How Will You Be Remembered?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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1 Corinthians 11:24 (KJV) “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

The car had one of those “remembrance” or “in memory of” messages on its back window. We’ve all seen these messages. Every time I see these displays I have mixed emotions. I’m sad that a life – usually a young life – has ended, yet I’m also pleased that someone remembers the recently departed. Obviously such a person made a deep impact on life itself, else why would he or she be memorialized in such a way?

We remember our loved ones in a number of ways. We visit their graves, and periodically put flowers on or near the headstone. We make dedications to our local Church, or to some Godly organization like the Gideons. We remember our loved ones fondly, especially during that time we call Homecoming. We look at their pictures and remember back to the time they were among us, enriching our lives.

Just before Jesus Christ went to the Cross of Calvary He instituted a “remembrance” that His Church follows to this day.

Jesus took bread and beverage from the table. He broke the break and asked that we continue to do this “in memory” of His sacrifice – a symbol of His suffering for us. The beverage shared from a common cup emphasized that each believer who took of that Table was sustained – not by their own works – but because of what Jesus did for us all. Practically anyone can eat or drink, so the symbolism of that Table emphasizes that we who believe have neither earned nor deserved what Jesus did for us. Jesus drank from the bitter cup of sin so we could be forgiven before God our Father. He took part in our Hell so we could take part in His Heaven. Can’t you hear the anguish in His voice as He prayed ” … O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) Jesus’ sacrifice was not accidental, but it was the deliberate and undeserved act of a Friend for those He wanted to save. Because His action was selfless and undeserved, the memorial of the Table is much more special than a message on a car window. The Lord’s Table reminds us that all who believe in Him, though they are no longer with us, are nonetheless in the arms of our Risen Savior just beyond the veil of life. The remembrance of the Table promises us that we do not need to hopelessly grieve over the loss of a loved one. We are reminded that “He is not here, He is risen just as He said” (Matthew 28:6) – and that our loved ones are also with Him in that great by and by. When I see a memorial on the back window of a car, I hope that the one to whom it is dedicated was a believer who had accepted Jesus as Savior. I also hope that the driver of the car, and all who see that moving memorial, would turn to Him believing while there is yet time. In a few years that car with the message in its rear window will be sent to some junkyard, but the soul that submits itself to God in Christ shall never die (John 11:26). You have His Table – and His Word – to remind you of that immortal truth.

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm

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What Can One Do?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV) “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

Does it matter what one person does? Does it matter what “I” do? In America we often find ourselves complaining about many things. We complain about taxes, about the economy, about immorality, about the media, about the homeless, and complain about the schools. We feel that many of the things that we used to hold dear are no longer valued, and we often feel that sense of helplessness that leads to paralyzing inactivity and apathy. “I’m only one person – what can I possibly do? One person can’t possibly make a difference.” Or can I?

In Jeremiah’s day the Prophet was one of the few people left in the nation willing to speak out for the Creator. There were many good people in that land who believed in God, but few were willing rock the boat. It’s always uncomfortable to speak out. You just know that others will dislike you when you speak up. Better to stay quiet and let someone else do it. But Jeremiah spoke out. Even when the local townspeople imprisoned him, Jeremiah continued to speak. In his mind it was better to speak out for the Lord and be imprisoned, than to stay quiet and offend the Savior he loved so much.

What can one person do? Quite a bit, as a matter of fact.

Through one man sin entered into creation, and death came on all (Romans 5:12).

One man, Noah, built a boat, and saved humanity from certain destruction in the flood.

One Moses led Israel from slavery and suffering to the Jordan river.

One shepherd boy, David, stood up for God and defeated Goliath, saving Israel.

One prophet called Elijah stood against the worshipers of Baal, a false religion that practiced child sacrifice.

One woman, Deborah, united Israel and led them to victory when all others predicted defeat.

One prophet, John, cried out “Here is the Lamb of God, One who has come to take away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

One fisherman called Peter preached to a crowd on a Jewish holiday, and led three thousand to faith in Jesus Christ.

One Paul preached the Gospel of salvation to non-Jewish peoples.

One young lady, Lottie Moon, carried Christ to China, and led thousands to new life in Him.

The Bible says that One perfect Person, Jesus Christ, died on the Cross for you and I.

Whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but shall have everlasting life (John 3:16). 

One pebble tossed by one small boy causes ripples that spread across a much larger lake. Can you make a difference? If a small child can make a difference in a big lake, you can make a difference in your world. What can you do? You can begin by asking God to make you into a better, more caring person. Ask Him to enter your life, to lead you – by love – in all that you say and do. Ask God to show you how to love others even if no one will love you back. Love is never love until it is put into action – let others see your love. Stand up in love for your country. Speak out when you see immorality and cruelty. Write your local newspaper, and keep writing. You see, in America your voice and YOUR VOTE matters. Speaking of voting, you can register to vote, and on election day you can stand up for God and VOTE. It saddens me that so few get out and vote! Do you know how many people died to bring us the privilege of voting? Vote!

Band together with other like minded believers and pray for our nation and its leaders. Contribute a small amount of your time and your talent to something and Someone greater than yourself. God never expects one person to accomplish the impossible, but He does ask that you do what YOU can do. When you unite your will with God, then and only then can you see great and mighty things happen in your world. When you are on His side you are never alone. Dwight L. Moody, the great evangelist of yesteryear, said “Small numbers make no difference to God. There is nothing small if God is in it.” Call unto God, then do what you can – it will make a difference!

