This page provides a few of my sermon outlines that have been sent via e-mail to brethren all over the world. Hence, I use the term E-Sermons. Some of them older; some of them newer. I will post newer ones from time to time. I hope that these can bless you with ideas for lectures, Bible studies, or simply growing in Bible knowledge.
-Bro. Mike
Our Only Authority
Scripture reference: Prov. 14:12
Intro: According to a recent survey that I read, people look to a wide variety of principles in making moral decisions for their lives. To name a few:
44% cited their desire to do whatever will bring them the most “pleasing or satisfying result”.
17% base their moral decisions on what they believe will make other people happy or minimize interpersonal conflict.
Only 24% base all their moral decisions on the principles found within the Bible or some kind of religious teaching. (That is about 1/4th of people that look to any religious standard of authority).
Another recent survey conducted has shown that 7 out of 10 people believe that there is no such thing as a “moral absolute”. This is to say that most people believe that there is no existing authority which dictates how we should live our lives. 70%!
May I ask you, what is the recognized authority for your life? Is there a standard of authority? When it comes to thought, word or action; lifestyle or worship directed toward God, what is your authority? What is the determining factor?
I. What is our authority?
A) Let’s read Prov. 14:12. Man’s way does not work. He is a failure.
B) (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Two important points I want us to observe
1. Scripture is profitable to show us how we should live.
2. The reason is because it is “inspired by God”. God has given us a “game plan” for life. We should observe it.
C) Adherence to God’s Word is essential to having a relationship with Him.
1. (1 Pet 2:2-3)
a) We are to desire God’s Word like babies desire milk. We do this b/c we know that God is good to us through His Word.
b) (Prov 28:9) If we stop reading or hearing God’s word, He will not listen to our prayers. We cannot have a conversation with anyone if we don’t listen to what they say but expect them to listen to us. We must open our ears to God’s Word and obey it so God can hear us.
II. What we need is a restoration of the Bible as our absolute authority.
A) (2 Kings 22:11-13) King Josiah should be a great example for us.
1. He found the Book of the Law and he knew the problem of Israel when he heard it being read. He even tore his clothes.
2. (2 Kings 23: 1-3) A covenant was made to devote all of Israel to the Book of the Law as the only authority in worship.
3. Applying this example to ourselves, we need a life-changing restoration to the Law of Christ. We don’t have to look for the Book. It’s right in front of us!
III. Why must we recognize the Bible as our only authority?
A) By the Word we will be judged (John 12:4 
1. This means we must be careful to devote ourselves to Christ’s Word. There is a consequence: Eternal Life or Death
2. (Matt 28: 18-20)
a) All authority belongs to Him; none to us.
b) We must do what Jesus taught and teach others to do the same and the result – He is with us, always.
2. (Rev. 20:12) The dead will be judged based on what is written in the Books.
a) That is a great incentive for us to follow what these 66 Books teach, as our authority.
b) You can follow the teachings of the Dalai Lama, Buddhism, the Koran, Mohammed, Confucius, or any other code or law. No adherence to these teachings will ensure your eternal life.
c) You can even follow the traffic laws perfectly but this will not ensure you a place with your Savior.
d) You can be a “nice guy”, a kind, caring person; considerate and helpful to all people. This will not be enough to save you.
e) Only recognizing and obeying God’s Word will determine your eternal destiny.
Conclusion: One can find the only true and right standard of morality in the Word of God. All else will fail the test of Judgment. This applies to our lifestyle and our worship of God and everything we do on earth.
If you have not recognized the authority of God’s Word for your life, I invite you to do so today. This form of doctrine has the power to save and that is why we must recognize it as our only authority.
Dispensations of Trust
Main Scripture reference: Isaiah 50: 10, 11
Introduction: The scriptures reveal to us many examples of Trusting in the Lord that occurred during different periods of time. History, being shown to us through the Bible, has given us a picture of the outcome when the children of God put their trust in him. We will see what it truly means to trust in God as we look into the inspired Word.
Why is this important for us to know? You may be thinking, “Yes, I know we need to trust in God all the time”. But these examples are beneficial to us because we can learn that our trust will result in many blessings from God.
