From Ben Fronczek... Are You Serving Christ, Or Just wanting Him to Serve You?

Are You Serving Christ, or Just Wanting Him to Serve You?

Are You Serving Christ, Or Just wanting Him to Serve You?

Isn’t it great to be a Christian?

Most of us have learned that being a Christian has some real advantages.

-      We Saved from our sin

–      A healthy, morally clean life style

–     A new family, sometimes even closer and friendlier than our relatives

–     Good instruction, spiritual understanding, principles on how to raise our families, even wholesome  healthy environments like Christian camp.

–     We also have the hope of eternity in Heaven

–     And for many of us it’s like an oasis in the desert of life, in a world of corruption.

But sometimes our Christian walk our faith is challenged, and sometimes the best of us make foolish mistakes and fail by showing a lack of faith, commitment or love.

 It can happen to the best of us. It even happened to some of the most famous Bible characters. I would like to read one such account today, one that you are probably very familiar with…  

Read Luke 22:54-62   (Click on verse to read)

Peter denied even knowing Jesus. This was his friend, companion and Lord.  How could he have done that??

Peter was the guy who said that he would follow Him anywhere. He was the one that proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God when Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’

How could he do what he did knowing all that he knew?

- Peter saw most of miracles that Jesus performed.

- He saw the Transfiguration

- He heard the Heavenly father tell him to obey Jesus because Jesus was his Son

- He even saw Jesus walk on water and did it some himself.

And then the rooster crows. How embarrassing as he looked into the eyes of Jesus who was looking at him. Here after the Jesus had been so good to him, and faithful to him, calling him out and teaching him to be his apostle to do many good works….and he chickened out!   How could he do what he did?

In my heart of hearts this is what I believe happened to him…. and many times to us

** You see up to this point in his life, his faith in Jesus, ‘his Christianity’ had served him well.

… After he had become a Christian, he was absorbed into a new and wonderful family, a very special group.

… He was practically spoon fed the word of God by the greatest teacher of all

… He was in the company of the Christ, the prophesied Messiah, the one who would become the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.

… He was in the company of the miracle worker

…Up to that point the Good Shepherd had taken good care of him.

Up to that point his faith and Christianity had been good to him, it had served him well.

Now all of a sudden maybe he realized that what he was about to do would affect his entire future. It may even cut it short…. and so fear set in.

All of a sudden his faith and Christianity was about to stop serving him and demand something instead.  And so all of a sudden he was faced with a whole new perspective as he stood there amongst those strangers.

? Had he really counted the cost of following Jesus?

He shrunk back, he was probably confused, scared, and embarrassed and simply told them, “I don’t know Him.”

Some of us here can relate. Maybe you are in a situation, or have experienced something like this… You are a Christian and maybe have been one for a long time and your faith and Christianity  has served you well.

… Maybe those Christian principles have kept you out of trouble. You have had a good and healthy standard to live by where others you know my have taken the wrong path and are now troubled in some way.

…Maybe your Christian faith has helped you maintain and good relationship with your parents, spouse or kids.. Maybe it’s even why others like you so much.

…Maybe it has enabled you hang to around the right kind of people who won’t lead you astray.

…Maybe it has helped hold your marriage together or maybe it has even given you some degree of wisdom and ability to talk to and advise others.

But all of a sudden you come up against a wall like Peter and the next step for you is going to cost you something or demand some kind of sacrifice. All of a sudden it’s not you who is being served; rather it becomes your turn.

At this point do you back off and say, “This is a little more than I bargained for.”

-       Maybe you are working for a company and some policy has changes and they are wanting, or expecting you to do something that you know isn’t right. It may be unethical or even illegal. And in your heart of hearts you know that as a Christian you should not have any part it. You’ve got a choice, all of a sudden you faith, your Christianity could cost you your job. What are you going to do?

-       Maybe the Lord has put you in a situation or opened up door of opportunity to serve him in some special way.. maybe mentoring another who needs some direction, or maybe assisting a family who is in need, or maybe helping a neighbor’s kids or helping someone older who has no one else to turn to. But as you look at the opportunity you see that serving like Jesus is going to cost you; maybe time you think you don’t have, maybe patience, or maybe even money out of your pocket.  What are you going to do now that your faith and Christianity demands something from you?

