Seeking The Lost - International Radio

A Proper Relationship between Man and Christ

Sun, 20 May 2012 06:00:40 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of May 20, 2012

Ricky Berger preaches on "A Proper Relationship between Man and Christ" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

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Hello, my name is Ricky Berger. I, along with John Allan, Harold Bigham, and Todd Clippard, am a speaker on the “Seeking the Lost International Radio Broadcast.” We thank for your time and interest in Seeking the Lost. It is our desire to bring you Bible based lessons both in audio and transcript form. We encourage you to look at our website www.seekingthelost.net. On it, you can listen to and/or read any of the lessons presented by the STL speakers. Here, you can also find a schedule that lists radio coverage area, times, and frequencies. In addition to weekly radio programs, we offer free Bible correspondence courses and “Seeking the Lost, Ready Bible Answers.” Ready Bible Answers allows you to submit any Bible question(s) you may have through our “contact information” link, or by writing to the Clinton church of Christ address given below. We will answer your question(s) according to your request, either on a radio program (your name does not have to be given if we answer on the radio), or by personal correspondence with you. Seeking the Lost is under the oversight of the Clinton church of Christ eldership in Clinton, Mississippi, www.clintoncoc.org. Brother Ken Gardner is the deacon over missions and works closely with Seeking the Lost, he can be reached through our “Contact Information” link, or by writing to:

Seeking the Lost International Radio
C/O Clinton church of Christ
155 Broadway St
Clinton, MS. 39056 USA

If you do not have internet access, any request for Bible lessons and/or correspondence courses can be made by writing to this address.

As members of the church of Christ (Romans 16:16), it is our desire to search the scriptures (John 5:39), and do the will of God (Matthew 7:21). That will is to teach the gospel (Mark 16:15). We will give you Bible references in our lessons and encourage you to check them (Acts 17:10-11). If you should have any questions and/or comments please contact us so we may study together (2 Timothy 2:15).

And now a lesson entitled: "A proper relationship between man and Christ"

The relationship between a Christian and Christ is sometimes described as a marriage in the Bible (2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:1-4). Jesus loves this marriage so much that He died so we can be married to Him (Ephesians 5:22-33). Just as in the marriage between a man and woman, a marriage to Christ has to begin somewhere. One must believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24), Repent (turn away) from sin (Luke 13:3), acknowledge Jesus is the Savior through confession (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). It is not until every step is complete that you are married to Christ. Once you are in this relationship, you must remain faithful to the commitment you’ve made (1 John 1:7). Notice some areas of a proper relationship to Christ: Submission (Ephesians 5:24), Obedience (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9), Love (1 John 4:7-19), Work (1 Corinthians 15:58). These are just a few of the areas we must fulfill to remain in a good relationship. To have an improper relationship with Christ the Bible says: Leave you love for Him (Revelation 2:4), Turn from following Him (John 6:60-66), Do not keep His commands (John 14:15), Put someone or something before Him (Matthew 10:37), Sin willfully (Hebrews 10:26), Do not continue in fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3).

Are you in a relationship with Christ? Is it a proper one according to your obedience? If not, why not? He is going to return and deliver His own to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24).

What does the Bible say about salvation?

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Not everyone will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Only those who obey God will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:21).
Obedience means believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6).
Repenting of sins (a change of life) (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
Confessing your faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10).
Being baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21).
Live as a faithful Christian until death (Titus 2:12; Revelation 2:10).

What does the Bible say about how we are to worship God?

We are to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
Worship is to be on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
The male members are to lead the worship service (1 Corinthians 14:34).
God’s word is to be preached (Acts 20:7).
Prayer is to be offered to Him (Acts 2:42).
Christians are to give cheerfully according to how God has prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
The Lord’s Supper is to be taken (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7).
Members are to sing one to another from the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
We are not to change by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19).

...

The New Life

Sun, 13 May 2012 06:00:37 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of May 13, 2012

Harold Bigham preaches on "The New Life" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

Click here to listen to this sermon or Click here to download this sermon.

Text:
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Lesson:
The Christian life is a new life. It is a life devoted to Christ. It is a life is sharp contrast to the former way of life. Let us study 2 Corinthians 5:17 to investigate more fully this new way of life.

