The start of repentance involves godly sorrow or tears, but to fully achieve repentance, we must also perform deeds. Repentance Rev 2:1-7 Introduction: 1. In this lesson I want to talk about repentance. You may be wondering why do we need to hear about repentance? To answer that question we need to give a few seconds to think about the ruts we have found ourselves in. Sometimes it seems as if we are never going to be able to cross the river of our aching sins 2. Our nagging sins or sinful behavior can drive us far away from God and His Son’s side. Most of us when we realize we have sinned we ask God to forgive us and continue on our path of faith. However how many of us actually try to break the habit. When I say habit, I mean simply this: in certain circumstances we always fall victim to our old pattern of behavior. 3. I want to talk about what repentance is, what it is not, and try to give some helps on repenting. I. What repentance is: A. True definition of repentance 1. Definition of Repentance: making our wrong ways turn into the right ways a. Vines Expository defines it this way: to perceive afterwards, in contrast to perceiving beforehand hence signifies to change ones mind or purpose always in the NT involving a change for the better an amendment b. Webster: to turn from sin and resolve to reform ones life c. Ben’s definition: To make our once crooked paths straight 2. Repentance is hard a. Repentance is not usually easy. If it were easy then we all would not have bad habits. b. Repentance is destroying or old habits, that we no longer want to do c. Repentance takes time, effort, forward thinking, and energy 3. Repentance is a sacrifice of selfish desires a. Repentance is losing our desires in order to please God, wife, or anyone else b. True repentance is done in order to please the God of Heaven and earth c. It is saying I will no longer do this behavior anymore for the rest of my entire life, just to please you God. B. Most people’s definition of repentance 1. The Shedding of Guilt a. Most of us when we are cut to the heart feel saddened by hurting God b. That makes us want to say God I will try not to do it again. However deep down we know we will do it again if the conditions and circumstances are right c. Many times we ask God to forgive but do nothing in order to change, they say I’ll try but really never do try, because trying involves effort. 2. They will not prevent the circumstances again (Mat 5:29-30) a. The drug addict that runs out of money has to change his behavior because he has no way of getting anymore drugs. However that does not mean that he has changed. b. How many times have you said, “I always do this”? or asked God, “why do I always do that” c. This is what I am talking about. It takes effort to overcome our pattern of behavior. 3. The Mental ascent without action a. Have you ever said to yourself, I was working on that but now I have to start over? b. Most of us want to change from doing the behavior we do not like. c. Many of us do not want to change the behavior we like. d. We people are miserable in our own heart of hearts. We want others to never sin but we accept our limitations that we just can not overcome some things. We give up. e. We have to never give up and realize we have help from above C. Repentance is a heart condition 1. Change in heart a. Our hearts can also be called our conscience. All of us sleep better if we have not offended our conscience or if we have not done anything wrong. b. We have to have knowledge of what is right according to God c. That knowledge of breaking God’s heart will cause us to want to change d. Most people in a rut do not care or have become apathetic towards Holy living e. We do not want to hurt God and want to avoid guilt. This is called a change of heart 2. Change in mind a. Then the decision has to be made to put aside or turn away from the behavior that causes God to cry b. Sometimes decisions like these are hard. People have been living in certain behaviors for many years and have in some way made it okay to do. c. We have to make the decision to never sin against God, and this is called a change of mind. We determine we are not going to do it again. 3. Change in direction a. We have to carry this change of heart, and change of mind into our daily living b. Many of us stop right here in our forms of repentance. We do not like the guilt of wronging God, but we never make plans to change our mind, heart, and actions. c. We have to make plans to change our heart condition, or our mind, and carry it out. This is called a change in direction II. What repentance is not: A. It is not Wordily Sorrow 2 Cor 7:8-10 1. Wordily sorrow 2 Cor 7:8-10 a. In order to have a change in heart we have to feel sorry. We have to be made to want to change. There are two kinds of change: worldly and Godly b. When the habitual liar gets caught in a lie, then he is sorry because he has been found out. Like wise when the criminal is caught doing crime he is sorry because he will see the inside of a jail cell. This is called worldly sorrow. These are not sorry for what they did, they are sorry for being caught. 