A. Character examples of Trust in God during different dispensations
1) Abraham, Open to Heb. 11: 8-16
a) From the text: v. 8- faith results in obedience (trust)
b) Abraham blindly followed God’s Will
c) v. 9- He lived a nomadic lifestyle. He looked forward to his permanent home that was yet to come. Just like us; we are nomads on this earth b/c someday we will be gone from here. We look forward to the city that God is building for us.
d) John 14:2, 3 Jesus is preparing a place for us. This requires trust b/c we have to believe he will come back to bring us there.
e) v. 13- We are truly “strangers” in this world, seeking a homeland…
f) v. 16- It is called a “city” whose builder is God. That is our homeland. This world will perish with fire but that city is our permanent dwelling place.
2) Moses, Heb. 11:23-29 (Hundreds of years after Abraham)
a) v. 23- Moses’ parents hid him and sent him out in a basket. This took great trust in God to do. Parents today must learn to do what’s right for their children by turning to God. We must trust that his way is right for our children.
b) v. 24 - 26- Moses himself rejected the pleasures of the world b/c he trusted God more. He turned down earthly pleasures for the greater reward. He looked forward to that city God is building.
c) v. 28- Those who trust God will obey his warnings. Moses had great faith and he acted on that faith to save the firstborn. He trusted God.
d) What kind of faith would that have been if he did not obey God by sprinkling the blood on the door posts? It would have been dead, inactive, and useless. He acted on that faith which means he trusted in God more than his own self. He had a working, trusting, faith!
3) Hannah and Samuel, Heb. 11:32, 1 Sam. 1:16-20
a) There are many examples given in this chapter (Heb 11:32) but let’s look at the story of Samuel’s birth.
b) Hannah is very sad b/c she is barren (1 Sam. 1:16)
c) v. 17- Eli commended her for her petition of God to give her a child. He said “May God grant your desire”.
d) v. 18- Why does it say she was no longer sad? B/c she trusted in God to grant her desire. She trusted that he would help her. God does not promise that we will always have good times and everything we want but he can rescue us if we pray for his help with trust.
e) v. 19- the Lord remembered her. He gave her a baby boy!
f) She asked and was given b/c she trusted God. We can learn from that example and again in Matt. 7:7, 8
B. Faith and Trust. What’s the difference?
1) Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord, not in yourself
a) Anyone can have faith in God. Even the demons believe! But do you really trust him?
b) Faith + Obedience = Trust
c) It is possible for us to have a strong faith in God yet do things our own way; leaning on our own understanding. We cannot be saved or helped that way.
d) Only faith with the appropriate action will result in God’s help.
1. Abraham could have believed God but stayed in Ur .
2. Moses could have believed God but stayed a prince in Egypt
3. He could have had faith that the firstborn would be taken but did nothing
4. Hannah could have continued crying, thinking she would not have a son
5. Noah could have believed a flood would come but did not build an ark
6. The result was good because they all acted on their faith
e) The difference between faith and trust is that trust has a demonstration of that faith.
Conclusion: We can see that through many dispensations there are people trusting in God and showing it. We may go through times in our life where we are not really trusting in God and we will pay the price for it. The blessings will be gone. The blessing of eternal life is waiting for those who show their faith in God by obedience to him. James 2:17- “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone”. The faith we want is a living, trusting faith.
Let’s look at Isaiah 50:10 -11. The one who tries to do things his own way is “kindling a fire”. He leans on his own understanding and will not trust in God. Although we may be “walking through the darkness” let’s not try to make our own fire to guide us. God is there to show us the way. We must blindly follow him all the way in obedience. That is the trusting way. Repentance, confession of JESUS as Lord, baptism for the remission of sins and remaining faithful to God. That is truly the right kind of faith: A trusting faith.
Current Issues Facing the Church
Intro: It has always been the intention of the church of Christ to be united under one common authority: The Bible. Going beyond that authority causes division and can result in many people losing their souls eternally. The truth of God’s Word should never be compromised for any reason because our salvation depends on it. If we ignore the scriptures in an attempt to attain unity, all is lost.
Our purpose and our plea is obedience to the teachings of the New Testament in order to be recognized by God as the “one, true church”. This church we are a part of is not a visible institution or denomination formed by men. It can only be identified by the fruits we bear, when compared to the example of the church of the Bible. Adherence to this common authority is how men will see that we are true Christians.
It is always important for us to deal with hard issues that threaten the unity and direction of the church. This is why I have decided to deliver this message to you, this morning, entitled “Current Issues Facing the Church”. There are false teachers that are bringing in doctrines and practices that are not authorized by the New Testament. The church is facing perilous times with “liberalism” and false teachings coming in to deceive many. The only solution for all of these problems is to go back to the Bible and see God’s plan for His church. God’s will is never a substitute for any preference of man.
