Sermon Outlines

09/06/2023

IF GOD LOVES EVERYBODY, WHY WILL ANYBODY BE LOST?

By; Bobby Stafford

Introduction:

“If God loves everybody, why will anybody be lost?” M. Connelly The answer is: Love is a two-way street. Some will be lost because they do not return God’s love and refuse to follow His commandments.

Body:

Romans 1:15-18
“So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” NKJV There is no favoritism; God loves everyone. He has provided a way for all to be saved. Salvation comes through union with Christ.

Romans 2:6-11
“who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness – indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” NKJV God loves everyone, but some will not love God back. The gospel is for all. How we spend eternal life will be determined by the attitude of our heart. If we are self-seeking, tribulation will come to us.

Romans 3:23-26
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed. To demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” NKJV The gospel has the power to save. Redemption comes through Jesus and His grace. Everybody was offered grace, because all have sinned. One must accept grace by following His commandments. There is no demonstration of righteousness outside of Jesus. Therefore, they are not saved. God would not be just if He saved everyone. Not everyone is justified. There are those who do not return God’s love.

Conclusion:
God loves all and has provided a way for all to be saved. If I reject that, I will be lost; not because God did not love me, but because I would not love God.

12/04/2023

"AVOIDING THE FALL"

By: Eric Hicks

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-7

Introduction:

1. We can learn by our own mistakes. We can also learn from the mistakes of others; and so we should.

2. The OT is given for our learning and example –Ro 15:4, 1Co 10:6, 11

Proposition: We must take heed lest we fall.
Interrogative: How do we avoid the fall?
Transition: We avoid the fall today by knowing…

I. THE EXAMPLE OF ISRAEL -10:1-7

A. FIRST THEY STOOD –vs. 1-4

1. They were baptized into Moses and the sea
a. This references the safe passage through the Red sea –Ex 14
b. This foreshadows Christian baptism today

2. They ate the same spiritual food
a. This references the manna –Ex 16
b. This foreshadows the Bread from heaven (Jesus) –Jn 6:35, 48

3. They all drank of the spiritual Rock –Ex 17
a. The Rock was Christ then.
b. The Rock is still Christ today –E.g. The woman at the well –Jn 4:14

B. THEN THEY FELL –vs. 5-7

1. God was displeased with His people for their lack of faith.

2. Their bodies were scattered throughout the wilderness as a result.

II. THE STUMBLING BLOCKS OF THE DEVIL -10:8-11

A. LUSTING AFTER EVIL THINGS

1. They longed for the meat they had back in Egypt –Nu 11:4-6

2. We today must not long for the old sinful life that has been left behind.

B. IDOLATRY
1. Israel had corrupted them with the golden calf –Ex 32
2. An idol is anything put in place of God.

C. IMMORALITY
1. Israel had committed harlotry with the women of Moab –Nu 25:1-ff
2. We must keep ourselves pure and unspotted from the world –Ja 1:27

D. TEMPTED CHRIST
1. They tested God by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not” –Ex 17:7
2. We make our request to God in faith –Ja 1:5-8, Mt 6:8, He 11:6

E. COMPLAINING
1. They complained after receiving the bad report from the ten spies –Nu 14:1-4
2. We must not lose our faith and trust in our Lord. God keeps His word –He 6:18, Ti 1:2

III. THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD -10:12-13

A. THE FAITHFUL WARNING
1. We are to be confident of our spiritual standing.
2. We take heed by not toying with sin –E.g. Samson getting lying to Delilah.
3. We take heed by constantly feeding on the word of God -1Pe 2:2, He 5:12-14, Ac 17:11
4. We take heed by going to God in prayer -1Pe 5:7

B. THE FAITHFUL PROMISE
1. God always provides a way of escape that we may bear the temptation.
2. E.g. Joseph with Potiphar’s wife –Ge 39:11-13
3. Today we are to hold to what is good and abstain from evil -1Th 5:21-22

Conclusion:
1. Satan has strong power of influence. He is however, limited. He cannot make anyone sin.
2. We avoid falling from the grace of God by heeding the examples given and staying close to God through
His word, through prayer, and through fellowship with one another.

05/04/2023

“LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS”

By: Cartersville Church of Christ

Matt. 25:20-23

Introduction
I. It is not unreasonable to think that the Lord has expectations for mankind.
II. Without expectations, man would be left to his own ideas and thoughts (Judges 17:6;
21:25; Prov. 14:12).
III. Let us examine some of the expectations that Jesus has for us.

