QUESTION ONE: Based on Scriptures, Who Can Marry? (Consider Matt19:3-9; 5:32; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-4)

03-28-10 Sunday Bible Study – “DILIGENCE”

03-28-10 Sunday Morning Worship – “FAITH”

03-28-10 Sunday Evening – “COURAGE”

03-29-10 Monday – “SELF-CONTROL”

03-30-10 Tueday – “GODLINESS”

03-31-10 Wednesday – “LOVE”

03-06-09, How To Be Saved

03-07-09, Staying Saved

03-08-09, Imitators Of God

03-08-09, Prayer

03-08-09, Reassurance In Uncertain

INTRODUCTION:

Wise Old Owl Spoke Less

A wise old owl lived in an oak

The more he heard, the less he spoke.

The less he spoke, the more he heard,

Why can’t we all be like the wise old Bird?

1. Elihu To Job – Job 35:5-11

“22 ¶  And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

 Actually Very Intelligent Bird…

1. Train their Young about survival, food and flight path.
2. Can make migration via landmarks etc.
3. Each generation uses the same migration route – we tend to change??????
4. They all have the same goal and face hardships together – (hunger, urban sprawl, weather patterns, etc.
5. We can learn a great deal from the remarkable bird.

THE GEESE FLY IN V-SHAPE SO ALL CAN SEE THEIR LEADER – ALL IN THEIR PLACE…

I. Many people never look in the right direction.

1. We should look toward God – Acts 20:32. (Paul To Elders of Ephesus) 
2. Jesus looked to God – Mark 7:31-35.

“JESUS AT RAISING OF LAZARUS…

41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (John 11:41-43 AV)

1. Paul said he pressed toward the mark in Jesus – Php 3:14.

“14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 AV-NAS)

1. Looking unto Jesus – Heb 12:1-2.

“1 ¶  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 ¶  Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 AV-NAS)

1. Keep yourselves in the love of God – Jude 21.

“21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

21  keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 21 AV-NAS)

1. Set your affections on things above – Col 3:1-2.

“1 ¶  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1 ¶  If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2 AV-NAS)

1. Not fit, if look back – Luke 9:62.

“62  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

62  But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:62 AV-NAS)

H.       ARE WE AS SMART AS A GOOSE? THEY KEEP THEIR SIGHTS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

       1. We should always live with heaven in view -

FLYING IN V-SHAPE IS A VERY AERODYNAMICALLY SUPERIOR WAY TO FLY.

       1. They wings all move together – Uses 71% less energy.

II. Just Think What Could Be Accomplished If Christians Had This Cooperation and Unity.

A. Jesus prayed for Unity – John 17:20-21

“20 ¶  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

20 ¶  ”I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;

21  that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.” (John 17:20-21 AV-NAS)

B. “Speak the same thing” – 1Co 1:10

“10 ¶  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

10 ¶  Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 AV-NAS)

C. Unity is an individual obligation to the Christian.

       1.Give diligence to keep unity of spirit – Eph 4:1-3

“1 ¶  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 ¶  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

1 ¶  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

2 ¶  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

3  being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 AV-NAS)

       2. Doing nothing through strife or vain glory (factionalism) – Php 2:3

“3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

3  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;” (Philippians 2:3 AV-NAS)

D. Jesus took 12 and with unity turned the world upside down. – Acts 17:6.

“6  And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

6  And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;” (Acts 17:6 AV-NAS)

E. ARE WE AS SMART AS THE GOOSE? THEY HAVE UNITY! Christians who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

FRONT GOOSE DOES MOST WORK – WHEN POINT GOOSE GETS TIRED HE MOVED BACK AND ANOTHER TAKES HIS PLACE.

7555. Guarding The Asylum

      A visitor to an institution for the mentally sick was astounded to observe one lone man guarding one hundred inmates. He was armed only with a small stick. Asked the visitor, “Are you not afraid that these insane people will get their heads together and plan to attack you?”

      “Ah,” replied the guard, “these people are here because of their inability to get their heads together and work cooperatively!”

      We do not know whether a psychiatrist would agree with the guard. The story, however, is most suggestive.

