Liberty Northwest Church of Christ

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THE LIBERTY LETTER - 156 The New Testament Church Of Christ “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And...
09/02/2026

THE LIBERTY LETTER - 156 The New Testament Church Of Christ

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26, KJV).

Loved ones, Jesus Christ said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18). By using the word “it,” He declared He built only one. It therefore makes a difference what we believe. We cannot afford to be mistaken. The Bible holds the answer, so let’s unlock the door and see for ourselves.

The church is a membership of people called the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23). There is one body, thus, one church (Ephesians 4:4). Jesus is the head of the body – the church (Colossians 1:18).

The record of the past twenty centuries reveal the facts concerning the appearance of many man-made religious bodies. Below we will list just a few (16) of the prominent so-called “Christian” churches by founder, place, and time of establishment.

Roman Catholic – Boniface III – Rome – 606 A.D.

Greek Orthodox – Michael Cerularius – 1054 A.D.

Lutheran – Martin Luther – Germany – 1517 A.D.

Anglican – King Henry VIII – England – 1534 A.D.

Presbyterian – John Calvin – Switzerland – 1536 A.D.

Congregational – Robert Browne – England – 1550 A.D.

Baptist – John Smythe – Rhode Island – 1607 A.D.

Quakers – George Fox – England – 1654 A.D.

Methodist – John Wesley – England – 1739 A.D.

Latter Day Saints (Mormons) – Joseph Smith Jr. – America – 1830 A.D.

7th Day Adventists William – Ellen G. White – England –1830 A.D.

Salvation Army – William Booth – England – 1865 A.D.

Christian Science – Mary Baker – California – 1866 A.D.

Jehovah Witnesses – Charles T. Russell – Pennsylvania – 1872 A.D.

Pentecostalism – Charles Parham – California – 1900 A.D.

Church of God in Christ – Charles Mason – Memphis – 1907 A.D.

The New Testament Church Of Christ

Divine prophecy, miracles, inspired history, and eyewitness testimony affirm that the body (church) of Christ began in Jerusalem, on the day of Pentecost in 33 A.D.

IT’S FOUNDER – CHRIST
He is purchaser, Acts 20:28
He is builder, Matt. 16:18
He is head, Eph. 5:23
He is lawgiver, Acts 2:36
He is Savior, Eph. 5:23
Did Jesus Christ Establish Your Church?

IT’S FOUNDATION – THE SON OF GOD
“This rock … the Christ of God,” Matt. 16:18
The “laid foundation,” 1 Cor. 3:11
The "tried" foundation, Isa. 28:16
The “apostolic” foundation, Eph. 2:20
Is Christ Or Man The Foundation Of Your Church?

IT’S ORIGIN – A.D. 33 IN JERUSALEM
After hades tried but failed to hold its builder, Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:31
While the apostles lived, Mark 9:1
When the Holy Spirit and power came, Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4
When the "word of the Lord" went "forth from Jerusalem, Isa. 2:2-3; Luke 24:49
Did Your Church Begin At Jerusalem On Pentecost, A.D. 33?

IT’S DESIGNATIONS – BY APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
Christ called it:
My church, Matt. 16:18
My kingdom, Luke 22:30; John 18:36
The Kingdom of Heaven, Matt. 16:19
The Kingdom of God, John 3:5; Luke 22:16
Apostles called it:
The church, Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22; 3:10; 5:23-32
The church of the Lord, Acts 20:28
The church of God, 1 Cor. 1:2
Churches of Christ (Sing. "church of Christ"), Rom. 16:16
The house of God, 1 Tim. 3:15
The household of God, Eph. 2:19
The household of faith, Gal. 6:10
The Kingdom of God, Acts 28:23, 31
The Kingdom of God's dear Son, Col. 1:13
A Kingdom which cannot be shaken, Heb. 12:28
Is Your Church Mentioned By The Apostles?

IT’S MEMBERSHIP – PERSONS WHO:
Hear the word of the gospel, Rom. 10:17; Acts 18:8
Believe the gospel, Acts 18:8
Repent of their sins, Acts 2:38, 47
Confess the Christ, Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10
Are baptized:
Buried, Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12
In water, Acts 8:36-39; 10:47-48
To wash away sins, Acts 22:16
For remission of sins, Acts 2:38
Into Christ, Gal. 3:27
Into the one body, the church, 1 Cor. 12:13
To be saved, Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21
Have You Met These Conditions?