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm

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Jesus Is The Only Key

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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Matthew 18:3-6 (KJV) “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {4} Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. {5} And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. {6} But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

“I wonder what that silver…?” I was rushing to get my grass mowed before the storm hit. As the rain drops began to fall, I pushed the mower harder and faster. Suddenly there was a silver thing – actually, a bunch of silver things – on the ground in front of me. I only had time to think “I wonder what that silver…” before I passed over it, grinding and scattering it. Well, now I know. My key ring had fallen out of my pocket. Yes, I mowed my keys! We all, even preachers, do foolish things. It can be fixed, and more keys can be made. But it would have been better to have avoided the problem in the first place.

Parents work hard to give their children nice clothes, a good education, fine cars. We want them to have all the things we never had when we were their age. This is a noble thing, a good thing, for we should invest much in our children and grandchildren. Yet we must also remember that children need more than things – they need to be taught the things of God. Children need to be shown that love is greater than possessions. Children need to be shown how to love God first, and others second. They need to be shown that life has never been about “me first”. If life and love were to be selfish, the Creator would have never made us … nor would He have died for us. Jesus would have never taken the beating He took because He loves us and wants only the best for us. 

Your children are learning by the example you give them. If you have made material wealth the most important thing in your life, that’s exactly what you’re teaching your kids. If you’re driving your children to Church just to drop them offthen you’re teaching your kids that Church is for kids, and that attendance really doesn’t matter. When you decide to sleep in on Sunday rather than go with your children to Church you’re telling them that your needs are more important than God’s needs. When you cut someone off in traffic while cursing them, you’re teaching your children that you’re more important than anyone else. Whatever you do in front of your children, be it good or evil, you’re sowing seed that will one day bear either a sweet tasting fruit or a bitter weed. Your actions could lead your child to reject Christ as Savior, and what a terrible waste that would be! 

The key to your child’s prosperity is not how many toys you provide. The key to his or her prosperity is how they regard Jesus Christ. Do they know that they must humble themselves and come to Him for salvation? Do they know that there is no other name under Heaven whereby they must be saved (Acts 4:12)? Do they know that the only means of eternal life is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior (John 14:6)? Do they know that greatness in Heaven, which is forever, is not determined by earthly riches, but in submission to Jesus Christ? 

Jesus warned us that, if we offended one of these little ones, then we would be better off to hang a millstone around our necks and be drowned in the sea. Many people consider this a warning about future punishment, but I’ve always interpreted it in a different way. What you sow, you will reap. If you teach your children that Christ is nothing, that the Ten Commandments are useless, and that “me first” is best, your children will grow up believing what you’ve shown them. Many schools in America today have metal detectors at every door, lest a child bring a weapon to school. Teenage pregnancy is on the rise. Alcohol and drug use, coupled with carelessness, is causing many young people to go to an early grave. For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). 

What’s the solution, Beloved? Slow down, and take the time to lovingly tell your children about Jesus. Take them to Church this Sunday – and COME WITH THEM. When you come home after Church, discuss the sermon and lessons with them. Live that which you profess, live like Jesus expects His children to live. Be careful not to run over the key to your child’s eternal life. Oh, and by the way. If you’re reading this article and are not sure that you are saved yourself, take the time to get on your knees and invite Jesus Christ into your heart.  

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:11 (KJV)

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.

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Are You On The Winning Team?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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(Galatians 6:14-16 KJV) “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. {15} For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. {16} And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”

A few years ago I and my wife went with the young people of Rock Hill Baptist Church to a Diamond Jaxx game. Baseball and apple pie, these two have been wonderfully identified with America even before I was born. Both the sport as well as the dessert require that you follow the rules if you expect to enjoy them. Think about apple pie for a moment. Would you eat a pie if the chef ran out of white flour and decided to substitute dirt in the crust? If there weren’t enough apples for the recipe, would it be wise to use catfish in its place? Though I love fried catfish, I’m not ready for an apple-catfish pie! Now let’s think about baseball. When the batter swings at the ball – and misses – this is called a “strike”. If the pitcher gets the ball over the home plate at the right height and the batter DOESN’T swing at the ball, this is still called a “strike”. Three strikes and the batter is “out”. Three “outs” and the other team gets an opportunity to hit the ball. Whoever receives the most “runs” wins the game. I’m sure some of you can explain this much better than I’m doing, but the point is this: There are DEFINITE rules, and these rules MUST be followed if you expect to win the game – whether you like the rules or not.

Many find it easy to understand the necessity of following rules in baseball, yet find it unbelievable that God our Creator has Himself established rules that we need to live by.

Anyone who rejects this truth need only take a look at the incredible suffering that Jesus Christ endured for our sakes. Man broke the rules in the Garden of Eden. Mankind continues to break the rules today by sugar coating sinful behavior and calling it “normal”. God has shown us by the Cross that He does not take the rules of righteousness lightly. Our Lord Jesus suffered terribly on that tree so that God the Father could dump every violation of righteousness that both you and I have ever made on Him. Jesus Christ paid the penalty you should have paid for breaking the rules. Believe on Him, crying out to God for salvation in His name, and God will transfer Christ’s payment for sin to YOUR account.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV).

Now that you are saved, are you exempt from the rules of God? No, but you are empowered to live within the boundaries of those rules. Will you “fit in” with the rest of the world? Absolutely not! But praise God that you DO walk a different path! The players at the Jaxx game all wore uniforms, and stood out from the crowd around them who merely watched the game. If you have accepted God’s call to salvation you play on a team mightier than all the sports clubs that have ever existed. Your Coach has purchased you a distinctive uniform that makes you stand out from those who merely watch – and the Coach expects you to wear that uniform proudly (John 15:18-20; Romans 12:1-2). The opposing team may jeer you, and even try to get you to quit or change sides. Do not fear! Our team has stood victorious for over two thousand years because our Coach ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:57). Fit in with the world? Better to wear His uniform and be on the winning team, both now, and for all eternity.

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.