As much as we would like to close our eyes and pretend that nothing bad is happening, it will not fix the problem that souls are in jeopardy.
Let’s look at what is happening in the church and see how the Bible can guide us to solve these matters.
I. There are varieties of false teachings and some Christians are being swayed by these (Eph. 4:14)
A) There are many different teachings coming in that are driving people away from a right relationship with God. The result is a rejection of truth as revealed in the Bible (2 Thess. 2:10).
1. Some are questioning the virgin birth
2. Some deny the authorship of O.T. book like Job or Isaiah
3. Some are teaching denominational Christianity and advocating fellowship with erring denominations.
B) There are too many examples for us to discuss this morning so I have chosen a few that are most relevant to what is happening in this area.
1. There are false teachings about God’s simple plan of salvation
a) Scriptural obedience to Christ is being ignored
b) Teaching of salvation by grace alone or by faith alone. The idea that we can do nothing to ensure our own salvation is being taught
c) Actually, works are essential to our salvation. Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary alone does not ensure that we are going to be saved. (James 2: 14-26)
d) Grace is a free gift from God but comes only on the condition of obedience. (2 Thess. 1:
e) Eph 2:8-9 has been abused and taken out of context to support the position that grace alone will save. This is not true based on other scriptures we have seen and read in context.
2. Another teaching coming in is the de-emphasis of baptism and the over-emphasis on faith
a) Preachers have been coming to the pulpit talking about how faith will save us but they won’t even mention the need for baptism to enter a relationship with Christ
b) If they do mention baptism they are sometimes even mocking it as being necessary; making fun of it and criticizing those who teach the essentiality of baptism
c) 1 Pet. 3:21 “baptism now saves you…”
d) John 3:5 It is essential to enter the Kingdom, yet these teachers are declaring that it is not necessary or downplaying the importance of being baptized
3. The doctrines of men are creeping into the church. One doctrine is known as “eternal security” or “once saved, always saved”.
a) False teachers are saying that we have no need to worry about remaining in the Kingdom after we have been saved
b) The theory is that we cannot fall from grace if we return to our past sins. This is a very dangerous teaching because Christians will become lax when they hear this and may end up in a lost state
c) The truth is that any one of us can fall away from God’s grace even while still believing that we are saved. We don’t have to make the decision to leave the church to be lost, all we have to do is decide to habitually sin and we will loose that place we had in God’s Kingdom. This is something to be concerned about.
d) There are many scriptures that prove it is possible for us to fall if we are not careful (1 Tim. 4:1-4, 1 Cor. 10:12, Gal 5:4, and more)
4. Denominational thinking has crept into the church.
a) This is founded in the idea that all persons in denominations will be saved.
b) We have no desire to judge the souls of those outside the church but the Lord has revealed to us that being part of a man-made denomination is sinful. Wanting to correct these people is not judging them.
c) Jesus declared boldly: “every plant that my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up”. (Matt. 15:13) yet these false teachers within the church are advocating fellowship with those in error.
d) There is one body (Eph 4:4), not many divisions (1 Cor. 1:12) The apostle Paul gave warnings about denominationalism. (Gal. 5:20) It is even considered one of the works of the flesh; very serious sin.
e) We can correct this error by teaching others about the unity of the church under the authority of the Bible, not man-made creeds
II. Another example of “liberalism” and false practices coming into the church is the attack on scriptural worship.
A. The Lord commanded us to worship “in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24). We all know about the 5 avenues of worship that are revealed to us in the New Testament and false teachers are focused on changing that plan of worship.
1. True worship is being substituted for man made worship. This is worship that pleases man, rather than God.
2. One obvious example is the introduction of instrumental music in the songs
a) A similar addition occurred during the time of Amos and he rebuked them for it (Amos 5:23, 6:5). This is not a binding pattern for us but it shows in O.T. example that we have no right to make additions to worship simply because we prefer it that way.
b) We must not exceed what is written (1 Cor. 4:6) It is written for Christians to sing and there is no command to use the mechanical instrument (Eph. 5:19)
c) Everything must be done in faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom 10:17) and whatever is not from faith is sin (Rom 14: 23). Instrumental music cannot be from faith because there is no command or example of Christians using it, therefore it is sin.
B. Another departure from the scripture being advocated by false teachers is an attempt to change the role of women in the church.
1. Some are ignoring the command that women ought not preach or teach in the worship services
2. The Bible shows us that this is not right (2 Tim. 2:12)
3. God has set up a correct order of worship and false teachers are attempting to destroy this order. A women’s role is not a better or worse position than a man’s. They have different roles and it is not our place to change them because of our preference.
