BELIEVE ALSO IN ME

BELIEVE ALSO IN ME

Text: John 14:1-6.

Delivered on: March 23, 2008.

John 14:1-6. "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know." ⁵ Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" ⁶ Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1. “LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED…”
   
   

   1. Troubled about what?

      1. Why did Jesus feel it was necessary to encourage His disciples at this time?

      2. Notice the previous chapter.

      3. Jesus told them that He was going to be going away.

         1. John 13:33. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you.

         2. John 13:36-37 ³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." ³⁷ Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake."

      4. Can you imagine what the disciples must have been feeling? Jesus was their whole world.

         1. They had left all to follow Him.

         2. Mark 1:16-20. And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." ¹⁸ They immediately left their nets and followed Him. ¹⁹ When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. ²⁰ And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

         3. Matthew. Luke 5:27-28. After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." ²⁸ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

         4. Luke 18:28. Then Peter said, "See, we have left all and followed You."

      5. Imagine how you would feel in their place.
         
         

   2. Jesus still tells us today, “Let not our hearts be troubled…”

      1. We worry and fret.

      2. We deal with sickness.

      3. We deal with death.

      4. We worry about money.

      5. We worry about loved ones.

      6. We worry about our own salvation.

      7. We forget that He is with us. Matthew 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

      8. Our God is a God of comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

      9. Philippians 4:6-7. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

      10. 1 Peter 5:6-7. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
          
          

2. “BELIEVE ALSO IN ME…”
   
   

   1. Now Jesus tells the disciples why they should not be troubled.

      1. He says, “Believe also in me.”

      2. Jesus never said that He was leaving them forever.

      3. Jesus knew that He would rise again.

         1. His disciples should have known as well.

         2. Matthew 12:40. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

         3. John 2:19. Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

         4. Mark 8:31. And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
            
            

   2. The FACT of Jesus’ resurrection ought to be very comforting to all believers.

      1. It comforts by confirming Jesus’ deity. Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

      2. It comforts us by showing that death will one day be defeated.

         1. 1 Corinthians 15:26. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

         2. John 16:33. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

      3. It comforts us because it is a foretaste of what is coming for us.

         1. 1 Corinthians 15:20. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

         2. John 5:28-29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

         3. Philippians 3:21. Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
            
            

3. “IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE…”
   
   

   1. Another reason not to be troubled.

      1. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.

      2. He is not dead.
         
         

   2. Jesus is talking about heaven here.

      1. “House” – oikia – house, edifice, dwelling, property, wealth, goods, occupants of a house.

      2. “Mansions” – mone – an abode, dwelling.

         1. The same word in used in John 14:23. Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

         2. Heaven is the final abode of the soul of the righteous person.

      3. Heaven is a spiritual realm.

         1. We often sing the song “Mansion over the Hilltop.”

         2. I trust that we understand that our “mansions” are not made of brick and stone.

         3. Undoubtedly, they are more beautiful than we can even imagine.
            
            

   3. One day, the faithful of all ages will dwell in the house of God. Revelation 21:1-3. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
      
      

4. “I WILL COME AGAIN…”
   
   

   1. Another comforting thought. Jesus is coming back for us.
      
      

   2. Philippians 3:20. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
      
      

   3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.
      
      

   4. Revelation 22:20. He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
      
      

5. “AND THE WAY YOU KNOW…”
   
   

   1. The only way to heaven goes through Jesus. John 14:6. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
      
      

   2. Acts 4:12. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

HE WILL COME AGAIN

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Text: Acts 1:9-11.

Delivered on: June 1, 2008. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. One popular song says… We walked not with the chosen few who saw thee from the earth ascend… But we believe that human eyes beheld that journey to the skies.