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I Am Not An Animal

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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Psalms 139:11-14 (NASB) “If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” {12} Even the darkness is not dark to Thee, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to Thee. {13} For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. {14} I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.”

Joseph Carey Merrick – the “Elephant Man” – died when he was only 28 years old. He had a disease that caused extreme deformity in his body, particularly in his head and face. The physicians at the London Royal Hospital believed the disease that so ravaged Joseph was elephantiasis, though others later diagnosed it as “von Recklinghausen’s disease” and later “Proteus syndrome”. Regardless as to what it was, every day of Joseph’s life his horribly disfigured face was a source of amusement to those around him. On one occasion as people pointed and laughed, Joseph cried out “I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!” Joseph understood the difference between “animals” and “human beings”. God created all things in six days, and the crown jewel of His creation was humanity. God did not pronounce creation “very good” until Adam and Eve were created, and placed them in the Garden of Eden to watch over it. “I am not an animal! I am a human being!”

Over the last fifty or so years a strange thing has happened: that truth which poor Joseph Merrick shouted out – “I am not an animal! I am a human being!” – is no longer accepted in much of America. When you turn on the television the so called scientific shows tell us that we “evolved” from lower forms of life like apes, protozoa, and goo. We are told that man IS an animal, and our nearest cousin is a furry tree dweller in some zoo. Yet we are not told of the numerous evidences AGAINST evolution. We are not told of what internationally recognised geneticist, Professor Jerome Lejeune said. At a lecture given in Paris on March 17, 1985 he said:

“We have NO ACCEPTABLE THEORY OF EVOLUTION at the present time. There is none; and I cannot accept the theory that I teach to my students each year. Let me explain. I teach the synthetic theory known as the neo-Darwinian one, for one reason only; not because it’s good, we know it is bad, but because there isn’t any other.”

Why is the myth of evolution taught as a reality, and yet the reality of human creation taught as a myth? The Bible gives us the answer.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

If the world can convince you that you are an animal, that you evolved from goo, then you have no reason to believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. Animals do not need a Savior, for animals do not “sin”. Evolution tells us that we are accidents, not sinners. The Bible, however, tells us the truth. Humans are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Our God made Adam and Eve, our first parents, and put them in the Garden of Eden. Our parents listen to the voice of Satan instead of the voice of God, and in so doing brought sin and death into God’s perfect creation. But God, Who so loves His creation, decided that He would save us from where we fell. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 (NASB) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ died for us because we are NOT animals, we are human beings. When you come to understand this truth, when you accept Jesus Christ as Savior, you realize that God has a higher calling for your life that merely living and dying. Those who know Christ as Savior live their lives as victors, not victims; priests not protozoa; ambassadors for Christ not animals; children of God not chattle of goo. Turn away from the lies and turn to Jesus, the Author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Believe in Him – you are not animals, you are human beings!

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.

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Rootbound or Righteous?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

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I am convinced that my friend can grow hair on a rock. Well, maybe I’m going too far, but her garden does amaze me. When we first moved to this area this dear saint gave us some turnips that were unbelievably large … nearly as big as a human head. One root filled a pot, yet it wasn’t tough or stringy like most oversized vegetables are. When I asked her what the secret of her success was, her answer was surprisingly simple. Instead of buying pregrown seedlings she went back to basics, and planted her garden strictly from seed. When I asked her why this was important she told me that many of the seedlings she bought over the years were “rootbound”, and as a result never did quite as well as it should have done. For those of you who aren’t gardeners, let me explain what “rootbound” is. The roots of the seedling, designed by God to reach deep into the ground to nourish and water the plant, hit the sides of the pot the plant is growing in. Unable to reach downward the roots begin to follow the sides of the pot until they knot up on themselves. You can see a rootbound plant when you pull it from its pot. The roots look like a knotted, twisted length of rope. A rootbound plant never reaches its full potential because its trained to stay within the confines of the pot, even when the pot is removed. Rootbound things are enslaved to something that is no longer there. The pot is gone, but the roots still follow its shape.

People become “rootbound” as well. Every day is the same, and we follow a predetermined path until our day is over. We get up, go to work, come home, watch television, and go to sleep. We have a routine, and we follow that routine until the day we die. Yet …. shouldn’t there be more to life? The Bible tells us that there IS more to life than following the same old routine that everyone else follows. Jesus Christ said: “… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more ABUNDANTLY.”(John 10:10 (KJV)) How can you find that “abundant life” that Jesus promised? 

First you must come to Jesus Christ, accepting Him as your as Savior. You “confess Him with your mouth” and “believe on Him with your heart” (Romans 10:9). Second, you must follow Jesus and His Holy Word as you live your life. Recognize that you are no longer like the unsaved world. Romans 6:16-18 states: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” You are freed from a sinful, rootbound condition so you can serve Jesus. The Christian is a FOLLOWER of JESUS, not a follower of sin or of the world. Following Jesus means that you must move outside of your “comfort zone”. Whatever He leads you to do, step out on faith and do it. You were saved to serve Him, not sin. You have been removed from the world to walk in newness of life – are you doing it? 

Are you actively involved in your local Church? If not, you are not being obedient to the Master. Are you spending hours every day watching television, but never praying nor studying your Bible? If so you will never discover that “abundant life” that Jesus promised. The Christian grows in his faith by study of the Word and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5). Are you telling others about Jesus Christ, or would your fellow workers be surprised to find out you are “religious”? In the first century Church Augustine of Hippo stated “I wept at the beauty of your hymns and canticles, and was powerfully moved at the sweet sound of your Church singing. These sounds flowed into my ears, and the truth streamed into my heart”. Marginal people can never have more than a marginal impact on the world around them. Jesus Christ has removed the believer from the ways of sin and death. Stop following the confines of the world, and turn your eyes upon Jesus! (1 John 5:4)

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.

