Not Our -- But His Workmanship
by Bill Hall
www.cvillechurch.com

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

When one is baptized he becomes a new creation, but he is not the creation of any man. He is the workmanship of God.

He is not the workmanship of the person who converted him—not primarily, anyway. Man can teach, influence, persuade, and baptize; but only God can cleanse, forgive, raise a person to sit with Christ in the heavenly places, and give him life. He is God's creation—God's workmanship. Just as surely as no man could create an "Adam," just that surely can no man create a new creature in Christ.

Neither is one self-made. In Christ, one does not lift himself "by his own bootstraps." Christianity is not a "do-it-yourself religion—not in the fullest sense. One does not effect his own salvation through his own merit. Rather, in obedience to the gospel and faithfulness as a Christian, he places himself as clay in God's hand, to become the work of the divine Potter, who molds, shapes, and perfects him that he might be fashioned in the image of His Son.

He is the workmanship of God because his salvation is "by grace... through faith," "the gift of” God (Ephesians 2:8-9). If one's salvation were of meritorious works, he would not be the workmanship of God. This is the primary thrust of the passage.

The workmanship of God exists as a monument to the greatness of a potter; as a beautiful painting is a monument to an artist, so a mature and perfected Christian is a monument to the marvelous power of God. Such a person is a product of God's grace and exists for "the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; 3:14-19). That God could take a Peter, a John, a Saul of Tarsus, an Aquila, a Priscilla, a John Mark, and mold him or her into the lovely vessel each became is a manifestation of His greatness. That He could do the same for people this writer has known and observed equally manifests His greatness. That He can and will do the same for me if I will but submit myself to His care in humble obedience, trust, and prayer is the greatest marvel of all. "I am so glad that Jesus loves me ... Jesus loves even me" (P.P. Bliss).

The workmanship of God must be handled with care. Such a person is special, precious, priceless to God. As one is cautious in handling a family heirloom or rare piece of pottery fashioned by the hands of a master, so he must be cautious in his handling of that creation which is the work of God. "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food, " Paul warned the Romans (Romans 14:20). That person toward whose tender conscience you are showing little regard or whose soul you are placing in jeopardy is the work of God. Love that person. Appreciate him. Be tender toward him. Recognize his value. Handle with care!

The workmanship of God must never be content until it is brought to perfection. "Finish then thy new creation," Charles Wesley wrote in his familiar hymn, "Love Divine." In keeping with this, Paul could express his confidence in the Philippian Christians, "That He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6-7). Only those who remain in the Potter's hands until brought to completion and perfection become vessels of honor. All others become marred and fit only for destruction (2 Timothy 2:19-21).

Let no man, then, boast of himself. Self-righteousness has no place in the heart of a Christian. If any man boast, "let him glory in the LORD" (1 Corinthians 1:31) and "in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14). We are His workmanship.

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

What's Down That Road?
By Warren E. Berkley
www.cvillechurch.com

The most vital consideration for every human being and certainly every Christian is: the allegiance of the heart and obedience of the life to God. While we must avoid the arrogance of self-righteousness and the bondage of human creeds and traditionalism, we must determine with all our hearts to never relax or compromise our commitment to God's Word. That means we must never indulge even the so-called "small departures." They have a way of gradually turning in to all sorts of human innovations, which so often seem to have no brakes. The "mystery of iniquity" in 2 Thess. 2:7 did not suddenly appear one morning. The seeds of iniquity were sown, watered and came up slowly.

Ideally, we should be so careful about our obedience to God, we avoid even those practices that may be doubtful as to their divine authority. Sometimes a good way to evaluate a particular theory or proposal is to look ahead to what results when the theory/project is embraced. What effects or consequences logically follow. Now this does not require the gift of a seer. The question we can ponder is: What's down That Road?

If There Are No Scriptural Limits On The Work Of The Church...What's Down That Road?

I've heard some not only express doubt, but utter ridicule for the approach to Scripture that looks for commands, examples and inferences. And while these critics may tolerant these realities of communication in other areas, they really want to push them out of any consideration of the work of the church. I like to ask them, "if it is 'out with the old, and in with the new,' what is the new?" The responses I get are patently vague and evasive. They will not admit that the local church can just do anything, but their boundaries are subjective at best, but mostly non-existent. If the work of the local church has no limits, there are no limits. Anything is in.
There is a simple approach that I like. Anytime God instructs us about anything, we are limited to His instruction. Even if you tire of the old terminology (commands, examples, inferences), surely our respect for God will prevail: When God gives us instruction about something, we are limited to His instruction. And you cannot read the New Testament without observing God has given us instruction about the local church.

