'Tis better to be alone than in bad company

Satan only needs an inch to become a ruler

God can accomplish surprising results with imperfect but yielding people

In chapter six, the writer exhorts the Hebrews to leave the doctrine of the first principles and press on unto perfection. Now, this does not mean that those first principles are not necessary. Those are foundation principles, we are to learn them and then we are to go on unto perfection. – Hebrews 6:1,2
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

List of the foundation principles of the Christian religion:
Repentance from dead works –Luke 13:3; Acts 8:9-24
Faith toward God – Hebrews 11:6
The teaching of baptisms – Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21
The laying on of hands – Acts 8:18; I Corinthians chapter 12 and 13 The resurrection of the dead – John 5:28.29
The eternal judgment- Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:31-46

Lord willing, we will post a lesson on these six fundamentals, the first week in September, and one will be able link to it from this post.

Hebrews 6:3-6

3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.


Then he speaks of those who had reached that point of being mature in Christ and then had turned away. In verse six, he says, “it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance.” Please you see how wrong is the kind of preaching that many are doing that regardless of what the child of God does he continues in a saved condition. They say, “Once saved always saved.” The Bible teaches that men can fall away in such a way that they cannot find a place of repentance. When they rebel time and time again, their hearts are sometimes hardened against God, and they reach a point that God will send them a working of error as stated in II Thessalonians 2:10-12, that they might believe a lie and be damned. Now this passage is not talking about a child of God who is very weak, but gets up, repents, and tries again, but it refers to those who had reached a point of maturity in Christ, and then turned away; and he says, “it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance.” That means that they will be eternally lost if they could not be renewed to repentance.
Jesus said – Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life – Revelation 2:10

It takes courage to cross some bridges, and wisdom to know which ones to burn

People cannot change the truth, but the truth can change people

A true friend knows when to listen and when to talk

Those who "cook up" stories often find themselves in "hot water".

A gift is not worth much if you must tell the recipient exactly how much it cost



A lot of happiness is overlooked because it doesn’t cost anything

Blunt people can get to the point quickly

Knowledge is power only if it is turned on

To err means you’re trying


Living without faith is like living in a fog




The Bible never suffers from neglect; it is only those who neglect It who suffer

Duty makes us do things well; love makes us do them beautifully

Kind actions begin with kind thoughts.

The best vitamin for a Christian is B1

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.





When you lose a loved one and at those times that you do not hurt; you feel like you do not love them enough


Humility is that low sweet root from which all the heavenly virtues shoot!
-Thomas Moore



Don’t use a gallon of words to express a spoonful of thought

Worry is like a rocking chair; no matter how much you rock, you get nowhere.




It's been observed that many people use mighty thin thread when mending their ways.


The world is full of people who are making a good living but living poor lives.

The empty tomb proves Christianity; the empty pew denies it.

No matter how long you nurse a grudge it won't get better.

What you are is far more valuable then what you have

If you are not closer to heaven today than you were yesterday, check your road map...you may have taken a wrong turn.



The know it alls have the most to learn

Truth has bounds; error has none

Prejudice is a loose idea; firmly held

Life is fragile; handle it with prayer

A man with clenched fists; can't shake hands

If you must use a hammer; build something






We all love a good loser – as long as the loser is not usI


f you wish to dwell in the house of many mansions; you must make your reservations in advance

John 14:1-6

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Be as kind as you can today, for there may be no tomorrow

James 4:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeared for a little time, and then vanishes away.


Treasures in heaven are laid up only as treasures in heaven are laid down

Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


Don’t laugh at the fallen; there may be slippery places in your own path

I Corinthians 10:12,13
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.






The wages of sin never go unpaid

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



There are no degrees of honesty


Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.


Choice, not chance, determines destiny

Mark 16:15,16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Revelation 2:10

… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 14:13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.


If you fear someone will know it, don’t do it.

I Thessalonians 5:2

Abstain from all appearance of evil

The one thing certain about this life here is that we must leave it

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:


Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes

In this chapter there is additional emphasis on the priesthood of Christ, and the writer continues to stress the priesthood of Christ. The Priesthood of Christ is discussed in great detail in chapter seven, and he refers to it again in chapter ten. Hebrews 5:1 - For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins

The priests under the law of Moses were, of course, just men, and they were compassed with infirmities – Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Jesus, our Great High Priest has endured all our our behalf, He has no sins -
Hebrews 5:8,9 -
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Under the law of Moses the high priests, on the day of annual atonement (Leviticus 16:1-34) first went with blood into the holy of holies to make atonement for himself and his family and then a second time for the sins of the people.