Concl: In order to remain being the church that Jesus bought with his blood (Act 20:2 we must heed the commands of his Word ( 2 Pet 2:1-3). Let’s look at this text as we close this study together. We must not sit by and let these heresies deceive others or ourselves. It is important for us to study the Word diligently and be aware of what is happening in the church and how it contrasts to the Lord’s teachings.
Unity is very important for us to have but not by sacrificing the teaching of the truth and sacrificing worship in truth. We must be united only under God’s Word. Once again, brethren, it is essential for us to go back to the Bible and find out God’s plan for His church. God’s will is never a substitute for a preference of man.
Life after Death (Conscious Existence or Annihilation?)
Scripture reading: Revelation 14:13
Intro:
There are different ideas and assumptions about where the soul goes after death and what the death of an individual is. Many people teach and preach that at the point of death one is no longer conscious and simply ceases to exist. Religious groups like the Seventh Day Adventists, “Jehovah’s” Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and several others claim this to be true. They insist that one is completely annihilated until the resurrection of the body. Atheists believe that one is non-existent after death, forevermore. They all allege that death is a “silence, inactivity, entire unconsciousness”.
But what does the Bible teach about “Life after Death”? Simply put, the Bible shows us that there is a life for us after our last breath, the soul does survive the grave, and those who are dead are now in a state of consciousness. So, in our study today we will see the truth about “Life after Death”.
I. What is Death?
A. Before we talk about Life after Death, let’s simply define Death itself. One of the vest definitions from God’s Word can be found in James 2:26
1) Death means: body apart from spirit
2) There is a separation of our components; the eternal part and the temporary, mortal part
3) There is no mention here about unconsciousness or annihilation being the result of this separation anywhere in the scriptures
B. Another scripture that gives us a clear definition of what death is: Ecclesiastes 12:7
1) The mortal component of man returns to dust. The spiritual component of man returns to God (i.e. a celestial dwelling with Deity)
2) When we place the coffin in the tomb, remember we are not committing one’s eternal spirit to the ground. That person’s eternal component has already left. All that remains is the decaying shell.
C. The religious groups I mentioned earlier reject this definition of death. They have developed their own abomination of a definition which is not found in God’s Word.
1) This position is often called “materialist” because it holds that man is wholly mortal and possesses no eternal nature that can live on beyond the grave. As Jehovah’s Witnesses put it: “Man does not have a soul, he is one”.
2) Several passages are twisted and abused to support this fallacy.
a) Ecclesiastes 9:5 This is true that the dead know nothing of what happens on earth or “under the sun” but they are conscious in their dwelling place.
b) Matt 10:28 Another verse twisted to mislead. “Destroy” does not mean annihilation as they insist. As we look at the parallel verse in Luke 12:5, it is clear that “cast into Hell” is the equivalent to destruction.
II. We now know that death is a separation, not a cessation of existence. But what is Life after death? What is it like to be in that state?
A. The best passage in the Bible to give us a glimpse of what life is like in the hereafter is Luke 16: 19-31
1) Both the rich man and Lazarus were sent to a new realm after death. We call this place “Hades” (v.23) Hades is a Greek word meaning unseen or all-receiving place for the dead.
2) We know that there is a chasm between the 2 parts of Hades (v.26) so no one can pass to the other side
3) Jesus spoke of going to “Paradeisos” or paradise in Luke 23:43. Peter spoke of him going to Hades in Acts 2:29, 31. Therefore, we can see that Paradise is within Hades and where Lazarus resides until the judgment.
4) Regarding the dwelling place of the rich man, we can look at 2 Pet 4:2 and we find the Greek word “Tartarus” designated as the dwelling place of fallen angels in Hades until judgment. This is where the rich man is located in Hades.
5) Not only have we proved that there is a conscious existence after death, but we also know exactly where the detention place is for those who have died. Either Paradeisos or Tartarus.
6) What is it like to be dead? We know that the rich man is aware, in fact, very aware of his situation. He is being reminded of his situation with torment. Lazarus is aware as well. He apparently is enjoying paradise and not too concerned with the affairs of the rich man at any time.
7) This is not a parable! This is an actual event which occurred and Jesus is sharing it with the disciples in a narrative. This is a warning for all annihilationists that refuse to recognize the real danger ahead of them.
B. Life after death is, therefore, not a state of unconscious nothingness. It is a continuation of this life and separate from the dead body. We are fully capable of experiencing the kind of reward that we deserve. Punishment or Pleasures.