Discussion
I. Jesus expects us to know His Word.

A. The Jews were expected to know His Word, but failed to live up to expectations.
1. The Sabbath Day (Matt. 12:1-14).
2. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage (Matt. 19:1-9).

B. The disciples of the Lord were expected to know His Word, but sometimes failed to
live up to expectations.
1. Peter (Matt. 15:15-20).
2. Philip (John 14:8-14).

C. We are expected to know His Word, but do we fail to live up to His expectations?
1. Rightly divide the Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
2. Progress from milk to meat (Heb. 5:12-14).

D. Jesus knew the Word, and He does not expect anything of us that He was not
willing to do (Matt. 4:1-11).

II. Jesus expects us to obey His Word.

A. Are we wise or foolish (Matt. 7:24-27; cf. James 1:22).
B. He is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9).
C. If we love Him, we will obey Him (John 14:15).
D. Why do we call Him Lord if we do not obey (Luke 6:46; cf. Matt. 7:21-23)?
E. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22).
F. Do we obey, or do we fail to live up to His expectations?
G. Jesus obeyed the Word, and He does not expect anything of us that He was not
willing to do (John 6:38; Phil. 2:8)

III. Jesus expects us to preach and teach His Word.

A. Jesus expected His first century disciples to preach and teach His Word (Luke 9:1-
6; 10:1ff.)
B. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; cf. 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Cor. 9:16).
C. Jesus preached and taught the Word, and He does not expect anything of us that
He was not willing to do (Matt. 9:35; Mark 2:1ff.; 6:34).

Conclusion
I. Are we living up to the Lord's expectations?
II. If not, then we should humble ourselves and repent while there is opportunity.

05/04/2023

"THE SIN OF USING STRONG DRINK"
By G. E. Watkins

INTRODUCTION:
1. Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is
raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
2. The society you live in wants you to drink alcohol.
1) Drink it when you’re happy.
2) Drink it when you’re sad.
3) Drink it when you’re sociable.
4) Drink it when you’re eating.
5) Drink it when you go to bed.
6) Drink it early in the day.
3. They warn you to “drink responsibly” but drink.
4. They want you to drink even though:
1) There is a trail of wreckage caused by drinking.
2) Families destroyed. Marriages and children left in
the wreckage.
3) Vows broken and holiness sullied.
4) Friendships shattered.
5) Family violence.
6) Death on the road.
7) There is utter waste when the draw of alcohol slowly
saps the life of a once productive man or woman.
5. Let’s take a bit of time and find out what God, our
maker, has to say about the use of alcohol.
DISCUSSION:[ discussion of this sermon on alcohol ]
I. GOD TELLS US ABOUT NOAH’S DRUNKENNESS AFTER THE
FLOOD, GEN. 9:18FF. THE VERY FIRST MENTION OF WINE
BRINGS TRAGEDY.
II. PROV. 23:29-32,
1. vv. 29-30, Strong drink brings “woe, sorrow,
contentions, babbling, wounds without cause,
redness of eyes.”
2. vv. 30-33, Strong drink causes men to lie, seek
bad women…
3. vv. 31-32, If it’s wrong to look at intoxicating
drink, surely wrong to drink it!
III. LEV. 10:9, STRONG DRINK FORBIDDEN TO THE PRIESTS. 1
PET. 1:15-16.
IV. NUM. 6:1-3, FORBIDDEN TO THE NAZARITES
V. DAN. 1:8, DANIEL REFUSED TO TOUCH IT.
VI. JUDGES 13:4, 7, 12-14, SAMSON’S MOTHER NOT TO DRINK
IT.
VII. DEUT. 29:5-6, ISRAEL DID NOT DRINK IT IN THE
WILDERNESS.
VIII.PROV. 31:5-6, KINGS FORBIDDEN TO DRINK IT.
IX. ISA. 56:12, DRINK BLINDS MEN TO THE FUTURE FACTS
WHICH SHOULD BE FACED. JOEL 1:5
X. JOEL 3:3, STRONG DRINK SO WRECKED ISRAEL THAT THEY
“SOLD A GIRL FOR WINE, THAT THEY MIGHT DRINK.”
XI. PROV. 21:17. WINE IMPOVERISHES.
XII. ISA. 5:11-12. STRONG DRINK WILL CAUSE MEN TO “REGARD
NOT THE WORK OF THE LORD, NEITHER CONSIDER THE
OPERATION OF HIS HANDS.”
XIII.ISA. 28:1, 3, 7. “THEY ERR IN VISION, THEY STUMBLE IN
JUDGMENT.”
XIV. JER. 35:6, THE VOW OF THE RECHABITES.
XV. HOS. 4:11, WINE TAKES AWAY THE HEART, THE SENSES,
MAKES MEN ACT AS FOOLS.
XVI. HAB. 2:15, “WOE UNTO HIM THAT GIVETH HIS NEIGHBOUR
DRINK…”
CONCLUSION: [ end of this sermon on alcohol ]
1. The best wisdom that mankind has ever known warns us
from strong drink.
2. The mind of God, our Creator and sustainer, warns us
from strong drink.
3. We as Christians need to be holy and discern good and
evil.
4. Strong drink attacks that ability from the first sip.
5. Look around at the destruction that drink causes.
6. Vow today to leave it alone, be holy and discerning