IT’S WORSHIP – IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH (John 4:24)
Communion, 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:20-30; Acts 20:7
Singing, Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16
Praying, Acts 2:42; 1 Thess. 5:17, 25
Giving, 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7
Preaching/Teaching, Acts 2:42; 2 Tim. 4:2
Does Your Church Worship Only In These Acts?

IT’S WORK – SAVING SOULS
Preaching the gospel, 1 Thess. 1:8; Acts 8:25; 14:7, 21
Providing for its poor, Acts 4:34-35; 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:16 Edifying itself, Eph. 4:11-16
Is Your Church Working The Works Of God Or Men?

IT’S UNITY – UNDENOMINATIONAL
The Savior prayed for it, John 17:20-21
The apostles pled for it, 1 Cor. 1:10
The apostles present the plan of it, Eph. 4:4-6
ONE Body – unity in organism (parts), Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27
ONE Spirit – unity in life, 1 Cor. 1:10; Gal. 5:22-24
ONE hope – unity in trust, 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Pet. 1:3-4
ONE Lord – unity in authority, 1 Cor. 8:5-6
ONE Faith – unity in message, Gal. 1:6-12
ONE Baptism – unity in practice, Acts 10:47-48
As regards subjects – believers, Acts 8:12
As regards action – a burial, Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4
As regards design – salvation, Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21
ONE God — unity in worship, 1 Cor. 8:5-6
The faithful perpetuate it, Eph. 4:1-3
Is Your Church A Denomination?

IT’S UNIVERSALITY – ALL NATIONS
The commission of its heralds is world-wide, Matt. 28:18-20
Its scope involves every race, color, and tongue, Mark 16:15-16
Its invitation is to all, Rev. 22:17
Its duration is age lasting, 1 Cor. 15:23-26
Its fellowship is for the obedient, 1 John 1:7
Its benefits are eternal, 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Rev. 22:2
Is Your Church Universal In Time And Membership?

IT’S MESSAGE/DOCTRINE - THE GOSPEL
Facts to believe:
Death of Christ for man’s sins, 1 Cor. 15:1-3
Burial of Christ, 1 Cor. 15:4
Resurrection of Christ, 1 Cor. 15:4; Rom.1:4
Commands to obey:
Hear the word, Acts 10:22, 33; 15:7
Believe in Christ, Mark 16:16; John 8:24; Acts 16:31
Repent of sins, Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30
Be baptized, Matt. 28:19; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21
Promises to enjoy:
Remission of sins, Luke 1:77; Acts 2:38; 3:19
Communion of the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 13:14
Eternal life, Rev. 2:10; 22:14

Christ is the Lawgiver, Eph. 5:24; James 4:12
The Holy Spirit is the Revealer, 1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 3:1-6
The apostles' teaching is its manual, Acts 2:42; Eph. 2:20 Is The Doctrine Of Your Church The Apostles' Pure Gospel Only?

IT’S GOVERNMENT – AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY
In heaven is its head, Eph. 1:19-21; 4:8-10
From heaven came its law, Eph. 1:22; 4:11-16; Rom. 8:2
Under heaven it serves, Eph. 5:23-24
Toward heaven it worships, John 4:24; Acts 12:5
Is The Government Of Your Church From Heaven Or Men?

IT’S LIFE – DEVOTION
To The Word Of Christ, Col. 3:16
As the eternal word, Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:25
As the inspired word, 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:13
As the life giving word, Matt. 4:4
As the infallible word, Psalm 119:160
As the saving word, James 1:21
As the complete sufficient word, 2 Tim. 3:16-17
As the powerful word, Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16
As the comforting word, 1 Thess. 4:14-18
To The Example Of Christ, 1 Pet. 2:21
Toward His family, Luke 2:51; John 19:26-27
Toward His heavenly Father, John 5:30; 6:38; 8:29; Luke 22:42
Toward civil government, Matt. 22:15-22
Toward His enemies, Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 23:34
Toward lost men, Matt. 18:11; Luke 19:10
Toward the church itself, Eph. 5:25
Is Your Church Devoted To The Word And Example Of Christ?

IT’S ORGANIZATION – CONGREGATIONAL
Organically independent of every other local church
Self-governing under Christ, the heavenly bishop, Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4
With bishops (elders, pastors, presbyters) who feed, tend, oversee, and rule the flock among them, Acts 20:17; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17
With deacons to serve, 1 Tim. 3:8-13
With members who minister in word and deed,
1 Cor. 12:24-27
Does Your Church Have Any Organization Greater Than A Localized Arrangement?

