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Sermons Bible Lessons on the Theme of The Bible:
A Study of 2 Chronicles. 34:14-33 The ability to pick up the Bible and follow a lesson in public worship is a blessing many Americans do not know. Some struggle with physical disorders such as dyslexia while others, for one reason or another, simply were never taught how to read. Statistics from the late 1980's indicated that over 26 million adult Americans read at or below elementary school level. That amounts to about 1 out of every 7 Americans. Chances are you know someone who has great difficulty reading. In 620 B.C. there were no Bibles to be read. After the long, dark reign (55 years) of the wicked king Manasseh and his wicked son, Amon (2 years), the entire nation of Judah was demoralized. When young Josiah came to power at the age of only 8, all that circulated about a book of scriptures was legends. By the king's 16th year it was becoming obvious that his life was being shaped more by those legends than by his predecessors. When Hilkiah, the high priest, was commissioned to clear away the rubble that had accumulated in the Temple through years of disuse, an amazing discovery was made. From what follows we can learn some important thoughts that will guide us to more meaningful personal Bible reading times. 1. WE MUST READ SCRIPTURES URGENTLY (14-18). The wisdom and truth contained in the Bible could be compared to what Jesus described as the "pearl of great price" (Mt. 13:45-46). Highly valued, it should be sought with zeal just as Solomon spoke of the value of discovering truth (Prov. 23:23). Young Josiah recognized truth when confronted with it. There must be an urgency about reading the Bible for no other reason than that it is true. This was a discovery of such incredible proportions that it caused the High Priest to forget the temple to bring this book of the Law to the immediate attention of the King! Josiah recognized that his life, and the life of his nation, rested on keeping their eyes focused on God. Here was his chance to see firsthand what God demanded of him. He was eager to investigate it carefully. 2. WE MUST READ SCRIPTURES PRAYERFULLY (19-22). The king's reaction was dramatic -- he tore his clothes (19) and inquired of the Lord through Huldah the prophetess (21). Josiah recognized that within these pages were the guidance his people so desperately needed. It was in this frame of mind, repentant, humble, prayerful, that he sought God's will. It is not enough to just hear God's word. How many years would it take to work through the Bible if our knowledge of it consisted of one or two 30 minute sermons a week? Christians need a daily diet of Bible study, not just Bible reading. One author suggests that the Bible student who simply reads 30 minutes each day will not be as effective as the one who reads only 18 minutes and then spends 10 minutes in prayer, taking notes or review of thoughts gleaned from their study. How many times have God's people languish (at Ai; Gibeon, et al) because they failed to consult God's will before proceeding with their own desire? Josiah did not make that mistake. Our Bible study, when coupled with the power of prayer, will help us avoid that mistake also. 3. WE MUST READ SCRIPTURES OBEDIENTLY (23-33). Perhaps the most important trait possessed by this young king was his determination to obey. He set out to enlist the support of Israel in doing what he found to be God's will. Together they restored the Temple. Together they set out to realize God's will for their lives. Can you imagine the frustration of a father not being able to read notes penned by his own child? The cards and school papers that create such a precious treasure would become no more than a piece of paper. To get a letter from your child and not be able to read it is to me unthinkable. But how much greater tragedy is it to have and not read, to read and not follow God's communication to us? In the dark days of Josiah there was no word from God. But how that changed when the book of the Law was discovered? May we never grow tired of the blessing of hearing the word of God! But is God's Word a blessing in your life? Is this a light (Ps. 119:105)? Judging by your life, does it matter (v. 136)? If such were the reaction of the writer, imagine the reaction of the God who gave it when we do not obey his instructions? Spend time each day reading the Bible with the proper attitude that leads to obedience. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 4-28-99 A study of Mat. 4:1-11 A sixty-year-old couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Amid the festivities a genie appears to announce that because of the good this couple have accomplished each would be award one wish. The wife quickly wished to travel around the world. Instantly airline tickets to various destinations appeared in her hand. More thoughtful, the husband carefully considered his options before announcing that he wanted a wife 30 years younger than himself. As the smoke settled he was 90. Judging from the life he lived and the things he valued, I do not find it difficult to believe that one of Jesus' wishes for all men of all time would be that they might know, love and obey God's Word. Jesus knew better than any what was at stake, the full and abundant life (Jn. 10:10; 8:32). Just a few verses later Jesus warned these same people of the real danger they faced (8:44). Satan will grab every opportunity to convince them and us that such an understanding of God's word is impossible. Some things are just difficult. A man worked diligently to follow his doctor's orders for an entire week without getting better. At his next appointment the doctor questioned him, "I told you to drink carrot just after a hot bath. Do you not like carrot juice?" "I don't know, I haven't finished drinking the bath." Or, the blacksmith training a young man. After removing the horse shoe from the fire he instructed, "Now when I nod my head, hit it". The young man did what he was told, but he will never hit a blacksmith again. Is Bible study too difficult? Is it beyond our ability to comprehend? Jesus had grasped it at the age of 12. But he was exceptional, we might accurately observe. Being familiar with scripture was not rare among the Jews. There were taught from an early age to so value these words from God that they hand them from generation to generation (Deut 6:4-9). Despite what the Devil may want you to believe, it is possible to know and follow God's word. In his life and ministry, and especially in his temptation, Jesus reveals the attitude we need about the Bible. 1. Respect God's Word (4:1-3). Responding to Satan's suggestion of using his miraculous power to satisfy his real need of physical hunger, Jesus recites from memory Deut 8:3 (v. 4). Better than bread, the scriptures when properly understood, sustains the soul. The Bible authorizes, THIS is how God wants us to live!! So Moses commanded (Deut. 4:2). The Bible authorizes both by what it says and by what it leaves unsaid. In commanding one thing it forbids anything else. John Gipson, long-time preacher in Little Rock, tells of an episode of Judge Judy in which a young man was explaining the damage of car. He had been hired to house sit and was given specific instructions even to the point of how long to microwave frozen meals. He decided to driver her car resulting in damage to it. To explain why he pointed out that he was never told he couldn't drive the car. Judge Judy asked him if he saw her car on the street, would he take it. When he answered no she asked him, "Why not? I never told you that you couldn't." Then she ruled against the young man. We are to live by God's word. When its authority is respected it will guide us safely home to God. That is the role scripture played in Christ's life: * read in the synagogue * cited in his teaching * quoted from his cross * fulfilled in his obedience, and ours (Lk 24:44 -- Ezek 12:25). 2. Familiar with God's Word (4:5-6). Jesus responded to the Devil's use of Ps. 91:11-12 with Deut 6:16 (v. 7). An unbiased observer would have to decide which use of scripture was correct, the Devil's or Christ's. But we are not unbiased observers. We have been forewarned of the Devil's tactics (2 Cor. 2:11). He is not only familiar with God's word, but expert at misrepresenting it: * twists it (2 Pet. 3:16) * distort (2 Tim 2:17-18) * confuse (2 Thes. 2:1-3a). These examples illustrate that KNOWING scripture is no guarantee of ACCURACY in teaching scripture. God's word must be handled properly for God's servant to be approved (2 Tim. 2:15). Because we are dealing with truth, the teaching of one passage must agree with the teaching of all other Scriptures. In a Gallop poll the conclusion was drawn that most people want religion, but without personal obligation. They say they revere the Bible, but admit they don't read it. They acknowledge that the Ten Commandments are valid rules for daily life, but can't name them. Society shows the fruits of not being familiar with biblical teaching and morality. We can't obey what we refuse to learn. 3. Apply God's Word (4:8-9). Satan's invitation was powerful; the world could be his WITHOUT THE CROSS. The cost was much too high for Jesus (v. 10). Deut. 6:13 came to his mind. Here is the goal and reward of worship as outlined in God's word -- being drawn through praise and obedience, closer to God. In Guiness World Records 2000 we learn that the farthest distance of one human being from another was 2234 miles, 1330 yards. Alfred Warden, Command Module Pilot of Apollo 15, holds it. This is nothing compared to haw far man can drift from God by not applying the Bible to their lives. When God's word is applied to our lives, God is exalted and the Devil is defeated (Rev. 12:11). There is power in God's word applied to our lives. No matter what the circumstances, Jesus was not guided by what he "felt" but rather by what was "written". Sadly, the religious world seems hopelessly divided over the Bible. This is amazing because their Bible is likely very similar to ours. It reads the same to all: Acts 2:38; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Jn 3:16. "The Bible is not the cause of religious division. It is what we add to the Bible and what we take away from the Bible that divides religious people" (Scott Gleaves, GA Oct. 99; p. 26) Disobedience to God divides. Ignorance divides. Pride divides. When we use the Bible like Jesus used the Bible, unity will result. His "wish" was clearly stated by his beloved apostle John (1 Jn. 5:13). Such is a worthy goal that can only be achieved by carefully following the Bible. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO July 30, 2000 A Study of Hebrews 12:1-11 Recently I read of a tag in a brand new garment stating that despite the appearance this piece of clothing was actually new. It was intentionally made to look old. As the tag stated: it was designed with apparent imperfections. Life comes complete with imperfections. Some things are just not easy to do. Some decisions are only made with great difficulty and sacrifice. Life is not always fair and because of this we must "run with endurance" (v. 1) or "press to the end despite the difficulties that lie between us and our goal." The "easy" path does not lead to our desired destination (Mat. 7:13). To choose to obey God is a choice that sometimes will exact a toll of further sacrifice, ridicule and abuse by those who do not share our desire to obey. The Hebrew writer seems to be describing these unattractive results of faith as God's discipline. We are familiar with the need of parental discipline. We are also familiar with the price that is paid by neglecting to properly train our children: Prov. 19:27; Prov. 29:15; Prov. 29:17; Prov. 13:24 and Prov. 3:11-12 (quoted here in Heb 12:5-6). Loving discipline is a sign of a parent's love. The hardships discussed by writer of Hebrews are pictured just like this -- signs of God's love and acceptance of us as His children. Why should we be thankful for the difficulties we encounter? 1. Because It Places Us in Good Company. Others have endured the difficulties that accompany faith (11:33-38). Our experience, compared to their's, is hardly worthy of comparison (v. 4 - not unto blood). We have our own special cloud of witness. The faith of Jim Vangilder, who through the pain of cancer, spread a spirit of gentleness through this congregation. The determination of Jean Davis, the joy of Olga Sheeley, the simple hope of Cy Darling, the love for truth of J. T. Spencer. We have witnessed these and others who, through trials greater than our experience, have trusted the God who promised to bless and the Shepherd who promised to accompany them through the "Valley of the Shadow of Death." You may not be familiar with the individuals stated above, but you know others who possessed such traits. 2. Because of the Cross. The writer calls us to "consider" Jesus (v. 3). His word is a mathematical term meaning, "add up to arrive at a proper conclusion." What happened at the cross was no accident (Lk. 22:22; Acts 2:23). Because YOUR salvation was at stake, God was pleased to offer His Son (Isa. 53:10). Seeing the joy that awaited YOU (2), Christ was willing to endure the physical pain of crucifixion and the spiritual pain of separation from God (Mat. 27:46). While we are called to endure difficulties to follow God, we have suffered nothing compared to Jesus (v. 4). He did all this so that we could have the hope of: Heb. 2:14-15 - overcoming death and the devil Heb. 4:15-16 - having a high priest to extend grace Heb. 10:10 - having a perfect sacrifice for sin Heb. 10:20 - finding a new and living way to God 3. Because By It We Can Be Made Stronger. God is no respecter of persons (Mat. 5:45; Jas. 1:17; Jas. 1:13), He reveals a special concern for those who align themselves with Him through faith and obedience. Believing in God does not shield us from the unpleasantness of life, if anything it increases the likelihood that we will suffer because of our faith (1 Pet. 5:8). But no matter what the source, God can use the negative things in life, not of our own making, for good (1 Cor. 10:13; Rom. 8:28). The writer is not delving into the cause of the things he discusses (v. 5-11), he is content to see the hand of God and rejoice that faith can so be tested and the believer can prove their love for God. God did not have to care about your spiritual state. He was not obligated as Creator to send his Son to die for your sins. But he did. By enduring the cross Jesus learned first hand just how difficult faith can be (Heb. 5:8). Like him, through the difficulties we endure we can grow closer to the One who comforts and sustains. Thank you God for the trials you bring us through. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 6-27-99 Gender Relationships Within Christianity “Male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). There is a clear order embedded in this first declaration of human origin. In the more detailed description of God creating the human race this order is preserved (Gen. 2:7, man; Gen. 2:21-22). The Genesis writer summarizes the creation recognizing the order of creation, Adam first, his wife second (Gen. 5:1-2). Interestingly, while maintaining the “order” emphasis Moses, through inspiration, recognized the equality of the genders in the words of verse two, “He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind” (NKJV). A careful examination of the English texts reflects the literal wording not followed in the New KJV relating to the Divinely assigned name of this first couple as Adam, not Mankind. Together, male