04/04/2023

30/11/2022

The Absolute Necessity of Hearing God’s Word to be Saved

By: G.E Watkins

PROPOSITION: To teach the necessity of hearing God’s Word in order to salvation.

OBJECTIVE: That the hearer might understand that it is necessary to hear God’s Word for salvation.

INTRODUCTION: Read Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 11:6

1. Romans 10:17 stresses that faith comes through hearing God’s Word.

2. Hebrews 11:6 notes that faith is necessary in coming to God.

3. Proposition is settled right here.

4. Subject is important to counteract so-called “spirituality” today.

1) Direct operation

2) “Angel told me.”

3) “God spoke to me.”

4) “Felt led.”

5) “Felt God’s pleasure.”

6) “Can’t do anything good therefore God gave me faith.”

5. The Bible has much to say about hearing God’s word with regard to salvation.

6. STPO

[This hour we are going to study a very important aspect of salvation, that is, hearing God’s Word. I have titled the lesson “The Necessity of Hearing God’s Word.” I aim to set forth that it is absolutely necessary to hear God’s Word to be saved. I want you to leave this place understanding the importance of this matter.]

DISCUSSION: We can see the necessity of hearing God’s Word in salvation…

I. BY NOTING WHAT IT MEANS TO HEAR.

1. We can exclude the type of hearing done before the stoning of Stephen. Acts 7:54

2. We can exclude the hearing of many Pharisees, John 12:36b-43. (note “report”) v. 38 implies hearing.

3. We can exclude the hearing of many disciples, John 6:66.

4. We can include the hearing commanded by God. Deuteronomy 6:3.”Hear and observe to do it.”

5. The kind of hearing that profits has the attitude “The Lord Speaks, I Obey.”

1) Samuel, 1 Samuel 3:9, 10.

2) Micaiah, 1 Kings 22:14.

3) Noah, Genesis 6:13-22; 7:5.

6. “Hearing” has become a figure for the reception of all kinds of communication. For ex. the written word. Romans 10:17; John 20:30, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:37

[We can see the necessity of hearing in salvation by noting what it means to hear. It means to receive the Lord’s instructions with the thought “The Lord speaks, I obey.”]

We can see the necessity of hearing in salvation…

II. BY LEARNING THAT FAITH CANNOT BE GAINED WITHOUT IT.

1. Sin separates from God. Isaiah 59:1, 2; Romans 6:23.

2. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23.

3. Faith is a necessity. Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:16.

4. God has ordained that hearing His Word is necessary to gain faith. Romans 10:17; Acts 15:7; Romans 1:16.

We can see the necessity of hearing God’s Word in salvation…

III. BY THE ROLE HEARING PLAYED IN THE CASES OF CONVERSION.

1. Acts 2:22, 37, Pentecost.

2. Acts 3:12; 4:4, Beautiful Gate.

3. Acts 8:5, 6, 12, Samaritans.

4. Acts 8:35, Ethiopian Nobleman. (v. 36, hearing implied)

5. Acts 9:42f, in Joppa.

6. Acts 10:5 (11:14), Cornelius.

7. Acts 13:7, 12, Proconsul on Cyprus.

8. Acts 16:14, 15, Lydia.

9. Acts 17:32, 34, Athenians.

CONCLUSION: We can see the necessity of hearing God’s Word in salvation…

1. By noting what it means to hear.

2. By learning that faith cannot be gained without it.

3. By the role hearing played in the cases of conversion.

4. Are you waiting for a direct operation…

1) to tell you what to do to be saved?

