go to heaven when they die?
   b. Is salvation based upon good works? Is it based upon faith only?

3. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus gave some ominous warnings...
   a. Few, not many, would be saved - Mt 7:13-14
   b. Many religious people, including some believers in Jesus, will
      learn that they too will be lost! - Mt 7:21-23

4. With Mt 7:21-23 as the spring board for our study, I wish to address
   the question:  "Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?"

[Before considering this question, perhaps this is good opportunity to
answer another one first...]

I. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

   A. THE TERM "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"...
      1. Is synonymous with the "kingdom of God" - cf. Mt 4:17 with
         Mk 1:14-15
      2. Refers to God's kingship, or rule, from heaven
      -- The kingdom of heaven is focused in the Person of Jesus 
         Christ, and is especially manifested where He rules in the
         hearts of men - Lk 17:20-21

   B. IN BRIEF, THE "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"...
      1. Is spiritual in nature - Jn 18:36; Ro 14:17
      2. It began when all authority (rule) was given to Jesus - Mt 28:
         18; Ac 2:36; Ep 1:20-23
      3. Today, it includes the Lord's church on earth (for those who
         submit to the Will of Christ are added to the kingdom) - Col 1:
         13; Re 1:9
      4. In the future, it will involve the "new heavens and new 
         earth," where we will be with God and Jesus for eternity! 
         - Mt 13:40-43; 2Pe 3:10-13; Re 21:1-22:5
      -- The kingdom of heaven was "inaugurated" on the Day of
         Pentecost, and will be "culminated" when Jesus returns to 
         deliver it back to God - cf. 1Co 15:23-28

   C. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IN OUR TEXT...
      1. Appears to have the future aspect of the kingdom in view
         a. Note that Jesus says "in that day..." - Mt 7:22
         b. An apparent reference to the day of judgment - cf. 2Ti 1:
            12,18; 4:8
      2. Thus Jesus is talking about who will enter the kingdom in its
         future aspect
         a. Of which He spoke on other occasions - Mt 25:31-34
         b. Of which Peter wrote in 2Pe 1:10-11

[What a wonderful blessing, to have an abundant entrance into "the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"!  But this
leads me back to our text (Mt 7:21-23), and to the main question of our
study...]

II. WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

   A. NOT EVERYONE WHO PROFESSES JESUS...
      1. "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the
         kingdom of heaven"
      2. There are some who teach that as long as one believes in 
         Jesus, they will be saved
         a. That salvation is by "faith only"
         b. Even though the only time "faith only" is found in the 
            Scriptures, it says:  "You see then that a man is justified
            by works, and not by faith only." - Jm 2:24
      3. But there is such a thing as "an unsaved believer"...
         a. The demons believe, but are not saved - Jm 2:19
         b. There were some who believed in Jesus, but were not saved
            - Jn 12:42,43
         c. Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only 
            believes in Him, but does what He says - Jn 8:30-32
      -- Let no one think that just because they "believe" in Jesus,
         they have a free ticket into heaven!

   B. NOT EVERYONE WHO DOES MANY GOOD WORKS...
      1. "Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we 
         not..." - Mt 7:22
      2. Here were people who not only believed in Jesus, but believed
         they had:
         a. Prophesied in His name!
         b. Cast out demons in His Name!
         c. Done many wonders in His Name!
         -- I.e., they thought they had been empowered to do such
            wonderful works!
      3. Such good works certainly did not earn their way to heaven
         a. Indeed, salvation is by grace, not meritorious works - cf.
            Tit 3:3-7
         b. Good works had not saved Cornelius, he still needed to be
            told what to do to be saved - Ac 10:1-5; 11:14
      4. Indeed, sometimes what we may think is a good work is without
         any authority...
         a. Jesus condemns these as those "who practice lawlessness"
            - Mt 7:23
         b. Literally, those who act without authority
            1) It was not that they did something condemned by Jesus
            2) It was that they did things for which they had no
               authority!
      -- We might be very religious, and do many things in the name of
         Jesus, yet He might still say: "I never knew you; depart from
         Me..."

   [Who then will be saved?]