and female, enjoy an equal standing before God. While remaining within the Divine gender roles depicted in Scripture humanity, male and female, will enjoy meaningful and productive relationships with each other and with their Creator. The first five chapters clearly establish the origin of gender relationships within the human race. Between the creation records of Genesis 1 (general in nature) and 2 (specific and detailed in nature) and the creation summary of chapter 5 the student will find the historical setting resulting in clearly defined gender roles. Adam, who had earlier been assigned the responsibility for the woman God was about to create (2:18), failed in that responsibility. The impact of their sin was manifest in three specific ways: spiritual separation from God, expulsion from Eden, and separation from the Tree of Life, making the human race subject to death. It is important to note the nature of Adam’s rebuke following the sin committed in the Garden. As a teacher Adam was successful. The instructions given apparently only to Adam (2:15-17) had been accurately communicated to Eve (3:2-3). The failure rests in the rejection of Divine instruction. Eve, aware of God’s prior instructions, was persuaded by the Serpent (Satan, the tempter) to depart from God’s single restriction. When confronted with their sin it was Adam, not Eve, held responsible by God (3:9). The curses resulting from this first sin are gender related. Eve’s relationship to Adam was reinforced (3:16). In preparing to pronounce Adam’s penalty the specific nature of Adam’s sin is revealed: “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife” as opposed to the instructions given by God (3:17). Upon this historic event the interaction of the genders with each other and with God securely rests. When a couple (male and female) is interested in enjoying a relationship with God they must structure their roles consistent with His instruction. The Old Testament is replete with sad illustrations of man’s failure to follow God’s social design. It also contains examples of successful relationships such as Ruth and Boaz. The concern for the modern church rests in the New Testament teaching regarding gender relationships. It is helpful to familiarize oneself with the cultural context of first century Rome. In that society, far from the ideals outlined above, women had very few legal rights. Often unwelcome at birth, parents of female infants could “expose” them (abandon them at birth to the elements of nature, both climate and wild animals) with no fear of criminal charges. Another option taken with female children was to sell them into prostitution. The most positive option was to bear the cost of raising a female infant in view of netting a profitable marriage contract. These contracts were often arranged at a very young age (even infancy) with the children entering the marriage in their early teens. That finalization would be attended with gifts for the bride’s family, compensating them for their investment. Once married, the woman was usually subject to her husband with few legal rights. Surviving accounts confirm that in the Roman world a man could kill his wife with impunity. If a woman would be so unfortunate as to not enter into a marriage, she would remain as a financial burden to her parents (if divorced she would return in shame to her father's house). Life was difficult in the primitive society of Rome. It was immensely harder for a woman. Christianity accomplished the unthinkable by elevating the perception of the female gender far from the cultural setting of the first century. In this elevation the New Testament reader will witness the restoration of gender roles to the level established by God in Genesis. With some similarity to the Roman world, the modern culture of America struggles with two opposing extremes regarding its treatment of women. At one end of the spectrum women are liberated from domestic roles and urged into the battle for equality with men. On the other end they are exploited to satisfy the lusts and carnal urges of a godless society. Where, along this confusing spectrum, can truth be found? In the center. The New Testament presents a balanced approach to gender roles that conform to God’s standard and values. Only a few New Testament passages need to be consulted to understand the interaction between the genders. Anti-religion groups, claiming gender prejudice, abuse, and even hatred, have successfully seized these verses to unfairly portray God, His Son, New Testament writers, the church, and individual Christians, as opposed to the modern woman. A careful consideration of the following passages may help to correct those incorrect impressions. Women in the Corinthian church assemblies. Head covering (1 Cor. 11:2-16). Please note a few overlooked truths from Paul’s instructions. * The head covering had a “social” rather than a “religious” meaning connected with the woman’s natural hair (v. 6). * Paul advises the church to not become contentious over this cultural battle (vv. 13-16). * The “order” established in Genesis is preserved (v. 3, 8-9). * The “equality” established in Genesis is reinforced (vv. 11-12). Silence commanded (1 Cor. 