2) to tell you how to be forgiven?

3) to tell you how to handle problems in child rearing, marriage, employment, etc.?

5. Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6.

11/08/2021

"GETTING READY TO GROW"

INTRODUCTION

1. Not all churches are prepared to grow in number and in spirit...
a. Consider the church at Laodicea - Re 3:15-19
b. Even if a successful evangelist had come and converted many, how many would have remained faithful in a spiritual environment such as that?

2. For churches to grow, they must look beyond their evangelistic efforts...
a. For the mortality rate of new converts is often high
b. Unless a congregation is prepared to assimilate and nurture new converts, any success in evangelism may be short-lived

3. To have real, enduring growth, we must get ready to grow!
a. Preparing ourselves as a congregation
b. Preparing ourselves as individuals members of a congregation

[What is necessary in "Getting Ready To Grow"? First, allow me to suggest...]

I. WHAT WE MUST DO AS A CONGREGATION

A. OFFER ASSEMBLIES THAT EDIFY...

1. The first exposure many have to the gospel is by visiting a local congregation
a. What do they see and hear? Do they see love? - cf. Jn 13:34-35
b. Does it draw them closer to God? - cf. 1Co 14:25b
c. Do our visitors experience courtesy, warmth, and interest in spiritual matters?
-- Not all churches provide the right environment conducive for worship and spiritual growth - e.g., 1Co 11:17; 14:26b

2. New converts often depend heavily upon the spiritual nourishment provided by the assemblies, and rightly so - cf. He 10:24-25
a. Excited by their new-found faith, anxious to grow quickly, they attend all the services of the church
b. What do they find? Half-hearted services? Sparsely attended by older members?

3. If we are serious about growing...
a. Those who lead us in our assemblies will take their tasks seriously
1) Coming prepared to serve their role
2) Doing so gladly and with enthusiasm

b. Every member will do what they can to make our assemblies edifying to all
1) Arriving early to welcome and visit with visitors, other members
2) Participating whole-heartedly in the singing, prayers,etc.
3) Staying around and visiting afterward

B. ASSIMILATE AND NURTURE NEW MEMBERS...

1. As valuable as our assemblies may be, they are not always adequate by themselves
a. New members may remain "on the fringe"
1) Left out of the "family life" of the congregation (activities that members do together)
2) Remain "on the fringe" for long, and they may begin looking elsewhere
b. Babes in Christ often require special attention and nurturing
1) New converts often bring with them many personal problems
2) They need the concern and care of interested, mature Christians - Ro 15:1-3
3) Otherwise they may soon "wither away"

[What does it take for a congregation provide such things? It begins with what we are willing to do individually, for a congregation is no stronger or ready to grow than its members are willing to be. Let me therefore suggest...]

II. WHAT WE MUST DO AS INDIVIDUALS

A. STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD...

1. Why is this so important?
a. Others must see in us the blessings of walking with God
- not simply the pride of knowing about the Lord!
b. We cannot share what we do not have!

2. No matter how strong our relationship with God, we can always improve
a. Paul recognized this in his own life - Php 3:12-15
b. Peter wrote that our spiritual growth must always be increasing - 2Pe 1:5-8

3. Therefore we must continue to add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge...
a. Much of this is accomplished through personal and daily devotions - Ps 1:1-3
b. But personal efforts must be accompanied by frequent assembling - He 10:24-25

B. STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER...

1. Why is this important?
a. Our love and unity is a powerful witness for Christ - Jn13:34-35; 17:20-21
b. A strong network of Christians is essential to assimilate and nurture new Christians

2. No matter how strong our relationship with one another, we can always improve
a. As Paul exhorted the Thessalonians - 1Th 4:9-10
b. As Peter wrote to Christians in general - 1Pe 1:22

3. Therefore we must seek out opportunities to strengthen our bond in Christ...
a. Regular attendance is certainly a great help - He 10:24-25
b. And so is simple hospitality (both offered, and accepted) - 1Pe 4:8-9

C. DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LOST...

1. Why is this important?
a. Light must shine in darkness to be of much value - Mt 5:14-16
b. If people are sick, those with the cure must be willing to be among them - cf. Mt 9:10-13
c. The right example can prepare people to receive the Word- cf. 1Pe 3:1-2
d. Relationships with the lost can serve as the basis forcontinued relationships with them after they are saved

2. Developing relationships with the lost is an on-going process
a. If an effort to share the gospel is not well-received, we may need to move on - Mt 7:6
b. Just as Jesus could not stay in one place, we cannot limitour outreach to just a few friends, relatives, and neighbors - cf. Lk 4:42-44

3. Therefore we must always be on the lookout for new relationships with the lost...
a. Simple hospitality will go a long way (both offered and accepted) - cf. Mt 9:9-13
1) Matthew extended hospitality to his friends soon afterJesus called him
2) Jesus accepted the opportunity to eat and be with the lost
b. Inviting the lost to our assemblies can be very profitable
1) Giving them an opportunity to meet other Christians
2) With whom they may also develop relationships

CONCLUSION

1. To be useful to the Master, an individual must prepare himself
- 2Ti 2:21-22

2. The same is true regarding churches...
a. A congregation that has prepared itself will be used by the Lord
b. Just as the Lord was willing to provide an open door for the church in Philadelphia - Re 3:8

3. As we have seen, we must prepare ourselves both as a congregation, and as individuals...
a. But the onus rests mostly upon us as individuals
b. For a chain is no stronger than its weakest link
c. If we as individuals fail to do our part, any effort by the
congregation as a whole is greatly weakened, if not mortally wounded!

Do we really want to grow? As with the physical body, the only alternative to growth is gradual decay and death.

Shall we be like the church at Laodicea, or the church at Philadelphia? The answer may very well be found on whether we are "Getting Ready To Grow"!

29/07/2021

"IS YOUR BAPTISM SCRIPTURAL?"

INTRODUCTION

1. The necessity of baptism is quite clear in the Scriptures...
a. Jesus commanded baptism - Mt 28:19; Mk 16:16
b. His apostles and teachers commanded baptism - Ac 2:38; 10:47-48

2. Many denominations practice some form of baptism, yet vary as to..
a. The mode of baptism (immersion, pouring, sprinkling)
b. The subject of baptism (infants, those old enough to repent and believe)
c. The purpose of baptism (to be saved, to show that one is saved)

3. The Bible teaches that there is one baptism (Ep 4:5)...
a. Just as there is only one Lord, one faith
b. We can no more say there can be different baptisms than there can be different Lords!

4. Which raises several questions. One may have been baptized in some manner...
a. But was it scriptural?
b. Was it the one baptism commanded by the Lord?
c. Might one need to be re-baptized (or rather, scripturally baptized for the first time)?

[To aid us in answering such questions, let's first consider...]

I. AN EXAMPLE OF RE-BAPTISM

A. THE DISCIPLES AT EPHESUS...

1. Paul found some "disciples" at Ephesus - Ac 19:1

2. He inquired as to whether they received the Spirit when they believed - Ac 19:2

3. From the context, we know Paul had in mind the miraculous reception of the Spirit by the laying on of hands by an apostle
- Ac 19:6-7; cf. 8:17-19

4. Their lack of knowledge regarding the Spirit made Paul question their baptism - Ac 19:2-3a
a. Christ commanded a baptism in the name of the Holy Spiri - cf. Mt 28:19
b. How could they have been scripturally baptized if they had not even heard of the Spirit?

5. They had been baptized into John's baptism - Ac 19:3b

6. Paul explains that John's baptism was to prepare people for Christ - Ac 19:4

7. Hearing the difference, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5
-- Thus we have an example of "re-baptism" in the New Testament

B. REGARDING THEIR RE-BAPTISM...

1. They had been previously "baptized"

2. But their baptism was lacking in some way
a. Even though it was immersion
b. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - cf. Mk 1:4

3. But their baptism was not in the name of Jesus (see below) – Ac 2:38; 10:48; 19:5
-- Because their baptism lacked an essential element, "re-baptism" was necessary!

[May we not conclude that if our baptism lacks an essential element, then "re-baptism" is necessary? To determine whether "re-baptism" is
required of us, let's review the...]

