Cheap Religion

Samuel 2 24:18-25 Bargain hunters find no bargains at Gods County. Here be found everything at his command, without coat or much effort, but he refused. Judas – Ananias and Saphari – The rich ruler! I: David was a man after God’s own heart. 1. David was quick to recognize his own sins. 2. He refused to offer that which cost him nothing. 3. He was not willing to enjoy the blessing of God while others paid the price. 4. David was not seeking the blessing without the responsibilities. 5. He was not wiling to set back and leave the financial and spiritual burdens to others. 6. He realized the central truth, “You get what you pay for.” II: Saul’s religion was cheap enough to show disrespect and disobedience. 1. He intruded into the...

Divided Allegiance

Matthew 6:19-34, Timothy 1 6:5-11 The Kingdom is in operation now – The King will come again. Divided allegiance is a curse to any life or any people. A life would have a definite goal or it will wander aimlessly. I: “Take Heed” Jesus Warned of Covertness. 1. Paul warned about supposing that material possession was a sign of godliness. 2. “Withdrew” from people that live by this code of life. 3. Real riches is godliness with contentment. 4. Discontment robs one of the real joys of life. 5. All of the Earth’s perishables slip from the lifeless hand of death. 6. We take no more materials out of life than we arrived with. We paint with nothing. II: “Life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke...

What Christians Ought to Be

Peter 2 3:11, Corinthians 1 13:1-13 (The Laws of His Life) Almost everyone can tell you what a Christian ought to be. Men that refuse God can still give quite a lecture on how a Christian ought to live. I: A Separated People: 1. A radical change has taken place. 2. Christ has placed a gulf between the saved and lost. 3. Old things have passed away. Paul said like filthy rags. 4. There is not a difference in words, but actions. II: Praying People: 1. George Adam Claek, while climbing a storm-swept mountain: “On your knees, the only safe way is on your knees.” 2. A habitual study of the word brings convictions that change our lives. 3. No one becomes a mature Christian without strong convictions. 4. We must believe sin kills and the cross saves. III:...

You’re In The Areana

Hebrews 12:1-2 I: The Arean’s of Paul’s Day: 1.Christians attended but often as the pray of wild animals. 2. Exciting races, death, and life was often the main attraction. 3. Roads leading to the arena were often decorated by bronze bust and plaques of champions. 4. The ambition of every contestant was to have his name on a plaque. 5. The Christian’s names were paced in the “lambs book of life.” Their sin was running a worthy race with the gal in aim to please Jesus. II: The Two Races compared: 1. Both have spectators. a. “A cloud of witnesses.” Hebrews 11. b. Arena of Rome, pleasure mad. 2. Beth has strong motives. a. The Christian has earthly and heavenly spectators. b. Strength in assurances of victory on the premise...

Heaven

Revelations 21:1-7 I: Types of Heaven: 1. Eden — means pleasure or delight. Man’s paradise was lost. 2. Candan was a type of heaven. a. Home for the people of God. b. A home of plenty. 3. Jerusalem — A glorious city. 4. The temple and the church. a. A place to meet God and worship. 5. The Sabbath — Rest and peace. 6. Father and Home. II: Figures of Heaven: 1. A place — “I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 2. A city — “Here we have no abiding city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14. “He hath prepared for them a  city.” Hebrews 11:16. 3. A House — “We have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Corinthians 2 5:1. 4. A Kingdom:...

Training To Make A Difference

Ecclesiastes 10:10 I: “We can if we want to.” 1. “Age and circumstances may limit your formal schooling, but not your education.” Dobbins 2. Preparation for effective leadership will make definite demands upon those that would lead. 3. The greatest single need of our churches is usually trained and dedicated leaders. 4. Capable, dependable, and responsible leadership is a rare commodity. 5. Our church’s people complain about poor leadership, but far too many are willing to take up the responsibility of changing the picture. 6. No one can be in full fellowship of a church and refuse to share its faith and works. II: Solomon said: 1. “If the iron be blunt.” 2. The full ax may get the job done, but it uses up more time and...