14:34). * Christians in Corinth had permitted their public worship assemblies to become a “circus” through the misuse of miraculous gifts. These supernatural abilities (speaking in tongues, etc.) were simply temporary provisions to compensate the absence of a useful written body of inspired teaching, of which 1 Corinthians would be added. * In restoring order to those assemblies, and bringing God’s people into compliance with Divinely established gender roles, Paul commanded women to remove their voices from this confusion. * The Greek word Paul used for “silence” (sigao) literally means total silence. What Paul forbids is the public instruction, which God has entrusted to men. * The facts of the case do no support the allegation that this provision reveals Paul’s hatred of women. Twenty-three women are associated with Paul’s ministry in the New Testament. In his closing greetings of the Roman letter nine women are included. Women in Ephesus (1 Tim. 2:9- 3:13). Both of Paul’s letters to Timothy were sent to his young assistant at the time working in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3). The passage in question outlines the worship practices of the church in Ephesus in which the gender order of Genesis is preserved. The language of this passage does not support the contentions of anti-Pauline scholars. While the benefits of Christianity are extended to all, irrespective of gender (1 Tim. 2:4 – “who desires all men to be saved;” the word for “men” in the original is “anthropos,” which refers to the human family without regard for gender), the public leadership within the church assembly is specifically entrusted to the men (v. 8, “men” here is from the word “aner” meaning male). In this setting the woman is instructed to be silent. The silence of this verse is not the same as one finds in 1 Corinthians. Here the original word is “alethes,” which simply means quietness. Consistent with other instruction, Paul restricts only leadership, not worship. The woman is not confined to total silence, otherwise she would be excluded from participating in the public worship. The only restriction is on public teaching that results in the woman “usurping” (to unlawfully grasp) authority God has given to the men of the church. Justification for this teaching rests clearly on the foundation established in Genesis (vv. 13-14). Paul was not confirming the practices of his modern Roman world, as his critics charge, but restoring God’s original pattern. In establishing local church leadership the qualification for office is preserved for men alone (elders and deacons must be men, 3:1-2; 12). Neither can qualify for these positions of leadership without the spiritual woman that “completes” the perspective church leader (v. 11; cf. Gen. 2:18). Paul commanded these Ephesian women to “be in submission” to their husbands (Eph. 5:22). Two vital points are often overlooked regarding this command. The word “submission” is not accurately understood. “Hupotasso” is a compound Greek word consisting of “hupo,” meaning under, and “tasso,” meaning to arrange in an orderly manner and it describes cooperation and order, not oppression. This word is used for the men on the lower level of ancient ships who propel the ship by their harmonious rowing. The best manuscripts reveal the fact that there is no Greek word for “submit” in Ephesian 5:22. So where does the idea originate in this passage? From the prior verse which calls for mutual submission. The emerging picture is one of the willing submission of a wife to her loving husband who accepts the leadership responsibility assigned to him by God. Women in 1 Peter 3:1-7. Peter’s concern is directed to faithful Christian women who were married to unbelieving husbands. In this beautiful passage the honor bestowed upon Christian women is clearly demonstrated. They “wear” submission as their most beautiful ornament (v. 4). To the Christian husband Peter gives the command to honor their wives, recognizing both their natural strengths and weaknesses. But most of all, they are charged to accept their wives as equal participants in the spiritual journey to heaven. Women are honored in Christianity (Gal. 3:26-28). Their position will be much higher within true Christian practice than it ever could be in an anti-Christian society. Man alone was branded long ago as incomplete (Gen. 2). Woman makes man whole. Each face certain restrictions. Each face certain responsibilities. Each needs the other to fill their God-given roles making both what God wants them to be. While the unbelieving world will continue to rattle their “sabers of objection” at the values imposed in the New Testament, the simple fact remains that an orderly society can only be enjoyed by restrictions (laws and rules) and responsibility (personal involvement for the common good). Nowhere else are these two concepts more beautifully merged than in the home that truly follows God’s pattern of “order,” “equality,” restrictions, and responsibility. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 3-22-03 see also "The Role of Women" A Study of Matthew 25:41-46 Jesus is portrayed in the pages of Scriptures as sympathetic to the plight of man. In Bethany he wept (Jn. 11:35). Over Jerusalem he cried (Mt. 23:37-39). It is difficult to image Jesus saying the words of Matthew 25 without a tear on his cheek. My Lord could not have remained unmoved in reflecting on the slow, solemn march of the rebellious with the uninformed towards the gates of hell. He must be saddened each time "hell" is used as a curse, oath or profane expression of frustration. What of when it's existence is questioned or flatly denied and His warnings of this very real place of suffering are ridiculed? Like Moses was permitted to ascend to the heights of Pisgah to view a land he would not enter, we also, through the benefit of inspired writers, can peak into a world we must not enter: hell. 1. There we will see the SUFFERING OF HELL. The images that emerge from scripture are strikingly consistent. Hell is predominantly characterized as a place of suffering: o Mt. 8:12 - darkness o Mt. 13:42 - weeping & gnashing teeth o Mt. 18:8 - fire All the injustices, tragedies, oppressions and acts of hatred can never compare with the suffering of hell. Suffering cannot be fully defined this side of hell. Jesus describes for us just how bad hell is (Mr. 9:43-48)! It is a small price indeed, to learn from Jesus a little selflessness and compassion now and avoid this place of torment (Mt. 25:42-45). 2. There we will see the COMPANIONSHIP OF HELL. Hell will be occupied by the cursed (v. 41b, cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Rev. 21:8). It will also be the residence of the Devil and his angels (v. 41c, cf. Jude 6). Someone may jokingly comment that they don't mind going to hell, all their friends will be there. But the laughter will stop at the gates of hell. The company of the condemned defines the suffering of hell. 3. There we can see FOREVER. "One of the horrors of hell is the undying memory of a misspent life - Son, remember (Lk. 16:25)" - anonymous. The duration of hell is forever linked with the duration of heaven (v. 46). I can't comprehend forever, but I know that I don't want to spend it there! There is no relief. There is no end. There is no hope. Hell is not a joke or a word to be used lightly. It is real and it is forever. Unlike Moses, who stood on Pisgah surveying a land he longed to enter but couldn't, we can turn from our study of hell knowing this does not have to be our eternal home. The sentencing, the cries of the condemned, the separations from loved ones, the darkness and the torment do not have to be. Through Jesus we can anticipate instead a welcome (v. 34), a reunion with the righteous, the light and joy of God's presence as we enter an eternity with God in Heaven. The message of God was written for this very purpose, that we might escape the torment of hell and receive instead life eternal with God (1 Jn. 5:13). David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 3-29-98 An In-Depth
Note: This is a doctrine of pivotal importance. Resting upon this doctrine is the accurateness and authority of all other concepts found in the Bible. Because of its importance, the study of the Holy Spirit has continued to be the center of controversy. The following thoughts have been suggested as barriers that keep Christians from seeking an understanding of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: 1. Creation: Gen. 1:1; Elohim is a plural term translated into the singular.
2. God the Father: His clear identity is established throughout the Old Testament, as He is preeminent.
3. God the Son:
4. God the Spirit:
The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John: 1. The Spirit’s importance in Christ’s ministry (John. 3:27-36; KJV “unto him” in vs. 35). 2. The clear identity of God the Spirit is given in Jesus’ private discourse with his apostles (chapters 14-17). 3. The apostles had an imperfect knowledge prior to receiving the Holy Spirit (16:13-14). 4. Christ promises the Spirit (14:16). 5. The duration of the promised Spirit (14:16). 6. In the apostles but not in the world (14:17). 7. How can this be? 8. The answer is found in verses 23-24. 9. The Spirit to be sent by Jesus after His departure (16:7) would do the following:
The ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts through Revelation: 1. Purposes fulfilled in Acts:
2. Disciples instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promise (Acts 1:5-5). 3. Who received the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”? The apostles. 4. How was the Holy Spirit manifested on this occasion? Speak in tongues. 5. What was the purpose of the Holy Spirit? Mark 16:20. 6. Responsible for inspired scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3 and 20-21). 7. The Holy Spirit’s completed work of inspiration (Jude 3). 8. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17, et. Al.). 9. The New Testament is the Truth (John 17:17). 10. All that can be known intellectually about the Holy Spirit is known through the revealed words of the Holy Spirit recorded in the New Testament. 11. The Holy Spirit goes beyond what is revealed in Scripture (the Bible is not an exhaustive treatment of this subject), but one must not be dogmatic regarding aspects of the Spirit not revealed by God in Scripture. 12. By what standard must one “try the spirits”? 1 John 4:1.