II. ELEMENTS OF SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM

A. THE PROPER MODE...

1. Baptism in the New Testament was a burial - Ro 6:3; Col 2:12

2. The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse, to plunge, to dip"

3. "For thirteen hundred years was baptism an immersion of the person under water." - Brenner (Catholic)

4. "Baptism means immersion; and it was immersion...Unless it had been so, Paul's analogical argument about our being buried with
Christ in baptism would have had no meaning. Nothing could have been simpler than baptism in its first form. When a convert declared his faith in Christ, he was taken at once to the nearest pool or stream of water and plunged into it, and henceforward he was recognized as one of the Christian community." - Cunningham (Episcopalian) -- The Biblical mode of baptism is immersion in water!

B. THE PROPER AUTHORITY...

1. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ - Ac 2:38; 10:48; 19:5

2. That is, by His authority, and not by the authority of someone else

3. Which would have been a baptism into the name of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son, as Jesus Himself commanded – Mt 28:19
-- The Biblical authority of baptism is from Jesus Christ and no other!

C. THE PROPER PURPOSE...

1. Baptism was for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16

2. Made possible by the fact one is buried with Christ into His death when they are baptized - Ro 6:3; Col 2:12

3. Augustine refers to the "apostolic tradition, by which the Churches of Christ maintain it to be an inherent principle,
that without baptism...it is impossible for any man to attain to salvation and everlasting life."

4. "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) and through such death to eternal life. Therefore it is necessary that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." - Martin Luther (commentary on Ro 6:3) -- The Biblical purpose of baptism is for the remission of sins, to be saved!

D. THE PROPER SUBJECT...

1. Baptism was commanded of those capable of repentance - Ac 2:38

2. Baptism was permitted for those who possessed faith - Ac 8:37; cf. Mk 16:16
3. What about infant baptism?

a. "It cannot be proved by the sacred Scriptures that infant baptism was instituted by Christ, or begun by the first Christians after the apostles." - Martin Luther, On Rebaptism
b. "Infant baptism was established neither by Christ nor the apostles. In all places where we find the necessity of baptism notified, either in a dogmatic or historical point of view, it is evident that it was only meant for those who were capable of comprehending the word preached, and of being converted to Christ by an act of their own will." - Jacobi, Article on Baptism in Kitto's Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, Vol. I, p. 287
-- The Biblical subject for baptism is a penitent believer!

[Remember, when one element was lacking, "re-baptism" was commanded (Ac19:1-7). In that case, it was despite having the proper mode, purpose,and subject! Having surveyed the essential elements of scripturalbaptism, consider some cases...]

III. WHEN RE-BAPTISM IS NECESSARY

A. IF OUR BAPTISM INVOLVED THE WRONG MODE...
1. Such as pouring or sprinkling
2. As practiced by Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists and others
3. Our baptism lacked the proper mode (immersion)-- "Re-baptism" would be therefore be necessary

B. IF OUR BAPTISM INVOLVED THE WRONG AUTHORITY...
1. If we were baptized by the authority of anyone other than Jesus
2. Such as Ellen G. White (Seventh Day Adventists), The Watch Tower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses), Joseph Smith (Mormons),
and others
3. Our baptism was not by the only proper authority (Jesus Christ) -- "Re-baptism" would be therefore be necessary

C. IF OUR BAPTISM INVOLVED THE WRONG PURPOSE...
1. If we were baptized as a public confession of faith (thinking we were already saved)
2. As practiced by most Baptists, Assemblies Of God and many others
3. Our baptism was not for the right purpose (remission of sins)-- "Re-baptism" would be required to ensure we have been scripturally baptized

D. IF OUR BAPTISM INVOLVED THE WRONG SUBJECTS...
1. If when baptized we were not penitent believers

2. As is the case when people are baptized...
a. When all their friends are doing it
b. Because their spouse, fiancé, or parents are pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God)
c. As infants incapable of faith or repentance
3. Our baptism was lacking the right subjects (penitent believers) -- Our need for "re-baptism" would be just as great!

CONCLUSION

1. Remember, there is only one baptism (Ep 4:5)...
a. Baptism commanded by the authority of Jesus Christ - Mt 28:18-19; Mk 16:16
b. Baptism for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16
c. Baptism which is a burial, an immersion in water - Ac 8:38; 10: 47-48; Ro 6:3; Col 2:12
d. Baptism which requires a penitent believer - Ac 2:38; 8:37

2. My purpose has not been to unduly trouble one's assurance of salvation...
a. But to make one's calling and election sure - cf. 2Pe 1:10
b. To examine ourselves as to whether we are truly in the faith - cf. 2Co 13:5

Because of the many baptisms taught and practiced in the religious world, we must never hesitate to ask "Is our baptism scriptural?" If
not, then as Ananias told Saul of Tarsus:

"...why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away
your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Ac 22:16

26/07/2021

"HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?"