2. Godly Sorrow involves the right Heart-I-Tude or attitude of the heart a. When I understand that something I have done is wrong, and it makes me want to make it right, then that is called Godly sorrow. b. In order to please God we have to have hearts that beat with Godly sorrow. c. We need to cultivate the right heartitude so we can easily change in order to please God d. A person with the right heart, needs only the knowledge that a certain behavior is wrong in order to cause them to change it. B. It is not sociably acceptable (Mat 7:13-14) 1. We are to be people of the high road a. Mat 7:13-14 KJV Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. b. We are to live according to a higher standard than that of our neighbors c. We are to avoid certain behaviors and actions and if we have committed them, then we need to confess them so that others know we have sinned and changed. d. Why confess to others, so they will have a reference point to say they have change and to no longer judge me by my past but remember it no more like our Father in Heaven 2. Sometimes we have to have a backbone the size of a 2 x 4 a. We as Christians have to have a backbone to take a stand against the flow of the world. b. We are the people that resist the sins of the world and not go with the flow. C. It is not good intentions 1. Most people intend to do good but seldom ever do a. I have heard it said that the pathway to hell is paved with good intentions b. Intentions are not actions. We truly do not believe something unless we act on it. c. If I believe that Jesus is my savior then I have to ask Him to save me by obeying the Gospel d. If I do not believe that Jesus is the Savior then why be baptized? e. We have to do more than intend on doing right we have to carry it out 2. Many never even intend on doing good except when others are watching a. It has been said that the character of a man is determined by what he does when no one is looking. b. Many of us will do things to please other humans like our mom or dads but when they are not near then we do as we please. This is the problem I am speaking of here. c. We have to live in the presence of God or realize that God hears our words, actions, and even our thoughts. III. Practical advice and helpful hints A. Set the goal of overcoming the behavior 1. We have to setup our intentions into a formidable plan a. We have to realize there is a problem and decide to fix it b. We have to think of ways or ask for help to overcome it c. We have to want to achieve the shedding of it more than the doing of it 2. Some write out their goals so they are accountable a. It is like a budget for your home or business. We have to have written plan in order to hold ourselves accountable to it. b. The written budget causes us to make our money work for us, the written goals helps us to focus and maintain our direction in keeping with God’s standard. B. Work on just that goal until it is reached 1. We have to be realistic in our pursuit of excellence a. We are not going to change our vocabulary overnight. b. We are not going to be able to change our behaviors overnight. c. It has taken years to get into this shape and it will take time and effort to get out of the rut 2. We have to be continuous in our pursuit of excellence a. We have to continually be on guard against the behaviors we do not want to commit b. We have to continually put away bad thoughts, ideas, and motives. The devil knows we are lazy and tries to wear us out by bombarding us with bad ideas. Until we are morally corrupt and then we feel like not fighting any more. c. We have to fortify our strength and determination in order to overcome and win our battles C. Prayerfully seek God’s Help 1. We have to seek God’s help for our inability to perform His will a. God knows we are weak creatures and can not be perfect. That is why Jesus died for us b. We need to let God know we have a problem and ask for His help in solving it 2. We have to ask God to impart the strength needed a. We need mental strength b. We need physical strength c. We need spiritual strength d. We need to receive power from God in order to perform His will 3. We have to ask God to impart determination a. To overcome our desires b. To overcome our circumstances c. To overcome our fears 4. We have to leave our problems at God’s throne a. We need to depend on God like little children depend on their parents b. We have to say daddy help me please, just like the little girl said, “Daddy help me solve my math problem” We can do the same in asking God, “Lord help me with repentance”. c. We all know God can do anything but fail, and He wants us to, as 1Pe 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves therefore 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.” d. God is our provider and sustainer and we need His assistance in order to repent and live a Holy Life for His pleasure. Conclusion: 1. We have talked about what repentance is. It is a making straight our crooked paths to be right in the eyes of God. It is hard and sometimes not easy. It takes effort and time to gain control over our desires. It is a change in heart, mind, and action that pleases God rather than us. Let us remember We can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, Phil 4:13 2. We have talked about what repentance is not. It is not intending to do good or intending to change for the better but rather the doing of it. I have heard it said I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. That is similar to repentance, I rather see the doing of it rather than the talking about it. 3. We have talked about some practical ways to overcome our selfish desires. We have to make it a goal and set forth a way to achieve the goal. We have to be continuous in our efforts to remain in the direction of repentance. Sometimes this means we have to reset our moral compass back to the Bible pattern. 4. We have to depend on God if we are able to overcome any form of behavior in godly repentance. After all we repent and change because it pleases God. We need to leave our cares and burdens in God’s throne room and let Him help us. Prayer Father please grant us repentance and tears of godly sorrow in Jesus of Nazareth's name amen.