III. Church needs this cooperation, sharing, and working together.

A. Consider Paul’s 1 Co 12:18-20: Rom 12:1.

“18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19  And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20  But now are they many members, yet but one body.

18  But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.

19  And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20  But now there are many members, but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-20 AV-NAS)

“1 ¶  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

1 ¶  I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1 AV-NAS)

1. Everybody is carrying own load according to talents or abilities – Gal 6:1-5.

“1 ¶  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5  For every man shall bear his own burden.

1 ¶  Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

2  Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

3  For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4  But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.

5  For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5 AV-NAS)

1. It takes cooperation to take turns with the responsibilities – “Members one of another”

“5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

5  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 AV-NAS)

B. The Geese nor the Church need glory seekers or those pretending to be the big leader. –

“3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

3  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;” (Php 2:3 AV-NA)

“3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

3  For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3 AV-NAS)

C. We need to please God not man – Gal 1:10

“10 ¶  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

10 ¶  For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 AV-NAS)

D. When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it along and         quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as        much sense as a goose, we will stay with the faithful… those who are headed toward heaven… the same     way we ought to be going.

D. DO WE HAVE THE COOPERATION AND SELFLESSNESS THAT WE SHOULD? THE GEESE DO!

THE GEESE IN THE BACK HONK ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FRONT GOOSE OFFERING ENCOURAGEMENT FOR WORKING SO HARD.

IV. What do we usually say when we talk from behind?

A. Backbiters – worthy of death – Rom 1:30

“30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

30  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,

31  without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

32  and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:30-32 AV-NAS)

B. One must bridle the tongue – Jas 1:26

“26  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

26  If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” (Jas 1:26 AV-NAS)

C. Evil speaking should be put away from us – Eph 4:31

“31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

31  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31 AV-NAS)

D. Shouldn’t talk about brothers (Raca=Worthless) – Matt 5:22

“22  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

22  ”But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22 AV-NAS)

E. Backbiting, Gossiping, Whispering not only sinful, but very destructive… think!

F. HOW MUCH MORE COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE ENCOURAGED EACH OTHER LIKE THESE GEESE DO?

WHEN A GOOSE GETS SICK OR WOUNDED AND FALLS OUT OF FORMATION, TWO OTHERS FALL OUT WITH HIM, AND STAYS WITH HIM, FOR PROTECTION AND AS A PROVIDER UNTIL HE RECUPERATES OR DIES… THEN THEY CATCH THE NEXT FLIGHT THROUGH.

V. Do have this kind of concern for one another?

A. Our brothers and sisters – Jas 1:27

“27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

27  This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27 AV-NAS)

B. If brother overtaken in a fault – Gal 6:1

“1 ¶  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1 ¶  Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 AV-NAS)

C. Save a soul from death and hide sin – Jas 5:19-20

“19  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

19  My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back,

20  let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20 AV-NAS)

D. What about our neighbors – Mark 12:28-31

“28 ¶  And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

28 ¶  And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?”

29  Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;

30  AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’

31  ”The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”” (Mark 12:28-31 AV-N)

1. Be concerned because they are lost! – Luke 19:10

“10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

10  ”For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”” (Luke 19:10 AV-NAS)

E. Do we standby or defend each other as we should?

1. What impression would this have on the community – showing concern like this.
2. Paul spent much time writing and praying for his brothers and sister in Christ.
3. Jesus said, “I am with you always” – Matt 28:20.

“20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 AV-NAS)

F. THESE GEESE SHOW A GREAT CONCERN FOR ONE ANOTHER. DO WE?

THE GEESE FLY HUNDREDS OF MILES EACH YEARS FOR WARMTH, FOOD, PROTECTION AND SURVIVAL.