   C. ONLY THOSE WHO DO THE FATHER'S WILL...
      1. As Jesus said, "...he who does the will of My Father in
         heaven." - Mt 7:21
         a. Here is the dividing line: those who DO the Father's will!
         b. As James would write later, it is the "doer of the work"
            who is blessed in what he does - cf. Jm 1:22-25
      2. Is this legalism?
         a. No! Legalism is salvation by perfect law-keeping, believing
            that one earns salvation by the merit of what they have
            done
         b. Salvation by grace does not preclude the necessity of
            obedience
            1) We simply need to recognize that our obedience does not
               earn or merit salvation
            2) When all is said and done, we are still unworthy! - cf.
               Lk 17:10
      3. The Father's will, while it offers salvation by grace, does
         require obedience!
         a. Only those who obey from the heart will be delivered from
            sin - Ro 6:17-18
         b. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him
            - He 5:9
         c. Christ will come in judgment against those who obey not the
            gospel - 2Th 1:7-9

CONCLUSION

1. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?
   a. Not those who profess to believe, but do not obey
   b. Not those who think they are doing many religious things, but
      without authority
   c. Only those who do the Father's will!

2. This is why we must take an earlier statement in Jesus' sermon so
   seriously...
   a. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." - Mt 6:
      33
   b. We must make the finding of God's will and rule the number one
      priority in our life!

3. What is the Father's will?  It begins with...
   a. Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ - Ac 20:21
   b. Confessing Jesus as Lord - Ro 10:10
   c. Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38
   -- Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ, confessing our
      sins along the way - Re 2:10; 1Jn 1:9

Are you doing the Father's will?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Watch Out For Wolves! (7:15-20)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                    Watch Out For Wolves! (7:15-20)

INTRODUCTION

1. Many people like to think that you can trust religious leaders...
   a. Ministers normally rank high in polls concerning people you can
      trust
   b. People will often accept whatever a preacher, priest, or rabbi
      says as the truth

2. Yet Jesus told His disciples to beware of false prophets - Mt 7:
   15-20
   a. They may appear like sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves
   b. We need to be able to identify them, knowing what to look for

3. Are you concerned about false prophets today?  You should be!
   a. The great diversity of teaching suggests that many are being
      misled
   b. We need to be reminded of the danger, and know how to spot any
      "wolves" that might come our way!

[With the words of our Savior in Mt 7:15-20 fresh on our mind, I wish
to use this opportunity to remind us to "Watch Out For Wolves!"  Let me
first re-emphasize the point that...]

I. THERE WILL BE FALSE PROPHETS

   A. AS PAUL WARNED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS...
      1. To the Ephesian elders - Ac 20:28-31
         a. Telling them to take heed
         b. For even from among themselves would men arise, misleading
            people
      2. To the church at Corinth - 2Co 11:13-15
         a. Referring to false teachers present even then
         b. Appearing as ministers of righteousness, even as Satan
            appears as an angel of light
      3. To the young preacher Timothy - 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 3:1-9
         a. Warning of the apostasy that would come
         b. Describing the character and tactics of those who would
            mislead others

   B. AS DID OTHER NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS...
      1. Peter, in telling of the rise of false teachers - 2Pe 2:1-3
      2. John, in calling for people to "test the spirits" - 1Jn 4:1
      3. Jude, in writing of some who had already come - Jude 3-4

[With so many warnings, this is not a subject to take lightly!  But how
can we spot such "wolves" when they appear so disarming (like sheep)?
Thanks to Jesus and the Word of God...]

II. WE CAN IDENTIFY FALSE PROPHETS

   A. BY EXAMINING THE FRUIT OF THEIR LIFE...
      1. We can know them by their "fruit" - Mt 7:16-20
         a. What is truly in their heart will eventually come out
         b. For from the heart proceeds any sin that may be there
            - cf. Mk 7:21-23
      2. Thus false teachers and false prophets are often betrayed...
         a. By their greediness (e.g., as manifested by their lavish
            lifestyles)
         b. By their immorality (e.g., as manifested by adulterous
            relationships)
         c. By their lust for power (e.g., as manifested by religious
            empires)
      -- Given time, the true character of many false prophets will be
         exposed by the fruit of their life!