IT’S ENABLING GRACE – ETERNAL LOVE
Gives the Lamb's body for sacrifice, Heb. 9:26-28
Gives the Lamb's blood for atonement, Heb. 9:14
Gives the Priest to intercede, Heb. 7:21-28
Gives the Prophet to teach, Heb. 1:1-2; Acts 3:22-23
Gives the King to rule, 1 Tim. 6:15
Gives the Judge to reward, Matt. 25:31-46
Gives heaven as its hope, 1 Cor. 15:19; 1 Pet. 1:3-5
Does Your Church Look Heavenward For Help?

IT’S DESTINY – HEAVEN
By heaven’s wisdom it was purposed, Eph. 3:10-11
By heaven's love it was purchased, Eph. 5:25; Acts 20:28
By heaven's grace it is kept, Rom. 5:2; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 4:16 For heaven's glory it hopes, 2 Tim. 2:10; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:1, 10
To heaven it will go, 1 Pet. 1:4; Col. 1:5
In heaven it will remain, 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:24
In heaven it shall rest, Heb. 4:8-11
Is Heaven The Destiny Of Your Church?

FROM HEAVEN TO YOU – THE WAY OF SALVATION

1. Through What Does God Speak To Man Today? His Son, Heb. 1:1-2; Matt. 17:1-8; Heb. 3:1.

2. If Christ Is Now At The Father's Right Hand In Heaven, How Can He Speak Now? Through the apostles whom He chose before He left the earth, Acts 1:1-2; John 15:16, 26-27; Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke24:44-49.

3. Since all the apostles are dead, how can Christ speak through then now? They have put in writing what they once delivered orally, 1 Tim. 3:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 3:3-4; John 20:30-31; John 21:24-25.

4. Where then must we look to find what God says? In the apostles' teaching – their writings, the New Testament, 1 Pet. 1:12; Eph. 3:5; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 3:15-16.

5. Is there any spiritual need to which the apostles' teaching (doctrine) does not supply the answer? No. John 7:17; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Pet. 1:1-10; 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

6. Was the Holy Spirit active in revealing the will of God through the apostles? Yes. Christ promised the Holy Spirit to the apostles for their comfort and infallible guide in the things they revealed, John 14:15-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-14; Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:5, 8; 1 Pet. 1:12; Eph. 3:5.

7. Does the one true church serve as the preserver of the apostles' teaching? No, the church is the result of the apostles’ teaching when their teaching is believed and obeyed, Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:2; 15:1-4.

8. Does the one true church as the interpreter of the apostles' teaching? No, every person who can read intelligently the apostles writing can understand their knowledge of the things God has revealed through them. Eph. 3:1-7; John 20:30-31; 1 Tim. 3:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16- 17.

9. Does the one true church have a creed? Only in the sense that Jesus Christ is the fulness of God and, as the Son of God, is therefore the object of the believer’s faith; i.e., “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Matt. 16:16; Col. 2:16; John 20:30-31.

10. Since Jesus Christ is the Son of God, to what is He entitled? To everything He claimed for Himself – “All authority, in heaven and on earth,” Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:5-11.

11. Since Christ has all authority, what necessarily implied? That He has the God-given right to command all men everywhere to obey Him. Heb. 5:8-9; Matt. 17:5; Acts 17:30-31.

12. What commands does He issue to sinners to make them saints? That they believe Him to be God's Son, John 8:24; Acts 16: 31. That they repent of their sins. Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 17:30-31. That they be baptized for remission of sins. Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21.

13. What commands does He issue to saints? That they observe all things whatsoever He has commanded His apost1es to teach, Matt. 28:20.

14. Does Christ give any motives for obeying Him? Yes. Promises to the obedient, Mark 16:15-16; Heb. 5:8-9 Warnings to the disobedient, Mark 16: 16; 2 Thess. 1:7-9.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35) – 1 September 2026

08/31/2026

30 August 26

5th Sunday Singing Worship Service

08/31/2026

30 August 2026

Sunday Bible Class with Larry Linder - Evangelizing the Lost

SOME THINGS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER - 7Worship That Really Matters. The Bible Is All We Need. The Importance Of The Resurrec...
08/29/2026

SOME THINGS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER - 7

Worship That Really Matters. The Bible Is All We Need. The Importance Of The Resurrection.