If We Just Accept Any Marriage...What's Down That Road?

Marriage is a product of the creative mind of God; an institution founded by Him for human companionship and reproduction. He is its designer and the legislator of its laws and we are subject to those laws. Marriage is more than a wedding ceremony; it goes beyond the reciting of vows, the eating of cake and wearing a rented tux. It is the commitment of a man and a woman to live together as husband and wife in an arrangement set up by the Creator. Any view of marriage we adopt that doesn't accord with these truths will tend in the wrong direction, send the wrong message and reap an awful harvest in future generations.

God is very much involved in this relationship called "marriage," because He is its designer and legislator. In Matt. 19:6, Jesus tells us it is God who joins the man and woman together in marriage! "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," (Matt. 19:6, KJV). We need to think of husband and wife being joined together in God's sight ... before God ... with regard for His laws, given to govern the relationship!

This is so simple, and so clear: God set up the marriage relationship for the human race. God has set up the rules to govern marriage - rules for husbands and wives. God has said He hates putting away (Mal. 2:16), and God has said something about divorce and remarriage.
If these things are ignored, disobeyed or re-interpreted to suit the times, we set ourselves up for misery and unhappiness, and the horrible potential of eternal consequence. We must take all of this seriously!

In Jesus' answer to the Pharisees and scribes when they tempted Him - they wanted to know if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause. Have you ever noticed in Jesus' reply, the focus was God! He reminded them that God made them male and female, and that God said a man should cleave to his wife, and that God joined them together ... and let no man put asunder what God hath joined together!

Paul told women to be in subjection to their own husbands, "as unto the Lord" in Eph. 5:22. He said - when we are unfaithful in marriage, we despise not man, but God in 1 Thess. 4:8. So the commitment that keeps a marriage together is commitment first to God. To Honor Him who founded this institution; to decide both husband and wife will be governed by His laws. To realize He is the family's designer and legislator and we are amenable to Him. If we let the world influence us to stop teaching and applying these things, what will happen?

If We Administer Discipline But Neglect To Maintain The Withdrawal...What's Down That Road?

Scripturally administered discipline may seem to produce more division. When some members refuse to withdraw from the guilty, and others get mad and leave, it may appear that the discipline God has called for has hurt the local church. Some will try to make the effect the issue: slighting the sin that caused the action, and arguing against the action. But our focus must be on the stubborn facts: the presence of sin and the action God wants us to take. If there was sin, and we've taken the action God requires, we must not let the results or the complaints cause us to regret obeying God! "Where the gospel, correctly presented, produces divisions, as it always will, the divisions are right. We are not responsible for the legitimate effects of the truth," (Moses Lard).

Often, after scripturally administered discipline, those withdrawn from will seek to charm and socialize their way back into the good favor of the members. The only restraint against this is, a well-instructed and committed membership. Teach them what the Bible says about the sins involved, and the action required in the absence of repentance. Remind members of past withdrawals when efforts are made to influence members. And remember - if a church withdraws from a disorderly member and fails to follow through and maintain the separation - down that road there is the ruin of the good effects intended by scriptural discipline.
"I wonder why the Bible tells us that Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom? Could be that He wants to say something about wrong tendencies." (Dee Bowman).

Conclusion

Conscious of the perishing nature of everything around us and our own immortality, we should want to be certain that every involvement and aspect of our lives is in accord with the will of God. My individual behavior, my marriage and family, the use of my resources, my citizenship in the nation and my citizenship in God's kingdom needs to be in harmony with what God's word teaches. Diligence in glorifying God means guarding carefully against the slightest change in attitude toward His Word, or any movement away from what we know pleases Him. Surely we have learned from the Old Testament that all wandering from God ends in disaster.
The legendary W.W. Otey often warned against "what he often spoke of as 'Trends' - tiny and apparently insignificant steps away from the truth." He said, "I think it may be safely said that no great departure from the teaching and practice of the Word of God was taken in a single step." His biographer, Cecil Willis, added: "In these initial steps are the only periods during which impending apostasy can be stemmed."