   B. BY EXAMINING THE FRUIT OF THEIR TEACHING...
      1. Taking notice of their methods
         a. Working secretly - cf. 2Pe 2:1
            1) Their ministries (especially finances) will be shrouded
               in secrecy
            2) Rather than being open to one and all - cf. 2Co 8:20-21
         b. Appealing to covetousness - cf. 2Pe 2:3
            1) They draw people with an appeal to what people often
               covet (such as health and wealth)
            2) Rather than preparing people for what Christians can
               expect - cf. Ac 14:23; 2Ti 3:12
         c. Using deceptive words - cf. 2Ti 3:13; 2Pe 2:3
            1) Twisting the scriptures to support their message (just
               as Satan did in trying to tempt Jesus)
            2) Rather handling the word of God rightly - 2Ti 2:14-16
      2. Taking notice of their doctrine
         a. How they twist and pervert the scriptures - cf. Ga 1:8-9
            1) Their gospel may start out right, but becomes twisted
               along the way
            2) Their teaching often expressed in the terms of man, not
               Scripture
         b. How they teach that which is clearly contrary to the
            scriptures - cf. Deut 13:1-4
            1) Even if they appear able to perform signs and wonders!
            2) The final test is how their teaching compares to the
               word of God and that of His apostles - cf. 1Jn 4:1,6

CONCLUSION

1. It is not necessary to judge the hearts of those who claim to speak
   for God...
   a. We need only to be "fruit-inspectors"
   b. The fruit of their life and teaching will become apparent soon
      enough
   -- This is how we can "Watch Out For Wolves!"

2. Of course, this presumes that our knowledge of God's word is
   sufficient...
   a. To know what to look for in the life of a false prophet
   b. To know what to listen for in the teaching of a false prophet
   -- Otherwise we will be no different than Israel, of whom God said:
      "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." - Hos 4:6

Are you equipped to identify a wolf in sheep's clothing if you saw one?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Difficult Way To Life (Matthew 7:14)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                    The Difficult Way To Life (7:14)

INTRODUCTION

1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke of two ways...
   a. The way to destruction - Mt 7:13
   b. The way to life - Mt 7:14

2. In describing these two ways, He pointed out the contrasts...
   a. The way to destruction is broad, and many chose to follow it - Mt 7:13
   b. The way to life is difficult, and there are few who find it - Mt 7:14

[If we desired to be saved, to experience eternal life, there will be
hardship along the way.  As we use this lesson to contemplate "The
Difficult Way To Life", we note first that...]

I. WE SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED

   A. WE HAVE BEEN WARNED...
      1. By Jesus in our text and elsewhere - Mt 7:14; Jn 15:18-20;
         16:33
      2  By Paul to his fellow disciples - Ac 14:22; 2Ti 3:12
      3  By Peter in his epistle - 1Pe 4:12
      -- Jesus and His apostles have given full disclosure that the way
         to life is difficult

   B. WE HAVE MANY ENEMIES...
      1. Satan himself, who seeks to devour - 1Pe 5:8-9
      2. People who think us 'strange', who may ridicule and ostracize
         us - 1Pe 4:3-4
      3. The lust of the flesh, with its bad habits - 1Pe 2:11
      -- Without and within, there are forces at work making the way to
         life difficult

[Forewarned, what should our attitude be?  Though the way to life is
difficult...]

II. WE SHOULD NOT BE RESENTFUL

   A. WE ARE TOLD TO REJOICE...
      1. By Jesus in His sermons - Mt 5:10-12; Lk 6:22-23
      2. By James in his epistle - Jm 1:2
      3. As did the apostles, when persecuted - Ac 5:41
      -- Jesus and His apostles say that we should rejoice.  Why?

   B. BECAUSE IT MAKES US STRONGER...
      1. Which is why Paul gloried in his tribulations - Ro 5:3-4; 2 Co 12:10
      2. Which is why James told us to rejoice in our trials - Jm 1:2-4
      3. "In the difficult are the friendly forces, the hands that work
         on us." - Rainer Maria Rilke
      -- Can we begin to see why God would allow the way to life to be
         so difficult?

[So rejoice, not resent, when trials and tribulations befall us on the
way to life.  What may appear to be stumbling blocks may in fact be
stepping stones to victory.  Especially as we consider why...]

III. WE SHOULD NOT BE DEFEATED

   A. WE HAVE GOD ON OUR SIDE...
      1. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to endure
         - 1Co 10:13a
      2. He will provide a way of escape, enabling us to endure - 1Co 10:13b
      3. This includes strength to stand strong
         a. His Spirit to empower the inner man - Ep 3:16; cf. Ro 15:13
         b. His armor to protect, and fight the good fight - Ep 6:10-13
      -- Through God's providence and provision, we have the ability to
         be victorious!