1) This brings us to our first scripture reading of the day (Rev. 14:13)
a) “Blessed are the dead…” In paradise, we will be in a state of blessings. We will be truly blessed to have the opportunity to see and remain in this place. A place which will hold us until our ultimate destination: Heaven
b) “…that they may rest from their labors…” To get to this place of rest, we must continue laboring towards our objectives: promoting the truth of God’s Word. When we meet death we will be prepared to rest from our hard labors on earth.
c) One big problem in the church today is that too many of us are taking a rest too soon. We need to wait until death to take a break. The reward will come after death if we persist in laboring.
d) “…Their works do follow them.” Jesus reminds us time and time again that our reward in paradise and heaven will be given based on our works. (Rev. 22:12) God’s grace is not the only factor in our salvation. Salvation is dependant on our willingness to work the works of God (John 6:28, 29). God will reward us based on our service to him.
e) What kind of reward could the Lord give me if I am not in existence, unaware, and completely annihilated? Nothing at all. He has designed a resting place for us to reap the benefits of His kingdom. He has not destined us with annihilation.
Conclusion: We have studied God’s Word today and seen that the soul goes to Hades after death. The righteous will be in a specific section of Hades called “ Paradise ” and the wicked, in “Tartarus”. We know that death cannot be non-existence. It is simply a term for the separation of the soul and body. After a death, we will still be in a state of consciousness. We should rejoice to know that there is an eternal life for us beyond this world. It is our responsibility to share that message with as many people as possible so they may also be prepared to meet that new world.
The way to go to that beautiful place in Hades called Paradise and finally to Heaven is to Believe in Christ (Mk 16:16), Repent of all sins (Acts 2:38), confess Jesus as Lord and God (John 20:2 and be baptized for the remission of sins ( Rom. 6:4). Then, remain faithful until death (Rev 2:10).
The Spirit of Christ in our Lives
Please open to Romans 8:9.
Introduction:
The topic of our discussion today is about possessing the Spirit of Christ. Friends, is it not very important for us to have Christ’s Spirit in us? In using the term “Spirit”, I am not referring to the person of the Holy Spirit, although He is also very important to have within us. I am also not referring to one’s own individual “spirit”, an aspect of one’s being; his life or breath, yet we all have that. These are also valid definitions of the term “spirit”, but what I am talking about today is having the ideology of Jesus. His mindset.
1) How do we know who has his “Spirit”?
a. One who possesses Christ’s mindset will naturally have all the characteristics and traits of Christ working in his/her life. Sometimes these are called the “Fruits of the Spirit”. Likewise, whoever does not possess his “Spirit” will not be like him and display these traits. So, if we have his mindset and his works active in our lives, we will have his Spirit.
2) Do we have his “Spirit”?
a. (v.9)What do we know from this scripture about the one who has Christ’s Spirit? Well, apparently the one who has his Spirit belongs to him. The one who doesn’t have his Spirit doesn’t belong to him. It’s black and white. It’s very clear: Christians, God’s disciples, are those who belong to Christ and are the only body of people that can and do possess his Spirit. If we are to truly be Christians, it is essential for us to have it.
b. I wanted to find a word which was synonymous with Spirit, in a sense of the Spirit which belongs to Christ. Let’s look at Philippians 2:5. In the ESV it states: “Have this mind among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (or which is yours in Christ Jesus). The Spirit of Christ is his mindset. If we want those traits and characteristics, we need his mind within us. Can a tomato plant produce bananas? Can a tamarind tree produce mangos? No, because a tamarind tree produces tamarinds. So, only those that possess Christ’s mindset can have his attributes and produce the good works Christ did. It starts in the ideology, in the heart, for the result to be good. But the works reflect on what is in the heart, the spirit we have.
c. Let’s see some of the qualities of a Christian mindset today as we search through God’s Word. What characterizes a Christian mindset and sets it apart from all others?
3) Christ had an attitude of Humility
Let’s continue in v. 6-8. He left his heavenly position for earth to die on the cross.
- Turn to Matt. 18:1-4. Jesus says the one who humbles himself is great in the Kingdom.
- Turn to John 13:1-7. Jesus is the greatest example of meekness, humility. He once washed the disciple feet to be an example of humility for all that would follow him.
- Is this Spirit of Humility in us?