Churches rise or fall based on how their members view this challenge. Some people leave one church and go to another because they do not feel like every need and whim is being met. Other churches grow because when members see a need they get busy and see it as an opportunity to serve Jesus.

I’ve heard of church members who’ve started some amazing programs on their own and some who gave large sums of money, sacrificially so that the work of the Lord could be done in their area unhindered.

I believe that faith, church attendance, and Christianity is not just about what we can get out if it, rather there will come a point where that which has served us so well will demand something of us. It may cost us time, it may cost you a job, a relationship, your reputation, money or even a confession of faith like Peter.

The question is, when faced with these real life situations, what are you going to do? I do not believe that the Church will ever become what Jesus meant it to become if it we only look to be served.

In Hebrews chapter 5 and 6, I believe the author addresses this problem and even challenges the early Christians of his time.

Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3  

“¹¹ We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. ¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,and of faith in God, ² instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.”

In this section I believe that the author is criticizing his readers for not growing up, not maturing in their Christianity. I believe he’s saying, ‘Come on guys, let’s get on with it. Let’s get to work!’

In the next couple of verse he even shares his concern about some of them falling away and leaving the faith because they refuse to mature. 

Read 4-6

“⁴ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”

And then the author gives an illustration and then nails it home.

First the illustration: 

Read 7-8  

“⁷ Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. ⁸ But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.”

Land that drinks in the rain and produces the useful crop represent those Christians who have fed on the word of God and then become fruitful… they will receive a blessing from God.

But the land that produced thorns and thistles describes the unfruitful Christian who after being fed and blessed does not respond favorably.

And then the author drives the point home in the next few verses: Read 9-12   

“⁹ Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. ¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. ¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

What will give is the strength and courage to take on the challenges that come our way as we walk with the Lord?  A sense of obligation? A sense of fear? A sense of pressure from the church, the preacher or the elders?  A sense of guilt?…No! (even though these have been used in many churches)

Rather, I believe the one thing that will give us more strength and courage, and the motivation, the drive, and zeal to meet these situations head on, is LOVE.  A deep love for God.

Why do you think Peter went off and cried his eyes out after denying Jesus? I believe it was because he didn’t love Jesus enough that day.  It was because of love he repented. And it was because of love he would go on to become one of the greatest spokesmen for the cause of Christ and was willing to be martyred as for the faith.

Love is such a powerful thing in one’s life.

I believe it comes down to just that…How much we love Him!  Why do people give up so easily and leave their spouse? Because they don’t love them enough. Why do parent or kids go without talking to one another for eyars on end? Because they don’t love them enough. Why don’t Christians afraid to speak up for Jesus and why do they serve..? Maybe they just don’t love Him enough.

As Christians I believe we can meet and overcome and do a lot, and even change the world if we  just grow up and mature like the Hebrew author writes. But that alone is not enough, there has to be a love for Jesus like Peter who finally learned to serve as Jesus Himself served.  That kind of love will empower us to do things we could never imagine on our own.

Challenge:

I challenge you to work on your relationship with our Lord. The more you love Him the stronger you will become and you may even be amazed how that love will empower you to do things you never thought you could do before.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Jim McGuiggan... "God won't let the bad man hurt you"

"God won't let the bad man hurt you"

Our Western evangelical religion has slowly developed from a healthy personal religion in the Reformers, which when combined with an unhealthy rise of individualism has resulted in an over-personalised brand of "intimacy". While those whose standard of living is better than tolerable find great comfort in it a great host find this stress worrisome and guilt-generating. If we don't feel a great level of loving intimacy the fault must be ours because it can't be God's. Since this greater level "intimacy" is what the Bible promises (isn't it?) and it's what so many others profess we can feel left out, a bit envious of others and somewhat resentful toward God because we're left out (and that resentment breeds some more guilt). Then again, we might think that these others are professing more than they really "feel" and that breeds some doubt about their honesty and that breeds some more guilt at our cynicism and that in turn can nurture a growing frustration.

The intimacy so many of us look for is that "wooing" experience, almost romantic, at least always tender and emotion-laden—a certain kind of "emotion" laden. The word "love" doesn't help since it's so ambivalent. Much of what we see of love around us is tender touching, soft smiles, gentle tones, quiet laughter and a lot of verbal caressing. If God "loves" us it's hard not to think it's that kind of treatment we should be experiencing from him and feeling toward him in return.

