A Christian’s Voice From Van Buren: Man uses his voice and pen to convey thoughts. Paul mentions using words that by his voice he might “teach others” (1 Cor. 14:19). John says, “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.” (Rev. 22:17). My aim is to challenge, inform, and invite – us all to Listen to the VOICE of God. Editor Bill Sexton. 802 Adeline Lane, Van Buren, AR 72956-3530. Phone 479-474-2617. Car phone: 479-650-8399>>> I Have Voice Mail, call me and I can pick it up
Volume 7 April 17, 2005 Number 22
This Week’s Challenges
We are practicing: Memory, Meditation, and Application
1. Memorize: (2 kings. 22:8)
2. Mediation: See what was found in the House of the Lord and conditions that had developed.
3. Application: Is this same item lost to many today in our land and that accounts for similar conditions!
Quote: “Wise men learn by the mistakes of others; fools insist on learning by their own.”
Gospel Meetings: In my area there has been five gospel meetings going on this last week, within driving distance. I have not been able to attend them all. But have attended the one’s I can. I find it a bit disturbing that so many in the same area will schedule a meeting at the same time. However, I guess the argument can be made that we are trying to reach the lost rather than the saved. However, I like to attend meeting. I wish we didn’t conflict so much.
I’ll be speaking this week, Sunday 17th to Friday 22, in a meeting with the Prairie Hills congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. I’m looking forward to meeting a number of people I’ve know in the past, and perhaps meet some I haven’t met before, and hopefully the Gospel preached will be what is needed and people will be lifted up, and drawn closer to the Lord and be encouraged to work harder for the Lord’s cause
Next week we plan to be back in Van Buren, and be in a meeting at the Access Road congregation, Brother Bill Cavender doing the preaching. We tried to schedule it at an earlier date, so it wouldn’t conflict with others in the area, but Brother Cavender couldn’t make it at the earlier date. It conflicted with his schedule.
Paul says that God has chosen that through preaching (which some call foolish) to save them that believe. I’m a bit discouraged with what I see today as far as how many look at gospel meetings. Years ago, it was not unlikely to see a meeting last two weeks, or at least start on Sunday and go a week and then to Friday night the next week. Now, many of them are just weekend meetings and perhaps three or four days. That indicates to me that people are not as hungry for or as appreciative of spiritual matters as they used to be. I recognize, too that most are busy in so many different things. Yet, I wonder if the evil one is not making it easy for us to get our attention focused on material things rather than on the spiritual. That would suit him fine, would it not? Are we mindful of the opportunities?
–William C. Sexton
Today’s Schedule of Yours truly: 10:00 AM at Prairie Hills congregation, St. Joseph, MO. Lift Up Your Eyes and Look (Jn. 4:35-42) 11:00A.M, Sermon- FAMILY God Designed (Gen. 2:18-24); PM. FAMILY that produces Happiness (Eph. 5:22-64).
This week’s subjects
Monday, Our view of the Bible (Matt. 22:29)
Tuesday: Eternal Destiny Heaven (Jn. 14:1-6; Rev. 21:4)
Wednesday: Real Hope (I Pet. 3:15)
Thursday: Eternal Punishment (Mk. 9:43-37; Matt. 25:31-46)
Friday: Methods of Growth, Individual and Congregational (Eph. 4:15-16)
ABRAHAM TEMPTED TO OFFER HIS ONLY SON!
At times we have things in the Bible, the word of God that requires a lot of mental effort and reasoning in order to understand. Such presents us with a challenge! Once we work our way through such, we can be stronger than before.
In Genesis 22:1 2 we have such a challenge: 1) We are told that “God did tempt Abraham,..”; 2: Abraham was told to offer his “only son Isaac…” We learn form other passages that God does NOT TEMPT man (James 1:13) and that Abraham had other sons, ( Gen. 25:1 7). How can we understand these passages?
God’s word does not contradict: its truths are always harmonious. Where is the key to understanding?
1. First regarding temptation: There are two meaning in temptation. One is to try or test with “a beneficial purpose and effect. “Such testing and or trying God does permit as He did with Abraham to test his faith. Two, temptation is used in the sense of exciting or soliciting to sin, as we bait a hook to catch a fish God never does participate in such, rather all such is the work of the devil or/and of the flesh.