4) Christ had an attitude of Love
It’s not by chance that the first “fruit of the spirit” listed in Gal. 5:22 is “Love”. It is the most important “fruit” but very difficult to perfect within us and is demanded by God (Matt. 5:48).
a. John 3:16. We all know this. God showed his love to the entire world. So, if we are to imitate him, who must we love?
b. Matt. 5:43-48. Christ loved even his enemies. There is no exemption in loving the entire world.
c. In 1 Sam. 24:3-19 David had several chances to kill Saul but respected God’s designation of authority and also loved his persecutor (the king).
d. Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to deliver him from death but loved his persecutors so much that he would even die for them.
5) Christ put his complete Faith and Trust in God
a. John 5:30. Even being God himself, the Word in flesh, he was completely dependant on the Father and His Will.
b. Christ did not seek his own will. He even requested the Father to “take this cup” and relieve him of the burden to die on the cross for the world’s sin. Christ went silently to the cross because of God’s will.
c. How often do we seek our own will without consulting God in prayer? We need to have Faith that he will direct our steps.
d. Jesus trusted God to raise him from the dead after 3 days. (Acts 2:27)
e. Are you afraid of death or are you trusting God for a resurrection?
f. Paul is also a great example of strong faith in God (2 Tim. 1:12, 4:7, Keep that FAITH, brethren.
6) Christ has an attitude of Forgiveness.
a. Matt. 18:21-22. Just keep on forgiving is the message.
b. Luke 23:34. Jesus forgave those who killed him and asked the Father to forgive them.
c. Christians are going to rub elbows with a lot of people and sometimes have enemies. The Spirit of Christ dictates that we must keep forgiving them under any and all circumstances, even while hanging on a tree.
7) Christ was willing to Sacrifice
a. Heb 2:9 He gave his life for all mankind. He “tasted death” for us.
b. Acts 20:28 He purchased the church with his blood
c. What are you willing to sacrifice for the brethren? When a member of the church is in need, what will you do to help him/her? Can we even give our lives for the church? Are we ready to face death if it comes to defending the Lord’s church? Christ did.
Christ had an attitude of Obedience
a. John 6:38, 39. Jesus submitted to the Father’s Will and not his own.
b. Can we say that everything we do is in obedience to God or are we defying him?
c. Heb 5:8. Christ even faced death to obey his Father. How far are we ready to go to obey the Father?
d. v.9 Eternal Salvation is in him, if we obey him. Christ obeyed the Father and we are expected to obey Christ, if we want salvation in him. It is impossible to obey the Father without obeying the Son (John 15:14, 15). Jesus made it known how we must obey him. As his friend, not his slave. The desire must be in us to obey him.
Conclusion:
Christ did many other works to show his Spirit to us. Today we looked at his Humility, Love, Faith, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, and Obedience. These are some results of having his mind, his Spirit, within us. We want to be like him and work the works of God that will ensure our eternity with him. There is a mansion awaiting those who have his Spirit in their lives. There is a home for the Christians.
Living these works is one way of confessing him before others. Showing his works in us will show the attributes of God to the world (Matt. 10:32-33). We must confess him in our lives. Not only in our words but in lifestyle and works, in fruits. Do you have his Spirit?
Jesus Christ is Eternal God
(Please turn in your Bibles to John chapter 1, verse 1.)
Intro: The teaching that Jesus Christ is God is the foundational teaching of God’s Word. Without such teaching Christianity falls apart. Jesus is from everlasting to everlasting. He is eternal. He claims to be “the Alpha and the Omega”, from the beginning of time to the end of time. The powerful, magnificent attributes of Jesus are so great; it surpasses the ability of the human mind to comprehend. All of mankind must stand in awe of Jesus, who he is, and what he has done (and what he will do).
Jesus brings the Father’s message of eternal life. This eternal life is available to all who believe and acknowledge him as Lord and God. Jesus is called “the Word” because he brings this divine message: The revelation and expression of the idea; eternal life in Heaven with God.
A. 1. Please follow as I begin reading. v. 1 “In the beginning…”
a) At the creation of the world, Jesus was there. He made this place, the heavens and the earth, and holds it together by his will. He is our creator. He was present at the foundation of the world and this vast universe and before time existed. He is outside the bounds of time and space. Truly, Jesus Christ is an amazing person. His attributes are astounding.
b) He affirms his pre-existence in John 8:58, when he boldly states: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
c) (Please turn to John 17:5) He relates his pre-existence in prayer. In addressing the Father, he asks to be glorified as he was “…before the world existed”.