Jesus has been called of God to the eternal High Priesthood – Hebrews 5:4-6 –
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec

Became of His perfect nature, he is able to save those who will obey Him.
Please notice Hebrews 5:9 - And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

The notion of a person being saved on the basis of just an intellectual faith, by just believing on Christ, that He is the Christ, the one that God sent to be the savior of the world, will not save a person! Christ is the author of eternal salvation “unto all them that obey him,” If a man is not willing to obey Jesus, then there is no salvation for him. Please consider II Thessalonians 1:7-9 -

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Many will state that one does not have to do anything but believe the Jesus is the Son of God in order to be saved. But, what does the Word of God command?

God’s Plan of Salvation:

Hear - Romans 10:17
Believe – Hebrews 11:6
Repent of sins – Acts 17:30,31
Confess the Christ – Matthew 10:32,33
Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
Be faithful the rest of your life – Revelation 2:10

Hebrews 4:1,2

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.


“Let us therefore fear.” Here is another exhortation to keep them from falling. “Let us therefore fear (an exhortation to all true Christians) Lest, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to come short of it.”

How can anyone believe the false doctrine of “once saved, always saved.”? Remember what Jesus said in Revelation 2:10? “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life”

Hebrews 4:2a “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them” – there was a gospel of good news for those under the old law, they were to faithfully obey the Lord and thus be blessed. The Good News or Gospel today is of Christ – Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. It must be obeyed – Mark 16;15,16 = And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.- and then continued in, if one wants to got to heaven - :I Corinthian 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.


Hebrews 4:2b But the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Those who did not mix faithful obedience with the good news did not profit. The child of God can become unfaithful, if he also does not mix the Word of God with faith. Notice what James says = James 2:17-26

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 eest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.


Notice Rahab’s faithful obedience was her simply mixing faithfulness with the Word of God! One is not saved by works of merit – Ephesians 2:8-10, but one must faithfully obey the commandments of God, to have a saving faith – Read again James 2:26.

These Hebrew Christians were reasoning that the law was given by Moses, and he was a great man and a great law giver, and surely he was a great man; but the law was God’s given through Moses. Deuteronomy chapter 34 speaks of what a great man Moses was. He surely was a great man, but Christ is greater. Moses was great as a servant over God's house, but Christ built the house. Hebrews 3:3 - For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

Christ built the house, the church (I Timothy 3:14,15; I Corinthians 3:16), and therefore He is greater than Moses. “For every house is built by some one; but he that built all things is God – Hebrews 3:5, Moses indeed was faithful in all of his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterwards to be spoken, but Christ as a Son over His house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end. - Hebrews 3:6

The two main things that the writer does to try to prevent this great falling away is, first, to show one detail after another how that Christ and the New Testament religion is a far superior religion to the Old Testament religion, and two, to give exhortations for them to have greater faith. also notice the emphasis that Christ as a Son over His house and that house, of course, is the church, (I Timothy 3:14,15).
“Whose house are we"- Referring to those Hebrew Christians.
On what condition? "If we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end?”

Why Christ came into the world

Some observations from Hebrews chapter two concerning why Christ came into the world

Hebrews 2:9-18


9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Please notice verse 14 - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

One reason Jesus came in the flesh was to destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil! When Jesus entered the grave, He entered the strong man's house, but He came forth victorious by His resurrection from the dead. – I Corinthians 15:1-4


Christ said in John 12:31, “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the world, will draw all men unto myself.” Christ was talking about His being lifted up on the cross, and by that He had cast out the devil, the prince of this world.

I John 3:8

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Another reason Christ came in the flesh was to become a a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us – John 1:14

Jesus suffered in the Garden of Agony in preparation for the cross – Luke 22:40-46

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.



Jesus was tempted in all points like as we, yet never sinned – Hebrews 4:15

God’s love provided His Son, that man should not perish - John 3:16


more to come ...