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Christ Is Coming Soon

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

Matthew 24:35-42 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. [36] But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. [37] But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [40] Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [41] Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [42] Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

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Our Lord Jesus is coming again to receive His Church. We don’t know when He is coming. Jesus said:

of that day and hour knoweth NO MAN, no, not the angels of Heaven,

BUT MY FATHER ONLY

Jesus will come back for His Church. Jesus will come and receive His people. Jesus will return and as the Scripture declares, He will come:

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, (that will startle a Presbyterian, dismay a Methodist, and wake up Baptist … my words 😉 ) with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Those souls who are (Revelation 6:9) “under the altar”. The souls of the loved of Christ are in His presence, in His care, and are aware. But Jesus is coming again. When He comes He will bring these Christian saints with Him. “The dead in Christ shall rise first”. They shall receive their glorified bodies first. Then “we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air – so shall we ever be with the Lord”.

Jesus is coming again.

When He comes He shall take His children from this vale of tears. When He comes the Great Tribulation will begin. When He comes this earth will go through seven years of judgment. When He comes He will sort the wheat from the tares. When He comes the goats will be separated from the sheep.

The Sunday after Jesus comes, many Churches will still gather together. Pastors who loved the world but not God will look out on their goat-like congregations and wonder “where has all the people gone?” Recently Andy Stanley (son of Charles Stanley and founder of North Point Ministries – a series of 7 churches that are attended by some 33,000 people) said this of the Bible:

“Christianity does not exist because of the Bible
any more than you exist because of your birth certificate.”

Stanley is among a growing number of professing “Christian” Pastors who tell their Churches that the Bible is just a book. Just “believe Jesus” – whatever Jesus you want to believe in – and as many liberal Pastors promote stop telling people you believe this because the Bible tells me so.

G. Shane Morris wrote in Breakpoint (October 6, 2016):

“There’s a very simple reply to Stanley’s recommendation that we rely on the testimony of the eyewitnesses instead of the Bible: The Bible is the testimony of the eyewitnesses. Without the Bible and the historical and doctrinal truths it teaches, there is no Christianity.”

Jesus is coming soon, I believe, because we are “In the days of Noah”.

Several years ago Horrorwood did a movie on Noah called Noah, but it was nothing like Noah. It was a bit of fantasy taken from a disturbed mind.

Noah was a real person in a real time. How do I know?

Because it’s in the Bible.

Because Jesus spoke of the “days of Noah” not as fantasy, but as reality.

That is what Jesus said in the Bible.

We wouldn’t know that there was a worldwide flood if it were not for the Bible.

We wouldn’t understand the fossil record if we did not understand there was a worldwide flood, which is in the Bible.

Jesus spoke of the flood. He spoke of Noah. And He tied both events to His Second Coming.

1 Noah Was A Real Person Saved By God. Noah lived in a time where there were few believers in God. The Bible tells us of that time that:

Genesis 6:2 (ESV) the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.

Righteousness mingled with darkness.

The Sons of God – those saved by faith – mingled with the daughters of men – the lost. Good and Evil combined. Just as it is today, many Churches are compromising with the world in order to reach crowds. Large crowds, large facilities, but little of God’s Word and little of God’s Spirit. God tells His Children:

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (KJV) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

When light stands against the darkness the darkness will retreat. But when light blends with the darkness it can only blend by dimming itself. As dark and light reach an accord the darkness consumes the light.

Genesis 6:5-7 (ESV) The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. [7] So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

God was going to destroy the evil that we had made. God was going to blot out man, to erase the people who had erased Him. But God always has His remnant.

God had Noah.

Genesis 6:8 (KJV) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Noah was a man saved by Grace. If you are saved by Grace, you received that Grace from God. And if you are saved by Grace, you stand with God. The Bible says:

Genesis 6:9 (KJV) … Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

If you are saved by Grace, you do not walk with the world. You walk with God.
You walk with God.
You walk with God.

The world was filled with wickedness, but Noah walked with God.

Noah was surrounded by false prophets, just as we are surrounded by false prophets. In the latter days Jesus said (Matthew 24:4-5) “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many”. Noah kept his eyes on Christ – he walked with God. He loved the Lord. Though all around him, it was, as God said:

Genesis 6:13 (KJV) …. The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Everywhere he looked Noah saw sin. Even his own family was not saved. Do you know how I know this?

Because the Bible says so!

The Bible says “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”, but it doesn’t say “Noah and his family found Grace in the eyes of the Lord”. Only Noah found Grace. No one else did. His family would be saved, but God would save his family out of his love for Noah.

Noah stood alone. The majority voted. God was out, and Noah was supposed to follow the majority. But Noah stood alone … with God.

If you are saved you will often have to stand alone with God. The majority may vote, and you may find yourself standing alone. But that’s fine, as long as you are walking with God.

Enoch stood alone with God – and God took him.
Elijah stood alone against the Prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
John the Baptist stood alone when he condemned Herod for incest.
Nehemiah stood alone when he felt God tell him to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.
Jesus Christ stood alone before Pilate,
and died on Calvary for our sins

If you’re standing alone make sure you are standing with God. If you are standing with God then you are not alone, but in a powerful place. I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). Apart from Christ, I can do nothing (John 15:5).

2 Noah Was A Real Person Given A Real Purpose By God. You are not saved by God just so you can go to Heaven. The Bible tells us that God saves us for a purpose. The lives we lived before Christ prepare us for the life we will live after Christ.