But there are other kinds of "intimacy" that have their own verbal and body language. Strong friends who stand together against a world-spirit and know that they do, they don't have the same "wooing" experience. Troops in combat have another sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. In the middle of great conflict where righteousness is on the line and where injustice is the enemy and joy-filled freedom is the aim, there the "wooing" and genteel kind of intimacy isn't the kind the freedom-fighters treasure and feel and smile about.

But these other kinds of intimacy are real and they have their deep emotional content. There's a deep sense of assurance and contentment and so there is emotional warmth and security that the person at your shoulder is there; their presence pleases us! And knowing that when we're in trouble or danger that there are those who would come looking for us, that they'd pursue us to the gates of hell, and a few, a very few, would even go in through the gates to get us out—knowing all that is to experience and exult in an intimacy that is no less precious and felt than the sweet wooing that has its rightful place in life.

This ceaseless comparing of God's love for us with what goes on between lovers and parents and little children is injurious. To deny that God feels tenderness toward us manifestly goes against the biblical witness for when he came to us in and as Jesus Christ he expressed himself toward us in tenderness and gentleness. I don't know how we should describe God "in and of himself" as he is in the "land of the Trinity" but then none of us knows God "in and of himself" as he is in the "land of the Trinity". God has seen fit to choose not to be God without us. He has eternally chosen to be "God with us" and we know him in no other way.

Speaking only for myself in my own tiny and very limited experience, I can and do receive that truth by faith, nothing doubting, and it fills me with pleasure and warmth. Occasionally—only very occasionally—it makes the hairs on my neck rise when I "feel" the stirring of the air when God passes close by me in some moment or other.

I'm not opposed to us offering "intimacy" as part of one's relationship to God but I'm opposed to offering ceaselessly and almost exclusively that wooing kind of intimacy that means to set "our little hearts all aflutter."

A pox on that kind of teaching!

In light of texts like John 17:9-16 and Matthew 5:10-12, a glorious, loving, strong, affectionate, pursuing Lord Jesus said to his followers: "The only prayer I have for you of my Holy Father is that he keeps you from being swallowed up by the world-spirit. As to the rest, take heed to yourselves, you're in for a bit of a rough ride. The world-spirit didn't care for me since I came to wreck it and you can be sure it won't care for you." This is the same one that said to them, "Come what may, I will always be there with you! When you feel what I myself have felt, that you've been cut off from the rest of the people and isolated—remember, I'm with you."

©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, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

               "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

               Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord (2:13-17)

INTRODUCTION

1. In clarifying possible misconceptions about the coming of Christ,
   Paul warned of two ominous events that must occur first...
   a. The falling away must occur - 2Th 2:3
   b. The man of sin must be revealed - 2Th 2:3

2. Both events portend a sad end for many people...
   a. The falling away would necessitate the apostasy of many people
   b. The man of sin would deceive many people who were perishing

3. Yet Paul writes of "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord"...
   a. Thankful that the Thessalonians appeared destined for that
      blessing - 2Th 2:13-14
   b. A blessing to be received when Christ comes - cf. 2Th 1:10
   c. A blessing for which Paul prayed diligently they would indeed
      receive - 2Th 1:11-12

[In our study I wish to address the question:  What is necessary for
"Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord"?  From Paul's remarks in our text
(2Th 2:13-17), obtaining this glory is possible...]

I. BY BEING CHOSEN

   A. THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
      1. For which Paul was bound to give thanks - 2Th 2:13
      2. Which was evidence of God's love for them - 2Th 2:13
      3. From the beginning - 2Th 2:13
         a. Likely referring to God's election before the foundation of
            the world - Ep 1:4-5
         b. Which I understand to be general, not particular; corporate,
            not individual
            1) God chose the body of Christ, the church, to be the
               recipients of His grace and purposes predestined before
               the world began)
            2) Not select individuals, as per Calvinism
         c. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional
            and final, as "individuals" we must be  "diligent to make
            your calling and election sure" - 2Pe 1:10
            1) Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to
               receive His blessings
            2) Yet individually, the Israelites had to "make their
               calling and election sure"
            3) Thus Paul would need to exhort the Thessalonians to
               "stand fast" - 2Th 2:15
      4. For salvation - 2Th 2:13
         a. Salvation from the wrath to come, as vividly described in
            2Th 1:7-9
         b. Salvation that will include participation in the glory to
            come - cf. 2Th 1:10; 2:14