The New Life is Conditional
Paul begins by stating "Therefore if any man be in Christ". "If" is a conditonal word. It is based on the premise that if a condition has been satisfied or met then the promise or end result will happen. In this verse Paul states that if one is in Christ then as a result that one has a new life. There are other "if" words in the Bible. For example, John wrote, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:6-10). Look at these "if" statements.

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" : Based on the condition that we state that we are in fellowship with God, but our actions state otherwise, we are not practicing the Truth.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" : Based on the condition that as a christian that our actions demonstrate that we are living faithfully the Christian life, we have fellowship with God and the brethren and Jesus' blood will continue to cleanse our sins.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" : As a christian confesses and repents of sins, God will forgive our sins and cleanse our unrighteousness.

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" : If we deny our sin, the Word is not in us and we deny God.

All of these statements are based on the conditional word "If". If you do this, then the result is this. Now back to our text, "Therefore if any man be in Christ". If we are in Christ then certain blessings are implied.

The New Life is Available for All
"Therefore if any man be in Christ". Look at "any man". Paul states that the gospel is for all. All accountable people are subject to the invitation to be in Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). The new life is a choice. "Whosoever will" implies the freedom of choice to obey God. "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:34-35). "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). The idea that God has predetermined or preselected certain individuals to be saved and certain individuals to be lost is foreign to the teachings of the Bible. God however has predetermined a certain group of people to be saved - that is faithful members of the Lord's church and God has predetermined a certain group of people to be lost - that is those who have not obeyed the gospel of Christ or those who after obedience to the gospel have left their first love. 1Thessalonians 1:8-9 states, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." Matthew 7:13-14 states, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it".

The New Life is a Changed Life
"He is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The new life is a life that has changed from serving sin to serving God. The old person of sin no longer lives. Romans 6:6-13, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Paul further stated, "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? 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. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:16-18). As such a christian no longer serves or has a kingly relationship to Satan but to God.

Old characteristics have changed to new characteristics. No longer does one practice the sins of the flesh but now has the fruit of the Spirit. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:19-24). "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:3-6). Ephesians 4:21-24, "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

The New Life is a Life of New Goals and Aspirations.
The Christian's life is devoted to pleasing God. Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4). "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:9-10).

Conclusion:
How can I become a new creature or be a new creation? How can I have this new life? God's plan reveals that after hearing the gospel taught, that we are to have faith (Romans 10:17; Mark 16:15-16). This faith leads us to repent of our sins and to confess the good name of Christ as the only begotten Son of God (Luke 13:3,5; Romans 10:9-10). The final step of God's plan of salvation is scriptural baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). We are then commanded to be faithful even until we died for Jesus to go to Heaven in the afterwhile (Revelation 2:10).

My friend, do you love God's Word? Will you consider our study today and then respond in loving obedience to the commands of God? May God bless you as you continue to read and study the Bible. ...

Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (Part 2)

Sun, 06 May 2012 06:00:12 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of May 06, 2012

John Allan preaches on "Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (Part 2)" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

Click here to listen to this sermon or Click here to download this sermon.

In a previous lesson we asked the question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We were quick to point out at the beginning of that lesson that good and bad things happen to good and bad people. In other words:

Sometimes good things happen to good people.
Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Sometimes good things happen to bad people.
Sometimes bad things happen to bad people.

There are times when we act as if we believe good things should only happen to good people, and bad things should only happen to bad people. Yet we know from our previous study that there are times when bad things happen even to people we would consider to be good.

You might remember in particular Luke 13:1-5. In those verses we saw that some people suffered bad things. They did not suffer on that occasion because of their own sin, but because of the sinful behavior of Pilate (Luke 13:1-3). Sometimes we do experience bad things as a result of our own sin. Sometimes we experience bad things as a consequence of somebody else's sin.

We also noticed that sometimes tragic things happen because of accidents and coincidences that occur because of the normal function of the laws of nature. God set those laws in place to govern the universe, and they provide stability and consistency to how the Earth functions. In Luke 13:4-5 Jesus gave an example of this sort of thing. He mentioned a tower in Siloam that fell and killed 18 men. Jesus explained that this was not some sort of divine retribution on these men: the tower did not fall on them because they were terrible sinners. Instead, it was because the tower failed, and fell to the ground like any building would if it failed. Those who were in the way, regardless of how good or bad they were, suffered. Sometimes these things, although they simply are coincidence, are very very tragic. Understanding it does not make it any less tragic to those who are affected.