The name “Noah” (Nôach) means “Rest”

People today believe that God offers salvation like a type of fire insurance – something to save you from a later hell. Too many people today are Cultural Christians – that is, they are Christians because they are not Buddhists or Muslims or Troglodytes. They hear the Gospel, are allegedly saved, but then for all intents and purposes live just like everybody else does. But Noah found “Grace” in the eyes of God. Noah “walked with God”.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God calls Christians according to a purpose. You are called to walk with God. You cannot walk with someone while sitting down. To walk you must get up. To walk with you must get up and move when that Person moves. God does not call people to sit. He calls people to shine. He calls people to be purpose driven, not according to our purposes, but to God’s. You are to do as God says do.

Noah rested in Christ but did not rest on his pew.

God told Noah:

Genesis 6:14-16 (KJV) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. [15] And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. [16] A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

An “Ark” is not a ship. An “Ark” is a chest, something to hold something that is valuable. You do not sail an Ark. You sail a ship. You pilot a freighter. But an Ark is like a hot air balloon on the water. It has two purposes – hold something important, and float.

God told Noah exactly how to make the outer size of the Ark. The Ark was to have three decks, with rooms on every deck. And God told Noah:

Genesis 6:18-21 (KJV) But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. [19] And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. [20] Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. [21] And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

This section ends with:

Genesis 6:22 (ESV) Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

God did not make a covenant with Noah’s children, but Noah only. Noah didn’t know how long he would have to complete his task, but he worked. He didn’t linger. And here’s something to think of:

God didn’t call a florist to build the Ark
God didn’t call a grocer to build the Ark
God called someone who knew how to put wood together
Then Noah and his family had to get into the Ark – or die!

That which God calls you to do will be based on what you know. He will use the talents and abilities you have in His call to do His will.

God doesn’t call His people to do a little work, but a BIG work for Him.

the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits

Since we don’t understand what “cubits” are, let’s put the size of the Ark into modern terms. The Ark was to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet tall. If you were to lift a 40 story building from its foundation and turn it sideways, it would lay down inside of the Ark. The Ark had an estimated 1.4 million cubic feet of space. If you took one of every animal we know of today – even the extinct species – and multiplied them by 2 (male and female) and put them on the Ark, you would only use 60% of it’s storage capacity.

There was plenty of room for all to come into the Ark, if they would come.

The Ark was to be used by whosoever will. If people would take the time to do so and get on God’s Ark then they would be saved.

3 Noah Is What We Must Be In These Latter Days.

Genesis 7:6 (ESV) Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth.

Matthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

America is a perfect picture of the Days of Noah.

I was listening to a man the other day explain why he left his wife and children for another woman. He explained this by saying:

it’s complicated

I’ve noticed that people like to misuse this word. When I was in the Air Force working on Electronic Warfare Systems that was complicated. I had to know which line carried what voltage, and what diode did what, what transistor did what. There were manuals that were 500 pages thick that covered just parts of what the equipment did. When I retired from the Air Force I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement but honestly I couldn’t remember all that I knew without the manuals. Why?

it’s complicated

It isn’t complicated as to why a man leaves his wife and children. It isn’t complicated why two men try to be a husband and wife. It isn’t complicated why a woman would abort her child, effectively murdering a baby. It isn’t complicated why a man would murder another man.

Sin complicates things, but it isn’t complicated.

It’s complicated is a smokescreen that people use today to try and hide the truth. The truth isn’t complicated.

God will judge sin.
Jesus is coming soon.
When He comes, He will take His Children off the earth.
The Tribulation will come.
Sin will be judged.
Hell is real.
Are you prepared?

The Gospel is not complicated. God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Are you prepared? Are you ready? Are you – like Noah – working and looking for the Coming of your Savior? If not, today is a great day to be saved!

Someone asked me “Can’t a person be saved after the Rapture? After Jesus comes?”. I would say more than likely. But the wrong time to be saved is during the Great Tribulation. Today is the day.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)… behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote:

“It appears to me that we could well be living in the last days. Alarming as this is, it has always been part of God’s plan, and there’s great comfort in knowing that His program is right on schedule. I’m excited about the future because I’m excited about Christ. In Him, we’re safe and secure from all alarm. We’re hidden in the cleft of the Rock. We’re engraved on the palms of His hand.”

Make sure you are where you need to be with God. Then live life in His will. Walk with Him daily. Do as He says. Be prepared! Christ is coming soon!

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Let’s Make A Deal!

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg
TSDLEMA EC007

LET’S MAKE A DEAL, Host Monty Hall, 1963-76

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. {24} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. {25} For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? {26} For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:23-26 (KJV)) 

“The riches of His free grace cause me daily to triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me. ” (George Whitefield)

Several years ago there was a show on television called “Let’s Make a Deal”. Throughout the show the host would select people out of the audience and offer them a hidden prize.

“We have three boxes here – which one will you choose? You’ve chosen box number one. Are you SURE? Let’s see what you’ve chosen. It’s a new DIAMOND RING worth thousands of dollars! Would you like to continue playing? Can I offer you what’s behind curtain number two in exchange for that ring? No? How about what’s behind curtain number two and TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS? No? What if I offer you curtain number two, and THREE hundred dollars?”

The host (I remember Monty Hall) would continue to tempt the contestant until the audience reached a fevered pitch, and the poor person looked like he was going to have a heart attack. Many times the contestant would give up a beautiful prize in favor of another hidden prize. The hidden prize might be wonderful – a new color TV, a stereo system, or a new car. But there were times when the hidden prize was no prize at all. It could be a bale of hay, a dozen eggs, a pack of notebook paper, any number of foolish things. When the contestant was tricked into picking something worthless over something great I, along with many in the audience, wondered why he made such a bad choice. Why choose what MIGHT be wonderful over what was CLEARLY REVEALED as wonderful? Why choose the unknown prize when the clearly revealed prize is available? 