   B. WE HAVE JESUS TO INSPIRE US...
      1. He provided an example of suffering, for us to follow - 1 Pe 2:21
      2. We should look to Him, as we seek to endure - He 12:1-4
      3. Even as Stephen did, emulating His forgiving spirit - Ac 7:
         54-60; cf. Lk 23:34
      -- Through Jesus' example, we have the inspiration and motivation
         to succeed!

CONCLUSION

1. This is not to say we will never misstep along the way to life...
   a. As Christians we sin - 1Jn 1:8,10
   b. When we stumble, we have mercy and forgiveness - 1Jn 1:7,9

2. So as we travel on the way to life, finding it at times to be
   difficult...
   a. Let's not be surprised
   b. Let's not be resentful
   c. Let's not be defeated

But as the writer to the Hebrews penned in his epistle...

   "Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble
   knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is
   lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed."

   "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no
   one will see the Lord:"

   "Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;
   lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by
   this many become defiled;"
                                                   - Heb 12:12-15

And as Paul confessed in his epistle...

  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Php 4:13

Note:  The idea and main points for this study came from a daily
devotional written my cousin and brother in the Lord, Gary Henry.  Visit
his website at WordPoints.com to find lots of good material!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Are You On The Right Way? (Matthew 7:13-14)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                  Are You On The Right Way? (7:13-14)

INTRODUCTION

1. Everyone is on a spiritual journey as they travel through life...
   a. Whether religious or not, we travel a spiritual path
   b. Every day we make choices that affects the direction in which we
      are headed

2. Many people think that the paths we can travel are many...
   a. In one sense that may be true; there are all kinds of religions
   b. But in another sense there are really only two paths or ways

3. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke of these two ways - Mt 7:
   13-14
   a. Each with its own beginning, each with its own end
   b. One way is heavily populated, the other is traveled by few

4. Where are you in your spiritual sojourn?
   a. Are you on the right way?
   b. Are you heading in the right direction?

[To answer such questions, let's look closely at what Jesus said.  Note
first that...]

I. THERE ARE TWO GATES

   A. THE WIDE GATE...
      1. "for wide is the gate..." - Mt 7:13
      2. This "gate" represents the beginning to the "way" that leads
         to destruction
      3. It is described as "wide"; evidently it is a gate which:
         a. Allows many to enter with no sacrifice on their part
            1) It does not require giving up anything
            2) One is allowed to bring along whatever "baggage" they
               desire
               a) E.g., materialism
               b) E.g., prejudice, hatred, an unforgiving spirit
               c) E.g., believe whatever one wants to believe
         b. Is therefore chosen by most people
            1) For there are no restrictions concerning belief and
               behavior
            2) It also opens the way to "the path of least resistance"

   B. THE NARROW GATE...
      1. "Enter by the narrow gate.." - Mt 7:13
      2. This "gate" represents the beginning, or starting point, to
         the "way" that leads to life
      3. Why is it "narrow"?  Because it is a gate which:
         a. Requires self-denial and obedience - cf. Mt 16:24
         b. Has no room for...
            1) A consuming desire for earthly goods - Mt 6:19-20
            2) An unforgiving spirit - Mt 6:14-15
            3) Self-righteousness - Mt 6:1
            -- As Jesus has already stressed in His sermon on the mount

[These two "gates" are only the starting points.  Let's now take a
closer look at the fact that...]

II. THERE ARE TWO WAYS

   A. THE BROAD WAY...
      1. "...broad is the way" - Mt 7:13
      2. The way that leads to destruction is broad because it allows:
         a. Any behavior one desires
         b. No need for reformation or changes in one's "lifestyle"
      3. Many people love this path
         a. They think they are "free"
         b. They believe they are "open-minded"
         c. They view themselves as "tolerant" of others in this same
            way

   B. THE CONSTRICTED WAY...
      1. "...difficult is the way" - Mt 7:14 (NKJV)
         a. "...narrow the road" (NIV)
         b. "the way is narrow" (NASB)
         c. "narrow is the way" (KJV)
         -- The picture is one of a narrow and difficult path between
            two cliffs
      2. The way that leads to life is "difficult" because it requires:
         a. A righteousness that exceeds that of many religious people
            - Mt 5:20
         b. A change in our behavior - cf. Mt 5:21-7:12
      3. Because of its difficulty, many choose not to travel its path
         a. They think it too "confining"
         b. They think it is too "narrow-minded"

[As Jesus describes the two gates and the two ways, He also reminds us
that...]