2. Meaning of Genesis 22:2, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou loveth,…”
Hebrews 11:17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,”
Note he actually had two sons at this time: Ishmael and Isaac!
Pulpit Comm.: “meaning the only son of Sarah, the only legitimate offspring he possessed, the only heir of the promise, the only child that remained to him after Ishamel’s departure…” page 283.
“Isaac was Abraham’s ‘only begotten son’ in respect of Sarah and the promises: he sent away his other sons by other wives ( Gen.25:6.” Jameson, Fausset and BROWN, page 1434.
This is somewhat akin to the fact that we, Christians, are all sons of God ( Gal. 4:5 6). Yet, Christ is the “only Begotten Son” ( Jn. 3:16) This points to and affirms his uniqueness, His divine nature. Let us read with discernment and appreciation. When God speaks we should be eager to listen and learn. He never says something that is unimportant. His word is truth and it’s forever “settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89).
Let us understand that there is a sense in which Christians are children of Abraham, when like Abraham they manifest their faith in God, to do what He teaches without question, doubting, understanding that God never tells man to do what he is unable to do. Also, what God tells us to do is for our good. When we have this disposition and attitude we’ll be careful to act BY FAITH to do all that the Lord demands of us, knowing that He’ll keep His promises, regardless of the time element involved! We may not always understand just how or why something it, but with faith in God, we act as directed. Observe the following scriptures:
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: Rom. 4:11)
“16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Rom. 4:16)
Gal. 3: “6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
“9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
James: 2:23-24: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
William C. Sexton
Baptism that leaves one unsaved!
Baptism is a subject that if one goes to the Bible and looks carefully they will have little trouble understanding that baptism is essential to being saved. If one will just take the passages on baptism and mark on a piece of paper the order which is presented, one will see that baptism always comes be fore salvation in any and every passages where the two are mentioned. Example:
Mk.16:16: Believeth and is baptized=salvation
Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized == remission of sins!
IPet.3:21:Baptism does also save us: baptism==salvation!
In order for baptism to be effective, however, it has to meet God given conditions! We need to be aware of those conditions and be sure that we have met them.
Acts 19 gives us an example where people who were in a sense “disciples,” and had been baptized, but they had not meet the conditions God has set forth, so thy had to be baptized in order to meet God’s condition to be SAVED!
Let us look at this passage and keep it in mind as we consider the subject of baptism:
Acts 19:1 5 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Notice that these had been baptized, but for the wrong reason!
When Paul discovered the reality of their case, he taught them the truth and they then were ready candidates for baptism and they were baptized.
1. They had been baptized unto John’s baptism, which required that one look forward to the one who was to come. That is the Christ.
2. Now that Christ had come and died, they had to look back to the one who had come, and put their trust in Him. When Paul pointed to this plain teaching, these people easily saw that they had not been baptized for the correct reason, so they were baptized as the New Testament teaches.
3. The New Testament teaches that in order for one to be a valid candidate for baptism he/she has to believe ( Mk. 16:15 16); repent ( Acts 2:38) confess (Acts 8:37; Matt. 10:32 33) then one is to be baptized in order to have the “remission of sins.”
Many people have been baptized without these conditions being met. They are not saved by the blood of Jesus, they are still lost in their sins, and the only biblical thing for them to do is to hear the truth, believe it, turn to God, confessing their faith and be buried with him in baptism ( Rom. 6:3 4).
Beloved, salvation is too precious; being lost is too terrible, to go to the judgment without complying with God’s teachings. Be as sure as you can about your soul’s salvation. Satan has many ministers, persuading people to remain in their unsaved state ( 2 Cor. 11:13 15).
Beloved God’s word is right, understandable, and practicable. Will you study it carefully and find what it says and then DO IT!
I recognize that when you teach such today, many people will become angry at you. Some charge you with being a person that is not likable, perhaps “mean,” and with believing in various things that are not true. Having been there once, due to having been taught the wrong thing in the first place, it was difficult for me to open my eyes to the truth, and accept it. However, having that honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15), in time I saw the simple teaching, and admitted that I was wrong and submitted to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is because I love the souls of people that I try to get ALL to see the truth, by which they can be saved! God loves all. William C. Sexton
Study Of Book of Philippians Chapter 2
The Joy of Having the Mind of Christ
Introduction: In this second chapter, Paul tells how these Christians can “fulfill my Joy” by conducting themselves in the way that is appropriate. “that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Strife and vain glory is to be rejected in favor of lowliness of mind and care for each other (Phil. 1:1 4).