   B. HOW THEY BECAME PART OF THE CHOSEN...
      1. Through sanctification by the Spirit - 2Th 2:13
         a. They had been sanctified (set apart) by the Spirit
         b. This sanctifying work of the Spirit included:
            1) His work in revealing and confirming the Word of God
               through the apostles - Jn 17:17; He 2:1-4
            2) His work of regeneration and renewal in conversion - Ti
               3:5
      2. Through belief in the truth - 2Th 2:13
         a. They had believed the testimony of the Spirit through the
            apostles - 2Th 1:10
         b. This was their part to become one of the chosen, God's elect
      3. Through the call of the gospel - 2Th 2:14
         a. Here is how it all came together...
            1) Through the preaching of the gospel God was calling them
            2) Those who believed the preaching of the gospel, were
               sanctified (set apart) by the Holy Spirit in their
               conversion
         b. Thus set apart...
            1) They became God's beloved, part of His elect
            2) They were among the chosen to receive salvation

[This salvation, involving "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord", is
available to all who answer the call of the gospel, and believe the
truth concerning Jesus Christ.

But in light of the earlier warning of apostasy, and the danger of
deception by the man of sin, how can we "make our calling and election
sure" and obtain the glory of the Lord?  Paul's answer...]

II. BY STANDING FAST

   A. THE THESSALONIANS ARE CHARGED TO STAND FAST...
      1. Similar to charges given to other churches - 1Co 15:58; Php 4:1
      2. Why such a warning, unless the danger of apostasy is real?
         a. The danger is real - cf. He 3:12-15
         b. The Scriptures are filled with many such warnings
      -- So we need to stand fast if we desire to obtain the glory of
         our Lord!

   B. HOW THEY WERE TO STAND FAST...
      1. Holding to the traditions of the apostles - 2Th 2:15
         a. Traditions are teachings "handed down"
            1) Such as those delivered by those apostles - cf. 1Co 11:2
            2) Whether by word (orally) or by epistle (written)
         b. The apostles' traditions were to be kept - cf. 2Th 3:6; Ac 2:42
            1) If we desire to stand fast, we must hold to the teachings
               of the apostles
            2) Like the Jerusalem church, we must continue steadfastly
               in the apostles' doctrine
      2. In the comfort of God's love and grace - 2Th 2:16-17
         a. God and Jesus have already:
            1) Shown Their love
            2) Given everlasting consolation and good hope by grace
            -- This God and Jesus did by saving them through the gospel
         b. Thus Paul prays that God and Jesus will also:
            1) Comfort their hearts - cf. 2Co 1:3-5
            2) Establish them in every good word and work - cf. 1 Pe 5:10
            -- Established and comforted, they would be able to "stand
               fast"

CONCLUSION

1. "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord" is made possible only with the help
   of God, and from our text we learn that...
   a. God loves us
   b. Jesus Christ Himself loves us
   c. They have given everlasting consolation and good hope by grace
   d. They are willing to comfort our hearts
   e. They desire to establish us in every word and work
   -- For such reasons we should feel "bound to give thanks to God
      always"!

2. Yet while God and Jesus stand ready to help us obtain the glory of
   the Lord, let's not forget our obligation...
   a. To believe the truth
   b. To accept the call of the gospel
   c. To stand fast
   d. To hold to the traditions of the apostles

Do we desire to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ?  May Paul's
words always serve to remind us how it is possible, and encourage us
never to become slack in our dedication to the Word of God!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary... More than kisses...

Our minister, Larry Shatzer, often refers to our congregation as being small but mighty.  And for some reason (I haven't a clue WHY) I couldn't get those words out of my mind as I took my dogs for their morning walk.  And then I saw this picture.  Grandma was here; how appropriate!!!  She left behind kisses and a lot more.  So, I was reminded of one of the most famous grandmothers of all and what SHE LEFT BEHIND...