WORSHIP THAT REALLY MATTERS

“23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24, KJV).

Loved ones, for faithful, devoted children of God, worship is certainly the highlight of each week. It is a blessed privilege and an honor to bow before the Great I Am. Jesus placed worship as a high priority (Luke 4:16). Sadly, far too often worship has been decreased to merely a "ritual" or an empty routine (Matthew 15:7-9).

God is the Audience in worship, and as such, He not only deserves, but He demands our full attention and devotion. How tragic when individuals fail to really worship the God of Heaven. Many professing Christians merely go through a series of rehearsed actions only to walk away without ever biblically worshipping.

Jesus spoke regarding worship that really matters as He sat by Jacob's well and conversed with a Samaritan woman. He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Firstly, worship is aimed at the proper person, "God is a Spirit...." What is often passed off as worship in the 21st century is simply entertaining the attendees. Man has become "center stage," and he must be dazzled and astonished. We rate the preacher's performance, the song leader's abilities, and the "feel" of the building that surrounds us. We give the worship a grade, much like we would grade a movie at the big screen. All the while, we miss the scriptural fact that it is God who is center stage; it is He who we must aim to please and not ourselves!

Secondly, worship involves participants; "...and they that worship him...." Worship is hard work! We have become accustomed to padded pews and temperature controlled buildings to the point that many view worship as a relaxing time—a time to get comfortable and unwind. However, worship that really matters tests our minds, our concentration levels and even our physical stamina. Singing, studying, praying, giving and remembering our Lord requires effort and energy. We must be rested, both mentally and physically, in order to really participate as God demands. The very word "worship" denotes prostrating one's self, as a peasant falls before a king. That is quite a different picture than someone relaxing in a padded pew!

Thirdly, worship includes a prescribed pattern. In our text Jesus gave two characteristics of true worship: 1. In spirit; 2. In truth.

"Spirit" involves the emotions and will of the worshipper. Worship that does not prick the emotions is not worship in spirit! How can a true worshipper not be affected when he or she considers what great love and sacrifice was given on behalf of each of us?

"Truth" involves that which God demands as far as the acts of worship. Worship is serious. God is outraged when people attempt to worship and fail to do it properly (Leviticus 10:1-3). Both truth and spirit must be present in order for worship to be biblically correct.

According to the teaching of the New Testament, true worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, consists of partaking of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42), preaching the word (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2), praying (Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17); giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:35), and singing (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15). Please notice that no piano, organ or any other kind of mechanical instrument was used in the worship of the first century church.

The New Testament also speaks of vain worship (Matthew 15:9), ignorant worship (Acts 17:22-23), and will worship (Colossians 2:20-23). We do not want our worship to fit into any of these categories. We must practice true worship. This is the only kind of worship that is pleasing to God.

Never are we closer to our Creator than when we fall before Him and worship! However, the opposite is true as well. May worship that really matters ever be our priority, and may we daily, "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise..." (Psalm 100:4).

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THE BIBLE IS ALL WE NEED

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV).

Loved ones, the Bible claims to be the inspired word of God: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible as it is meets all of man's spiritual needs. When the Bible speaks about the beginning, it is right (Genesis 1-3). When the Bible speaks about geography, it is right. Rivers, mountains, and cities were right where the Bible says. When the Bible speaks about history, it is right. Rulers, world powers, and nations were just as the Bible described. When the Bible speaks about science, it is right. God does sit on, “The circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22). The earth is round and not flat as believed for generations. When the Bible speaks of medicine, it is right. It says to isolate those with contagious diseases. Speaking of the l***r the Bible says, “He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46). The lost person is somebody's father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister. Take time to share the gospel with them. Friends, learn about God and His plan for your life by reading your Bible daily (2 Timothy 2:15).

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

“42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, KJV).

Loved ones, a young man, 16-years-old, is walking through the gym at his high school. Suddenly he crashes to the floor, hitting his head. Others realize that something is very wrong with him. A teacher rushes to the youth and lifts his head, but the young man is dead. He has suffered a heart attack.

The doctor walks out of the examination room and asks the children of their mother to be seated. He says, "I am sorry, she has cancer and there is nothing we can do. Your mother has only weeks to live."