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

David's Mighty Men

by Larry Rouse

www.cvillechurch.com

At the end of King David’s life the Holy Spirit tells us of thirty-seven men. These thirty-seven were described as “David’s mighty men” by God Himself (2 Sam 23:8, 39). At the time of David’s death when these men were recognized, some of them had passed from this life having fallen in battle. By making this list God wanted all of us to know that King David, described by God Himself as “the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob” (2 Sam 23:1), did not accomplish these great things alone.

Have you ever had a close Christian friend? I pray that all of you can answer in the affirmative and that in fact you may list many names of those who have stood beside you in the fight for righteousness. What David found in the support of his mighty men, other righteous men everywhere have also sought in their service to God. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

How did these mighty men come to be a part of the life of David? From the scriptures we learn that it had nothing to do with social standing, accomplishments or family. These men came to David having already been rejected by the world as misfits and useless. “And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him. (1 Sam 22:2)”

So then how did they come to seek David? They likely came to David the way Jonathan became best friends with him, by seeing the power of a living faith in David’s life. Jonathan first met David after his stand by faith allowed him to be the instrument used to slay Goliath and demoralize the armies of the Philistines. Jonathan saw David with the severed head of Goliath talking with his father Saul and the scriptures tell us: “1Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (1 Sam 18:1)”

This close association with David, a man of courage and faith, produced men who in many ways became like David. God tells us about the courage and tenacity of these men. Eleazar attacked when others were fearful. He fought so hard that his sword stuck to his hand after the battle! Because of his courage the entire battle for the Lord was won. (2 Sam 23:9-10) Shammah, like Eleazar stood in a field when others fled. One man against a troop of Philistines was nothing to a man who by faith knew that God was with him. Does this not remind you of David? (2 Sam 23:11-12)

These men displayed a loyalty and love towards David that went beyond mere obligation. Our God wanted us to know of one remarkable event involving the mighty men and David. Hear God’s account: “13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men” (2 Sam 23:13-17)”

When a relationship is based upon the love of God one does not have to wait upon pressure from men before they act. Love will always seek what is best for the one who is loved. All these mighty men needed to do was hear the desire of David and it immediately became their desire as well. They fought through the enemy lines twice just to bring back a drink of water from the well of David’s childhood. David recognized the precious gift these men had given and in turn offered it to the God who gives this kind of love! Remember this truth from God “8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Rom 13:8)”
These mighty men even though possessing strength and strong wills listened to David and as a result they subdued their instincts to act against a helpless enemy. On one occasion Abishai boldly accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and found him and his guard asleep and helpless. Abishai concluded that God wanted him to immediately kill Saul. Only one man could stop him from acting: “8Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!” 9But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 10David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. 11The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’S anointed. (1 Sam 26:8-11)”

Unfortunately David’s influence was not with these men at all times. Under the influence of his older wicked brother Joab, Abishai lied to, ambushed and then murdered Abner just after David had made peace with him. What would David do? This was one of his mighty men who loved him dearly. But David loved God more than he loved any man. When it came to right and wrong no one got a free pass! David publicly responded “39And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The Lord shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness. (2 Sam 3:39)”

We could not complete our examination of these mighty men without revealing how Satan through the sin of David led him to commit a great sin against a close friend. The account of the sin of adultery between David and Bathsheba is well known as well as how David was unable to cover up his sin by having Bathsheba’s husband Uriah the Hittite recalled from the army so that he might be with his wife. Uriah refused to enjoy the comforts that his fellow soldiers in the field could not, so he slept outside rather than enter his home. David’s cover-up had failed. What was he to do? David had this faithful servant murdered by commanding Joab to let him die by withdrawing troops from him in the heat of battle.

Most of you know the rest of the story but there is one fact that you may not know. At the end of the list of David’s mighty men, these men who would give their lives for their beloved leader, was this name: “Uriah the Hittite” (2 Sam 23:39).

Let no one doubt that David went to heaven and served the remainder of his life faithful to God. Also, let no one doubt the terrible consequences of sin. How many have forsaken their faithful companion who is their mate, or faithful Christians who would give their lives for another, because of the temporary allure of sin and then the terrible web of consequences that follow. “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)”

Today we are to be Jesus’ mighty men.