2. The events discussed in this song are recorded for us in Acts 1:9-11.

3. Jesus left the earth on that day long ago.

4. But we have a promise that He will return.

5. This is a blessed hope.

6. Let us notice:

   1. What are we told about His coming.

   2. What are we not told about His coming.

1. WHAT WE ARE TOLD ABOUT HIS COMING.
   
   
   

   1. His coming is certain.

      1. We know it is certain because of the testimony of the angels. Acts 1:9-11. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

      2. We know it is certain because of the testimony of Peter. 2 Peter 3:3-10. Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, ⁶ by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. ⁷ But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. ⁸ But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

      3. We know it is certain because of the testimony of Paul.

         1. Philippians 3:20-21. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

         2. 2 Timothy 4:1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

      4. We know it is certain because of the testimony of John. Revelation 1:7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

      5. Most of all, we know it is certain because of the testimony of Jesus.

         1. John 14:1-3. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

         2. Revelation 22:20. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
            
            
            

   2. His coming will be visible.

      1. Sometime you may hear someone tell you that Jesus has already come but His coming was in secret or invisible.

      2. That is contrary to the teachings of Scripture.

      3. John said that every eye would see Jesus when He comes. Revelation 1:7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
         
         
         

   3. His coming will be audible.

      1. Yes, we will hear Jesus coming.

      2. 1 Corinthians 15:52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

      3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
         
         
         

2. WHAT WE ARE NOT TOLD ABOUT HIS COMING.
   
   
   

   1. We are not told when He will come again.

      1. We are not told when He will come again.

      2. We are not told when He will come again.

      3. We are not told when He will come again.

      4. We are not told when He will come again.

      5. Matthew 24:36-39. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ³⁸ For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

         1. The angels don’t know.

         2. Jesus says that only the Father knows.

         3. This necessarily implies that Jesus, Himself did not know.

      6. The problems occur when people take passages out of context.

         1. For example… the first 35 verses of Matthew 24.

         2. These verses are dealing with signs of the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

         3. Matthew 24:1-3. Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. ² And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” ³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

         4. Two questions were asked.

            1. When will these things be? When will the temple be destroyed?

            2. What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?

         5. Whenever someone uses a passage to try to predict the coming of Jesus, you can know that they are using it out of context. Because Jesus told us that we can’t know.
            
            
            

   2. We are not told that He will ever set foot on the earth.

      1. NO passage that deals with Jesus’ return even hints at Him ever setting foot on the earth.

      2. Rather, we are told that we will meet Him in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

         1. There are those who believe that this passage teaches that there will be a rapture.

         2. The doctrine of the rapture is the belief that when Jesus returns, only the righteous will be resurrected. Hence, all the bumper stickers that say, “In case of the Rapture, the vehicle will be empty.” Then, at a later time, the wicked will be resurrected.

         3. However, Jesus taught that all, both good and evil, would be resurrected at the same time. John 5:28-29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

         4. Therefore, if 1 Thessalonians 4:17 teaches that the righteous will be resurrected at Jesus second coming, then John 5:28-29 tells us that the wicked will be resurrected at the same time.

      3. When He comes, the earth will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

      4. Setting up an earthly kingdom would make Scripture false.

         1. Jesus will not be a King on the earth.

            1. Jesus is a descendant of Jechoniah. Matthew 1:11. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

            2. Therefore, He cannot rule in Jerusalem. Jeremiah 22:28-30. “ Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol— A vessel in which is no pleasure? Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, And cast into a land which they do not know? ²⁹ O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the LORD! ³⁰ Thus says the LORD: ‘ Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.’”

         2. Jesus will not be a priest on the earth.

            1. Part of the premillennial doctrine is the belief that the Law of Moses will be re-established when Jesus returns and that Jesus will then be a priest.

            2. If that is so, Jesus could never be a priest. Hebrews 7:14. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

Conclusion.

1. Jesus WILL come again.

2. We WILL know when He comes.

   1. We will see it.

   2. We will hear it.

3. We DO NOT know when He will return.

4. He WILL NOT set foot on the earth when He comes.

PRETENDERS

PRETENDERS

Text: Luke 6:46.

Delivered on: July 1, 2007. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. Several years ago there was a popular television show called The Pretender.

2. It was about a man who was smart enough to pretend to be a doctor, lawyer, scientist, or whatever, and get away with it.