The anchorwoman on the evening news reports, "There was a fatal crash this afternoon involving five vehicles. Four of the victims are in intensive care. A 57-year-old and an 83-year-old died in the fiery crash. The names are being withheld pending notification of family."

What is the purpose of these illustrations? Each tragic event testifies that all mankind will die! Many young people live life daily with little thought of dying. The sober-minded person will realize that death comes to the young as well as the aged.

Sooner or later we all will be touched by death’s reality. Thus, we all should ask, "What does the Bible say about death?" and "What happens when you die?" People of all ages desire to know the answers to these important questions. GOD'S WORD HAS THE ANSWERS.

Our study will focus on 1 Corinthians 15, referred to as the great "resurrection chapter" of the Bible. The people of Paul's day, like we today, asked the same questions.

The Bible gives us many assurances that there will be not only a resurrection, but also a BODILY resurrection (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It is rather startling to discover how many today have not comprehended the Bible teaching on this subject.

God's Word declares that Jesus “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” in the resurrection (Philippians 3:20-21). “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50, 54), but in the heavenly abode we will definitely have bodies – spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-49).

When Jesus walked this earth, He spoke these words: "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32). Every Christian should read 1 Corinthians 15 often. The resurrection should thrill our thoughts with the grandeur that is to come and cause us to prepare accordingly.

The Bible doctrine of resurrection is not exclusive to the New Testament. It was first made evident in the Old Testament Scriptures:

1 Kings 17:17-24 – The soul returned into the widow’s dead child, and he revived.

2 Kings 4:8-37 - The dead son of the Shunammite woman revived.

Genesis 5:21-24 – Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2 Samuel 12:23 – David said, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Daniel 12:2 – Daniel stated that, “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

In the New Testament a clearer picture is revealed of the bodily resurrection of man. The resurrection is a witnesses to the immense power of God Himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. If God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, then He has power to raise the dead. If He does not have such power, He is not worthy of our faith and worship.

Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the hideousness that is death itself, and only He can remove the sting of death and gain the victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.

John 11:25 – Jesus spoke to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, and said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” In that statement Jesus claimed to be the source of both life and the resurrection. There is no resurrection apart from Christ, no eternal life.

Jesus does more than give life; He is life, and that’s why death has no power over Him. Jesus confers His life on those who trust in Him, so that we can share His triumph over death (1 John 5:11–12). We who believe and obey Jesus Christ will personally experience resurrection because, having the life Jesus gives, we have overcome death. It is impossible for death to win.

If one embraces the Bible as being the inerrant, Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God, then the resurrection cannot be denied. Did Jesus rise BODILY from the tomb? “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Listen to these facts of the Gospel of Christ… “3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Man must believe in this Good News or forfeit salvation/eternal life (vs. 1-2).

The BODILY resurrection of Jesus is one of the most substantiated truths in history. To deny the bodily resurrection is to deny the evidence. The empty tomb, where Christ was laid, bears testimony of Christ's BODILY resurrection.

The tomb of Christ remains empty and unexplained unless He did, in fact, arise from the dead and bodily ascend back to Heaven, as the Bible states He did (Acts 1:9). Just as certainly as Christ was taken up into heaven, He will come again “in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is important because it validates who Jesus claimed to be, namely, the Son of God and Messiah (Romans 1:4). According to Jesus, His resurrection was the “sign from heaven” that authenticated His ministry (Matthew 16:1–4). The resurrection of Jesus Christ, attested to by hundreds of eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:5–8), provides irrefutable proof that He is the Savior of the world.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life.

When you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, transforming power occurs in your life. Unless you believe that Jesus was who He claimed to be (God's Son) you cannot be saved (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24). “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Your belief in the resurrection will determine where you spend eternity. “Abraham… looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35) – 28 August 2026

THE LIBERTY LETTER - 155 Darkness Of Sin To Light In The Lord (Part 1 of 2)“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the ...
08/27/2026

THE LIBERTY LETTER - 155 Darkness Of Sin To Light In The Lord (Part 1 of 2)

“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your bodies a living sacrifice your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Introduction

Loved ones, our text is the Apostle Paul’s urgent plea to the Roman Christians. I personally, and other faithful New Testament Christians, have accepted this plea. With this two part post, we will also ask you to accept it.