1. We are called out of a world that rejects us as useless. (1 Cor 1:26-29)

2. We are drawn to the life of the one who died for us.

3. We are molded into the image of our mighty leader whom we closely follow. (Rom 8:29)

4. We are motivated to act not just out of obligation, but out of love. (2 Cor 8:8-9)

5. We are not afraid to fight for what is right even when others flee. (Titus 1:9-11)

6. We will fight the efforts of the wicked one to separate us and destroy us from our faithful leader.

Will you be on God’s list as a mighty man of Jesus when you die? Let us seek the association of these kinds of friends. This is how the path to heaven is paved!

There is no friend like an old friend
Who has shared our morning days,
No greeting like his welcome,
No homage like his praise.

--- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

Jesus and the Written Word
by Larry Rouse

www.cvillechurch.com

Years ago a startling survey was brought to my attention. In 1987 Jeffery Hadden surveyed 10,000 American clergy with a simple question: “Do you believe that the Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant Word of God in faith, history and secular matters?” Of these men who fill the pulpits of these “mainline” denominations every week, the vast majority of these preachers answered, “No.” They did not trust the Bible as a reliable guide from God! Here are the numbers of the clergy who rejected the written Word:

95% of Episcopalians,
87% of Methodists,
82% of Presbyterians,
77% of American Lutherans
67% of American Baptists

What if Jesus had taken that survey? How would the Lord of heaven and earth have answered these questions? We do not need to guess because Jesus often and clearly addressed these issues during His ministry.

Jesus recognized the written word of His day, the Old Testament, as a powerful witness to all that He did. After His resurrection from the dead Jesus spoke of the complete accuracy of the many prophecies concerning Him. “Then He said to them, these are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44)

The confidence Jesus had in the accuracy of the written word was absolute. In answering a challenge Jesus said, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? “If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),” (John 10:34-35) Jesus plainly affirmed that if it was “written” in the scriptures, then it was true. Nothing in heaven or on earth could break the force or the truth found in God’s written word.
Jesus placed complete trust in the written word in His personal life. When He faced the full force of Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, Jesus firmly stood behind the word of God. In three temptations of Satan, Jesus replied each time with these words “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

When men questioned Him about God’s will there was one place that Jesus expected all men to go and find the only answer they would need. He was amazed when men showed little knowledge of the written word and would give stern rebukes to those who should have known better. “Jesus answered and said to them, Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?” (Mark 12:24-27)

What about the written New Testament? Since it was not written during Jesus’ life, then how could He have any answers regarding it? Let there be no doubt that Jesus personally affirmed that the future work of His apostles and prophets would be without error. Jesus plainly told His apostles not only about His leaving this world, but also of the future work of the Holy Spirit through these men. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:12-13)

Jesus knew that this work would be written and preserved for all future generations. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) The delivery, the preserving and the spread of this word was to be personally overseen and assured by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul later boldly affirmed, “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 3:3-5)

The real question for both our modern day clergy and those who hear them in the pews is this, “Do you believe in the Jesus that is found in the Bible?” Paul warned that in both his day as well as in ours there will be those that “preach another Jesus” (2 Cor 11:4). Which one will you follow? Only one speaks with power, has the ability to forgive sins, and holds the power to raise each of us from the dead to eternal life. Will you choose the Biblical Jesus?

larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

Spiritual “Urban Legends”
by Larry Rouse

www.cvilechurch.com

Men have always been gullible and quick to believe and spread false stories they have heard from another. In this internet age and with the use of e-mail, false stories are spread like lightning and are accepted by millions without a second thought. Even when websites are dedicated to debunking these falsehoods, and conscientious people inform others about what is true, these false stories never seem to die. The modern term coined to describe these deceptions is “Urban Legends.”

Here are but a few of these Urban Legends that sincere people have sent me:

“Forward this e-mail and Bill Gates will pay you $156.29!”
“NASA scientist has found a missing day that proves Old Testament miracles!”
“Terrorists are buying UPS uniforms!”
“You must write the FCC now or Madelyn Murray O’Hare will ban all religious broadcasts.”

As Christians, we should be concerned about every word that comes out of our mouths and every e-mail that we write or forward that bears our names (Matthew 12:36). These and other false stories cost others money, damage the reputations of others, and hurt the creditability of those that spread them.