For by grace are you saved… Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ...Ephesians 1:1-2. Paul is writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the saints in Ephesus and faithful in Jesus Christ… so He was talking to Christians when he wrote… for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them...Ephesians 2:8-10. These grace was for those who had been baptized! If you never been baptized then how do you know the difference?

Singing to God Col 3:16-17; Eph 5:19 Introduction: 1. You and I are different from the rest of the religious world. We are different because we follow a set pattern found in the New Testament. We follow that set pattern because we know that the New Covenant has replaced the Old Testament. We believe in speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where it is silent. To have a thus says the Lord for everything we do in service to Him. 2. God in His wisdom set the time in which we would live under the rule of grace and mercy by His Son Jesus Christ. Until the time was right for Jesus to be in control, God put man under the written Law of Moses. This is made up of most of the Old Testament. However, the Old Testament was never intended to be in effect until the end of time. Before the Law of Moses God spoke directly to men or the heads of the house. 3. Heb 8:6-13, In this section the inspired writer lets us know that that God intended to form a new agreement or covenant between man and Himself. Now you and I can consider the laws in Tennessee to relate to this: when a new law is passed then the old law is no longer in effect. If the state changes the speed limit then we are not to follow the old speed limit. Same is true in our spiritual Laws. 4. Because we follow that pattern, we therefore worship God only according to the New Testament and not the Old Testament. In this lesson I want to deal with the singing in our worship to God. I will focus on what God has said, objections people make, and what the pattern is for us. I. Singing in the New Testament A. Examples of singing in the New Testament 1. Jesus sang hymns (Mat 26:30, Mk 14:26) a. After the Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper he went to the mount of Olives and sung a hymn b. Jesus sang praises just like all did in every age since the creation of Man 2. Paul and Silas Sang Hymns (Acts 16:25) a. In Phillipi when put into prison for casting out an evil spirit, this missionary team sang in shackles and caused God to give an earthquake for an applause. b. After which they converted the Jailer and his household 3. Singing when rejoicing (Luke 15:25; James 5:13) a. When the long lost son came home from wasting his inheritance, the Father rejoiced with dancing and singing. b. The Lord’s brother gives us instruction that when we are happy we are to sing B. We will sing in Heaven 1. We will sing a New song (Rev 5:9, 14:3, Rev 15:3) a. In Heaven, those saved sing the Song of Moses and of the Lamb 2. Singing Is a way of Expressing Emotions and Praise a. Since the beginning of creation man has a need to worship something greater than himself b. Men of every age has worshipped their imaginations or the true and Living God c. It is a way to express gratitude, thanksgiving, and devotion to the Higher Being or Power C. Singing applies to each Christian (Col 3:16; Eph 5:19) 1. Paul addresses the individual roles in the Colossian Congregation (3:1-17; 18-4:6) a. Verse 16: The word of Christ dwell in us richly; the principles, promises, and commandments of our Lord and God permeate our consciences, hearts and minds b. Then take those principles and teach and encourage each other. (1) teach- Impart instruction (2) Admonish- to bring to mind or to warn. c. To do so in psalms- a general psalm as in an ancient song sang d. To do so in Hymns- A song of praise addressed to God e. Spiritual Songs- Songs or odes, maybe a melody that refer to spiritual rather than anything else. f. With what we are to sing- Grace in our hearts to the Lord. We sing with favor and gratitude from our hearts using our lips to relay that emotion to our Great God and King 2. Paul addresses the individuals in the Ephesus Congregation (Eph 5:15-20) a. Be filled with the Spirit- to have Christ at the center of your hearts and minds. To allow Christ to have full access to every part of your being. b. Speaking to yourselves- Involves individuals speaking to themselves and thus to others in songs that are helpful spiritually. c. Psalms- probably meaning the songs of David, Christianity being built over the Jews, many converts would be familiar with the songs sang in the Jewish worship and thus employ them in the Christian Worship. d. Hymns- shorts songs that involve praises or devotions to God e. Spiritual Songs- liken to that