1.The behavior that is to be exhibited is seen in Christ. Thus each is urged to have the mind of Christ. See Him who was willing to come to earth from His place with the Father, become a man and take upon himself the form of a servant, that He might enable men to be saved! He humbled Himself and became “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Having done that, it becomes a fact that ultimately every knee shall bow to His rule and confess His name. However, each has the opportunity to voluntarily submit NOW, in this life, and be eternally blessed. If not, finally they’ll do so to their eternal ruin, ultimately come to the realization that He is who He claims to be and deserves to be submitted to (Phil. 2:5-11).
2. “Therefore” having considered this example, Paul advises them to work out their own salvation by allowing God to work in and through them. I have seen people misuse this passage to claim that God does all the working. Beloved, be not deceived. If that were the case, Paul’s advice to them would be useless, if there were noting for them to do! There is something that each of us has to do in order to make our salvation secure. All the teaching to the contrary has it origin in the evil one, whose aim is to deter us from the blessing God has provided!(Phil. 2:12-13)
3. He instructs them to be “blameless” and harmless as children of God, holding forth the word of life in the midst of crookedness and darkness of the world. This is to be done without grumbling and complaining. This would enable this apostle to rejoice even if he is sacrificed fro what he has taught and encouraged people to serve God (Phil. 2:14-18)
4. In the last section of this chapter, he speaks of sending two of his helpers to them: Timothy and Epaphroditus Paul says this will make it possible for him and them to be encouraged an comforted. These were faithful men who deserve to be respected for their work in the Lord. They had served with Paul and on the behalf of the Philippian Christians, evidently taking their support and regard to Paul.
Questions:
1. How could these Philippians “fulfill” Paul’s “joy” (Phil. 2:12)
2. How where these to let “noting be done,” instead how to “look”(Phil. 2:3-4)?
3. What kind of “mind” were these to have (Phil. 2:5-8)?
4. What will all people do ultimately (Phil. 2:9-11)
5. What were these to “work out” and how (Phil. 2:12-13)?
6. How were all things to be done with what results (Phil. 2:14-16)?
7. Under what conditions would Paul be able to “rejoice” for what reason (Phil. 2:17-19)?
8. How did the one he was sending to them stand in contrast with others he mentioned (Phil. 2:20-23)?
9. What did he hope to do soon (Phil. 2:24)?
10. What is said about Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30)?
Waveland Church of Christ
Corner of Highways 10 and 309
Waveland, AR 72842
A Christian’s Voice From Van Buren: Man uses his voice and pen to convey thoughts. Paul mentions using words that by his voice he might “teach others” (1 Cor. 14:19). John says, “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.” (Rev. 22:17). My aim is to challenge, inform, and invite – us all to Listen to the VOICE of God. Editor Bill Sexton. 802 Adeline Lane, Van Buren, AR 72956-3530. Phone 479-474-2617. Car phone: 479-650-8399>>> I Have Voice Mail, call me and I can pick it up
Volume 7 April 17, 2005 Number 22
This Week’s Challenges
We are practicing: Memory, Meditation, and Application
1. Memorize: (2 kings. 22:8)
2. Mediation: See what was found in the House of the Lord and conditions that had developed.
3. Application: Is this same item lost to many today in our land and that accounts for similar conditions!
Quote: “Wise men learn by the mistakes of others; fools insist on learning by their own.”
Gospel Meetings: In my area there has been five gospel meetings going on this last week, within driving distance. I have not been able to attend them all. But have attended the one’s I can. I find it a bit disturbing that so many in the same area will schedule a meeting at the same time. However, I guess the argument can be made that we are trying to reach the lost rather than the saved. However, I like to attend meeting. I wish we didn’t conflict so much.