2 Timothy, Chapter 1

  1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,  2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

  3  I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day  4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;  5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

Timothy was a great follower of God and it is easy to see how much Paul loved him.  Why? Because he was a sensitive young man of great faith.  Timothy had problems- hey, we all do, but there was something about him; something wonderful.  His sincere faith, first lived in his grandmother and mother echoed in his life as well.  Kisses are nice, but they wash off.  Faith can endure for a lifetime and beyond.  Never underestimate a grandma, for she can (and probably does) give more than kisses.  Today, if you have a "grandma" near- kiss her back, both of you will be glad you did!!!

From Mark Copeland... The Man Of Sin (2 thessalonians 2:3-12)

               "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

                        The Man Of Sin (2:3-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. In correcting misconceptions about the Lord's return, Paul wrote that
   two events must occur
   before the Lord returns...
   a. The falling away must come - 2Th 2:3
   b. The man of sin is revealed - 2Th 3:3

2. Our previous lesson focused on the falling away, and how...
   a. The apostasy of many was foretold by the apostles - cf. 1Ti 4:
      1-3; 2Pe 2:1-2
   b. The history of the church gives evidence of a departure from the
      faith - cf. 1Jn 2:18-19
   c. We must be diligent lest we too fall away - cf. He 2:1-3

3. We now direct our attention to what is said about "the man of sin"...
   a. Who will be revealed before Christ comes
   b. Who will be destroyed when Christ is revealed

[As we examine our text (2Th 2:3-12), let's first consider what we can
about...]

I. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE MAN OF SIN

   A. WHAT THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL...
      1. His perverse character - 2Th 2:3
         a. A man of "lawlessness" - having no regard for God's law
         b. A son of "perdition" - one begotten for destruction
      2. His God-defying activity - 2Th 2:4
         a. He opposes and exalts himself
            1) Above all that is called God
            2) Above all that is worshiped (including Jesus)
         b. He sits as God in the temple (the church?)
         c. He shows himself that he is God!
      3. His present restraint and future revealing - 2Th 2:5-8
         a. He was being restrained at the time Paul wrote
            1) The Thessalonians knew what was restraining him
            2) For Paul had told them when he was with them
         b. Even so, the "mystery of lawlessness" was already at work
            1) His lawless influence was already spreading
            2) But it was hidden (still a mystery), to be revealed only
               when that which restrains was removed
         c. He would be revealed when the restraining force was removed
      4. His relation to Satan - 2Th 2:9-10
         a. His coming will be according to the working of Satan
         b. His coming will be with all power, signs, lying wonders
         c. He will exercise unrighteous deception among those who are
            perishing
      -- Who or what is this "man of sin, the son of perdition"?

   B. WHAT SOME HAVE SUGGESTED...
      1. One view is that the man of sin is one particular individual
         a. Who will arise with great power and deceive many just before
            Christ returns
         b. Who is the "antichrist" spoken of by John in 1Jn 2:18
         -- This view is held by pre-millenialists, and some
            amillenialists (e.g., William Hendricksen, Edward J. Young,
            Anthony Hoekema)
      2. Another view is that the man of sin is a series of individuals
         a. Perhaps a successive line of men with the same general
            character
         b. In this sense many have applied it to the Roman papacy
            1) This was first suggested by a pope himself!
               a) Gregory the Great (550-604 A.D.) said that whoever
                  arrogates to himself the tile of "universal priest" is
                  a forerunner of antichrist (cf. Hendricksen)
               b) It was not long before patriarchs of Rome began to
                  claim such distinction
            2) Many Protestants view the papacy as the "man of sin"
               (e.g., Luther, Barnes)
               a) Noting the similarity between what is said about the
                  man of sin, and what the Roman papacy became
               b) Suggesting that either the Holy Spirit or the Roman
                  empire was what was "restraining" the lawlessness that
                  was just beginning and would eventually lead to the
                  apostasy and revelation of the man of sin
      -- In the absence of any particular individual to arise so far, I
         am prone to think the latter view may be the correct one

[While there may be some question as to the actual identity of the man
of sin, there is no doubt what unfortunate souls will be misled by his
influence...]