But you may ask, "Why, Paul… Why should I be a living sacrifice?” Note the “therefore” in Romans 12:1. It is a powerful little word, here used as an adverb modifying, or explaining the phrase, "present your bodies as living sacrifices." Because of things discussed in the previous chapters of Romans, Paul is making a strong appeal: "I urge, beg, or beseech you to give your body to God – NOT to sin.” With a prayerful heart, we will attempt to motivate you to respond to the apostle's urgent plea.

Sin In Romans Chapter One

There is a hint of the light to come in Paul's salutation and prayer opening Romans chapter one. He identifies himself as a servant bearing the Gospel or "Good News" of Jesus Christ (v. 1). As one of God’s messengers, he identifies the Good News, of which he was unashamed, as God's power to save all people, Jews and Gentiles alike (v. 16). But something is standing between us and that power!

Beginning in verse 18, the author paints a dark picture identifying that which makes God angry, thus cutting off His power to us, as SIN (cf. Isaiah 59:2). As we learn to “love like Jesus,” our goal is to become living sacrifices to God. As much as we loathe dwelling on the negative, we must understand what sin is from God's viewpoint. We must understand what sin can do to destroy our lives.

According the Apostle John (1 John 5:17) and to Paul in Romans 1:29, “All unrighteousness is sin.” Other translations say sin is, "all kinds of wrong," "all manner of wickedness," "rottenness" and "with every kind of injustice, mischief, rapacity (greed)." Paul spells out so clearly that none can misunderstand the heinous character of sin.

People knew God. But they did not give glory to God and they did not thank Him (v. 21).

People said they were wise, and they became fools. People gave up the glory of God who lives forever. People traded that glory for the worship of idols (vs. 22-23).

People were full of sin, wanting only to do evil things. So God left them and let them go their sinful way. And so they became full of sexual sins, using their bodies wrongly with each other. Those people traded the truth of God for a lie . . . People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God (vs. 24-28).

People's thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with the darkness of sin – with every kind of sin, evil, selfishness, and hatred. Those people are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, lying, and thinking the worst things about each other. Those people gossip and say evil things about each other. Those people hate God. They are rude and conceited and boast about themselves. Those people invent ways of doing evil. They don't obey their parents (vs. 28-30).

Those people are foolish, they don't keep their promises, and they show no kindness or mercy to other people. Those people know God's law. They know that God's law says that people who live like this should die. But they continue to do these wrong things. And they also feel that people who do these things are doing right (vs. 31-32).

John also says, “Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). Of course, you know what it means to transgress – to step over the line. Maybe you heard your friend say, after drawing a line on the ground, "Just step over that line, and we'll fight." God's laws are as plain as that mark on the ground, and if we break them deliberately, we must suffer the consequences. Man’s sin makes God angry (Romans 1:18).

Later in his epistle, Paul declares one is condemned if his action does not spring from faith: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

Sin Of Omission

Remember when you forgot to make up your bed before going to school? That was a transgression of your parents' law; you were guilty of failure to do what you knew you should do. James puts it this way: "A person sins when he knows he should do something good, but doesn't do it" (James 4:17, Simple English Bible - SEB)

Certainly telling a friend or neighbor about Jesus is something good. But do we fail to do so because we are afraid of offending them? Are we afraid we will upset them by showing them from the scriptures that they are lost because they have obeyed the commandments of men rather than the word of God (Matthew 15:9)?

Meeting with others for Bible study and worship is surely good. Are you sinning when you neglect such opportunities for some trivial excuse rather than a valid reason, such as illness or being providentially hindered (Hebrews 10:25)?

We are told to love our children, our husbands, our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ — even our enemies. Those things are good. Neglecting to do them is sin.

Sharing our material possessions — even a cup of cold water — is good (Mark 9:41). If we neglect to do so, are we not to be classified among the vile sinners pointed out by Paul in Romans chapter one? (See Titus 2:4; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:10; 1 Peter 1:22; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20; James 2:15-18).

But how could a nice person like you sin? You may be deceived; sin is deceptive! After quoting the command "Thou shalt not covet" in his powerful picture of the struggle between the spirit and the flesh, Paul says, “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me” (Romans 7:11). To the Ephesians he admonishes, "You were taught to put away your old way of living. It will destroy you. Those evil desires can fool you" (Ephesians 4:22, SEB). Because others are doing it—perhaps even those we love and respect—we can be lulled into thinking evil is good.