I’ll be speaking this week, Sunday 17th to Friday 22, in a meeting with the Prairie Hills congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. I’m looking forward to meeting a number of people I’ve know in the past, and perhaps meet some I haven’t met before, and hopefully the Gospel preached will be what is needed and people will be lifted up, and drawn closer to the Lord and be encouraged to work harder for the Lord’s cause
Next week we plan to be back in Van Buren, and be in a meeting at the Access Road congregation, Brother Bill Cavender doing the preaching. We tried to schedule it at an earlier date, so it wouldn’t conflict with others in the area, but Brother Cavender couldn’t make it at the earlier date. It conflicted with his schedule.
Paul says that God has chosen that through preaching (which some call foolish) to save them that believe. I’m a bit discouraged with what I see today as far as how many look at gospel meetings. Years ago, it was not unlikely to see a meeting last two weeks, or at least start on Sunday and go a week and then to Friday night the next week. Now, many of them are just weekend meetings and perhaps three or four days. That indicates to me that people are not as hungry for or as appreciative of spiritual matters as they used to be. I recognize, too that most are busy in so many different things. Yet, I wonder if the evil one is not making it easy for us to get our attention focused on material things rather than on the spiritual. That would suit him fine, would it not? Are we mindful of the opportunities?
–William C. Sexton
Today’s Schedule of Yours truly: 10:00 AM at Prairie Hills congregation, St. Joseph, MO. Lift Up Your Eyes and Look (Jn. 4:35-42) 11:00A.M, Sermon- FAMILY God Designed (Gen. 2:18-24); PM. FAMILY that produces Happiness (Eph. 5:22-64).
This week’s subjects
Monday, Our view of the Bible (Matt. 22:29)
Tuesday: Eternal Destiny Heaven (Jn. 14:1-6; Rev. 21:4)
Wednesday: Real Hope (I Pet. 3:15)
Thursday: Eternal Punishment (Mk. 9:43-37; Matt. 25:31-46)
Friday: Methods of Growth, Individual and Congregational (Eph. 4:15-16)
ABRAHAM TEMPTED TO OFFER HIS ONLY SON!
At times we have things in the Bible, the word of God that requires a lot of mental effort and reasoning in order to understand. Such presents us with a challenge! Once we work our way through such, we can be stronger than before.
In Genesis 22:1 2 we have such a challenge: 1) We are told that “God did tempt Abraham,..”; 2: Abraham was told to offer his “only son Isaac…” We learn form other passages that God does NOT TEMPT man (James 1:13) and that Abraham had other sons, ( Gen. 25:1 7). How can we understand these passages?
God’s word does not contradict: its truths are always harmonious. Where is the key to understanding?
1. First regarding temptation: There are two meaning in temptation. One is to try or test with “a beneficial purpose and effect. “Such testing and or trying God does permit as He did with Abraham to test his faith. Two, temptation is used in the sense of exciting or soliciting to sin, as we bait a hook to catch a fish God never does participate in such, rather all such is the work of the devil or/and of the flesh.
2. Meaning of Genesis 22:2, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou loveth,…”
Hebrews 11:17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,”
Note he actually had two sons at this time: Ishmael and Isaac!
Pulpit Comm.: “meaning the only son of Sarah, the only legitimate offspring he possessed, the only heir of the promise, the only child that remained to him after Ishamel’s departure…” page 283.
“Isaac was Abraham’s ‘only begotten son’ in respect of Sarah and the promises: he sent away his other sons by other wives ( Gen.25:6.” Jameson, Fausset and BROWN, page 1434.
This is somewhat akin to the fact that we, Christians, are all sons of God ( Gal. 4:5 6). Yet, Christ is the “only Begotten Son” ( Jn. 3:16) This points to and affirms his uniqueness, His divine nature. Let us read with discernment and appreciation. When God speaks we should be eager to listen and learn. He never says something that is unimportant. His word is truth and it’s forever “settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89).
Let us understand that there is a sense in which Christians are children of Abraham, when like Abraham they manifest their faith in God, to do what He teaches without question, doubting, understanding that God never tells man to do what he is unable to do. Also, what God tells us to do is for our good. When we have this disposition and attitude we’ll be careful to act BY FAITH to do all that the Lord demands of us, knowing that He’ll keep His promises, regardless of the time element involved! We may not always understand just how or why something it, but with faith in God, we act as directed. Observe the following scriptures:
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: Rom. 4:11)
“16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Rom. 4:16)
Gal. 3: “6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
“9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
James: 2:23-24: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
William C. Sexton
Baptism that leaves one unsaved!