2. (Let’s go back to John chapter 1; continuing in v. 2, 3) Jesus and the Father were together in the beginning. They are the harmonic persons of the Godhead along with the Holy Spirit. Together they are one God and were all involved in the creation. In Gen. 1:26 they said, “Let us make man in our own image”. The Father and the Son are both united and eternal creator.
a) The idea that 2 can be one is scriptural. God affirms in Gen. 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” It is therefore possible that two are one. God is not an absolute one, but rather a harmonic one. Three distinct personages are one God. Jesus said in John 10:30 “I and the Father are one”.
3. (Continuing in John 1:4) “In him was life…” In John 8:12 Jesus declares that he is “the Light of the world”. Jesus is said to have life in him because he has the power to create and sustain life. Whether physical, spiritual, or eternal, he gives life and sustains it. In John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. Jesus, revealed as God, is the only way to eternal life.
4. (Jump ahead with me to v.14) Jesus was the ever-existing Word before he became, at a definite point in history, a man. He was always the Word, but became flesh at a specific time. He became a man without divesting himself of his divine nature. He didn’t cease being God / the Word. He simply took on human nature, as well, in becoming a man.
a) (Turn with me to Phil. 2:5-11) Jesus entered a new position of being but he did not become a new being. He was still the Word. As a man he became a humble servant and demonstrates the purest form of meekness. As God, he is called “Holy” and “Almighty”. (Rev. 1:8, Rev. 4:8, 11)
B. 1. Those who believe in his deity are blessed.
a) None of us here have seen Christ, yet. Thomas, one of the apostles, doubted that Jesus rose from the dead. He did not believe because he did not see him and touch him with his own hands. When Jesus revealed himself to Thomas, he finally confessed.
b) (Please open to John 20:2 “…my Lord and my God”
c) (Continuing in v. 29) Jesus says that those who have not seen Jesus but confess him as their Lord and God will be very blessed.
2. There is no doubt that the apostles were convinced of Christ’s deity. He was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6 to be a “mighty God”. The apostles proclaim him throughout the New Testament:
a) In Romans 9:5 Christ is said to be “God over all”. It is clear who he is.
b) In Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1 he is called “our God and Savior” and is promised to be revealed on the Last Day. Our faith in Him is essential to our salvation.
c) Acts 20:28 says God “obtained the church with his own blood”. Of course Jesus blood is being spoken of, not the Father’s. The church of Christ is, therefore, the church of God .
d) In Hebrews 1:8, God the Father says: “thy throne, O God, is forever and ever”. It’s clear that God addresses the Son as God. Jesus and the Father are eternally one God.
3. It’s not enough to simply believe in Jesus as your Lord and your God. In Hebrews 5:9 we read that Jesus is “the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him”. If you have faith that he is your God, I urge you to obey him.
a) Jesus taught that we must repent of our sins, the very thing that separates us from a relationship with God. (Luke 13:3) “…unless ye repent ye will likewise perish”.
b) Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and your God, as Thomas did in John 20:28. (Matt. 10:32) “…acknowledges me before men…”
c) If you have been baptized into a body that does not acknowledge Christ as Jehovah God, I urge you to be baptized into the one body of the New Testament. (1 Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:38, 41) There is only one body (church) with Christ as her founder and head. This is the body we read about in God’s Word. (Eph. 1:23, 4:4, 5:23) There is only one church, be added to it today and be rewarded with eternal salvation.
Conclusion: Brothers and sisters, the Bible affirms that Jesus Christ is eternal God.
“Word of Faith” Doctrine Exposed and Refuted
Some of you may not know what I am talking about when I mention “Word of Faith”. Word of Faith, also known as Faith movement, Word-Faith Formula, Hyper-Faith, Positive Confession, Name it and Claim it, or simply as Word Faith. I have most often heard it called “Word of Faith.”
Basically, “Word of Faith” is the teaching that everything you say will determine what happens to you. If you claim (or make a “positive confession”, according to these teachers) that you will have health and/or wealth, it will come about. In order to get something from God, you need to claim it. For example: it has been said by a particular Word of Faith teacher, “Dont prayer to Jesus, asking that your nose will stop running. You need to command your nose to stop running in Jesus’ name!”. If you mention to a charismatic that your tummy hurts, they will rebuke you for your negative confession and explain that the only way to heal your tummy is to believe it is getting better, in the name of Jesus. That is just some explaination of the Word Faith religion in my own words and experience.