Though you may or may not have seen “Let’s Make a Deal”, many of you are nonetheless still playing that game with your life. For over two thousand years a vast innumerable crowd of people have surrendered their lives to Christ and found a treasure greater than any diamond ring. People have heard the Gospel message that “the one who comes to Jesus will not be cast out (John 6:37)”. They have come surrendering their lives to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and have found that promised perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) along with eternal salvation (John 3:16; 14:6). True believers have followed Christ in life and through the very veil of death. Many have testified, even in the midst of horrific persecution, that following Jesus is vastly preferable to NOT following Jesus. Justin Martyr said, “You can kill us, but you can’t hurt us”. True believers focused on living their lives according to the written and living Word of God have overcome trial after trial. This is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith (1 John 5:4)”.

The prize of Christ has been revealed, yet many continue to listen to the world and to Satan. “Don’t you want to choose what’s behind door number three? It might be riches, or fame, or a new car! Take a chance – you deserve it. You don’t need to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Not today anyway. You don’t need to go to church. You don’t need to obey Christ’s commandments. Enjoy life – live for today – God will understand”. The poor contestant who follows the siren call of Satan and the world chooses what he believes is life. But when the veil is lifted you’ll find that you’ve chosen cursing over blessing. You may have gained this world, but you have lost eternity. Choose the revealed prize. Choose Jesus Christ over what you MIGHT gain. I along with a mighty crowd of witnesses can promise you that surrender to Jesus brings with it a life worth living and a future prize worth collecting.

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike, Columbia, TN. We have services at 8:30 & 11 AM Sundays, 5 & 6 PM Sundays. All are welcomed and loved!

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Why Sit There Until You Die?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

castle-gate

(2 Kings 7:3-4 NASB) “Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why do we sit here until we die? {4} “If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city and we shall die there; and if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.””

Four men sat at a gate of a certain city. They had a decision to make, one that needed to be made pretty quick. For some time these men, victims of a terrible disease, waiting for someone to come by and offer them a hand. Days passed, and no one came. To wait any longer was to invite death by starvation. They could no longer afford to be apathetic about their situation, waiting for someone to come along and toss a few coins in their cups. Another day or so of fruitless inactivity would bring death. These men didn’t know exactly when death was coming, but they knew its dark arrival was due any time. “Why sit here until we die? Let’s move to change our lives while we can still move”.

The plight of these men is almost perfectly reflected in American life today. America is not only a place of affluence, it’s a place of entertainment. Watch the political race. If that ain’t apathetic entertainment, what is? If you sit still in front of the television long enough someone will offer you a solution for all your problems.

Out of money and deep in debt? Don’t worry about it – get another credit card.

Overweight? Oprah’s trainer will come to you if you sit there long enough.

Problems with your marriage? Watch Jerry or Maury, and they’ll tell you how to fix it.

Poor health? There are several shows you can watch that will toss a few coins in your cup. Just keep waiting and not doing. You have all the time in the world, just keep sitting and waiting.

Prior to his death a friend, a dear man, looked up at his wife. He quietly told her that the Lord had called him into ministry many years before, but because he was afraid to step out on faith he let that part of his life die. He sat idly at the gate of life knowing his calling, sitting there till death came. “Why do we sit here until we die?”

The preacher gives an invitation to come forward, to give your life to Jesus. He invites you to join the Church and the Christ, to rise from the gate of life and to enter that great City of God. The message you heard touched your heart, and you know that God is surely in this place.

You decide to wait.

You wait till tomorrow, till next week, till a more convenient time.

Someone may pass by and put a few coins in your cup. You may get a better offer from a bigger church. You have a roast in the oven, and the kids are hungry. You’re going to visit a relative today. So you go home and the moment passes. Will you sit there until you die? After than, what then? The Bible is very clear that following your death you will be judged (see Hebrews 9:27). You don’t believe this, but whether you believe or not makes no difference.

Certain things are true whether we believe them or not.

If you try to breath water, you will choke.

If you try skydiving without a parachute, you will be hurt.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, you will be hurt.

If you are sprayed by a skunk, you will smell.

If you leave this life without knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior you will not enter Heaven (John 3:16-18) but Hell. You can believe or disbelieve these things, but your failure to act on faith will not change the outcome. Why do you sit there until you die?

These diseased men did something with their lives. They got up from where they were and stopped waiting for pennies to fall from Heaven. They went into the city and found that God had already blessed them beyond measure. The city was empty, the enemy already gone. The men feasted, enjoyed, and left that place wealthy beyond their wildest imagination. So it is with the life surrendered to God. If you give yourself to Jesus you will find peace in the midst of chaos, satisfaction beyond your wildest dreams. One day you will enter a City whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Why sit there until you die? Get up and give yourself to Jesus, for it is written:

Romans 10:11 (KJV) “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.”

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The Survey Is Wrong (Continuing Through Hebrews)

Posted on October 9, 2016 by bibleteacherorg

the-last-word-belongs-to-god

September 2016 Lifeway Research (an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention) and Ligonier Ministries ran a survey to see what Americans believe about God, salvation, ethics, and the Bible. Though two thirds of the nation believe that “the Bible contains “everything a person needs to know in order to live a meaningful life” (per the Barna Group & American Bible Society), it is obvious from the survey answers that they do not read nor believe their Bibles. Eric Metaxas notes in a Breakpoint article:

  • Seventy percent of Americans agree there’s only one true God—one in essence, three in person: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Yet almost the same number believe God accepts the worship of all other religions, even those that deny the Trinity or worship other deities.
  • Sixty-one percent correctly say Jesus is both human and divine, but half think that He’s also “the first and greatest being created by God,” rather than existing eternally, as Scripture and the ancient creeds of the faith teach.
  • More bizarre contradictions emerged: Over sixty percent of Americans say that God, Who cannot err, is the Author of the Bible. Yet fewer than half are willing to affirm that the Bible God wrote is “one hundred percent accurate in all it teaches.”
  • Two-thirds admit everyone sins, yet also insist that most people are good by nature!
  • Perhaps most oddly, half of Americans believe that only those who accept Jesus will be saved, yet sixty percent also say everyone will eventually make it to Heaven.
  • Fifty-six percent say the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, “is a divine force but not a personal being.”