II. THE DECEPTION BY THE MAN OF SIN

   A. THOSE WHO WILL FOLLOW THE MAN OF SIN...
      1. Those who are perishing will be the ones deceived - 2Th 2:
         10-12
         a. Those who do not have a love for the truth, that they might
            be saved
         b. Those who do not believe the truth
         c. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness
      -- People whose priority is pleasure-seeking rather than truth-
         seeking will be prime candidates for deception!
      2. Those who believe the lie will be strengthened in their
         delusion - 2Th 2:11-12
         a. God Himself will send a strong delusion!
         b. Since they do not have a love for the truth, He will
            strengthen their love for a lie!
            1) As he hardened Pharaoh to resist Moses - cf. Exo 9:12-21
            2) And the Israelites, who resisted the gospel - cf. Ro 11:
               7-25
      -- The delusion will not be against their will, but will harden or
         strengthen them in their desire to follow error

   B. THOSE WHO WILL RESIST THE MAN OF SIN...
      1. Will be those who have a love for the truth - cf. 2Th 2:10
      2. Will be those who believe the truth - cf. 2Th 2:12
      3. Will this be true of us?
         a. Do we love the truth?
         b. Do we even know the truth?
         c. Do we take the time to learn the truth (i.e., study the
            Bible)?
         d. Do we place our trust in the Bible (i.e., believe and obey
            it)?
      -- Our attitude and treatment of God's Word will determine whether
         we will be susceptible to deception by the man of sin

[We cannot afford to be complacent with truth if we do not want to be
misled by the man of sin!  Finally, those who love and believe the truth
of Christ can take comfort in knowing what is said regarding...]

III. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MAN OF SIN

   A. THE DECISIVE NATURE OF HIS DEFEAT...
      1. He will be consumed and destroyed by the Lord - 2Th 2:8
      2. His end will be similar to that of those who know not God and
         obey not the gospel of Christ - cf. 2Th 1:7-9

   B. THE TIMING OF HIS DEFEAT...
      1. This will happen at the coming of the Lord - 2Th 2:8
      2. The Lord will destroy the man of sin with the brightness of His
         coming! - 2Th 2:8
      3. Just as the Lord will destroy Satan at His coming - cf. Re 20:10

CONCLUSION

1. As with many prophetic passages, there has been a lot of foolish
   speculation...
   a. In every generation, attempts have been made to identify the man
      of sin
   b. In the 20th century alone, from Kaiser to Hitler to Hussein, etc.
   c. Many have spoken, confident in their identification, only to be
      proven wrong with time

2. What is important, indeed necessary, is that we be ready for whatever
   comes...
   a. Whether the man of sin proves to be a specific individual
   b. Or whether the man of sin is indeed a series of individuals, such
      as the papacy

3. How shall we be ready for whatever comes?
   a. Have a strong love for the truth
   b. Believe in the truth
   c. Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ
   -- Only then can we be confident that we are in a right relationship
      with the Lord

Is your love and faith in the truth sufficient not to be misled by the
man of sin, or is your love for unrighteousness setting you up to be
deceived even more?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... Why God punishes (2)

Why God punishes (2)

God is not "a punishing machine" but the Bible everywhere insists that when God punishes the guilty that he does it in line with his holy loving character. There’s nothing vindictive about him so punishment administered by him is not a tit for tat response and however difficult it is for us to accept—especially when we’re enduring chastisement or reflecting on the pain and distress in the world—it is never overkill. He knows about the overkill complaint and responds to it in Isaiah 2:23-29.

So why does he punish? He punishes for a complex of reasons. He punishes as a deterrent—special and general. See Why God punishes. He lovingly punishes to discipline (Hebrews 12:4-13 and Revelation 3:19) and so forth.

Ultimately I suppose that God punishes to bring sinners back to himself that we might have life with him. And the "him" that he wants us to have life with lives in holy righteousness of which he himself is the source and standard. That means he cannot live in fellowship with sinners unless they pay homage to the holiness and righteousness of the God that alone can give them life. Let me say that again, God cannot offer life and fellowship to sinners at the expense of his holiness or that suggests he can fellowship impenitent evil! That is, God is light and impenitent sinners cannot have life with him because they choose to be darkness. There’s nothing arbitrary about it. In light of all this, then, God punishes to bring sinners to a moral state. They cannot be brought to sinlessness—it’s too late for that—but they can be brought to repentance and repentance is the sinner’s heartfelt homage to the righteousness that pursued him.