INTRODUCTION

1. During His earthly ministry, Jesus challenged His disciples to give...
a. As recorded by Luke - Lk 6:38; cf. 12:13-34
b As stated by Paul - Ac 20:33-35

2. In his epistles, Paul commanded Christians to give...
a. To lay by in store weekly, for the needs of the saints - 1Co 16: 1-2
b. To work, so that we might give to those in need - Ep 4:28
c. To be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share - 1 Ti 6:17-19
d. To do good and share - He 13:16

3. A question that often comes up is "How Much Should I Give?"...
a. The Law of Moses was very explicit (tithing commanded of Israel)
b. The New Covenant is not as explicit (there is no command for Christians to tithe)

[Yet Christians are not left without assistance regarding giving. Consider first that we have...]

I. EXAMPLES TO INSPIRE US

A. FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT...

1. Abraham gave a tithe (ten percent) to Melchizedek - Gen 14:20

2. Jacob promised to give a tenth to God on his safe return – Gen 28:20-22

3. Israel's freewill offerings for the tabernacle - Exo 35:4-5,21, 29; 36:5-7

4. David and Israel's freewill offerings for the temple - 1 Chr 29:3,9-15

5. Israel's tithing to God
a. One tenth to the Levites (who in turn gave a tenth to the priests) - Num 18:21-28
b. One tenth for the festive celebration - Deut 12:5-18
c. One tenth every third year for the poor - Deut 14:28-29

6. Israel's guidelines for the land
a. Leave that which grows of itself in the seventh year to the poor - Exo 23:10-11
b. Allow people to satisfy their hunger - Deut 23:24-25; cf. Lk 6:1
c. Leave the corners and gleanings for the poor - Lev 19:9-10; Deut 24:19-22

7. The Lord's release: debt release for the poor every seventh year - Deut 15:1-4
-- The Old Testament provided Israel with a rich history of giving, though some did not give as they should - cf. Mal 3:8-10

B. FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT...

1. Zacchaeus, who gave half to the poor - Lk 19:8

2. The widow and her two mites - Lk 21:1-4

3. The meticulous tithing of the Pharisees - cf. Mt 23:23

4. The Christians in Jerusalem - Ac 2:44-45; 4:34-35

5. Barnabas, who sold land - Ac 4:36-37

6. The disciples in Antioch - Ac 11:27-30

7. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia - Ro 15:25-26; 2Co 8:1-5

8. The brethren in Philippi, who helped Paul once and again – Ph 1:3-5; 4:14-18
-- The New Testament provides us with a rich history of giving, the greatest example being the gift of Jesus Christ - cf. Jn 3:16; 2Co 8:9

[With such examples to inspire to us, we should want to give! But again we ask, "How Much Should I Give?" Instead of any set percentage (e.g.,ten percent), in the New Testament we have...]

II. PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE US

A. AS WE PROSPER...

1. Paul charged Christians to give as they prosper - 1Co 16:1-2

2. He instructed them to give according to what they have - 2 Co8:12-13
-- Our giving should be in keeping with the level of our prosperity

B. SEEK TO EXCEL...

1. Paul called for Christians to abound (excel, ESV) in the grace of giving - 2Co 8:7

2. With God's aid, we can abound in every good work - 2Co 9:8-10

3. Jesus tells us to surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees (remember their meticulous tithing?) - Mt 5:20; cf. Mt 23:23 -- If the Pharisees gave tithes (actually 20-30%), do we surpass them by giving any less?

C. DO SO WILLINGLY...

1. There must be a willing mind prompting our giving - 2Co 8:12

2. We cannot give with a grudging obligation or of necessity- 2Co 9:5,7
-- We must give because we want to, not because we have to

D. AIM FOR EQUALITY...
1. Paul did not expect others to be eased at our expense - 2 Co 8:13

2. Rather, that our abundance supply others' lack - 2Co 8:14

3. Moving in the direction of more equality between brethren- 2Co 8:14-15
-- Giving should be in the direction of the greater to the lesser (both as individuals and as congregations)

E. SOW BOUNTIFULLY...

1. Again, our giving should seek to excel (abound) - 2Co 8:7

2. If you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully - 2Co 9:6

3. Not for personal gain, but to abound for even more good works - 2Co 9:8-10
-- Seek to give bountifully, that you might give even more!