VI. The goose seems smarter than a lot of people in that they prepare themselves. Are you prepared?

A. Not for physical survival, but spiritual survival.

“6  And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

6  And I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” (Psalms 55:6 AV-NAS)

“33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

33  ”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 AV-NAS)

“20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

20  ”I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20 AV-NAS)

B. The soul is eternal – Matt 10:28.

“28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

28  ”And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 AV-NAS)

C. Jesus died that we might have life – 1Jo 5:11.

“11  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

11  And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 John 5:11 AV-NAS)

D. If Goose didn’t fly they would be destroyed; if we don’t prepare for our flight we will be lost – 2Co 5:10

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

10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 AV-NAS)

F. ALL WE NEED TO DO MANY TIMES IS SHOW THAT WE HAVE THE SENSE GOD GAVE A GOOSE!

Romans 3:23 (SCOFIELD) –   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 AV)

 “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4)

 SIN = That which is done wrong, committed or resultant sin; an offense; a violation of divine law in thought or act.

1. Sin, Summary, What is It?
2. The literal meanings of the Heb. and Gr. words variously rendered “sin,” “sinner,” etc., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations.
3. Sin is transgression, an overstepping of the law, the divine boundary between good and evil Ps 51:1 Lu 15:29.

TRANSGRESSION = contempt & violation of law, iniquity, wickedness.

 Psalms 51:1 – Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

 1. Saul to Samuel – “And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. (1 Samuel 15:24 AV)

 2. David to Nathan – “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”  (2 Samuel 12:13 AV)

 3. Judas -   Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,   Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. (Matthew 27:3-4 AV)

 4. Prodigal Son -  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (Luke 15:18 AV)

 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (Luke 15:21 AV)

 5. Prodigal’s sons older brother – Luke 15:29 – And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

1. Iniquity, an act inherently wrong, whether expressly forbidden or not;
   1. Iniquity = the condition of one without law.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. {have hid: or, have made him hide} (Isaiah 59:2 AV)

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:23 AV)

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; {things…: or, scandals} (Matthew 13:41)

1. Error, a departure from right Ps 51:9 Ro 3:23.

1. Error = A wandering or straying about; error of one’s way; the wrong manner of life which one follows.

Psalms 51:9 – Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20 AV)

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:17 AV)

1. Same as in 2 Thess. 2:11 – error or wrong opinions. Strong delusion/working of error.
2. Missing the mark, a failure to meet the divine standard;
   1. Root meaning of word in Romans 3:23 also 1 John 3:4 = “a failing to hit the mark”

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: {for that: or, in whom} (Romans 5:12 AV)

1. Trespass, the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority – Eph 2:1  
2. Lawlessness, or spiritual anarchy (the complete absence of gov. or law; actually without leader – 1Ti 1:9.

1. Lawlessness = destitute of law; a violater of law; lawlessness; wicked.

1 Timothy 1:9 -  Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

H. Unbelief, or an insult to the divine veracity (truthfulness & honesty & accuracy) – Joh 16:9. 

II. Sin is inherent in Satan – Gen 3:1. (Isa 14:12-14)

A. Entered the world through Adam – Ro 5:12, also Gen. 3.

B. Sin was, and is, universal, Christ alone excepted  – Ro 3:23 – 1Pe 2:22. 

 C. Sin incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical death – Ge 2:17; 3:19; Eze. 18:4,20; Ro 6:23.   

 D. Sin has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of Christ – Heb 9:26 Ac 4:12

 E. Remedy only availed of by faith – Ac 13:38,39. 

1. Sin may be summarized as threefold:
2. An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to the revealed will of God.

“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,” (Luke 15:18 AV)

1. A state, absence of righteousness.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.   Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?   And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23 AV)

1. A nature, enmity toward God.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4 AV)

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. {the carnal…: Gr. the minding of the flesh} (Romans 8:7 AV)

Romans 3:24 (SCOFIELD)

agorazo, “to purchase in the market”

exagorazo, “to buy out of the market.”

lutroo, “to loose,”

1. Redemption, “to deliver by paying a price.” The N.T. doctrine.

A.  The N.T. records the fulfilment of the O.T. types and prophecies of redemption through the sacrifice of Christ. The completed truth is set forth in the three words which are translated redemption.

IA. (1) agorazo, “to purchase in the market.” The underlying thought is of a slave-market. The subjects of redemption are “sold under sin”  – Ro 7:14. 