Elizabeth Moberly with a single incisive thrust bursts the balloon of much "wise" advice about dispensing with punishment and many half-baked notions on punishment. She reminds us that punishment or reward if they are to do what is best they will focus on righteousness and not reward or punishment. It’s all very well, she teaches us, to reward good behavior but we leave the door wide open for doing the right thing in order to get the reward so that goodness is sidelined and reward is the ultimate end. And unless punishment is carried out in the light of moral ends we invite people to do the right thing without any thought of righteousness. In one case it’s "let’s the reward" and in the other it’s "let’s avoid the punishment" and in no case is it being right and doing right because this is righteousness.

You understand that the biblical notion of righteousness is not some abstract framework—it is likeness to God who is the source and shape of righteousness. So the Christian would insist that it isn’t enough to say we should be righteous simply to be righteous. No, the Christian would say we’re to be like our Father in heaven if we want to be called the children of God (see Matthew 5:20,43-48, Luke 6:35-36 and John 14:9).

So the place of punishment administered by God in a sinful world is aimed at producing life that can only exist in relationship with him. And that relationship is only possible with him if holy righteousness is held to be of paramount importance. All the judgement that has fallen and falls on the world in light of sin comes to focus in Jesus Christ who shared that judgement with us.

©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, the abiding word.com.

From Ben Fronczek... Veterans Day

Veterans Day  

How many of you ever felt unappreciated?   Silly question. We’ve all felt unappreciated at one time or another. Moms sometimes feel unappreciated for all that they do around the home, all the cooking, all the cleanings, washing all the clothes and so much more. Sometimes men feel unappreciated for all that they do at home, or at work. Many times kids even feel unappreciated for what contributions they make. But when I think about a Veteran and what many of them had to do, and what many of them had to sacrifice; and then not be remembered, it’s sad.  Veteran’s Day, is also known as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day in other countries is celebrated on Nov.11^th , the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.  President Dwight Eisenhower made it a holiday and signed it into law In 1954, saying “on this day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought on the seas, in the air, on the foreign shores, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

 I believe Veteran’s Day is all about showing our appreciation, and giving honor to those men and women who gave so much for us and the causes our great nation.  We feel bad and don’t feel appreciated, maybe because no one thanked us for washing the floor or doing the dirty dishes.  But what did those Vet’s do? Some made great sacrifices, not only giving their time and effort, many were put in harm’s way where they trembled with fear on a day to day basis. Some were forced to fight and kill other human beings. Some were injured, shot, crippled and even lost body parts. Some became prisoners of war and were tortured. And for some it cost them their mental health because of what they saw. And others made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their life.  And how do some honor and remember their sacrifice?  By holding a Veteran’s Day Sale event to get people out to go shopping!          I’m sorry but I think that is pathetic! At least Hoffman’s car wash is offering our vets and active soldiers a free car wash for the day to honor them.

 So what does it mean to honor?  Honor is an ancient word which can have numerous meanings depending on how it is used.  

For today’s purpose I want to use it as it is used in Exodus 20.  

“Honor, thy father and thy mother” 

 This is a commandment from God to do something.  Yes, honor involves doing something.  So how should we honor our veterans?  First I think that we need to look at what honor is.  Webster’s dictionary summarizes it to mean “the showing of merited respect”.

 In his video series Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships, at one point Gary Smalley took a Stradivarius violin worth $500,000 and passed around his audience. As it moved from one person to another it was handled with the greatest care and gasps of awe could be heard. He later explained that his audience was demonstrating honor as they beheld that violin. Because of what it was they were showing ‘merited respect’.

Observing Veteran’s Day should be about showing honor, respect, and pride for those who served in our place. It is something we should do.  It’s not just about taking advantage of a 30 or 40% off sale at Sears, or about watching old war movies on TV. But rather it’s good to take a few moments to remember their sacrifice and say thank you shows some respect, appreciation and recognition to those men and women for they have done.

Today all the churches in the our area have decided to ring their church bells at 11:00 AM for two minutes to honor our Veterans. And as we do this I ask you think about these men and women with honor and respect. I also ask you to pray for those who are alive and who may still be in the military. Pray for those who are injured or permanently handicapped.  And I also ask you to pray for those who have lost their loved ones. Pray for the survivors left behind. And pray that this nations will always be a nation that chooses it’s battles wisely and seeks the road of peace first.

Ring Bell.     Then Sing Soldiers of Christ Arise.

Wars and conflicts have been a tragic part of our human experience ever since our banishment from the Garden of Eden.