Result Of Sin

Sin Is Separation From God. All accountable persons who have not obeyed the gospel are separated from God because of sin (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Even Christians can sin and thus be separated from God. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said, "The person who thinks he is safe should be careful—he might fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12, SEB). The prophet Isaiah had warned, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).

Sin Is Destructive. Physical and spiritual death came about because of sin. We read, "Sin came into the world through one man. And death came into the world through sin. In this way, death spread to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12, SEB). We might assume that only physical death is implied here, but that spiritual death results from sin is made clear: "For the wages of sin is death…" (Romans 6:23).

Sin Is Universal. This is one time the common excuse "Everybody's doing it" is correct. Certainly, not everyone is doing each of the catalogued sins, but each of us at some time does something that separates us from God, even if it is just neglecting to obey the gospel. We might be living an exemplary life, but if we refuse to accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us, the good life we live on our own counts for nothing. In fact, we insult God if we say we have not sinned. “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:10).

A prophetic statement from Isaiah recognized the universality of sin and foretold that Christ would bear all our sins to the cross: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).

It was necessary for Paul, in writing to the Gentile Romans, to show them that they were included in God's plan for the salvation through Jesus Christ. The Jews had been God's people for a purpose, but Jesus fulfilled that purpose. Therefore, all nations—every person, you and I—are as subject to the universal salvation as we were to universal sin.

Paul turns eloquently to scriptures recorded in the Old Testament to clinch this point: “9 What should we say? Are Jews better off; Not at all! We have already proved that all Jews and also non-Jews are under sin's POWER. 10 This is written: No one is good—not even one person! 11 No one understands. No one is looking for God. 12 All men have turned away from God and become completely useless. No one is kind – not even one person” (Romans 3:9-12, SEB).

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). “There is no fear of God before his eyes” (Psalm 36:1). “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue” (Psalm 5:9).

“1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).

“They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips” (Psalm 140:3). His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity” (Psalm 10:7).

“7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. 8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace” (Isaiah 59:7-8).

“21 Now without the law, the way God makes people right has been revealed. The law and the prophets point toward this truth. 22 Committing oneself to Jesus Christ is what makes a person right with God. Salvation is for anyone who believes! It makes no difference who you are, 23 because everyone has sinned and is far away from God's glory. 24 But with God's gracious love, we are made right with God through Christ Jesus who sets us free” (Romans 3:21-24, SEB). To be continued in Part 2…

DARKNESS OF SIN TO LIGHT IN THE LORD (Part 2 of 2)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV).

Judgment For Sin Will Come

Loved ones, just as universal sin is dependent on the individual's response to God's will, universal salvation is not a blanket covering everyone, regardless of his attitude of heart. God is the judge; his judgment is righteous. Perhaps you have heard someone say, "I cannot believe that a loving God would condemn a person to eternal punishment." By inspiration, Paul answers that question, too:

“3 Will you escape God's condemnation? 4 Do you look down on the wealth of God's kindness, tolerance, and patience? Surely you know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to a change of heart. 5 But your heart is hard and unchanged. You are storing up punishment for yourself on the Day of punishment when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God will pay back each person according to the way that person lived. 7 Eternal life will go to those who, by patiently doing good things, are looking for glory, honor, and life with no end. 8 But-punishment and anger will go to those who are following wrong, by being selfish and not obeying truth. 9 There will be trouble and pain for every human being who does evil. This is true, first for a Jew, then also for a non-Jew. 11 God treats everyone alike. 16 On that Day, God will use this Good News of mine to judge the secret things of men through Jesus Christ (Romans 2:3-16, SEB).

How will God judge? Notice he will use the Good News, or gospel as rendered by other translators. We will appear before the judgment seat of God just as those who are accused of breaking the law appear before the court of their district, where a judge appointed or elected to hear each case will sit.

In a general sense, we think of the gospel as including the teachings of Christ; it is confirmed by Jesus Himself that all will be judged by what He said: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). He continued by saying that, “I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (v. 49).

Just as God chose to communicate with us through Jesus, the living Word (Hebrews 1:1; John 1:1, 14), He also delegated the judging of all people to the Christ (Acts 17:31).

In his sermon to the first Gentile converts at the house of Cornelius, Peter concluded with Jesus as the righteous judge: "42 Jesus commanded us to preach to the people. He told us to tell them that he is the one whom God chose to be the judge of all people, living or dead. 43 Every person who commits himself to Jesus will be forgiven through the authority of Jesus. All of the prophets say that this is true" (Acts 10:42-43, SEB).