from Col 3:16, songs that are spiritual in nature. Most gentile converts were used to singing to their false or fake gods with short songs and so Christian adapted this practice and made it into Christian Spiritual Songs. f. Singing and making melody in your hearts- The songs sang to and about God should stem from a heart dedicated to worshipping God. The music of the soul is made in the heart and resounds from the lips and mouth to others that they may hear and praise God as well. g. The idea of hymns and songs clearly says that it is okay to use other songs besides the inspired Psalms found in the Bible. As long as it is Christ centered or filled with the Spirit. As said in Col 3:16 that the words of Christ are felt and implied in the singing and praises of such songs then it can be used in our worship. 3. The instruments used are not guitars, drums, and cymbals a. The instruments used are our vocal chords, our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. b. Furthermore we are instructed in Col 3:16, that we are speak, teach, and admonish. How can an instrument such as a guitar teach something? Or how can a drum admonish us to do something? These are unauthorized additions to the singing prescribed by the Holy Spirit in our New Testaments. c. Due to the instructions given to us we thus use our vocal chords, hearts, and minds to speak, teach, and admonish each other by our personal worship to God when assembled. II. Music in the Old Testament A. Singing in the Old Testament 1. They used instruments in assembly to worship (1 Chron 5:12-13) a. 120 trained men used instruments and sang in unison (1 Chron 5:12-13) 2. They used instruments in personal worship (1 Sam 10:5) 3. David was a skilled musician (1 Sam 16:14-23) B. Examples in the Old Testament 1. Used as a way of celebrating Divine Favor (Ex 15:1; Num 21:17-18; Judges 5:1-31) a. Miriam was first after Exodus in Egypt (Ex 15:1) b. Digging of a well (Num 21:17-18) c. Deborah and Barak celebrated success (Judges 5:1-31) d. Other examples can be used as well 2. It was used as a communication between people (Gen 31:27; Deut 32:1-4; 1 Sam 18:6-7) a. Used to send off people (Gen 31:27) b. Used to instruct by Moses (Deut 32:1-4) c. People sang a song about David after the battle with Goliath (1 Sam 18:6-7) 3. Singing was very common in the Old Testament time periods C. Worship in the Psalms 1. Songs were written by men that praised God (1 Kings 4:32; Ps 33,144,71,98,147,149) a. Solomon said to have written over 1000 songs (1 King 4:32) b. David wrote Psalms involving instruments (33,144) c. Others authors wrote Psalms involving instruments (71,98,147,149) 2. Songs were used in Temple worship (1 Chron 25:6-8) a. There were 288 skilled musicians that casts lots for their duties (1 Chron 25:6) b. Had a choir that were trained in singing praises to the Lord (1 Chron 25:7-8) III. Old Law Worship verse New Testament Law A. How does something become a pattern for us to follow? 1. An approved example of doing something by the early church a. Such an example would be in Acts 20:7, where we know the earlier church met on the 1st day of the week and ate the Lord’s Supper. b. We know there is 1st day of the week each week and so we met every week on the first day which is Sunday and partake of the Lord’s Supper 2. An inference to fulfill a God given command a. In Mat 28:20, Jesus told us to teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you until the end of the world” b. We have a command to go and teach. In order to fulfill that we may ride a car, walk, run, take a plane in order to go to other nations of people. Adding those things is an inference in order to fulfill the direct command. We do not change the command by adding the use of a car, that helps us to carry the command out and does not change the command. c. To teach- we may use a piece of paper, a VCR tape, a course designed by men of God, we may use our mouths, the written word, the internet, radio, television, or any other way to get the message to those who need to be taught. That too is an inference. We can choose various ways to perform the command because God did not specifically say use only radio stations, or use only the written word. So as long as it teaches we are pleasing God. 3. A direct command. a. The direct command is specific and there can be no additions to it. b. A direct command causes one to do only that which is commanded and all other things are excluded or not allowed. c. An Example would be Noah in the Old Testament was told to use Gopher wood. If he had said wood is wood and used oak or maple wood then he would have violated the command. B. It does not say not to 1. Some Additions to Direct Commands change the Command a. To use an Old Testament Example, Lev 10:1-7, Nadab