John 8:31-32 (ESV) … Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

You cannot know the “Truth” apart from Christ and His Word, this Bible. Truth is not based on how you or I feel, but on what this Word clearly teaches. Today in Hebrews 7 we’re going to discuss some of these “Survey Results” and we’re not going to poll the audience for the correct answer (like they do on that goofy game show Family Feud) but we’re going to consider the clear teaching of the Word of God. Let’s read our focal text:

Hebrews 7:19-28  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.  [20]  And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:   [21]  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)  [22]  By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  [23]  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  [24]  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  [25]  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  [26]  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  [27]  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  [28]  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

1 A Majority Of Americans (Churched and UnChurched) Believe That God Accepts The Worship Of All Other Religions, Even Those That Deny The Trinity Or Worship Other Deities. Is This True? Not According To The Bible!

In our text today Jesus Christ is declared a “High Priest” to His people, and contrasted to the Old Testament “High Priest”. In either Testament – Old Testament or New Testament – the only way you could get access to God was through His designated Priest. How was the office of the High Priest filled in the Old Testament? Did God just say “have a vote, conduct a survey, choose a priest that suits you?” No He did not!

When God led Israel out of Egypt He had Moses park that nation at the foot of Mount Sinai. While at Mount Sinai God told Moses to go up into the Mountain to “receive the Law”. The account of Moses receiving the Law starts in Exodus 19 and continues through Exodus 32. In that 32nd chapter God tells Moses:

Exodus 32:7-10 “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.”

God saw Israel worshiping false gods and He was NOT pleased. God is NOT pleased with the worship of false gods, no more than you who are parents would be pleased if your children that you suffered for and fed were to call a stranger “Mommy” or “Daddy”. God is not pleased with idolatry. He is not pleased when His people turn quickly out of the Way that He commands them”, and He is not pleased when the stranger chases after false gods. When Moses came down the Mountain he cried out “Who is on the Lord’s side? Let them come to me!” (Exodus 32:26). The Children of the Tribe of Levi stood with Moses, drew their swords, and three thousand idolaters were killed that day. The Levites from that day forward became the Tribe where the Priests and High Priests of God came from. God does not tolerate idolatry!

When God sent Israel into the Land of Canaan He told them:

Deuteronomy 12:2-4 You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. You shall chop down the carved images of their gods and destroy their name out of that place. 4 You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way.

Some well meaning Christians have said “Well, perhaps those who have never heard of the True God, perhaps God will give them a pass to Heaven”. But the Lord says:

Isaiah 55:6 ESV Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near ..

We cannot justify idolatry by the the feelings of our hearts. God is able. When Israel went into the Promised Land a prostitute by the name of Rahab called upon the Name of the Lord and was saved. Not only saved, but Rahab became one of the physical descendants of the Incarnate Christ. Abram was an ancient Babylonian that God called to salvation. Abraham believed in the Lord, and God counted this faith for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Ruth led her mother in law Naomi to salvation in the Lord. A Jew named Saul stomped down the Damascus Road, off to kill Christians. Jesus Christ knocked Saul down, and Saul became Paul, one of the greatest of the Apostles.

Isaiah 59:1-3 (ESV) Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness.

Many who profess Christ make allowance for idolatrous salvation because they are too lazy or too fearful of sharing Christ with their lost friends. Do not be deceived. In the Old Testament you had to approach God through the Priest of Levi. In the New Testament God has declared that Jesus Christ …

Hebrews 7:24-25 ….. because he (Jesus) continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  [25]  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

As the Scripture says, (1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV) Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. There is but one Way unto salvation, and that is through the High Priest of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus has declared:

John 14:6 (ESV) …. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This is the Message of the Gospel, the Only Gospel God has given His Church and the world:

Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2 A Majority Of Americans Believe That People Are Good By Nature. Is This True? Not According To The Bible. The Bible says that every person outside of Jesus Christ – every person, whether man woman or child – is a sinner in need of salvation. The Bible says that we are bad by nature. People need to be saved because we are sinners. We read today:

Hebrews 7:25-27 Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  [26]  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  [27]  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

In the Old Testament at Mount Sinai God established the Levitical Priesthood at the same time He established the Law. Man was given God’s Law to live by. Man was given the Levitical Priest to give access to God. But we read today:

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The Law made nothing perfect. Why? Because we are all sinners. The Apostle Paul confronted this in the Book of Romans. You need to read the Book of Romans if you think you are perfect. Paul under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit wrote:

Romans 7:7-9 (ESV) What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”  [8]  But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.  [9]  I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.

The Law is not sinful. The Law is a reflection of God’s Holy character. Our God is thrice HOLY. The Angels of Heaven fly about His Throne shouting “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). When you walk in the Throne Room of God those guarding it warn you “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”. God is Holy. He is without sin. He is always right and righteous. The Law reflects His rightness.