III. THERE ARE TWO GROUPS

   A. THE MANY...
      1. "There are many who go in by it" - Mt 7:13
      2. We have seen reasons why this is so:
         a. The entrance is wide:  "Come as you are!  No changes
            necessary!"
         b. The way is broad:  "Make your own rules!  Believe what you
            want!  Do what you want!"
      3. This is the way people travel by default;  unless they are
         actively seeking the narrow path, this is the one they will
         travel

   B. THE FEW...
      1. "there are few who find it" - Mt 7:14
      2. As proven true so often in the past, only few will be saved
         a. E.g., the millions lost in the flood vs. the eight saved on
            the ark
         b. E.g., the hundreds of thousands lost in the wilderness vs.
            the two who entered the promised land
         -- So Jesus warned on another occasion - Lk 13:23-24
      3. That it must be "found" suggests effort must extended
         a. As Jesus said in Lk 13:24:  "Strive to enter through the
            narrow gate..."
         b. Even then not all will be saved:  "...for many, I say to
            you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
         -- Not just effort, but the right kind of effort - cf. Mt 5:6;
            6:33

[Finally, we note that Jesus tells us that...]

IV. THERE ARE TWO DESTINATIONS

   A. DESTRUCTION...
      1. "...broad is the way that leads to destruction" - Mt 7:13
      2. Paul wrote of the "everlasting destruction" that is to come
         - 2Th 1:7-9
         a. Upon those who know not God
         b. Upon those who obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ
      3. John described it as "a lake of fire" - Re 20:15; 21:8
      -- A most sobering thought are these words of Jesus:  "...there
         are many who go in by it." - Mt 7:13

   B. LIFE...
      1. "...difficult is the way which leads to life" - Mt 7:14
      2. This "life" is the "everlasting life" received at the judgment
         - Mt 25:46
      3. It is the "gift of God", given at the end - Ro 6:22-23
         a. To those who have been set free from sin - cf. Ro 6:3-7
         b. To those who became slaves of God and of righteousness
            - cf. Ro 6:17-18
         c. To those who bore the fruit of holiness - cf. Ro 6:20-22
      -- Another sobering thought are these words about the way that
         leads to this life: "...there are few who find it." - Mt 7:14

CONCLUSION

1. So we have seen that Jesus describes:
   a. Two gates
   b. Two ways
   c. Two groups
   d. Two destinations

2. Are there many roads that lead to heaven?
   a. Many people like to think so
   b. That all religions lead to heaven
   c. That it really doesn't matter what you believe or do, as long as
      you are sincere

3. But according to Jesus...
   a. There are only two roads (ways)
   b. One leads to life, i.e., heaven
   c. The other road, filled with many people with many different
      beliefs, leads to destruction!

4. Are you on the right way, the only way, that leads to life?
   a. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes
      to the Father except through Me." - Jn 14:6
   b. The way that He provides is a narrow one, for He requires that
      people keep His commandments - Mt 28:19-20

Will you be among the few, or the many?  Let Jesus direct you along the
narrow way that leads to eternal life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                         The Golden Rule (7:12)

INTRODUCTION

1. Have you ever found yourself in a situation...
   a. Faced with the need to make a decision on the spur of the moment?
   b. Wondering what is the right way to act?
   c. Unable to recall whether the Bible specifically addresses the
      moral dilemma in which you find yourself?

2. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus provided a helpful tool in such a
   situation...
   a. A quick and easy way to know what to do
   b. Something that is easy to remember

3. It is found in Mt 7:12, and is commonly called "The Golden Rule"...

   "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,
   for this is the Law and the Prophets."  (Mt 7:12)

[But what is "The Golden Rule"?  Was Jesus teaching anything new or
original by what He stated?  Well, in a way it was something new...]