Baptism is a subject that if one goes to the Bible and looks carefully they will have little trouble understanding that baptism is essential to being saved. If one will just take the passages on baptism and mark on a piece of paper the order which is presented, one will see that baptism always comes be fore salvation in any and every passages where the two are mentioned. Example:
Mk.16:16: Believeth and is baptized=salvation
Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized == remission of sins!
IPet.3:21:Baptism does also save us: baptism==salvation!
In order for baptism to be effective, however, it has to meet God given conditions! We need to be aware of those conditions and be sure that we have met them.
Acts 19 gives us an example where people who were in a sense “disciples,” and had been baptized, but they had not meet the conditions God has set forth, so thy had to be baptized in order to meet God’s condition to be SAVED!
Let us look at this passage and keep it in mind as we consider the subject of baptism:
Acts 19:1 5 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Notice that these had been baptized, but for the wrong reason!
When Paul discovered the reality of their case, he taught them the truth and they then were ready candidates for baptism and they were baptized.
1. They had been baptized unto John’s baptism, which required that one look forward to the one who was to come. That is the Christ.
2. Now that Christ had come and died, they had to look back to the one who had come, and put their trust in Him. When Paul pointed to this plain teaching, these people easily saw that they had not been baptized for the correct reason, so they were baptized as the New Testament teaches.
3. The New Testament teaches that in order for one to be a valid candidate for baptism he/she has to believe ( Mk. 16:15 16); repent ( Acts 2:38) confess (Acts 8:37; Matt. 10:32 33) then one is to be baptized in order to have the “remission of sins.”
Many people have been baptized without these conditions being met. They are not saved by the blood of Jesus, they are still lost in their sins, and the only biblical thing for them to do is to hear the truth, believe it, turn to God, confessing their faith and be buried with him in baptism ( Rom. 6:3 4).
Beloved, salvation is too precious; being lost is too terrible, to go to the judgment without complying with God’s teachings. Be as sure as you can about your soul’s salvation. Satan has many ministers, persuading people to remain in their unsaved state ( 2 Cor. 11:13 15).
Beloved God’s word is right, understandable, and practicable. Will you study it carefully and find what it says and then DO IT!
I recognize that when you teach such today, many people will become angry at you. Some charge you with being a person that is not likable, perhaps “mean,” and with believing in various things that are not true. Having been there once, due to having been taught the wrong thing in the first place, it was difficult for me to open my eyes to the truth, and accept it. However, having that honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15), in time I saw the simple teaching, and admitted that I was wrong and submitted to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is because I love the souls of people that I try to get ALL to see the truth, by which they can be saved! God loves all. William C. Sexton
Study Of Book of Philippians Chapter 2
The Joy of Having the Mind of Christ
Introduction: In this second chapter, Paul tells how these Christians can “fulfill my Joy” by conducting themselves in the way that is appropriate. “that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Strife and vain glory is to be rejected in favor of lowliness of mind and care for each other (Phil. 1:1 4).
1.The behavior that is to be exhibited is seen in Christ. Thus each is urged to have the mind of Christ. See Him who was willing to come to earth from His place with the Father, become a man and take upon himself the form of a servant, that He might enable men to be saved! He humbled Himself and became “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Having done that, it becomes a fact that ultimately every knee shall bow to His rule and confess His name. However, each has the opportunity to voluntarily submit NOW, in this life, and be eternally blessed. If not, finally they’ll do so to their eternal ruin, ultimately come to the realization that He is who He claims to be and deserves to be submitted to (Phil. 2:5-11).