3. The religious world is full of pretenders.

4. The are people who put on a good show but upon further investigation are not what they pretend to be.

5. We call these people hypocrites.

Body.

1. What is an hypocrite?
   
   

   1. Hupokrites – One who answers, an interpreter. An actor, stage player. Pretender.

      1. These actors would wear masks on stage and play the part of another person.

      2. They often used mechanical devises to disguise their voices.

      3. They were playing a part.
         
         

   2. How did Jesus use this word?

      1. He used it to refer to men who serve God outwardly to receive the praise of men.

         1. Matthew 6:2. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

         2. Matthew 6:5. "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

      2. He used it to refer to people who offer Him “lip-service” but not faithful obedience.

         1. Matthew 15:7-8. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ⁸ 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

         2. Luke 6:46. "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?

      3. He used it to refer to people who took advantage of others in the name of religion. Matthew 23:14. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

      4. He used it to refer to people who, by their teachings, lead people further away from the truth. Matthew 23:15. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

      5. He uses it to refer to those who make a show of outward obedience but neglect the weightier matters of the law. Matthew 23:23. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

      6. He uses it to refer to those who make a show of piety but are inwardly full of sin. Matthew 23:25-26. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

      7. He uses it to refer to those who make untrue statements. Matthew 23:29-30. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰ and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'
         
         

2. Are we hypocrites?
   
   

   1. Are we obedient to God because we want the praise of men?

      1. There are a lot of good reasons to serve God. The praise of men is not one of them.

      2. Those who serve God for the praise of men have their reward.

      3. Those who preach, teach, lead singing, ect… for the praise of men are pretenders.

      4. Those who are only concerned with the praise of men will be faithful to what men want and not what God wants.
         
         

   2. Do we offer lip-service to God but keep our hearts far from Him?

      1. Do we claim to love the Lord but not live as if we do?

      2. Matthew 7:21. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

      3. Does the world know that we love God more than…

         1. Our families.

         2. Baseball.

         3. Football.

         4. Basketball.

         5. Hunting.

         6. Etc.

      4. Those who offer lip-service only are pretenders.
         
         

   3. Do we keep the finer points of God’s law but neglect the weightier matters?

      1. Some people just go through the motions of Christianity.

      2. They may attend every service.

      3. They may give.

      4. But their heart is far from God.

      5. They do what they do, not out of love for God, but maybe because it is what is expected of them.

      6. Maybe they do it because it makes them feel good about themselves.

      7. Maybe they are trying to earn their way to heaven by their good works.

      8. Romans 10:1-3. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. ² For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

      9. Those who just go through the motions are pretenders.
         
         

   4. Do we make a show of piety but inwardly are full of sin?

      1. We know that all Christians sin.

      2. But Christians should not be sinful… or full of sin.

      3. Christians should not be sinners.

         1. Sinner – harmatolos.

         2. Not free from sin.

         3. Devoted to sin.

         4. Heathen.

      4. Do you have secret sin in your life? Where no one can see but God.

      5. Romans 6:1-2. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ² Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

      6. Christians are to keep themselves unspotted. James 1:27. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

      7. Christians are washed. Acts 22:16. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

      8. If we put on an outward show of piety but inwardly are full of sin, then we are pretenders.
         
         

   5. Do we make untrue statements?

      1. In the songs we sing…

         1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above. But we never tell it.

         2. Seek ye first the kingdom of God. But we don’t put God first.

         3. I’m satisfied with just a cottage below, a little silver and a little gold. But we’re not satisfied.

         4. I want to be a worker. But we don’t really.

      2. Ephesians 4:25. Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
         
         

3. Hypocrites cause great harm.
   
   

   1. The world hates hypocrites.
      
      

   2. Romans 2:21-24. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? ²² You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? ²⁴ For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.

      1. Hypocrisy can actually cause people to blaspheme God.

      2. “That church is full of a bunch of hypocrites.”
         
         

   3. Hypocrites will be lost if they do not repent.

THE LAMB OF GOD

THE LAMB OF GOD

Text: John 1:15-34. Key Verse: 29.

Delivered on: December 2, 2007. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. There is much to be said about John the Baptist’s noble work.