• The attempt at resolving our differences through the point of the spear, the edge of the sword, the barrel of the gun, or targeted missile, has sadly not brought us any closer to an end of hostilities.

• The Great War, World War I, was regarded as “the war to end all wars” – the horrors and enormous cost in lives lost and resources spent, was hoped and believed to be sufficient to make the very thought of another war “unthinkable”.

• But just 21 years later we were again embroiled in another bitter World War in Europe, the Pacific, and North Africa that resulted in a total of 62 million deaths from 27 countries.

• Since then, and among the wars and conflicts of other nations, we have endured the Korean War, the Cold War, Vietnam, Boznia, Somalia, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and the bitter ongoing War on Terror.

I recognize and acknowledge that there are passages like Isaiah 2:4 that talks  of a day coming when people will  

“beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

But there is still a battles to be fought on a spiritual level. While the outcome has already been determined by Christ’s victory over sin and death (See 1 Cor. 15:56-57), daily battles rages on. The enemy, the Devil, seeks to rob God of glory by leading men and women on a pathway of rebellion (See Eph. 2:1-2).

So it becomes important for Christians to take time every now and then to review our understanding of this ongoing spiritual war lest we become casualties in this great battle. Simply put, Satan wants to destroy you.

Listen to what Paul says in our text about the nature this spiritual warfare.

• Ephesians 6:10-13 says Our adversary in this warfare is the Devil. He is         constantly scheming to ruin mankind.

•. Here are some of Satan’s schemes for unbelievers.

-  2 Corinthians 4:4 says he blinds the minds of unbelievers.

-  Matthew 13:19 says he snatches away the Word of God.

-  2 Timothy 2:24-26 says he sets traps for the unwary so that they oppose the Lord servants (See).

-  2 Corinthians 11:13-14 says that he masquerades as an angel of light   to deceive men and women.

-  In Acts 5:1-6 we see that he fills hearts so that some lie.

-  In 1 Thess. 2:18 we see that he can hinder a servant of God from doing His work

-  In Eph. 4:26-27 it says that he can destroy the unity of a church by creating discord.

-  And Rev 2:10 reminds us that he can lead those in the world to persecute the church.

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the Devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. A battle for your soul goes on every day.

So what do we do? Paul tells us to put on armor in (See Ephesians 6:14-17).

For this great spiritual conflict, God loans us His armor (See Isaiah 59:17).

A. Paul tells us to put on belt of truth and buckled it around your waist. “Truth” here may refer to the Gospel of Truth, but more likely, it is speaking of the quality of truthfulness in how we relate to each other as those who have new life . Start lying and you get in trouble and you get caught in his trap.

B. Then he says put on the breastplate of righteousness. By putting on God’s righteousness, believers are committed to being imitators of our Lord and so doing the right thing in all our dealings (See Ephesians 4:24).

C. Then fit your feet with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. With this equipment the believer is ready to share the good news of the Gospel. It is only through the death of Christ that anyone can be have peace with God (See Ephesians 2:17-18).

D. Then we are to take up the shield of faith. Faith is the impregnable shield that extinguishes all of the flaming arrows of the Evil One. Lose faith and you are in trouble.

E. Take the helmet (which is) salvation. Turn your back on the salvation that Christ wrought for you and you are definitely in trouble and you have fallen into Satan’s hands.

F. Then he says to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. This is an important offensive weapon meant to be used in close combat with the enemy (See Matthew 4:1-10). Jesus used it when tempted.

The Bible instructs every Christian to put on the full armor of God. Simple qualities like righteousness and faith can deflect what the enemy may fire at us. In Ephesians 6:18-20 Paul also tells us  to pray in the Spirit.  (at all times). Even though we may be aware of our adversary and put on the armor of God, in order for the Christian to stand firm we need that connection to God which only comes by praying in the spirit. It’s our line of communication with our commander and chief.

Conclusion:

Do not become complacent and  unaware of the Devil’s schemes; Put on the armor of God so that we can stand firm; and be bold enough to witness to others. Even the apostle Paul wrote that he was concerned that after preaching to so many that he himself would lose his salvation and be disqualified from receiving his heavenly reward. In I Cor. 9:27 he said he does what he has to do to make sure he doesn’t lose out.  Likewise we need to do the same. We need to stay connected to God through prayer and draw strength from Him by gathering together regularly with his fellow soldiers in Christ for support.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566