2. “Therefore” having considered this example, Paul advises them to work out their own salvation by allowing God to work in and through them. I have seen people misuse this passage to claim that God does all the working. Beloved, be not deceived. If that were the case, Paul’s advice to them would be useless, if there were noting for them to do! There is something that each of us has to do in order to make our salvation secure. All the teaching to the contrary has it origin in the evil one, whose aim is to deter us from the blessing God has provided!(Phil. 2:12-13)
3. He instructs them to be “blameless” and harmless as children of God, holding forth the word of life in the midst of crookedness and darkness of the world. This is to be done without grumbling and complaining. This would enable this apostle to rejoice even if he is sacrificed fro what he has taught and encouraged people to serve God (Phil. 2:14-18)
4. In the last section of this chapter, he speaks of sending two of his helpers to them: Timothy and Epaphroditus Paul says this will make it possible for him and them to be encouraged an comforted. These were faithful men who deserve to be respected for their work in the Lord. They had served with Paul and on the behalf of the Philippian Christians, evidently taking their support and regard to Paul.
Questions:
1. How could these Philippians “fulfill” Paul’s “joy” (Phil. 2:12)
2. How where these to let “noting be done,” instead how to “look”(Phil. 2:3-4)?
3. What kind of “mind” were these to have (Phil. 2:5-8)?
4. What will all people do ultimately (Phil. 2:9-11)
5. What were these to “work out” and how (Phil. 2:12-13)?
6. How were all things to be done with what results (Phil. 2:14-16)?
7. Under what conditions would Paul be able to “rejoice” for what reason (Phil. 2:17-19)?
8. How did the one he was sending to them stand in contrast with others he mentioned (Phil. 2:20-23)?
9. What did he hope to do soon (Phil. 2:24)?
10. What is said about Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30)?
Waveland Church of Christ
Corner of Highways 10 and 309
Waveland, AR 72842
A Christian’s Voice From Van Buren: Man uses his voice and pen to convey thoughts. Paul mentions using words that by his voice he might “teach others” (1 Cor. 14:19). John says, “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.” (Rev. 22:17). My aim is to challenge, inform, and invite – us all to Listen to the VOICE of God. Editor Bill Sexton. 802 Adeline Lane, Van Buren, AR 72956-3530. Phone 479-474-2617. Car phone: 479-650-8399>>> I Have Voice Mail, call me and I can pick it up
Volume 7 April 17, 2005 Number 22
This Week’s Challenges
We are practicing: Memory, Meditation, and Application
1. Memorize: (2 kings. 22:8)
2. Mediation: See what was found in the House of the Lord and conditions that had developed.
3. Application: Is this same item lost to many today in our land and that accounts for similar conditions!
Quote: “Wise men learn by the mistakes of others; fools insist on learning by their own.”
Gospel Meetings: In my area there has been five gospel meetings going on this last week, within driving distance. I have not been able to attend them all. But have attended the one’s I can. I find it a bit disturbing that so many in the same area will schedule a meeting at the same time. However, I guess the argument can be made that we are trying to reach the lost rather than the saved. However, I like to attend meeting. I wish we didn’t conflict so much.
I’ll be speaking this week, Sunday 17th to Friday 22, in a meeting with the Prairie Hills congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. I’m looking forward to meeting a number of people I’ve know in the past, and perhaps meet some I haven’t met before, and hopefully the Gospel preached will be what is needed and people will be lifted up, and drawn closer to the Lord and be encouraged to work harder for the Lord’s cause
Next week we plan to be back in Van Buren, and be in a meeting at the Access Road congregation, Brother Bill Cavender doing the preaching. We tried to schedule it at an earlier date, so it wouldn’t conflict with others in the area, but Brother Cavender couldn’t make it at the earlier date. It conflicted with his schedule.
Paul says that God has chosen that through preaching (which some call foolish) to save them that believe. I’m a bit discouraged with what I see today as far as how many look at gospel meetings. Years ago, it was not unlikely to see a meeting last two weeks, or at least start on Sunday and go a week and then to Friday night the next week. Now, many of them are just weekend meetings and perhaps three or four days. That indicates to me that people are not as hungry for or as appreciative of spiritual matters as they used to be. I recognize, too that most are busy in so many different things. Yet, I wonder if the evil one is not making it easy for us to get our attention focused on material things rather than on the spiritual. That would suit him fine, would it not? Are we mindful of the opportunities?
–William C. Sexton
Today’s Schedule of Yours truly: 10:00 AM at Prairie Hills congregation, St. Joseph, MO. Lift Up Your Eyes and Look (Jn. 4:35-42) 11:00A.M, Sermon- FAMILY God Designed (Gen. 2:18-24); PM. FAMILY that produces Happiness (Eph. 5:22-64).