Our society thinks of themselves as being informed and enlightened and above the ignorant beliefs of past generations. The hard truth is that this generation is just like all past generations and has often accepted falsehoods without any attempt to investigate what is true.

How does this apply to our religious world? How many doctrines and practices that are commonly believed are actually taught in the Bible? God commended the Bereans because they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). When you begin to actually “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), that is check what men do and say by God’s word, then you will also find many things that are accepted by millions and practiced by “mainline” denominations are nothing more than spiritual “Urban Legends.”

The Literal Reappearing of the Body and Blood of Jesus

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death, He used bread and fruit of the vine to represent His body and blood that was to be given as a sacrifice for our forgiveness. “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Just as the Passover meal reminded the Israelites of a past merciful act of God, so the Lord’s Supper or Communion would remind all Christians of all times about the sacrifice of Jesus. The power in this act of worship is found in the remembrance and not in some mystical strength in the physical elements (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24-25).

Sadly, many years ago men took verses that had no direct bearing on this memorial feast and twisted them to mean something that is contrary to the scriptures. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you (John 6:53).” He explained in the context that men are to fully partake of His teachings and, in that, they would be eating His “flesh and blood.”

In order to gain power over men, a whole series of assumptions have been made about this text that push men to believe that only the Catholic Church through their priests has the power to administer the Lord’s Supper. This service is called a “Mass” and claims to be a literal sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus anew. These assumptions are widely accepted, even though the scriptures teach that the sacrifice of Christ was “once for all,” and because of that it would never be repeated again (Hebrews 9:26-28).”

Accepting Jesus as Your Savior through Prayer

How many people, that have come to be convicted of their sin and thus have seen their need of salvation, were then urged to say the “sinner’s prayer?” From the popular Billy Graham crusades of years past, to today’s typical Protestant services, millions are told that they have been forgiven and now are Christians because they have “received Jesus into their hearts” by this prayer. Where is this taught in the Bible?

When you look in the scriptures, you will not find a command or any example of men finding forgiveness in this manner. However, you will find that out of a belief in the resurrected Jesus, that men were to repent of their sins, confess Jesus as Lord and then be baptized (in water) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 10:9-10). The very first sermon Peter preached after the ascension of Christ concluded with this command and example: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:38, 41). Have you tested these beliefs?

Ordained Priests or Clergy are Needed in Our Service to God

In both Catholic and Protestant churches there exists a special class of men that act as priests, or as ordained men, that alone can perform certain services to God. Because of this distinction, these men have special callings, special ordained educational institutions that they must attend, and that they alone can baptize, conduct marriage ceremonies, and speak with a special authority about the word of God.

In the church that Jesus Christ built there are no such classes of men. Rather than having special titles such as reverend and father, Jesus taught that we are all brothers (Matthew 23:8). If you are a Christian, then you are a priest. ”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Do you understand that no one stands between you and God except the Lord Jesus Himself (1 Timothy 2:5)?

Have these things been part of some of the spiritual “Urban Legends” that you have accepted? Why not begin today to look at the Bible anew, and test the things you have heard? By taking that step you will begin to glorify Jesus in your life and be able to confidently stand with Him in your beliefs. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11)
larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

Have You Ever Wondered Why?
by Larry W. Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

A Readers Digest article titled: "Ever Wonder why?" contained some interesting facts. For instance, have you ever wondered why: “Men 's clothes have buttons on the right while women 's are on the left? It's easier for right-handed people, the majority, to push buttons on the right through holes on the left, and so men's buttons are on the right. When first used, buttons were expensive and worn primarily by the well-to-do. Women in that class were usually dressed by servants. Since a maid would face the woman she was dressing, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid's right the woman's left where they've remained.”

Is it not remarkable that such a practice would remain in spite of the practical problems with these “backwards” buttons? Today no one I know of has servants to put their clothes on, but still the practice remains.