F. GIVE PURPOSELY...

1. Each one is to give as they purpose in their heart - 2Co 9:7

2. That is, with careful planning and intention, not as an afterthought
-- Budget beforehand to give purposely and willingly (see below)

G. WITH CHEERFULNESS...

1. God loves a cheerful giver - 2Co 9:7

2. Giving cannot be with a begrudging spirit, or sense of obligation
-- If we cannot give cheerfully, then our giving is not acceptable to God!

[These principles are the guidelines that are given the Christian to govern his or her giving. They are more than adequate to guide us to give as we should. But in the spirit of He 10:24, here are some...]

III. SUGGESTIONS TO STIMULATE US

A. MANY SUGGEST AT LEAST TEN PERCENT...

1. This is often suggested as a bare minimum
a. Yet even the Pharisees gave 20-30 percent to the Lord and to the poor!
b. Paul appealed to the example of sacrificial giving
(Macedonians and the Lord) when he sought to motivate the Corinthians to give - 2Co 8:1-9

2. Consider these statistics (taken from GenerousGiving.org)...
a. The average donation by adults who attend U.S. Protestant churches is about $17/wk
b. Among church members of 11 primary Protestant denominations
(or their historical antecedents) in the United States and Canada, per-member giving as a percentage of income was lower in 2000 than in either 1921 or 1933
1) In 1921, per-member giving as a percentage of income was 2.9 percent
2) In 1933, at the depth of the Great Depression, per-member giving grew to 3.3 percent
3) By 2000, after a half-century of unprecedented prosperity giving had fallen to 2.6 percent

c. Overall, only 3 to 5 percent of Americans who donate money to a church tithe (give a tenth of) their incomes though many more claim to do so
-- We have so much for which to be thankful; should we give any less than what God's people gave in the past?

B. BUDGET OUR GIVING...

1. We must give as we have purposed in our hearts - 2Co 9:7

2. As we prosper, plan our budgets accordingly
a. Include a special place in our budgets for our planned giving
b. To follow the principle of giving God the first fruits, calculate our giving on pretax amounts, not on what is left after the government takes its share - Pr 3:9

3. Budget not just what we give to the church, but to others aswell - cf. Ga 6:10
a. E.g., 8 percent for the church
b. E.g., 2 percent for other charitable giving
-- Cheerful giving is easy when we have already set aside what we planned to give

C. SEEK TO EXCEL IN THE GRACE OF GIVING...

1. Certainly when we sow bountifully, we reap bountifully - 2 Co 9:6

2. God is willing to multiply the seed we have sown and increase the fruits of our righteousness, that we might have an abundance for every good work - 2Co 9:8-10

3. As income increases, why not increase the percentage of giving on additional income?
a. E.g., 10% on the first 30K, 15% on the next 10K, 20% on the next 10K, etc.
b. Or increase the overall percentage of your giving by 1% more each year

4. When we are enriched for all liberality (i.e., blessed to give more), it produces much thanksgiving to God by those who are the beneficiaries of our giving) - 2Co 9:11-14
-- We should seek to excel in giving, to increase thanksgiving and praise to God by those who see the work of God's grace in our lives!

CONCLUSION

1. "How Much Should I Give?" is not an easy question to answer...
a. There is no set percentage given to Christians in the New Testament
b. It is really between you and God as to how much you should give

2. But we have considered in this lesson...
a. Examples to inspire us
b. Principles to guide us
c. Suggestions to stimulate us

3. Based on the above, my personal recommendations are these...
a. Budget your giving to the Lord and to the poor, making it a priority item in your budget
b. Start out by giving ten percent of your gross income
c. Gradually increase the rate of your giving as your income increases
d. Give, not to be seen of men, but to glorify your Father in heaven - cf. Mt 5:16; 6:1-4
e. Give, not to earn salvation, but to lay up treasure in heaven - cf. Tit 3:4-7;1Ti 6:17-19; Mt 6:19-20

Have you given much thought lately to how much you should give? I hope in some way I have encouraged you to consider how you might excel in the grace of giving...

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly
or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an
abundance for every good work.