As we continue our study today, we want to turn attention to the fact that sometimes good things happen to bad people.

One reason that good things sometimes happen to bad people is because of God's general providence for man. God's general providence for man is what was being described in Matthew 5. Beginning in Matthew 5:43 Jesus said "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:43-45, NKJV).

Just as God loves everybody and demonstrates that love, His followers ought to love others. I will be the first to admit to you that what Jesus commands in these verses can be extremely difficult! It is not always an easy thing to love our enemies. It is not always easy to pray for those who do us harm. Yet, the Bible teaches us that God loves every person. Since we strive to be like God we therefore strive to be loving, too. Even to our enemies! There are some blessings that God gives to all of mankind regardless of whether they obey Him or not. He has blessed us with a place to live, food to eat, water to drink, etc. He has blessed us with life itself! Some of the good things that happen to bad people happen because God deliberately gives those good things. Because God loves everybody made in His image (every man woman and child) He blesses us all with many things regardless of whether we obey Him as we ought.

While it is true that God does bless everybody with some good things, He has even more good things in store for those who have obeyed Him and live faithfully in His service. There are blessings God has promised to give to believers that He does not give to unbelievers.

When you consider the abundant blessings God gives to everybody, does it not seem reasonable to you that man would willingly strive to be pleasing to that same God out of gratitude for those blessings? That's not always our response, though. There are those who have an abundance of physical blessings but they do not thank God for them. They might not think about God at all!

If you are listening today and you recognize that God cares for you, please consider submitting yourself to Him. The Bible teaches the need for man to hear and believe the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 we learn that the Gospel has to do with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life. He sacrificed His life and shed His blood for our sins. He was buried. He overcame the grave on the third day. He has ascended back to Heaven with God the Father and that's where He is right now.

If you believe the Gospel, it should prompt you to repent of your sins. In Acts 2 when the Lord's Church was established here on earth, Peter preached the Gospel to the crowd that had gathered at Jerusalem. He told them they had crucified the Christ, and they asked "Men and brethren what shall we do?" In Acts 2:38 Peter told them to repent, and to be baptized for the remission of sins. If you believe the Gospel and have repented of your sins then you're ready to confess Jesus Christ and to be baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sins. At the end of the program today you will hear our contact information. If we can help facilitate your obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ we encourage you to get in touch with us and let us know. When a person, through obedience to the Gospel, is baptized into Christ that one's sins are washed away and he is added to the Church by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:47). That's a blessing that God is ready and willing to give to any who will come, but He cannot and does not give that blessing to those who will not submit to Him in obedience.

It is entirely reasonable that God, because He loves everybody, does good things for everybody. I realize, though, that when people talk about good things happening to bad people they are not just talking about God's general providence. They are talking about bad people having an abundance of material possessions. How does it make sense that people who have no interest in obeying God can be allowed by God to attain so much wealth?

Sometimes we make the mistake of presuming that material wealth is always good. That is not true! There are many people whose lives have been absolutely ruined because they acquired a vast amount of money. Whether they came about it justly or unjustly, there are those who became wealthy and their new-found wealth destroyed them. We tend to think that wealth is always a good thing, and the truth is sometimes wealth is virtually the worst thing you could give a person. Sometimes we also mistakenly think that if somebody lacks wealth then that's a bad thing. Yet, some of the happiest people you will meet in your life are people who do not have an abundance of earthly wealth. They have contentment, much like Paul expressed in Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Earthly wealth is not the appropriate measuring stick for whether somebody is righteous or not. Certainly there are those who have wealth who are pleasing to God. We know from places like 1 Timothy 6:17-19 that there were even wealthy people in the early Church. Yet, the Bible also tells us that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). Whatever wealth we have, whether it is a lot or a little, is to be used in a way that brings glory to God.