The same is true in religion. Today churches of men have adopted practices based upon their personal convenience and the decisions of men in the past rather than in the scriptures. Few ask the important question: "Why do we do that?” Jesus said in Matthew 15:8-9: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Please do not think that mindless service to God will do any good. Consider a few questions to ask today:

l. Why do men sprinkle babies today and call it baptism? (Romans 6:3-4)

2. Why do churches not take the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week? (Acts 20:7)

3. Why do churches have church creeds and conventions to tell their members what to believe? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 2:18-22)

If we call Jesus Lord then should we not show it by keeping His word over what men desire? (Lk 6:46) You may be surprised at the vicious opposition you may receive when you question the long held traditions of men. Paul warns each of us to choose the cross of Christ over the favor of men. Consider how Paul answered these questions:

1. Who is a real servant of Christ? “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

2. What if I give in to men for the sake of “peace?” “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” (Galatians 6:12)

3. If I really know Jesus, will I allow the demands of this world to take priority over the sacrifices Christ expects of me? “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

Let each of us go beyond “wondering why” we do things in service to God and begin today to search the scriptures and know why! Be ready for the surprise of learning that many things that are commonly accepted by the masses that are not found in God’s word. Also be ready to stand against the intimidating pressures of men. God will bless you richly, only if you are willing to follow Him (Luke 14:33).

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!

Do You Remember Your Forgiveness?
By Larry Rouse

Sermon Outline
Audio
Power Point

It is remarkable what some people can remember. Years ago when I lived in Lincoln, Nebraska I ran across a man who, when he heard that I grew up in Alabama, anxiously wanted to talk with me. Over dinner at a restaurant he relived almost every play of every Alabama football team that played under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. This man never lived in Alabama, but for whatever reason he knew more about that period of Alabama football than anyone I had ever met, even amongst those I knew in Alabama. However, when it came to talking about the Bible, my new found friend had forgotten the few things he had known about the Bible and had no interest in discussing that subject.

Over the years I have been perplexed by a growing problem that I have seen in some churches. Just like my friend in Nebraska, Christians have things they get excited about and cannot wait to discuss, but when it comes to foundational themes of Christianity they seem to have no interest. Why is this so?

The apostle Peter addresses this issue in the first chapter of Second Peter. After Peter explains the healthy steps of growth in a Christian’s life, he mentions some who did not add to their faith the components of self-control, kindness and brotherly love. Why are these people not growing? Peter through the Holy Spirit looks into their hearts and proclaims “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)

What does the thought of your own forgiveness provoke within you? King David wrote the 51st Psalm with a powerful memory of a time in his life where he lay crushed by sin and separated from his God. After committing adultery with the wife of a good friend, he then had that friend murdered at the hands of Israel’s enemies through his instructions as King. He thought he had covered up this sin for over a year. Through the agony of a guilty conscience and by having his heart opened by the rebuke of the prophet Nathan, David was crushed and turned to God with his whole heart. What did his forgiveness mean to him? Hear his words, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:7-11)

The very essence of our relationship to God, of our praises to Him and of our evangelism to others, lies in a heart that overflows with thankfulness of what God has done for us. What greater thing has our God done for us than our own forgiveness through the blood of His own Son? What is the measuring stick of God’s love for us? “16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Do you remember that you have been forgiven? The truth is that your life will proclaim what is in your heart. David knew that once he found forgiveness and had the firm assurance of his relationship with God, that he could not help but talk to others. “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:12-13)

The next time you assemble with Christians you should not keep hidden within your heart the great news about what God has done for you. “I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly. 11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.” (Psalm 40:10-11)

Satan is pleased when churches are filled with men and women whose hearts are hardened and cold, whose religion is nothing more than an outward pretense. There is a better way, and that way begins by asking ourselves some hard questions about our own conversion and about the present condition of our hearts. Would you, too, like to have the joy of your salvation restored within your heart? Begin at the cross and let the knowledge of what God has done for you melt your heart and your will into a humble, but fervent, disciple of the Lord.

Jesus said this to Christians who had forgotten their forgiveness: “20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Do you hear Him knocking?

Dial-A-Bible-Study

(434) 975-7373

Free Bible Study Materials

Call Anytime!

David's Mighty Men

David's Mighty Men

Sermon Outline
Audio
Power Point
By Larry Rouse

At the end of King David’s life the Holy Spirit tells us of thirty-seven men. These thirty-seven were described as “David’s mighty men” by God Himself (2 Sam 23:8, 39). At the time of David’s death when these men were recognized, some of them had passed from this life having fallen in battle. By making this list God wanted all of us to know that King David, described by God Himself as “the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob”
(2 Sam 23:1), did not accomplish these great things alone.

