In this lesson we want to look at the process of rescuing the lost as illustrated by the Elizabeth Smart case. Everyone should understand this process and the principles involved in this process to aid in the seeking and finding the spiritually lost to motivate us as Christians to seek and save the lost.
At the old rugged cross 1) the dearest and best was slain for a world of lost sinners, 2) some were repelled, but others were attracted, 3) a Savior calls the saved to faithfulness and eternal life. That we would cherish that old rugged cross for what our Savior did for us there.
The strait and narrow way is 1) the trail that Jesus blazed, 2) the trail that once begun, must be followed, 3) the trail that does not change, 4) the trail that brings reward. Each would understand the commitment necessary to walk the strait and narrow way.
This sermon answers the question, "Who at the door is standing?" 1) Jesus is standing at the door. 2) The world is standing at the door. 3) You are standing at the door. Each hearer should be able to state who is standing at the door and for what reasons. To help each understand their relationship to Jesus while he stands at the door.
Are the gospel, the word, and the good news the same? Gospel means good news: Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The word can mean more.
Baptism is a biblical subject, but one about which many have questions. As with most biblical subjects, there are those whose beliefs argue against the beliefs of others, and there are those who, honestly, have real concerns, and serious questions. Let us see if we can find the answers from the Word of God.
The basic truth of the matter is this. We either believe that people need to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ or we do not. If we do not, then there is no use in giving an invitation. If we do, then we must make every effort with all of our heart, soul, and mind, to appeal to that person who needs to repent. We are finite humans who are limited in knowledge. We just do not know if there is someone listening who needs to respond to the gospel of Jesus. Do you want to gamble with someone’s soul by not offering them the opportunity to respond to the invitation? I sure don’t.
The invitation is that final five or ten minutes of a sermon in which the preacher invites anyone who needs to come forward to confess fault, or to become a Christian to do just that. But it is not upon the authority of the preacher—it is upon the authority of the word of God that the invitation is offered.
God's Grace is Amazing
Verse 26 of Romans 11 is the conclusion to the allegory. Paul says, "And SO all Israel shall be saved." Paul doesn't say, "all Israel shall be saved," but "SO all Israel shall be saved." The word "so" is an adverb of manner. It means in such a way, or in such a manner, all Israel shall be saved. The idea is that they will be saved in the same manner in which they are grafted back into the Olive Tree, through belief that Jesus is the Messiah.
What is the gospel? It is 1) the Good News, 2) the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus, 3) the Power of God to Salvation. Each hearer will be able to answer the question, “What is the gospel?” I want to communicate that the gospel is God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.
We cannot earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet God paid the price of His Son's blood for us (1 Peter 1:18-19). As far as the Father is concerned, we are worthy.
Some say all religions are the same, but doctrine makes a difference. Are we saved by grace or works? A system of earning salvation encourages immorality, not morality.
In this lesson, we will look at four blessings of salvation 1) Remission of Sin, 2) Refreshing from the Lord, 3) Restoration of Fellowship, 4) Rejoicing in Heaven. The objective of this lesson is for the hearer to better understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. In understanding our blessings, we should be motivated to live responsibly.
In this lesson we will study the question, “What must I do to be saved?” In the scriptures this question was asked three times and we will study each of these circumstances and the answer to the question in each of these circumstances understanding this: that if the same question is asked today, it should be answered in the same way. The hearer should be able to know where these passage are and be able to use them to answer the same question for those who ask in the world today. The aim of this lesson is to empower each individual Christian to be able to answer this most critical question.
Ed Higginbotham's friends were baptized decades after high school. Jesus never gives up on people (Matthew 12:20), and neither should we in evangelism.
Pragmatism says "if it works, it must be right," but success is not God's standard. We are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10); lay up treasures in heaven instead.
The church of Christ is a called out body of baptized believers who do all to the glory of God.
Escaping from Jericho meant 1) Escape for the Spies, 2) Escape for Rahab and her family, and 3) Escape from the Consequences of Sin. In this lesson, we will study the escape of the two spies and Rahab, and learn how we can escape from the consequences of sin through Jesus.
Being self-satisfied opens us to sins of 1) Pride, 2) Greed, 3) Laziness. Each hearer would resolve to test themselves to ensure they are in the faith.