One more thing we must keep in mind is that not all accounts are settled in this lifetime. The Bible teaches that everybody will be accountable for what they did on earth. In Hebrews 9:27 the Bible says that it is appointed for man once to die and after this the judgment. Even if somebody spent their entire life committing sin after sin, crime after crime, and never suffered for it here on earth they will still have to answer to God. We will be accountable to God for all that we have done. How are you living your life? Are you trying to hide things from God? Or, have you submitted to the Lord by obeying the Gospel?

There are some issues in this life that our minds simply cannot fully understand during this lifetime. What we have studied should help us understand why bad things happen to good people. It should even help us understand why good things happen to bad people. Nonetheless, I suspect we all would like to be able to understand it even better.

We do not and cannot know everything about everything in this life, but there are many things that we can know. We can know for certain that God loves us. We can know for certain that as the righteous judge, God will not let sin go unpunished. We can know for certain that God has provided a solution to our sin problem, and made it possible for us to receive eternal life with Him in Heaven.

If you're not a Christian, we urge you to become one! ...

What the Church of Christ Believes About the Church (Part 2)

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:00:01 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of April 29, 2012

Todd Clippard preaches on "What the Church of Christ Believes about the Church (Part 2)" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

Click here to listen to this sermon or Click here to download this sermon.

Our study today continues our new series under the theme, “What do churches of Christ believe?” Thus far our series has examined “What do Churches of Christ Believe about... the Old Testament? Grace?, the Security of the Believer?, and Baptism?”. These lessons can be read or heard on the Seeking the Lost website.

This week’s study continues with the question, “What Do Churches of Christ Believe About the Church?”. Because there is so much material to examine and study, this study is actually a mini-series within our overall series. This mini-series examines what members of the churches of Christ believe about the church, including:

The Bible definition of what is and is not represented by the word “church”.
The Bible usage of “church”.
The church and her relationship with denominationalism.
The Singular Nature of the Church.
The necessity of Church Membership for Salvation.
The name of the church.

By way of reminder, the New Testament uses the word “church” in just two very specific ways. First, the New Testament speaks of the church in the universal sense, composed and made up of all saved individuals everywhere. The second way we find the word church used in the New Testament is to identify specific congregations of God’s people, Christians, meeting in a given location.

Finally, it must be noted and remembered that the New Testament never uses the word “church” in reference to any denominational body. A denomination is a religious body that is larger than the local church, but smaller than the universal church. Such did not exist in the first century. Neither did it exist for more than 1000 years after the establishment of the church in Acts 2.

While we have made mention of the church and denominationalism, we must also note that the church of the New Testament cannot be joined with denominational bodies. Ephesians 5:11 forbids the church to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. As being inconsistent with and contradictory to the teaching of the New Testament, denominationalism must be condemned as a work of darkness. Therefore, true churches of Christ will not be found in fellowship with denominational bodies in matters of evangelism, teaching, benevolence, etc.

In this vein, churches of Christ are not ecumenical in their thinking and practice. This means we do not believe there are many ways to worship and serve God acceptably. We do not believe that there are many different ways, paths or roads to heaven. Jesus said that we must “enter in at the straight gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat. But straight (restricted) is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Our non-ecumenical practice is confusing to many, especially in light of the general religious view of man that “we’re all going to the same place, we’re just taking different roads.” But Paul spoke to the error of teaching different gospels in Galatians 1:6-9, where he wrote, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from him who called you into the gospel of Christ unto a different gospel, which is not another, but there are some who trouble you and pervert the gospel the gospel of Christ. But if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”

There are two words found in verses 6 and 7 that bear noting. The first is translated “different” in describing a “different gospel.” The second is the word “another” in the phrase, “which is not another.” The word “different” comes from the Greek “heteros”, meaning exactly what is found, “different.” The second word, “another”, comes from the Greek “allos” meaning “an ally” or “one of the same kind.” So what is Paul here saying? Paul here affirms that anyone who preaches a different gospel than the one found in the pages of the New Testament is not our ally. That is, we are not working toward the same goal, neither can we be joined if we are teaching different doctrines.

The religious world teaches numerous, confusing, and conflicting doctrines in regard to the church. We plead with you, and with all men everywhere, to believe, embrace, and obey what the Bible teaches about the subject of the church. Lord willing, we will examine some more of what the Bible says about the church, but we want to close by telling you what the New Testament says about being saved.

Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me “Lord, Lord” and do not do the things I say?” Hebrews 5:9 says Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

We are born again though belief in and obedience to the gospel. He who believes the gospel and is baptized shall be saved – Mark 16:15-16. We obey the gospel by:

Believing in Jesus’ Deity, his death for our sins and his resurrection (John 8:24; 1 Cor 15:1-4)
Repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30)
Confessing Christ as the Lord (Romans 10:9-10)
Being baptized, that is immersed, in water to receive remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Living faithful to the Lord until the end (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10)

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have heard on this program, or have any questions of a biblical nature, please contact us. ...

The Restoration Plea

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:31:41 -0500

Clarence Lavender discusses the "Restoration Plea" and whether or not it can be achieved.

In the early part of the nineteenth century, preachers of different denominations went into the frontier settlements to teach the Bible. Since there were no established religious bodies in many of those communities, an invitation was given to everyone to attend and partake of the Lord's Supper (Communion). Usually, only those who were members of the preacher's faith would attend. These preachers wondered why people were so divided that they could not sit down together at the Lord's table and partake. They found that each religious order professed belief in the Bible. They all claimed to be Christians, but they were divided (Luke 11:17). It was not the Bible that divided them. They found that their religious names, organizations, doctrines and traditions were the root of their division. They determined to restudy the Bible and eliminate from their preaching and practice, all things that could not be authorized by the word of God. They determined to be just Christians, members of the body of Christ. This has been and still is the plea of the churches of Christ.

Is it possible to be a member of the body or church Jesus promised to build? "And I say also unto thee,that thou art Peter (pebble) and upon this rock (mass of rock) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (hades) shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). Is it only a pipe dream to think that it is possible for people living in the, twentieth century to become members of the same church which the apostles and others were members of in the first century? If the Bible only would make Christians only in the first century, doesn't it have the power to do the same today (Rom. 1:16-17)? If a person could become a Christian by following what was preached on Pentecost twenty years after that sermon was delivered, why can't people become children of God today by following the instructions of that same sermon (Acts 2:37-41)? Is it possible to be a New Testament Christian in an age of the Nuclear bomb, SDI, and scientific advancements like the world has never known? Is such possible in an age of "entertainment religion," such as the social gospel, frills, fads and fancies?

Churches of Christ believe it is possible to be just Christians, members of the body of Jesus Christ, without being in a denomination. This concept or idea is almost impossible to fathom for many in the religious world.

Some believe it is impossible to go back to the Bible because they say it is a dead letter. The Bible says differently. "For the word of God is quick (living) and powerful..." (Heb. 4:12). Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). A dead letter? Hardly!

Others do not think we can use the Bible to restore first century Christianity in the twentieth, because they do not accept it as their authority. They have added their traditions. In fact, some will argue for their tradition while they put down the Bible. Christ did not think highly of the doctrines or traditions of men which set aside God's word. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). In fact, if one loves Jesus, he will obey what Christ commands. "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words..." (John 14:23). If one refuses to obey the words of Jesus, he is foolish. "And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain decended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:26- 27).The very words one rejects will be his judge. "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:47-49).

The problem with our society is that many think almost anything is acceptable if that is what they want to do. They do not seek to see if their practices are acceptable to God; they demand that God pamper and indulge them! Man seeks to be the master of God rather than God being his master.

Jesus spoke of the word of God as the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11-12). Plant God's word in the heart of man by teaching it to him, and he will be saved if he obeys it (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 5:9). That seed will produce a child of God (I Peter 1:23). That child is a Christian and glorifies God in that name (I Peter 4:16). He is in the family or house of God (I Timothy 3:15). God adds him to the saved who make up the body of Christ (Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 12:27). He is in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). He does not need to join anything nor belong to anything else. What God has provided is sufficient.

Pick up a book on the Rules of Baseball and you may establish that game. Pick up a book on the Rules of Football and you may establish that game. Pickup the Bible and you may restore New Testament Christianity. If a baseball book produces baseball, the New Testament will produce, not denominations of men, but Christians who are members of the body of Christ.

The Churches of Christ wish to point people back to the Bible. We wish to restore the teachings God gave to man in the first century. We believe they are as applicable today as in the first century. It is our desire to be Christians and Christians only, members of no other body or church than the one Jesus founded and to which the apostles belonged. We believe that the restoration of the New Testament church is not an impossible dream.