and Abihu used a fire in the service or worship to the Lord. However it was not the specific fire that The Lord told them to use. b. They said, “well fire is fire” and thus offered it instead of what the Lord said. The Lord struck them dead for it, because they changed what God said by adding to His commandments. c. It becomes sin when the addition changes what God said. When we add the radio stations we are still teaching, however when we add the instruments we are allowing them to praise God instead of ourselves. d. For us to say that instruments help the singing then each of us would have to have an instrument in order to fulfil the direct command for each of us to praise God. e. The instruments prevent you and I from being able to speak, teach, and admonish each other as we ourselves praise God from the heart. 2. Some additions help to fulfill the command to sing a. Such example would be song books. When you and I are gathered together we are commanded to sing. Suppose you wanted to sing Amazing Grace and I wanted to sing Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand and we each sung our song in the assembly at the same time. That would be confusion and God is not the author of confusion 1 Cor 14:33 b. So we can add the song book to prevent confusion and help perform the direct command to sing, by all of us singing the same song at the same time. c. We can also add the Song Leader, He can keep us in the same melody and determine the length, type of song, and pitch in which all of us are to follow. d. These additions are allowable because they do not change the command of God. C. They did it in the Old Testament 1. We know the Old Law is dead and no longer in effect (Eph 2:14-15, Col 2:12-14) a. He took away the dividing wall between Jews and the rest of the world when He died on the cross. He did so in order to make us both one people. b. He took that old Law system we could never perform and nailed it to the cross when He atoned for our sins. 2. We can not follow 2 Law systems (Rom 7:1-7) a. We are delivered from the Law of Moses (6) b. If I was in the Army, then I fulfilled my term and was discharged. Would I be obligated to show up to work as a soldier again the next day? No. I would be discharged from the army and become a normal citizen again. The same is true of us spiritually. We can not serve two law systems. c. Just like a woman can not have two husbands at the same time unless she be called an adulteress, we can not serve the Old Testament Law and the New Testament of Christ Conclusion: 1. We know that in the Old Testament there were instruments used in person and in the temple worship of the Jews. Singing has always been a part of praise and devotion to the higher power known as God. In the ages of all time man has felt the desire and urge to worship a God either real or unreal. We know we serve and worship the real and true God. 2. Singing is important to God. He has prescribed to us how to sing to Him in worship and song. We can not make up our own religion. Our relationship to God is determined by how God says for us to worship Him. 3. We know we are directly commanded to speak, teach, admonish one another in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This is the prescribed way we are to worship God. We can add certain things that help fulfill the direct commands of God. It is when those additions cause the direct command to be changed and altered it becomes unlawful during corporate worship. Prayer Father may we walk in Spirit and Truth and always worship You properly in Jesus of Nazareth's name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

I know Jesus but I cuss a little… Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil...Proverbs 4:23-27. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one...Colossians 4:5-6…in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us...Titus 2:7-8. I heard it said if you hit your hand with a hammer then thank God for the hammer…working in maintenance I confess I say a few little cuss words and am trying to get a handle on it. I do not lie or blaspheme but I do sometimes cuss a little usually when a machine breaks or something goes wrong. Hopeful I will again get this under control and be able to not cuss and have my speech without reproach. Prayer Father please give me words seasoned with grace coming out of my mouth and no offensive language to those who would be Christian or offended by them…please meet my soul’s deepest needs and heal my mind heart spirit and strength…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