I. THE "GOLDEN" RULE VS. THE "SILVER" RULES

   A. MANY HAVE TAUGHT THAT WHICH IS SIMILAR...

      1. The HINDU religion taught:

         This is the sum of duty:  do naught to others which if done to
         thee would cause thee pain. - The Mahabharata

      2. The BUDDHIST religion taught:

         Hurt not others with that which pains yourself. - Udana-Varga

      3. The JEWISH traditions taught:

         What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the
         entire Law; all the rest is commentary. - The Talmud

      4. The MUSLIM religion taught:

         No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother
         that which he desires for himself. - Hadith

      5. The BAHA'I faith teaches:

         He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for
         himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfil.  - The
         Book of Certitude

      6. Some other sources:
         a. Do not that to thy neighbor that thou wouldst not suffer
            from him. - Pittacus of Lesbos (650-570 BC)
         b. What you do not want others to do to you, do not do to
            others. - Confucius (551-479 BC)
         c. Do not do unto others what angers you if done to you by
            others. - Isocrates (436-338 BC)
         d. "Tzu-kung asked, `Is there a single word which can be a
            guide to conduct throughout one's life?' The Master said,
            `It is perhaps the word "shu". Do not impose on others what
            you yourself do not desire.'" - Analects, 15.24
         e. Treat your inferiors as you would be treated by your
            betters. - Seneca (4 BC-AD 65)

   B. JESUS' "RULE" WAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT...
      1. Jesus requires you to do something favorably to others, while
         the others only prohibit you from doing something unfavorably
         to others!
         a. Jesus:  Do unto others what you want them to do to you
         b. Others:  Don't do to others what you don't want done to you
      2. Note the difference...
         a. With the others, all that is required is that you don't
            harm other people
         b. With Jesus, what is required is that you show kindness to
            others
      3. Jesus' rule is truly the "Golden" rule
         a. The others are "Silver" rules
         b. Of value, yes, but not as much as "gold"
      4. The only ones that come close to teaching exactly what Jesus
         taught was:
         a. That found in Hadith, the traditions of Islam; but then,
            much of Islam is based upon what Jesus taught 600 years
            before Mohammed
         b. That stated by Seneca, who lived about the same time as
            Christ (I wonder if he had been influenced by the teachings
            of Christ?)

[So what Jesus taught was something new compared to what many teachers
had taught prior.  But in another sense it was nothing new; rather, in
a simple and easy to remember statement, Jesus gives us...]

II. A GUIDELINE FOR RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT TOWARDS OTHERS

   A. ONE IN HARMONY WITH THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS...
      1. As we have seen earlier in the sermon (cf. Mt 5:20-48)
         a. Jesus taught a standard of righteousness that contrasted
            with that of the scribes and Pharisees
         b. But it was in harmony with what the Law actually revealed
      2. This one "rule" summarizes what the Law and the Prophets were
         all about
      3. Just as the commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself"
         summed up the Law according to Paul - Ro 13:8-10

   B. A SORT OF "POCKET KNIFE" OR "CARPENTER'S RULE"...
      1. That is, something that is always ready to be used
      2. For example, even in an emergency, when there is no time to
         consult a friend, teacher, or book for advice, "the golden
         rule" can be guide for proper conduct
      3. Treat others as you would be treated, and it is unlikely you
         will ever do the wrong thing

III. SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW TO APPLY THIS "RULE"

   A. IN TEACHING THE LOST...
      1. Imagine what it must be like to be told you are wrong, or in
         sin
      2. Wouldn't you want to be told in a loving and patient spirit?
      3. As you would have others try to persuade you to change
         religiously, so treat those you seek to convert - cf. 2Ti 2:
         24-26; Ep 4:15

   B. IN CORRECTING ONE ANOTHER...
      1. No one likes to have their mistakes, errors, etc., pointed out
      2. When necessary, wouldn't we prefer to be approached with a
         meek and patient spirit?
      3. As you would have others offer you constructive criticism, so
         give it to them - cf. Ga 6:1-2

   C. IN TREATING OUR FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, ENEMIES...
      1. Everyone likes to have loving families, good neighbors, and no
         enemies
      2. Applying the golden rule will not only transform ourselves,
         but may also transform those around us!
         a. Sibling rivalry would cease
         b. Neighborly squabbles would be non-existent
         c. Enemies would become friends
      3. Don't limit the application of the Golden Rule to religious
         matters!

CONCLUSION

1. "The Golden Rule would reconcile capital and labor, all political
   contention and uproar, all selfishness and greed." Joseph Parker
   (1830-1902)
   a. Such would be the impact on our society if more followed Jesus'
      words
   b. But let's start close to home, and let the Golden Rule transform
      our own lives and those closest to us!

2. "We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it
   to life." Edwin Markham (1852-1940)
   a. This reflects what is true with most people; they know the rule,
      but don't live by it
   b. If Jesus is truly our Lord, then His "golden rule" will govern
      our life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011