The Holy Spirit and the Individual Believer: 1. The measures of the Holy Spirit:
2. Indwelling questions:
3. The work NOT performed by the Holy Spirit in the individual:
4. The Work the Holy Spirit DOES perform for the individual:
Warnings and implications: 1. The Spirit’s operation is known only through the revealed word. 2. We must emphasize the importance of Bible study (1 Thes. 5:19). 3. We must apply the principles learned from the Word to our lives (Acts 7:51). 4. We can stress the importance of walking in the Spirit (Eph. 4:30). 5. We must be true to our conscience (Acts 5:3). 6. We must recognize and yield our lives to the power of the Spirit (Gal. 5:25; Rom. 10:17).
David Bragg November 1999 Some Thoughts From Revelation 20:11 - 21:8 Time is one of the most precious commodities you possess. Each day countless decisions are made relating to how you will use it. Someone has calculated that the average person in the Western world, at age 70, has spent 24 years sleeping; 14 years working; 6 years eating; 5 years traveling; 4 years talking; and only about 20 months in worship. Time is one of our most precious commodities. We carefully guard how it is used, or do we??? Do you know with absolute certainty what you will be doing at 2:23 next Thursday afternoon? Do you know where you will be 10 years from this moment? One of the most important questions we can ask of ourselves regarding time is, “where will I be, what will I be doing 200 years from right now?” Then your existence will not be defined by the physical body now in use but by your eternal soul. This mortal body is not eternal. It is not designed to last forever. Scripture reminds us of this fact. Of all the important appointments you don't want to miss, one appointment you cannot miss is Heb. 9:27. Only if the Lord returns before then can you bypass the first part of that verse. Be sure you are prepared because you cannot escape the last. To be fair, not everyone agrees on this sometimes-controversial subject. Some insist this life will... 1. End in Silence. Among the proponents of this view was the New Testament Sadducees. These Jews did not believe in the spiritual realm (angels, spirits) or the afterlife (resurrection or immortality of the soul). To them one’s death was simply the end of life as history continues on without the deceased. George Eliot spoke of what is called the eternal silence, "We are told that when our world ends we will not feel a thing." To propose a theory and to prove a theory are not always the same. The Sadducees, George Eliot, and countless others must have been shocked when their theory is proven wrong. Another "theory" contends the world will end with a “blast” (1 Thes. 4:16) as the “trumpet of God” announces the return of God’s Son. Everyone will witness His return (Rev. 1:7) just before the world is destroyed in a blazing inferno (2 Pet. 3:10). Unlike other "theories", this is a firsthand account of God Himself of the end of this world, a loud, violent, final conclusion that will not be followed by silence. Others say the world will ... 2. End in Peace. This is the hope of the Universalist who believes that in the end all will be saved. Hell is denied on the basis that God could not permit the suffering it depicts. God’s people have often known such “prophets of peace” (Jer. 6:14) who succeeded only in deceiving (Lam. 1:1-4). Many have been convinced that the world will end in peace, that life can be reincarnated and continue on in an endless cycle. In various forms the old message is still preached -- Peace, Peace. There will be peace, but not for all!! The truth is that the world will not end in silence, life will not always end in peace. The truth is that life ... 3. Will Never End. Created in the image of God and bestowed with the gift of a living, eternal soul, life will end but we will still live. Our destiny, whatever it might be, is eternal. Hell is real (Mat. 18:8). Heaven is too (John 14:1-3; 17:3). Both are of equal duration (Mt. 25:46). With this in mind, please read what God has to say to you in Revelation 20:11 - 21:8. Reflect for a moment on the choices you are making relating to the use of your time. "Our greatest danger in life is allowing the urgent things to crowd out the important" (Hummel). That is what Eve did when she made her crucial choice in Eden. Seizing the opportunity of the moment she lost the promise of forever. This is a moment of great significance. The choices you make as to how you will invest your time will determine where you will be when time is no more. In 200 years our occupation, possessions, net worth or favorite hobby will no longer be important. Then all that will matter is your eternal destiny. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO 5-15-02
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David Bragg
Memoirs of a Martyr
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son" |
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