1. But are, moreover, under sentence of death – Eze 18:4, Joh 3:18,19 Ro 3:19, Ga 3:10. 

C.     And the purchase price is the blood of  the Redeemer who dies in our stead –Ga 3:13 2Co 5:21 Mt 20:28, Mr 10:45 1Ti 2:6 1Pe 1:18. 

IB. exagorazo, “to buy out of the market.” Orginally.

A. The redeemed are never again to be exposed to sale.

IC. lutroo, “to loose,” “to set free by paying a price” – Joh 8:32 Ga 4:4,5,31 5:13, Ro 8:21.

 A. Redemption is by sacrifice and by power. Christ paid the price, the Holy Spirit (br revelation makes deliverance actual in experience – Ro 8:2.

 CONCLUSION:

1. SEPARATION – Isa 59:2 -  “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” {have hid: or, have made him hide}
2. GREAT GULF – Luke 16:26 -  Lu 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

1. Verse 26. A great gulf. The word translated gulf means chasm, or the broad, yawning space between two elevated objects. In this place it means that there is no way of passing from one to the other.
2. Fixed. Strengthened–made firm or immovable. It is so established that it will never be movable or passable. It will for ever divide heaven and hell.
3. Which would pass. We are not to press this passage literally, as if those who are in heaven would desire to go and visit the wicked in the world of woe. The simple meaning of the statement is, that there can be no communication between the one and the other –there can be no passing from one to the other. It is impossible to conceive that the righteous would desire to leave their abodes in glory to go and dwell in the world of woe; nor can we suppose that they would wish to go for any reason unless it were possible to furnish relief. That will be out of the question. Not even a drop of water will be furnished as a relief to the sufferer.
4. Neither can they pass to us, &c. There can be no doubt that the wicked will desire to pass the gulf that divides them from heaven. They would be glad to be in a state of happiness; but all such wishes will be vain. How, in the face of the solemn statement of the Saviour here, can men believe that there will be a restoration of all the wicked to heaven?  He solemnly assures us that there can be no passage from that world of woe to the abodes of the blessed; yet, in the face of this, many Universalists hold that hell will yet be vacated of its guilty millions, and that all its miserable inhabitants will be received to heaven! Who shall conduct them across this gulf, when Jesus Christ says it cannot be passed? Who shall build a bridge over that yawning chasm which he says is “fixed?” No: if there is anything certain from the Scripture, it is that they who enter hell return no more; they who sink there sink for ever.

TEXT:  Galatians 5:7 – “You ran well.  Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

  Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? (Galatians 5:7 AV)

  You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7 RSV)

INTRODUCTION:

A. Think back to when you first became a Christian. Remember Church in Acts 2.

       1. Was your impression of the Church somewhat different relative to today?

       2. Did it somehow seem better then than now?

B. The answer is found in growing toward spiritual maturity.

       1. You knew what the Bible said the Church ought to be, but you didn’t know the local congregation well Enough to realize that some folks do not live up to what the word of God outlines for them.

       2. After a while, bitterness builds up within you and disillusionment sets in.

       3. At this point many new Christians become discouraged and depart from the Lord.

       4. Some believe that the whole congregation is hypocritical based on the conduct of a few.

C. They need, at this point, to look deeper and see with the eyes of faith.

       1. See past the professed Christians who have hurt your impression of the Church, and look for the honest, faithful members whose names are truly written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

            a. Simply because one’s name is in the membership roster, does not necessarily mean it is written  in heaven.

            b. “Sitting in a hen house will not make one a chicken, nor will just sitting in a church building make one a Christian.”

            c. Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23.

            d. Revelation 3:1-5 – Not a blast of terror, but a blaze of hope;  “thou hast a few…”

            e. There was a real Church in Sardis!  There were saints there who measured up to what we thought the Church was when we first became Christians.

       2. The faithful and devout are the real Church!  The Church is not a building;  the Church is made up of  godly people.

            a. And, we have many here!