This week’s subjects
Monday, Our view of the Bible (Matt. 22:29)
Tuesday: Eternal Destiny Heaven (Jn. 14:1-6; Rev. 21:4)
Wednesday: Real Hope (I Pet. 3:15)
Thursday: Eternal Punishment (Mk. 9:43-37; Matt. 25:31-46)
Friday: Methods of Growth, Individual and Congregational (Eph. 4:15-16)
ABRAHAM TEMPTED TO OFFER HIS ONLY SON!
At times we have things in the Bible, the word of God that requires a lot of mental effort and reasoning in order to understand. Such presents us with a challenge! Once we work our way through such, we can be stronger than before.
In Genesis 22:1 2 we have such a challenge: 1) We are told that “God did tempt Abraham,..”; 2: Abraham was told to offer his “only son Isaac…” We learn form other passages that God does NOT TEMPT man (James 1:13) and that Abraham had other sons, ( Gen. 25:1 7). How can we understand these passages?
God’s word does not contradict: its truths are always harmonious. Where is the key to understanding?
1. First regarding temptation: There are two meaning in temptation. One is to try or test with “a beneficial purpose and effect. “Such testing and or trying God does permit as He did with Abraham to test his faith. Two, temptation is used in the sense of exciting or soliciting to sin, as we bait a hook to catch a fish God never does participate in such, rather all such is the work of the devil or/and of the flesh.
2. Meaning of Genesis 22:2, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou loveth,…”
Hebrews 11:17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,”
Note he actually had two sons at this time: Ishmael and Isaac!
Pulpit Comm.: “meaning the only son of Sarah, the only legitimate offspring he possessed, the only heir of the promise, the only child that remained to him after Ishamel’s departure…” page 283.
“Isaac was Abraham’s ‘only begotten son’ in respect of Sarah and the promises: he sent away his other sons by other wives ( Gen.25:6.” Jameson, Fausset and BROWN, page 1434.
This is somewhat akin to the fact that we, Christians, are all sons of God ( Gal. 4:5 6). Yet, Christ is the “only Begotten Son” ( Jn. 3:16) This points to and affirms his uniqueness, His divine nature. Let us read with discernment and appreciation. When God speaks we should be eager to listen and learn. He never says something that is unimportant. His word is truth and it’s forever “settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89).
Let us understand that there is a sense in which Christians are children of Abraham, when like Abraham they manifest their faith in God, to do what He teaches without question, doubting, understanding that God never tells man to do what he is unable to do. Also, what God tells us to do is for our good. When we have this disposition and attitude we’ll be careful to act BY FAITH to do all that the Lord demands of us, knowing that He’ll keep His promises, regardless of the time element involved! We may not always understand just how or why something it, but with faith in God, we act as directed. Observe the following scriptures:
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: Rom. 4:11)
“16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Rom. 4:16)
Gal. 3: “6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
“9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
James: 2:23-24: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
William C. Sexton
Baptism that leaves one unsaved!
Baptism is a subject that if one goes to the Bible and looks carefully they will have little trouble understanding that baptism is essential to being saved. If one will just take the passages on baptism and mark on a piece of paper the order which is presented, one will see that baptism always comes be fore salvation in any and every passages where the two are mentioned. Example:
Mk.16:16: Believeth and is baptized=salvation
Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized == remission of sins!
IPet.3:21:Baptism does also save us: baptism==salvation!
In order for baptism to be effective, however, it has to meet God given conditions! We need to be aware of those conditions and be sure that we have met them.
Acts 19 gives us an example where people who were in a sense “disciples,” and had been baptized, but they had not meet the conditions God has set forth, so thy had to be baptized in order to meet God’s condition to be SAVED!
Let us look at this passage and keep it in mind as we consider the subject of baptism:
Acts 19:1 5 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Notice that these had been baptized, but for the wrong reason!
When Paul discovered the reality of their case, he taught them the truth and they then were ready candidates for baptism and they were baptized.
1. They had been baptized unto John’s baptism, which required that one look forward to the one who was to come. That is the Christ.
2. Now that Christ had come and died, they had to look back to the one who had come, and put their trust in Him. When Paul pointed to this plain teaching, these people easily saw that they had not been baptized for the correct reason, so they were baptized as the New Testament teaches.