Hebrews 1;1-4

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
4 eing made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Keep before you the new covenant is based upon better promises, better sacrifice, better priesthood, just to name a few. The Hebrews (who were Jewish converts to Christianity) were in danger of becoming unfaithful and losing their soul’s salvation – Hebrews 10:38, 39

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 ut we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Please notice again, Hebrews 1:3 - Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Jesus is now reigning on the right hand of the Father. Notice Acts 1:9-11

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Consider also I Corinthians 15:20-28

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

.It does not leave any room for an earthly reign. The last enemy that He is going to conquer is death, and then He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father. Christ is now reigning on David's throne, and will reign until this is fulfilled, “until I make thine enemies thy footstool of thy feet.”

Also, read what Jesus said about the kingdom./church in Mark 9:1 - And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Now, Jeussu and Judas tasked death before the kingdom or church came with power. Judas committed suicide and the Lord was crucified. Concerning if the kingdom is yet future, where are the folk who are over 2000 years old,( those who were living when Jesus made this statement) wafting to see the kingdom of God come with power?

The kingdom did come with power, and the apostles were among those who saw it do so = Acts 2:1-4

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

"Oh my God!"
How often in a day’s time do you hear that?

There is a radio commercial running that has two teenage girls in a grocery store and they are using this damnable phrase repeatedly.
Many say that this is just the culture, that this is just a "catch phrase", it is must more it is taking God’s Name in vain!

Exidus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Using the name of God lightly and carelessly is using His Name in vain. Words have meaning and please do not take God’s Name in vain!


What would our language sound like if everyone took to heart respect for God's Name in their speech?
Number one, His Name would not be used in vain, in cursing or in exclaiming excitement.

Secondly, God’s Name would be properly used, to praise Him to give Him thanks for His bountiful mercy and blessings

Philippians 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Ephesians 1”3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Psalm 7:17
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.






Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Look for lesson two in this series next week ...

Needless to say, we have all heard much about the upcoming presidential election. Voters much decide who will be best for America.

There is another race that every accountable person needs to run. I am talking about the race of life –
I Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.



Those who “run to win” do so according to the commandments of God.
Paul understood this, as the passage above declares. But, every person who would believe and obey the truth can also win the race of life -
II Timothy 4:6-8

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

THE TERMS OF ENTRANCE INTO “THE RACE OF LIFE”:

1. YOU MUST HAVE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND GOD
JOHN 8:24
24 I SAID THEREFORE UNTO YOU, THAT YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS: FOR IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS.
HEBREWS 11:6

6 BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.

ROMANS 10:17
17 SO THEN FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.

2. YOU MUST REPENT OF THEIR SINS
LUKR 13:3
3 I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH.

3. YOU MUST CONFESS THE CHRIST
MATTHEW 10:32,33

32 WHOSOEVER THEREFORE SHALL CONFESS ME BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I CONFESS ALSO BEFORE MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
33 BUT WHOSOEVER SHALL DENY ME BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I ALSO DENY BEFORE MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

4. AFTER CONFESSION OF THIS FAITH AND REPENTANCE ONE MUST BE BAPTIZED FOR THE REMOVAL OF THOSE SINS

ACTS 22:16
16 AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

Enter the race, that you may win and receive salvation of your soul!

REVELATION 2:10 - BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE

Children to parents:

“If you love me you will let me stay up way past my bedtime”


“If you love me you will buy me the latest toy because all the other children have one”

“If you love me you will take my side against that mean old teacher”

“If you love me you will let me walk several blocks all by myself to play with my friends”

Child to a friend:

“If you love me you will let me always decide what games we play”

“If you love me you will not be friends with anyone else but me”

“If you love me you will not listen to your mother and spend all afternoon on the phone instead or doing your homework and chores:



Boyfriend and girlfriend

“If you love me you will not be upset if I see others”

“If you love me you will go anywhere with me, no matter what your parents think about it”

“If you love me you will have sex with me befpre we are married”

See a pattern in all the “ifs” above?

Selfishness, disrespect, disobedience, and sin!


Jesus to us:

Savior’s Scriptural Test of the only way we can truly love Him:

John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.



John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.


Lay down selfishness for the Lord and others
I plan to add to this next week

HEBREWS 9:13 FOR IF THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND OF GOATS, AND THE ASHES OF AN HEIFER SPRINKLING THE UNCLEAN, SANCTIFIETH TO THE PURIFYING OF THE FLESH:
14 HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?