God’s Grace – The Answer For Sin

If we had been left with Paul's picture of the darkness of sin, causing God's anger, we would be unable to grope our way out of our guilt. But the inspired writer points us to Jesus, who is described by John as the light: “4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:4-5).

Thus, God's grace is revealed to us. He sent His son so that we who were lost in sin might be saved through our faith in Jesus Christ. "Grace" usually is defined as "unmerited favor"; certainly, by nothing that we could do would we deserve such a loving gift.

One translation uses gracious love where others use grace: "20 But where sin increased, God's gracious love overflowed much more. 21 Sin used death to rule. In the same way, God's gracious love rules through righteousness through our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life" (Romans 5:20-21, SEB).

We remain in the darkness of sin unless we believe that Jesus Christ is God's son. Actually, our faith in Jesus gives us access to God's grace, in which we find peace: "1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2).

Jesus said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

From the above passages, we might conclude that faith alone—simply believing in Jesus as the Son of God—equals salvation. We will not dwell on this subject today, but some reputed scholars have propounded, and many have based their hope of salvation on, the doctrine of faith only.

Just as we cannot be saved while dead in sin, we cannot be saved by faith which is dead: “14 My brothers, if a person claims he has faith, but he will not serve God, what good is that kind of faith? Can a "faith" like that save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister needs clothing or daily food. 16 And you say, "Go in peace. I hope you will find enough clothes to keep you warm and will have plenty to eat!" Unless you give them what they need, what good have you done? 17 So even faith is dead, when it is alone and will not act” (James 2:14-17, SEB).

Bible students have pointed out that the only place in the Bible where we see the term faith only is in James 2:24: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” In the same chapter, James uses faithful Abraham as an example of faith and action, or work, working together, concluding, "His faith was made perfect by the things he did" (v. 22).

The writer of Hebrews elaborates on Abraham's willingness to obey God's command to offer Isaac, the son of promise, as a sacrifice. His faith was so strong that he was willing to obey, trusting that God could fulfill His promise in Isaac even by raising him from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).

To appreciate fully the salvation from the devastation of sin in our own lives, we must realize that Jesus Christ, the sinless one, assumed our burden of sin, carrying it with Him to the cross. Isaiah had drawn a graphic picture of the Savior's assuming our guilt: “4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with to his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Our sinless Savior came to save the world, to destroy sin: “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). Jesus, our high priest, through whom we may be presented sinless before God, was tempted in every point as we are, but without sinning (Hebrews 4:15).

Paul made the cost of Christ's atoning quite plain: “19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

That we might be so blessed to become the righteousness of God in Christ almost takes our breath away. How can we be worthy of such tremendous love expressed in Christ’s sacrifice for us? All He really asks is that we divest ourselves of self-reliance and realize our total dependence on God (cf. Proverbs 3:3-5).

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). But how do we translate being "poor in spirit" into our life? Does that mean we are to be namby-pamby, having no direction, without spirit? Not at all! But it does mean that we cannot achieve God's righteousness alone. One of the newer translations may make this concept more workable in our lives: "Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are blessed. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those people" (Matthew 5:3).

Conclusion

In view of God's sending Christ to become sin for you, surely now you are ready to plead as David did: “1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest (Psalm 51:1-4).

Today you can become a living sacrifice to God (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2). It is God’s will that every creature be taught to believe the truth that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 16:15; John 3:16; 8:24; 17:17). Your belief in Christ gives you the power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12).

Those who believe must then repent (change your mind about your sins), confess Christ as LORD – God’s Son, and be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of your sins by the blood of Jesus (Acts 2:38; Matthew 26:28; Revelation 1:5).

At the point of your baptism, you get into Christ and become a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27). Your SOUL is then saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21), because salvation and eternal life are given to the obedient only in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 5:11). The penitent born-again believer is given the indwelling gift of God's Holy Spirit (John 3:3-7; Acts 2:38; 5:32), which is eternal life (Romans 6:23; 8:10).

The Lord adds your saved soul to His universal spiritual Kingdom (Colossians 1:13), the ONE body or church of Christ (Acts 2:47; Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23; Romans 16:16). Then as a new creature in Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17), you should identify with a local congregation of the churches of Christ in your area (Romans 16:16) to continue your growth, worship and service to the Godhead.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35) – 27 August 2026

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