3. The New Testament teaches that in order for one to be a valid candidate for baptism he/she has to believe ( Mk. 16:15 16); repent ( Acts 2:38) confess (Acts 8:37; Matt. 10:32 33) then one is to be baptized in order to have the “remission of sins.”
Many people have been baptized without these conditions being met. They are not saved by the blood of Jesus, they are still lost in their sins, and the only biblical thing for them to do is to hear the truth, believe it, turn to God, confessing their faith and be buried with him in baptism ( Rom. 6:3 4).
Beloved, salvation is too precious; being lost is too terrible, to go to the judgment without complying with God’s teachings. Be as sure as you can about your soul’s salvation. Satan has many ministers, persuading people to remain in their unsaved state ( 2 Cor. 11:13 15).
Beloved God’s word is right, understandable, and practicable. Will you study it carefully and find what it says and then DO IT!
I recognize that when you teach such today, many people will become angry at you. Some charge you with being a person that is not likable, perhaps “mean,” and with believing in various things that are not true. Having been there once, due to having been taught the wrong thing in the first place, it was difficult for me to open my eyes to the truth, and accept it. However, having that honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15), in time I saw the simple teaching, and admitted that I was wrong and submitted to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is because I love the souls of people that I try to get ALL to see the truth, by which they can be saved! God loves all. William C. Sexton
Study Of Book of Philippians Chapter 2
The Joy of Having the Mind of Christ
Introduction: In this second chapter, Paul tells how these Christians can “fulfill my Joy” by conducting themselves in the way that is appropriate. “that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Strife and vain glory is to be rejected in favor of lowliness of mind and care for each other (Phil. 1:1 4).
1.The behavior that is to be exhibited is seen in Christ. Thus each is urged to have the mind of Christ. See Him who was willing to come to earth from His place with the Father, become a man and take upon himself the form of a servant, that He might enable men to be saved! He humbled Himself and became “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Having done that, it becomes a fact that ultimately every knee shall bow to His rule and confess His name. However, each has the opportunity to voluntarily submit NOW, in this life, and be eternally blessed. If not, finally they’ll do so to their eternal ruin, ultimately come to the realization that He is who He claims to be and deserves to be submitted to (Phil. 2:5-11).
2. “Therefore” having considered this example, Paul advises them to work out their own salvation by allowing God to work in and through them. I have seen people misuse this passage to claim that God does all the working. Beloved, be not deceived. If that were the case, Paul’s advice to them would be useless, if there were noting for them to do! There is something that each of us has to do in order to make our salvation secure. All the teaching to the contrary has it origin in the evil one, whose aim is to deter us from the blessing God has provided!(Phil. 2:12-13)
3. He instructs them to be “blameless” and harmless as children of God, holding forth the word of life in the midst of crookedness and darkness of the world. This is to be done without grumbling and complaining. This would enable this apostle to rejoice even if he is sacrificed fro what he has taught and encouraged people to serve God (Phil. 2:14-18)
4. In the last section of this chapter, he speaks of sending two of his helpers to them: Timothy and Epaphroditus Paul says this will make it possible for him and them to be encouraged an comforted. These were faithful men who deserve to be respected for their work in the Lord. They had served with Paul and on the behalf of the Philippian Christians, evidently taking their support and regard to Paul.
Questions:
1. How could these Philippians “fulfill” Paul’s “joy” (Phil. 2:12)
2. How where these to let “noting be done,” instead how to “look”(Phil. 2:3-4)?
3. What kind of “mind” were these to have (Phil. 2:5-8)?
4. What will all people do ultimately (Phil. 2:9-11)
5. What were these to “work out” and how (Phil. 2:12-13)?
6. How were all things to be done with what results (Phil. 2:14-16)?
7. Under what conditions would Paul be able to “rejoice” for what reason (Phil. 2:17-19)?
8. How did the one he was sending to them stand in contrast with others he mentioned (Phil. 2:20-23)?
9. What did he hope to do soon (Phil. 2:24)?
10. What is said about Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30)?
Waveland Church of Christ
Corner of Highways 10 and 309
Waveland, AR 72842
A Christians Voice, April 17, 2005