And no matter how hard man tried, he could not maintain a state of perfect holiness. The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee prior to his salvation by Jesus. Paul wrote of his life saying:

Romans 7:18-19 (ESV) For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.  [19]  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

Every person who lives has this internal struggle. We would like to all think that we are at heart just good people. Yet the Bible declares:

Jeremiah 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

I hear people say all the time just follow your heart or I’m going to follow my heart. That’s a mistake. Following your heart is following something that is deceitful and wicked – desperately wicked. That doesn’t mean your heart is always wicked. There are times when your heart stumbles on good. But as Jon Bloom wrote in his book Don’t Follow Your Heart:

“The Bible is full of examples that warn us not to follow our hearts. When Moses followed his heart, he killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12) and faithlessly struck the rock (Numbers 20:10–12). When {the Prophet}Balaam followed his heart, he was rebuked by a donkey (Numbers 22:30). When {King of Babylon} Nebuchadnezzar followed his heart, he ended up eating grass like an ox (Daniel 4:32). When Haman followed his heart, he ended up hanging from the gallows he had built (Ester 7:10). When the disciples followed their hearts, they argued over who was the greatest (Luke 9:46) and in terror abandoned Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:56). When Ananias and Sapphira followed their hearts, they lied to the Holy Spirit and dropped dead (Acts 5:1–11). The Bible is clear: we must follow God’s heart, not ours. Today, following God’s heart means to follow Jesus, which means dying to our fallen hearts’ desires and losing our lives in order to find them (Matt. 16:24–25).”

Back in the 60’s (Eugene Wesley) “Gene” Roddenberry wrote and produced a show called Star Trek. The basic premise of the show was that people – no matter who they are – are all at heart good and right. Gene envisioned a future where we explored space, a future where humankind worked together and money was no longer needed. People just worked to better themselves.

Have we seen that? Have we ever seen that?

With the turn of the Millennium some believed that we would get better. We have not. As God has been eradicated from schools we now see our children confronted with metal detectors and drugs. Every few months someone shoots up a school, and the gun control lobby starts talking about regulating guns once more. We don’t need gun regulation. We desperately as a people need heart regulation. We need Jesus Christ in our hearts. Only God can change a heart.

The Law of God convicts us as sinners. It show us that we fall short of God’s perfection. Under the Law the believer had to bring animal sacrifices to a Levitical priest to “cover or atone” for sin. Before the priest could make sacrifice for the person the priest had to first make sacrifice for himself. Why? Because the Levitical priest was as much a sinner as was the penitent. The priest:

Hebrews 7:27 …. offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s

The Apostle Paul tried living as a Pharisee. He tried being perfect in himself, tried keeping the Law perfectly. But at the end of the day Paul cried out just as we cry out:

Romans 7:23-24 (ESV) .. but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.  [24]  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Who will save me? If, as the Scripture says,

Romans 3:10-12 (ESV) as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:23 (ESV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ..

If God looking at creation sees us all as sinners, what hope do we have?

Our hope is Christ.

3 A Majority Of Americans Believe That Everyone Will Eventually Make It To Heaven. Is This True? Not According To The Bible.

Everyone CAN go to Heaven if they go through Christ. Jesus Christ is the only Person Who can save us to the UTTERMOST. Look at your text again:

Hebrews 7:19-22  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.  [20]  And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:   [21]  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek:)  [22]  By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 

The Law and the Levitical Priesthood could not make anyone perfect. The Law, though perfect, was given to an imperfect people. Even the Priest who ministered among the Jews was imperfect, broken. Each and every one of us have this in common.

We are imperfect.

People are running around shooting one another. “Blue lives matter” “Black lives matter”. Listen, “Every life matters”. But every life is broken. Whether red, yellow, black, or white, we are are broken. But God brought in a better Hope. And ONLY through this better Hope can we draw near to God. What is this Better Hope?

He is not a Levitical Priest, but a Priest after the Order of Melchizedek. I wish I had time to preach on this priesthood, but I will summarize it. Long before there was an Israel as a nation or even an Israel as a person there was a man from Babylon called Abraham. God came to Abraham and said:

Genesis 12:1-3 … Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.  [2]  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  [3]  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Abraham heard God and obeyed God. He followed God, and God blessed Abraham. One day when God blessed Abraham he met a Priest of the Most High God called Melchizedek. Abraham was nourished by Melchizedek, and he in turn gave tithes and honor to this priest. This priest was a priest over 400 years before God established the Levitical Priesthood and the Law at Mount Sinai. This priest is pre-Law. This priest came to Abraham because Abraham loved God. Melchizedek lovingly ministered to Abraham because Abraham loved God.

Jesus Christ is a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:21 … The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek…

Jesus comes to us just as He came to Abraham. If we hear God’s call and believe on God’s Son Jesus comes to us. The Levitical priests were mortal just as we are. But Jesus is immortal:

Hebrews 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not {allowed} to continue by reason of death:  [24]  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The Levitical priests had to be rotated because of death. They had to have a Temple and an Altar to function. But Christ’s Temple is Heaven, and His Altar the Throne of God.

Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Jesus as our High Priest is Holy as God is Holy, for Jesus is God the Son. He is not a mere mortal, but He is eternal God and perfect Man. Look at the words describing Jesus.

Holy. No sin was ever found in Christ.

Even Pilate who executed Him said “This is an innocent man”. (Luke 23:4)

The one who drove the nails said “Surely this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54)

Harmless (Greek ἄκακος akakos, not fake or evil).

He is genuine. Real.

Undefiled (Greek ἀμίαντος amiantos, unsoiled, pure).

Tried three times at night, they had to invent charges against Christ.

Separate from sinners.

He is not a sinner, but He loves us though we are sinners.

1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

Made higher than the Heavens.

Jesus rose from death.

Romans 8:34 (ESV) Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Anyone can go to Heaven. But we cannot go to Heaven on our merit, on our goodness, on our works. The only way we can go to Heaven is through the Way that God has provided. We must receive His Son.

Hebrews 7:25   Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior He saves to the uttermost. That word “uttermost” is the Greek παντελής pantelēs which means perfectly. You are perfectly saved in Christ. Knowing Him, loving Him, following Him you are not perfect. But Christ is perfect. And Christ makes intercession for you. He never stops. He represents you before God perfectly.

You can attempt to come unto God many ways, but the only way that works is to come unto God by Christ. Won’t you come unto Him today?

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