THE USE OF BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT IS DISCUSSED IN LEVITICUS 16 CONCERNING THE RITUAL WITH THE ASHES OF A RED HEIFER, READ NUMBERS 19
THE POINT HERE IS THAT CHRIST'S OFFERING IS SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE LAW OF MOSES BY THE SAME STANDARD WHICH VALUES THE BLOOD OF A HUMAN BEING MORE THAN THAT OF AN ANIMAL. JESUS IS EVEN MORE, IN THAT HE WAS NOT MERELY A MAN, BUT THE HOLY AND PERFECT SECOND PERSON OF THE GOD-HEAD, WHO ALSO HAD A FLESHLY NATURE FOR ABOUT 33 YEARS –
JOHN 1:14 AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, THE GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,) FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.
GALATIANS 4:4 BUT WHEN THE FULNESS OF THE TIME WAS COME, GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON, MADE OF A WOMAN, MADE UNDER THE LAW,
5 TO REDEEM THEM THAT WERE UNDER THE LAW, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.



CONCERNING THE CONSCIENCE AND HOW IT CAN BE CLEANSED
THE ESTIAMTE OF THE HUMAN CONSCIENCE IS AKIN TO THAT OF A WATCH, ITS UTILITY BEING DETERMINED ABSOLUTELY BY ITS SYNCHRONIZATION WITH THE CORRECT TIME, NOT DETERMINED BY THE WATCH , BUT BY THE MOMENT OF THE SUN'S PASSING OVER A CERTAIN MERIDIAN; AND LIKE A WATCH, ONE’S CONSCIENCE CAN HAVE MANY THINGS WRONG WITH IT
IT CAN BECOME EVIL - HEBREWS 10:22
22 LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, HAVING OUR HEARTS SPRINKLED FROM AN EVIL CONSCIENCE, AND OUR BODIES WASHED WITH PURE WATER.


SEARED - I TIMOTHY 4:2
2 SPEAKING LIES IN HYPOCRISY; HAVING THEIR CONSCIENCE SEARED WITH A HOT IRON;


DEFILED - TITUS 1:15
15 UNTO THE PURE ALL THINGS ARE PURE: BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING IS NOTHING PURE; BUT EVEN THEIR MIND AND CONSCIENCE IS DEFILED.


IGNORANT - I TIMOTHY 1:13
13 WHO WAS BEFORE A BLASPHEMER, AND A PERSECUTOR, AND INJURIOUS: BUT I OBTAINED MERCY, BECAUSE I DID IT IGNORANTLY IN UNBELIEF.


CHOKED WITH DEAD WORKS - HENREWS 9:14
14 HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?


IT IS THE GLORIOUS SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT
GOD HAS PROVIDED A WAY, BY THE NEW COVENANT, BY WHICH MAN'S CONSCIENCE CAN BE CLEANSED, AND THE BASIS OF THAT CLEANSING IS SHOWN IN THIS VERSE. IT IS BY MEANS OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
HEBREWS 9:14 HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?


HOW DOES THE SPIRIT OF MAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHERE THE CLEANSING TAKES PLACE? NOT LITERALLY. THEREFORE, THERE MUST BE SOME COMMAND OR ORDINANCE OF GOD THAT ENABLES THE ALIEN SINNER TO KNOW THAT HE HAS IN FACT CONTACTED THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
1. CONSIDER THAT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS IN HIS BODY. TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BLOOD, ONE WOULD THEREFORE HAVE TO ENTER THE BODY OF CHRIST; AND HOW IS THIS ACCOMPLISHED?

PLEASE NOTICE THAT THREE TIMES THE SACRED SCRIPTURES REVEAL THAT PEOPLE ARE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST, THAT IS, INTO HIS BODY:

ROMANS 6:3
3 KNOW YE NOT, THAT SO MANY OF US AS WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH?

I CORINTHIANS 12:13
13 FOR BY ONE SPIRIT ARE WE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY, WHETHER WE BE JEWS OR GENTILES, WHETHER WE BE BOND OR FREE; AND HAVE BEEN ALL MADE TO DRINK INTO ONE SPIRIT.

GALATIANS 3:27
27 FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST.