D. There are three stages in the development of the new Christian and his relationship with a local  congregation:

       1. First stage… That of being a bit naive; everyone that calls himself a Christian is a wonderful, loyal person.

       2. Second stage… That of being disillusioned;  everyone who calls himself a Christian is a hypocrite and trouble maker.

       3. Third stage… That of having true knowledge and wisdom;  there are special, devout persons worshipping God among a few pretenders.

            a. Seek the faithful out and follow their example (Revelation 3:4; Philippians 3:16-20).

             b. Realize that of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

E. Now, what did I think the Church was like when I first became a member?

I. I THOUGHT EVERYONE GOT ALONG.

A. I mean, aren’t we all special people?

       1. Who else has God almighty as a loving, caring Father?

       2. Who else has the Lord Jesus Christ as an older Brother?

       3. Who else but God’s children are going to heaven?

B. With all of these blessings in common, one would think that we would be inseparable.

       1. One would think that a personality quirk, or a misunderstanding, or a difference of opinion would never come between brethren as blessed as we.

C. There are some here who make every effort to get along with others.  Seek them out and take courage from their examples.

II. I THOUGHT EVERYONE WAS FAIR AND HONEST.

A. Aren’t Christians fair because it comes natural to the offspring of God?

       1. “Like Father, like son.”

       2. Ephesians 4:31 – 5:2.

B. Aren’t Christians honest because they have nothing evil to hide?

       1. A Christian is not defensive nor evasive because his sins are gone;  he has no reason to be ashamed.

       2. If one is defensive or evasive, it usually indicates hidden sin that pride will not allow him to confess.

       3. Galatians 6:1-2.

C. There are honest and fair Christians in the Church; seek them out and walk with them.

III. I THOUGHT EVERYONE COULD TALK THINGS OVER.

A. Isn’t that one of the defining characteristics of a Christian….. no grudges, hard feelings, or immaturity?

       1. Matthew 18:15 – Got a problem with a brother?  Go out and win him!

B. Did you think that Christians were a people who calmly settled their differences?

       1. Matthew 5:23-24 – They are!  Seek them out and follow their examples.

IV. I THOUGHT EVERYONE WANTED THE CHURCH TO GROW.

A. I mean, doesn’t everyone want what is best for the Church?

       1. Christians aren’t stubborn and hard headed, are they?

       2. Philippians 3:17-19;  Romans 16:17-18.

       3. Romans 16:19 – Be wise to the good and innocent regarding the evil.

       4. As a minister, I am happy when someone is ignorant of any strife in the congregation.  That means they aren’t involved in it nor spreading it.

B. Philippians 1:20-24, 2:1-5 – Apostle Paul’s spirit toward the Church and his brethren.

       1. There are Christians here that want what is best for the Church.  Find them and work with them.

V. I THOUGHT EVERYONE CARED ABOUT THE LOST.

A. Isn’t the message of salvation something a Christian wants to share with others?

       1. Don’t we want all of our families, friends and neighbors in heaven with us?

       2. Acts 8:4 – They were not concerned about what was politically correct, didn’t worry about which other world religions would be offended, not upset by the possibility that many would not want to hear it;  they just preached it everywhere!

       3. Friends, the salvation of souls is much too important for us to be moved by the current religious fad of  tolerance and “church of your choice.”  We had better scatter abroad and teach the world about the church of GOD’S choice.

       4. Ephesians 4:1-6;  Colossians 1:18 – don’t apologize for what the Bible says;  souls are at stake.

B. There are Christians here who care and endeavor to teach the lost.

VI. I THOUGHT EVERYONE WANTED TO GO TO HEAVEN.

A. Don’t Christians believe that the Lord could return at any time?

       1. One would think that they would live in such a way as to be prepared for His coming;  instead, some live openly in sin.

B. In reality, many live in anticipation of the Lord’s coming; learn from them.

            1. 1John 3:1-6.

CONCLUSION:

A. In heaven, the glorified, purified Church will be what you thought it was when you first became a member.

       1. Hang in there!  Seek out those who are striving toward perfection now and follow their example;  this will serve to make you a model for some other new Christian to follow in time.

25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27 AV)

       2. In addition, your example, combined with the examples of the faithful will serve as a living admonition for those who are currently weak and sinful.

B. Realize that we are all at different levels of growth and strive to grow up like Christ.

            1. Romans 12:1-3;  Ephesians 4:11-16; 1Timothy 4:11-16.

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