2. There is also much to be said about John the Baptist himself.

3. In a future lesson, we will talk about John and his work.

4. Today I want to focus on the statement made by John in John 1:29. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

5. Already in this chapter, we have learned much about Jesus.

   1. We have learned that He is deity.

   2. We have learned that He is our Creator.

   3. We have learned that He was a Light shining in darkness.

   4. We have learned that He is the Savior of mankind.

6. Jesus wears many different hats, so to speak.

7. He is described in many different ways.

8. The different terms used to describe Him tell us different things about His nature.

9. Let us see what we learn about Jesus as the Lamb of God.

1. THE LAMB OF GOD.
   
   

   1. Jesus as the Lamb of God was foreshadowed in the Old Testament.

      1. When God was about to launch the tenth plague on Egypt (the death of the firstborn), He told the children of Israel how to protect themselves.

      2. They were to sacrifice a lamb.

         1. Exodus 12:5. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats.

            1. This lamb was to be without blemish.

            2. It was offered while it was still young. In the vigor of life.

            3. Had to be of the best of the flock.

         2. After the lamb was sacrificed, it’s blood was to be put on the doorposts and lintels. Exodus 12:6-7. Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. ⁷ And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.

         3. The blood over the door would protect them from the plague. Exodus 12:13. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

      3. Jesus is our Passover Lamb. 1 Corinthians 5:7. Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
         
         

   2. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb offered by God.

      1. The blood of animals could not remove sins. Hebrews 10:1-4. For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. ² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. ³ But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

      2. Therefore, God supplied the Lamb. Hebrews 10:8-10. Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law), ⁹ then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. ¹⁰ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

      3. Jesus paid the price that we could not pay.

      4. He suffered in our place.

         1. Isaiah 53:5. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

         2. 1 Peter 2:24. Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

         3. Hebrews 2:9. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
            
            

2. WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.
   
   

   1. It was through the sacrifice of Jesus, that God took away the sin of the world.

      1. Revelation 7:9-14. After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" ¹¹ All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." ¹³ Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" ¹⁴ And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

      2. It is Jesus blood that is the cleansing agent.

         1. 1 Peter 1:18-19. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

         2. Hebrews 13:12. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

      3. We are figuratively sprinkled with that blood.

         1. Hebrews 12:22-24. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, ²⁴ to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

         2. 1 Peter 1:2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
            
            

   2. As our Passover Lamb, Jesus made atonement for us.

      1. Atonement – to reconcile.

      2. Colossians 1:19-22. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, ²⁰ and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. ²¹ And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled ²² in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight--
         
         

   3. He appeased the wrath of God through His sacrifice. 1 John 2:2. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

      1. Romans 11:22. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

      2. Hebrews 10:31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
         
         

   4. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US?

      1. It means that because of the sacrifice of Christ, we no longer bear the guilt of sin. John 8:32. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

      2. We also no longer must bear the punishment of sin. Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THUS IT WAS NECESSARY

THUS IT WAS NECESSARY

Text: Luke 24:44-53.

Delivered on: November 18, 2007. Streetsboro.

Luke 24:44-53. Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." ⁴⁵ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, ⁴⁷ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ And you are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." ⁵⁰ And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. ⁵² And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

1. ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED. Luke 24:44. Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."
   
   

   1. Jesus was the fulfillment of not only the Law of Moses but the entire Old Testament.

      1. Matthew 5:17-18. "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ¹⁸ For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

      2. Luke 4:16-21. So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ¹⁸ "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; ¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." ²⁰ Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹ And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

      3. If Jesus had not fulfilled everything that was written, then He would not have been the Messiah.
         
         

   2. The Jews divided the Old Testament up into three categories.

      1. The Law. The first 5 books. Genesis – Deuteronomy.

      2. The Prophets. Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.

      3. The Psalms. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles.
         
         

   3. All three of these spoke concerning Jesus.

      1. The Law. Deuteronomy 18:15. "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,

      2. The prophets. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

      3. Psalms 22:1. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?
         
         

2. IT WAS NECESSARY…
   
   

   1. For Christ to suffer.

      1. Jesus suffered greatly before His death.

         1. Luke 22:63-65 ⁶³ Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" 65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

         2. John 19:1-3. So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. ² And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. ³ Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands.