Have you ever had a close Christian friend? I pray that all of you can answer in the affirmative and that in fact you may list many names of those who have stood beside you in the fight for righteousness. What David found in the support of his mighty men, other righteous men everywhere have also sought in their service to God. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

How did these mighty men come to be a part of the life of David? From the scriptures we learn that it had nothing to do with social standing, accomplishments or family. These men came to David having already been rejected by the world as misfits and useless. “And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.
(1 Sam 22:2)”

So then how did they come to seek David? They likely came to David the way Jonathan became best friends with him, by seeing the power of a living faith in David’s life. Jonathan first met David after his stand by faith allowed him to be the instrument used to slay Goliath and demoralize the armies of the Philistines. Jonathan saw David with the severed head of Goliath talking with his father Saul and the scriptures tell us: “1Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (1 Sam 18:1)”

This close association with David, a man of courage and faith, produced men who in many ways became like David. God tells us about the courage and tenacity of these men. Eleazar attacked when others were fearful. He fought so hard that his sword stuck to his hand after the battle! Because of his courage the entire battle for the Lord was won. (2 Sam 23:9-10) Shammah, like Eleazar stood in a field when others fled. One man against a troop of Philistines was nothing to a man who by faith knew that God was with him. Does this not remind you of David?
(2 Sam 23:11-12)

These men displayed a loyalty and love towards David that went beyond mere obligation. Our God wanted us to know of one remarkable event involving the mighty men and David. Hear God’s account: “Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men” (2 Sam 23:13-17)”

When a relationship is based upon the love of God one does not have to wait upon pressure from men before they act. Love will always seek what is best for the one who is loved. All these mighty men needed to do was hear the desire of David and it immediately became their desire as well. They fought through the enemy lines twice just to bring back a drink of water from the well of David’s childhood. David recognized the precious gift these men had given and in turn offered it to the God who gives this kind of love! Remember this truth from God “8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Rom 13:8)”

These mighty men even though possessing strength and strong wills listened to David and as a result they subdued their instincts to act against a helpless enemy. On one occasion Abishai boldly accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and found him and his guard asleep and helpless. Abishai concluded that God wanted him to immediately kill Saul. Only one man could stop him from acting: “Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 10 David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’S anointed. (1 Sam 26:8-11)”

Unfortunately David’s influence was not with these men at all times. Under the influence of his older wicked brother Joab, Abishai lied to, ambushed and then murdered Abner just after David had made peace with him. What would David do? This was one of his mighty men who loved him dearly. But David loved God more than he loved any man. When it came to right and wrong no one got a free pass! David publicly responded “39 And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The Lord shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness. (2 Sam 3:39)”

We could not complete our examination of these mighty men without revealing how Satan through the sin of David led him to commit a great sin against a close friend. The account of the sin of adultery between David and Bathsheba is well known as well as how David was unable to cover up his sin by having Bathsheba’s husband Uriah the Hittite recalled from the army so that he might be with his wife. Uriah refused to enjoy the comforts that his fellow soldiers in the field could not, so he slept outside rather than enter his home. David’s cover-up had failed. What was he to do? David had this faithful servant murdered by commanding Joab to let him die by withdrawing troops from him in the heat of battle.

Most of you know the rest of the story but there is one fact that you may not know. At the end of the list of David’s mighty men, these men who would give their lives for their beloved leader, was this name: “Uriah the Hittite” (2 Sam 23:39).

Let no one doubt that David went to heaven and served the remainder of his life faithful to God. Also, let no one doubt the terrible consequences of sin. How many have forsaken their faithful companion who is their mate, or faithful Christians who would give their lives for another, because of the temporary allure of sin and then the terrible web of consequences that follow. “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)”

Today we are to be Jesus’ mighty men.
1. We are called out of a world that rejects us as useless. (1 Cor 1:26-29)
2. We are drawn to the life of the one who died for us.
3. We are molded into the image of our mighty leader whom we closely follow. (Rom 8:29)
4. We are motivated to act not just out of obligation, but out of love. (2 Cor 8:8-9)
5. We are not afraid to fight for what is right even when others flee. (Titus 1:9-11)
6. We will fight the efforts of the wicked one to separate us and destroy us from our faithful leader.

Will you be on God’s list as a mighty man of Jesus when you die? Let us seek the association of these kinds of friends. This is how the path to heaven is paved!

There is no friend like an old friend
Who has shared our morning days,
No greeting like his welcome,
No homage like his praise. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!