2. CHRIST'S BLOOD WAS IN HIS DEATH, THAT BEING THE OCCASION OF ITS BEING SHED. HOW DOES ONE ENTER THE DEATH OF CHRIST? THE BIBLE ANSWER IS, "ALL WE WHO WERE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH" - ROMANS 6:3. IN VIEW OF THESE FACTS, WHO IS MAN TO DOUBT THAT GREAT COMMISION BAPTISM IS MOT RELATED TO THE BELIEVER'S CONTACT WITH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST WITH ITS CONSEQUENT CLEANSING OF THE CONSCIENCE?
NOTICE THE WORDS OF CHRIST IN MARK 16:15,16
15 AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.
16 HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED.


THE WORDS OF PETER IN I PETER 3:21
21 THE LIKE FIGURE WHEREUNTO EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST:


WHO CAN GO BEFORE GOD WITH A GOOD CONSCIENCE UNTIL HE HAS BEEN BAPTIZED?

One word or “title” we often hear is “Reverend” This is usually used an “official title” for denominational preachers or other religious leaders. What does the Bible have to say about the word, “Reverend”?

The word is used only once in all of the Bible – Psalm 111:9


9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Please notice that the term is referring to God! No man, no matter who he might claim to be, has the scriptural authority to call himself “Reverend” and those who so address mere human beings with the title are also wrong!

Please look at the immediate context of Psalm 119:9

Psalm 119:6-10

Psalm 119: 6 He hath showed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

Man is here taught to give glory to God. He had done great things for His people Israel.



Psalm 119: 7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

God is far above man and He alone is to be reverend. Think about people today who are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men -
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
and those who follow them praise them with an honor that is reserved for only God.

Psalm 119: 8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

God’s Word is truth – John 17:17 and those who call themselves and others “reverend” are teaching error.


Psalm 119: 9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Under the New Testament redemption is in Christ - Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The only way one gets into Christ is baptism – Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

The only way one stays in Christ is to to be faithful to His Word – John 8:30-32

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.


Listen to those who allow themselves to be called “Reverend” and see if they teach the truth on God’s plan of salvation!

Psalm 119: 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

To praise God is not to give Him “lip service”, but to learn and then obey His commandments –

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.


Another Bible term, that is more times than not, used in an unscriptural manner is “Pastor” Many people will say “so and so is my pastor”, meaning some preacher. What does the bible have to say about this word?

The term is found only one time in all of the New Testament and it is in the plural from -
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Paul is nor talking about preachers, although a pastor or elder can preach -
1 timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

The term “pastor”, has to do with the leadership role of an elder. Since there had to be a plurality of elders in any given congregation, there can be no “Pastor” singular. -
Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Please notice the qualifications for elders or pastors – I Timothy 3:1-7

1 his is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5-9

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

The elders are to pastor, tend, guard and feed the local congregation by teaching – I Timothy 5:17. One of the qualifications of a pastor (elder) is to be apt to teach – I Timothy 3:2. Pastors are shepherds.
The Bible, teaches that pastors and elders are the same office. Please notice Acts 20:17- 32. When the Bible is followed there is no distinction between pastors, elders and bishops.




The concept of calling a man “father” in a religious setting.

Call no man your father on earth
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

It is unbelievable that so large a part of the religious world should be so ignorant of Christ's commandment as to flaunt the title "father" as the just right of all their “priests.” They are not priests in the eyes of God that will be discussed in the next lesson.
Wherever the title "father" is received and allowed, there is also an erroneous implication of the authority of such persons and of the deference due their opinions regarding religious questions.
No religious title-holder has the authority to legislate, absolve, bind, loose, require, or demand, in any religious sense, anything whatsoever, upon any one! The Apostles of Christ, were authorized to do this, by the command of the Christ, via the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Acts 1:1-5 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Ac 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We may call a parent father -
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
But no so in a religious sense. The consent of men over the centuries does not change Christ’s law on these matters!



`



H. Allen Croley

Please check back next week as we look further into these matters of eternal consequence!
[Read More!]

The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation. ~Woodrow Wilson


Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick


Let freedom never perish in your hands. ~Joseph Addison


You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck


Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower


In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson

If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace. ~Hamilton Fish


I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery. ~Author Unknown


I love my freedom. I love my America. ~Jessi Lane Adams

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. ~William Faulkner


How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson



And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood


Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

Come and be with us for two sermons on Father;'s on June 15th, 2008

FATHER’S DAY 2008
GOD CHOSE A FATHER