~Clarence Laven ...

About This Time Tomorrow

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:00:40 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of April 22, 2012

Ricky Berger preaches on "About This Time Tomorrow" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

Click here to listen to this sermon or Click here to download this sermon.

Hello, my name is Ricky Berger. I, along with John Allan, Harold Bigham, and Todd Clippard, am a speaker on the “Seeking the Lost International Radio Broadcast.” We thank for your time and interest in Seeking the Lost. It is our desire to bring you Bible based lessons both in audio and transcript form. We encourage you to look at our website www.seekingthelostradio.net. On it, you can listen to and/or read any of the lessons presented by the STL speakers. Here, you can also find a schedule that lists radio coverage area, times, and frequencies. In addition to weekly radio programs, we offer free Bible correspondence courses and “Seeking the Lost, Ready Bible Answers.” Ready Bible Answers allows you to submit any Bible question(s) you may have through our “contact information” link, or by writing to the Clinton church of Christ address given below. We will answer your question(s) according to your request, either on a radio program (your name does not have to be given if we answer on the radio), or by personal correspondence with you. Seeking the Lost is under the oversight of the Clinton church of Christ eldership in Clinton, Mississippi, www.clintoncoc.org. Brother Ken Gardner is the deacon over missions and works closely with Seeking the Lost, he can be reached through our “Contact Information” link, or by writing to:

Seeking the Lost International Radio
C/O Clinton church of Christ
155 Broadway St
Clinton, MS. 39056 USA

If you do not have internet access, any request for Bible lessons and/or correspondence courses can be made by writing to this address.

And now a lesson entitled: "About this Time Tomorrow"

Do you know where you will be this time tomorrow? Life is about making plans for the future. You probably have short term plans for the next few days, weeks, or even months. Most likely, you have long term plans as well. Maybe plans for your family, career, retirement, or even a dream vacation. Making plans is important and shows a sign of responsibility. However, you know from experience that plans can change quickly. Some may have been changes you could control, while at other times you did not have a choice in the matter. Plans change regardless of the level of importance we place on them. The Bible teaches us to plan and prepare for the future, but more importantly, it teaches us to prepare for eternity. We plan for eternity because it is something sure to happen, and nothing can change that (Hebrews 9:27). What we don’t know is when life here will end and eternity begin (James 4:13-14). That is why it is important to be a faithful Christian now and continue living as one every day of your life.

In 1 Kings 19, God had just given Elijah a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. After these events wicked Jezebel, wife of Ahab, told Elijah he would be dead just like the prophets of Baal, “about this time tomorrow” (1 Kings 19:2). Elijah quickly forgot the power of the one true God and he became sorrowful. As you continue to read the book of First Kings, you’ll learn that God was with Elijah. Although Jezebel wanted Elijah dead she was not able to complete her desire. Just the same, the question can be asked, “Where will you be about this time tomorrow?” While you may have plans, your plans may change even overnight. In a day’s time life can change completely. An accident, news of a disease, death to a friend or even you, could change everything. In the book of Esther, there are three people whose lives changed drastically in less than a twenty-four hour period. These events happened in Esther chapters 5, 6, and 7. The people involved were: Esther, a Jewish girl who was the newly appointed Persian Queen. Her cousin Mordecai, who took Esther as a foster daughter after her parents died. He also uncovered a plot to kill the Persian king, Ahasuerus. And the enemy of the Jews, Haman, who wanted all Jewish people dead. It was Persian law that not anyone could approach the king without permission. Esther, because of her concern for her Jewish family, approached the king knowing she may die. The next day she helps to deliver the Jews from annihilation. Plans were being made to hang Mordecai on the gallows Haman had built especially for this purpose. Just a few hours later, Haman and other Persian citizens in the capital were honoring Mordecai for his role in uncovering the plot to assassinate the king. Haman filled with self-pride supposed his position in the kingdom to be some great thing. He also boasted over being the only person, other than the king, invited to Esther’s banquet. About the same time the next day, he was hung on the very gallows he built to kill Mordecai. Three different people whose lives changed in ways they would never imagine in only one day.