         3. John 19:17. And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,

         4. John 19:18. Where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.

         5. John 19:28-29. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.

         6. Luke 23:35-37. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, ³⁷ and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself."

      2. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer?

         1. Because all of us have sinned. Romans 3:23. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

         2. Because the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

         3. Because the holiness of God requires a blood sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:22. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

         4. Because the blood of animals was not good enough. Hebrews 10:4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

         5. Because only the Son of God could pay the price for our sins. Hebrews 9:23-28 ²³ Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; ²⁵ not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another-- ²⁶ He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. ²⁷ And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ²⁸ so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
            
            

   2. For Christ to rise the third day.

      1. Why was it necessary for Christ to rise the third day?

      2. To fulfill prophecy. Psalms 16:10. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

      3. To be declared the Son of God with power. Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

      4. To give us a living hope. 1 Peter 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

      5. If He didn’t we would all be lost with no hope. 1 Corinthians 15:12-18. Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ¹⁵ Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. ¹⁶ For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷ And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ¹⁸ Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
         
         

   3. For repentance and remission of sins to be preached in His name to all nations.

      1. Repentance.

         1. 2 Corinthians 7:10. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

         2. Acts 17:30-31. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹ because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

      2. Remission of sins. Forgiveness of sins.

      3. Should be preached in His name. Or by His authority. Matthew 28:18-20. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

      4. To all nations. Isaiah 2:2-3. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. ³ Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN WORSHIP

THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN WORSHIP

Text: Various.

Delivered on: October 1, 2006. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. Have you ever had anyone say to you, “There is no emotion in the worship services of the church of Christ.”

2. It is a common observation.

3. It is an observation that I made when I first started attending worship services with Jennifer when we were dating.

4. Is that an accurate statement?

5. More important than that; What is the role of emotion in worship?

Body.

1. The Importance of Emotion in Worship?
   
   

   1. The two extremes.

      1. Some feel that emotion is the most important part of worship.

      2. Some feel that there is no place for emotion in worship.

      3. The truth, as we will see, lies somewhere in between these two.
         
         

   2. Let it be said, if there is no emotion in our worship, then it is not pleasing to God.

      1. We are to worship God in Spirit and Truth. John 4:24. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

         1. This passage does not say, “in the Spirit” but “in spirit.”

         2. It is referring to worshiping God in the right frame of mind.

         3. It is not enough to worship in truth alone.

      2. Jesus said that it is not enough to just go through the motions. Matthew 15:8. 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
         
         

2. The Place of Emotion in Worship.
   
   

   1. We must remember that God is the audience in worship.

      1. God is the one who receives worship.

      2. He is seeking worship from true worshipers. John 4:23. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

      3. God has established how He desires to be worshiped. In truth.

      4. The primary purpose of worship is not to “whip up” the worshiper into an emotional frenzy.

         1. Some churches do just that.

         2. Their whole worship service is designed to stir up emotion.

         3. Some now call their worship services celebrations.

         4. This is a distortion of worship.

      5. The primary purpose of worship is to please God and give Him joy.
         
         

   2. The emotion of the worshiper should come from two sources.

      1. Knowing that one is worshiping God in spirit and truth and pleasing Him should give the worshiper joy.

      2. The acts being performed in worship should bring emotions with them.

         1. Sermons.

         2. The Lord’s Supper.

         3. Songs.

         4. Prayer.

         5. Giving.

         6. Each of these acts should bring forth emotion.
            
            

   3. However, we must remember that “Having an emotional experience” is not the purpose of worship.

      1. Rather heart-felt emotion is a side effect of proper worship.

      2. It comes when the worshiper focus his/her thought on what is being said or done and realizes its significance and importance to them.