For some of you who have friends or family that teach and advocate this doctrine, you know it can be a thorn in the side to New Testament Christians. It constantly undermines scripture and common sense. For someone with several family members in the Pentecostal church, I am familiar with it. When I first was told about WOF, it immediately sounded wrong but I had not studied this teaching deeply to expose it’s fallacy. My first idea about WOF is that it is absurd and nonscriptural but not dangerous or harmful. I have changed my view. Recently, I have studied about this doctrine and the problems it creates. I am advocating that we all learn how to refute the Word of Faith teaching when we hear it.
The reason I chose to write about this is so that anyone can know where I stand on “Word of Faith”. I also hope that this outline of information can be of assistance to those of you who are dealing with this (or possibly will deal with it in the future). The purpose is not to offend and hurt those who are deceived by this teaching but rather, to point to scripture in order to correct them.
I highly recommend the book “Charismatic Chaos” by John F. MacArthur Jr. He does an excellent job of exposing Charismatic flawed docrines, expecially Word of Faith doctrine in chapter 12.
Intro: The notes I have taken for this outline are highlights from “Charismatic Chaos” and some of my personal observations. The following is mostly a sort of book review and comments written by yours truly.
Discussion:
1 a) -Word of Faith religion is false because it is spawned by man. Virtually every religion that has ever been spawned by man worships a god whose function is to deliver cargo. Human religions invent gods for utilitarian reasons, the deity exists in order to serve men, rather than the other way around.
b) My thought is: The mere fact that WOF doctrine serves man’s wishes exposes it’s absense of divine truth. If it was an inspired truth, the design would be to serve God.
2 a) -WOF writings carry titles like “How to write your own ticket with God”, and Godliness is Profitable”. In WOF religion, the believer uses God, whereas the truth about biblical Christianity is just the opposite: God uses the believer. WOF theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a person who enables the believer to do God’s will. Many WOF teachers claim that Jesus was born again so that we might become “little gods”. Scripture, however, teaches that Jesus is God , and it is we who must be born again.
Read 1 Tim. 6:5, 9-11…
b) My thought: The Bible warns us about false teachers who believe they can gain money and success from the Word of God. Think about all the televangelists, supposed healers, and other big-time, money making, preachers. There are plenty of preachers out there driving shiny vipers, bmws, ferraris, etc. Even some “charismatic” speakers in congregations wearing the name church of Christ are teaching that God promises “health and wealth”.
3 a)-WOF teaching is established on the wrong idea of God. WOF teaching, in effect, sets the individule believer above God and relegates God to the role of a genie, or Santa Claus, or a valet who is at the Christian’s beck and call. WOF preachers are their own supreme authority.
b) WOF teaching has no concept of God’s sovereignty. (Read Ps. 103:19, 1Tim. 6:15) WOF teachers do not believe that God is sovereign. Jesus, in thier veiw, as no authority, having delegated it all to the church. WOF teaches that God is bound by certain spiritual laws that govern health and prosperity. If we say the right words or believe without wavering, God is FORCED to respond in whatever way we determine.
c) In WOF system God is not Lord of all; he is not able to work until we release him to do so. He is dependant on human instruments, human faith, and above all, human words, to get his work done. Charles Capps writes, “It is in your power to release the ability of God.” He also says, on the other hand “Fear activates the devil”. If you doubt, “You have stopped God’s ability immediately”. According to Capps, God has turned over even his creative authority to men.
d) The question comes to mind: Why pray at all if we have so much cretive force??? Indeed some WOF teachers come dangerously close to denying the need to seek help from God through prayer.
e) Thus, Word of Faith theology removes the sovereignty of God, removes the need to pray to God for any relief from burdens, and gives the Christian himself both creative force and power. Both Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn teach that we can become gods. Copeland said, “…you don’t have a god in you. You are one.” He is also quoted as saying “When I read in the Bible where he says “I AM”. I just smile and say “Yes, I AM, too.” Paul Crouch said “…He opens up that union of the very godhead, and brings us into it.” Benny Hinn said, “Ye are gods.” All of these WOF teachers are so blasphemous it is almost unbelievable how someone can listen and believe them. I personally think and hope that most practicing WOF are not so extreme as these examples.
The WOF teachers have deposed God and put the believer in his place. From that basic error nearly all of their other fallacies flow. Why do they teach that health and prosperity are every Chistian’s divine right? Because in their system they are gods, deserving of those things. Why do they teach that a believers words have creative and DETERMINATIVE force? Because in their system, the believer is soveriegn, not God.
4 a) They have simply bought Satan’s original lie! Read Gen. 3:4-5. He said you won’