Are you prepared for the changes your life may take? More importantly, are you eternally prepared for the changes, and even the chance of leaving this life sooner than you may have thought you would? Even if it were as soon as, “About this time tomorrow?”

What does the Bible say about salvation?

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Not everyone will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Only those who obey God will go to Heaven (Matthew 7:21).
Obedience means believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6).
Repenting of sins (a change of life) (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
Confessing your faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10).
Being baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21).
Live as a faithful Christian until death (Titus 2:12; Revelation 2:10).

What does the Bible say about how we are to worship God?

We are to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
Worship is to be on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
The male members are to lead the worship service (1 Corinthians 14:34).
God’s word is to be preached (Acts 20:7).
Prayer is to be offered to Him (Acts 2:42).
Christians are to give cheerfully according to how God has prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
The Lord’s Supper is to be taken (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7).
Members are to sing one to another from the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
We are not to change by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19).

...

Which Way Are You Walking?

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:00:47 -0500

Radio transcript for the week of April 15, 2012

Harold Bigham preaches on "Which Way Are You Walking?" on Seeking the Lost - International Radio.

Click here to listen to this sermon or Click here to download this sermon.

Text:
Ephesians 2:1-13: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Introduction:
The Apostle Paul describes the walk in sin and the walk in Christ. When one becomes accountable to God for actions and transgresses the Law of God he is described as sinning. 1 John 3:4 states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". Therefore, each accountable person outside of Christ is walking in sin. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Sin separates one from God. Isaiah 59:1-2, "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Let us study Ephesians 2:1-13. Which way are you walking?

Discussion:

The Walk in Sin
Paul begins by stating that these had been made alive or quickened. ""And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). These had been quickened by obedience to the gospel. Paul stated, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).

Prior to being made alive or quickened, they were dead in their sins. Sin causes separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). It causes spiritual death. The prodigal son is described as being dead and lost. "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry" (Luke 15:24). Paul stated "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

These were not born in sin but they walked in sin. The Scriptures do not teach that an infant is born as a sinner. Infants are safe and have no need of salvation. Clearly, Paul states that these who were accountable for their actions made a conscious decision to walk in sin. These loved the the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17). Paul in our text called them the "children of disobedience". They were serving Satan. 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? 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. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

Paul included himself before being converted to Christ by the pronoun "we" by stating, "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others". The word 'conversation" means lifestyle. Paul stated that we made a decision to walk in sin.

Paul in writing to the Lord's church at Ephesus stated that these previously were lost in their sins and without Christ. "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world". What a picture of doom! No hope! Without Christ! Without God in the world!

The Walk in Christ
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The word "But" is a conjunction and shows a contrast. It shows a different picture. What was before gloom and doom is now glorious and bright! The walk in sin brought spiritual death. The walk in Christ brings salvation!

The blood of Christ washes away our sins. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Revelation 1:5 states, "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood". Romans 5:9, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The blood of Christ purchased the Lord's church. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

How does one contact the blood of Christ? God's plan of salvation for man involves two parts: God's part and man's part. God's grace is the divine part of salvation. Paul in our text stated, "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). God's grace is rich (Ephesians 2:4).

Obedience to God's plan of salvation is man's part of salvation. "Faith" as used in Ephesians 2:8 means obedient faith. James 2:24 states, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." Baptism for the remission of sins is the final step in God's plan of salvation where we contact the blood of Christ which washes away our sins and adds us to the Lord's church. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). A christian is in Christ. There is no prefix or suffix attached. "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27). A christian is a worker in Christ. Our text stated, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The walk in Christ continues each day. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7). As a christian continues to abide in the Word of God, the blood of Christ continues to cleanse him from sin.

Conclusion:
God's plan reveals that after hearing the gospel taught, that we are to have faith (Romans 10:17; Mark 16:15-16). This faith leads us to repent of our sins and to confess the good name of Christ as the only begotten Son of God (Luke 13:3,5; Romans 10:9-10). The final step of God's plan of salvation is scriptural baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). We are then commanded to be faithful even until we died for Jesus to go to Heaven in the after-while (Revelation 2:10).

My friend, do you love God's Word? Will you consider our study today and then respond in loving obedience to the commands of God? May God bless you as you continue to read and study the Bible. ...