      3. A lack of emotion occurs when we just go through the motions. When we do this, we are not worshiping in spirit.
         
         

   4. So, what about the charge, “There is no emotion in your worship service.”

      1. This may or may not be true.

      2. It depends upon the worshiper.

      3. However, even if others are not focusing on what is being done and, as a result, their worship is very shallow and meaningless to them, that doesn’t mean that you can’t worship with emotion.

      4. Perhaps we need to stop worrying about how other people are worshiping and focus on our own worship to God.
         
         

   5. One last thing…

      1. God desires that all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40. Let all things be done decently and in order.

      2. Emotion cannot be allowed to “take over” a service.

      3. Remember, our worship is governed by our intellect. Emotion is a side-effect.
         
         

3. The Kinds of Emotions in Worship.
   
   

   1. Knowing that we are pleasing God should give us great joy.

      1. God seeks true worshipers to worship Him.

      2. It should give us joy to be able to give something back to God.

      3. He is worthy. Revelation 4:1-11 ¹ After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." ² Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. ³ And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. ⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. ⁵ And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. ⁶ Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. ⁷ The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. ⁸ The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" ⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ¹¹ "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
         
         

   2. The Lord’s Supper.

      1. Ought to cause us grief.

         1. It is to be done as a memorial to Jesus’ death.

         2. Sometimes, worship gives us emotions that are unpleasant.

         3. It should be unpleasant. We need to be reminded of the consequences of sin.

         4. How do you think Abraham felt when he went to worship in Genesis 22:5? Genesis 22:5. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."

      2. Ought to cause us to be grateful.

         1. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

         2. Matthew 26:26-28. ²⁶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." ²⁷ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
            
            

   3. Sermons.

      1. Can cause a number of emotions depending on the topic.

      2. Joy. Acts 8:39. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

      3. Worldly sorrow.

         1. Matthew 19:21-22 ²¹ Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." ²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

         2. 2 Corinthians 7:10. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

      4. Sorrow. Acts 2:37. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

      5. Anger??? Acts 7:54. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

      6. Gratefulness.
         
         

   4. Prayers.

      1. Gratefulness. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

      2. Sorrow. For sin.

      3. Concern. For the lost. For the ill.
         
         

   5. Giving.

      1. Joy. 2 Corinthians 9:7. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

      2. Thankfulness for the ability to give.

I used to gripe about the job of doing household chores

But thanks to television news I don't gripe anymore

In every land and country there are people in despair

So now all of my household chores I do with loving care

The dishes and the pots and pans I do on aching feet

I gladly do because it means we have enough to eat

The sheets I change the beds I make no longer do I dread

Because of this it means that we sleep in a nice warm bed

Vacuuming and dusting scrubbing dirty floors and walls

Means there's a roof above my head so I don't mind at all

And then there's dirty laundry endless baskets to attack

But that just means my family has enough clothes on their back

That's why I'm thankful for housework, I'm blessed abunduntly

Compared to others in the world I see on my tv

SINGING TO ONE ANOTHER

SINGING TO ONE ANOTHER

Text: Colossians 3:15-17.

Delivered on: October 21, 2007. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. This congregation has received many compliments on it’s singing.

2. For good reason, we sound good when we sing.

3. Let us spend this morning studying the “Who, What, Why, and How” of singing.

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Body.

1. Who is to sing?

1. Colossians is addressed to “the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse.” (Colossians 1:1).

   1. Therefore, Paul’s command to sing is to all faithful brethren in Christ today as well.

   2. Therefore, when the congregation sings, we all should be singing.
      
      

2. This seems like such a simple point but some still choose not to sing.

   1. Perhaps some feel that they can not sing well enough.

   2. Perhaps the song leader is leading a song that you don’t know and you can’t read music.

   3. Perhaps the song leader is leading it too high or too low for you.

   4. Perhaps some don’t like to sing.

3. There is no valid excuse to not sing as long as you are physically able!

   1. God does not care what you sound like.

   2. What matters most are the words and their meaning!

   3. Proper singing is more a matter of the heart than the lips.

      1. Ephesians 5:19. Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

      2. Matthew 12:34. “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

      3. It is possible for one to sing a song technically perfect but not be pleasing to God if it does not come from the heart.

2. What are we to sing?

1. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

   1. These three words all have the same basic meaning.

   2. They mean:

      1. Pious songs.

      2. Songs of praise.

      3. Songs that deal with spiritual matters.

2. Most of the songs in our songbook fulfill these requirements.

   1. However, they must speak the truth.

   2. It is just as bad to sing a lie as it is to speak a lie.

   3. We must think about what we sing!

      1. 1 Corinthians 14:15. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

      2. Psalm 47:7. For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.

3. Why do we sing?

1. We sing to praise and glorify God.

   1. Because of His righteousness. Psalm 7:17. I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

      1. Holy, Holy, Holy.

      2. I Stand in Awe. You are beautiful beyond description, Too marvelous for words, Too wonderful for comprehension, Like nothing ever seen or heard. Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom, Who can fathom the depth of Your love? You are beautiful beyond description, Majesty enthroned above. And I stand, I stand in awe of You...

      3. My Hope is Built on Nothing Less. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name.

   2. For His mercy and generosity. Psalm 13:5-6. But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

      1. Praise Him, Praise Him! Praise Him, Praise Him! Jesus our blessed redeemer! Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name. Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children; In His arms He carries them all day long...

      2. O the Depth and the Riches. O the depth and the riches of God’s saving grace Flowing down fro the cross for me! There the debt for my sins by the Savior was paid In His suffering on Calvary!

   3. For His power. Psalm 21:13. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.

      1. A Mighty Fortress. A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing...

      2. How Great Thou Art.

   4. Thanksgiving. Psalm 147:7. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

      1. To God Be The Glory. To God be the glory, great things He hath done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life-gate that all may go in...

      2. A Wonderful Savior.

2. We sing to teach and admonish one another.

   1. We teach one another in the songs that we sing.

   2. Angry Words.

   3. God’s Family.

   4. Count Your Blessings.

   5. Sowing the Seed.

   6. All of our invitation songs.

4. How are we to sing?

1. We are to sing with enthusiasm! Psalm 95:1. Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

2. We are to sing with our voices.

   1. “Speaking to one another...” (Ephesians 5:19).

   2. At this point I feel that it is important to look at verse 17 of our text. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

   3. All that we do (including singing) must be done by the authority (or permission) of Jesus.

   4. We have been authorized to SPEAK to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

   5. We have not been authorized to:

      1. Clap.

      2. Hum or make other unintelligible noises with our voices.

      3. Play an instrument.

3. Arguments in favor of instrumental music.

   1. Psalmos and psallos denote a plucking or twanging of an instrument.

      1. Psalmos - psalm.

      2. Psallos - making melody (Ephesians 5:19).

      3. There is much discussion as to whether these words had this meaning during the time of the writing of the New Testament.

      4. However, even if we allow it to have this meaning, we are told what instrument to use - the heart.

   2. “God never said that we couldn’t use an instrument!”

      1. What if a pharmacist used this logic?

      2. What if an auto mechanic used this logic?

      3. God’s silence does not authorize!

      4. Nadab and Abihu were destroyed by fire for offering fire which “God commanded not.” Leviticus 10:1-2. Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

      5. Moses was not allowed into the Promised Land because he hit the rock instead of just speaking to it as God had commanded. Numbers 20:8-12. “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.”9 So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him.10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?”11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.12 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

   3. “They used instruments in the Old Testament and in heaven.”

      1. It is true that mechanical instruments were used in the Old Testament.

      2. It is also true that they are mentioned in heaven.

      3. However, all this shows us is that nowhere can one find authority for one living under the New Testament of Jesus Christ to use mechanical music.

      4. Such authority does not exist.

      5. We do not live under Old Testament law. Romans 7:4. Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another— to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

      6. Likewise, we are not in heaven.

      7. We are subject to the law under which we live. For us that is the New Testament.

      8. To illustrate... Slavery use to be legal in the United States. However, that law has changed and it is no longer legal. I am bound to obey the law as it stands today.

Conclusion.

1. Let us strive to worship God as He told us to.

2. Let us do it with joy and enthusiasm.