A joke about humility… There was a man voted the most humble man in church…the church gave him a button which said the most humble man in church…they took it away from him after he wore it the next Sunday. Jesus said…Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven....Matthew 5:3. Jesus said blessed are those who say I cannot live life without you. I think humble could be defined as I cannot do it without You God. We are not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing when we are charitable…But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee...Matthew 6:3-4. And James says when talking of faith…faith without works is dead. God sees we do not need to wear a button saying look what I do for God. Prayer Father please help us to know You see all things and will rewards us for You are a rewarder of those who diligently seeks you…we forgive those who have done us wrong and pray you vengeance protect and keep us from all harm…please meet our deepest needs and heal us…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Do you renounce all that you have in order to gain Jesus…yes or no? Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace. So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple...Luke 14:25-33. Do you renounce all that you have in order to gain Jesus…yes or no? Prayer Father we renounce all and surrender to Jesus your only Fathered Son…please remove the effects of evil in our lives because we renounced all and accept only Jesus as our source…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Are we saved by works (faithful obedience) or faith alone… Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men: but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned...Titus 3:8-11. Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints...Revelation 19:7-8. Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith. And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead...James 2:24-26. After we become Christians we are to maintain good works…righteous deeds. This is how we exercise our faith by doing what Jesus said do…which result in works of righteousness. Many believe that works do not save us but without works we have no faithful obedience. I think it should be said we are saved by faithful obedience which result in doing good deeds. How can a man say I believe Jesus said to feed the hungry and never do so? His faith would be in vain or empty. I believe faith is an action not a feeling many think other wise…what do you think? Prayer Father please forgive us and meet our soul’s deepest needs and heal our soul wounds and grant us repentance from anything you deem inappropriate in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

The Lord’s Supper Mat 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20, 1 Cor 11:23-26 Basic Doctrines Introduction: Little Johnny, came home from Sunday school and his mom asked what did you learn. Little Johnny says, we read about Moses and the Egyptian army. How that Moses was in battle and running from the Egyptians, when they had to helicopter a bridge to go over the Red Sea. Then they blow up the bridge with the Egyptian Army on it and won”. The mom says, Little Johnny is that really how the story went?” He said no but if I told it like my teacher then you would never believe it.” Little Johnny had the right idea concerning wanting to make people believe but failed to realize that adding to God’s word was wrong. When we say that Christmas is a Holy day or a part of the Christian’s life we make a mistake. All of us keep some form of memorials. We all have anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other such special occasions we keep as tradition. Christmas is one such holiday, in which there is no religious authority given by the Bible to celebrate, yet many of us celebrate it as a religious memorial. Today I want to talk about the greatest Bible memorial given to us as Christians: The Lord’s Supper. When the Israelites were being held in bondage as slaves after the time of Joseph. God sent the Pharaoh of Egypt 9 plagues before He told Moses of the final plague, the first borne. He warned the Israelites of the 10th and final plague. He told them to kill a perfect Lamb without blemish and put its blood on the doorposts and lintel of their houses. Because the Lord was going to take all of the 1st borne children except those with the Lamb’s blood. When the Jews or Israelites came out of Egypt and were set free, God instituted a memorial feast. Each year the Jews had to participate in the Passover Feast. God wanted His people to remember what great things He did in order to redeem them from the Egyptian bondage. It is human nature to forget and we, especially us guys forget important stuff like birthdays, anniversaries, and so on. We all forget and when we do not take time to remember our commitments, our goals, our family, and then sometimes we forget why we are doing things. God knows that and He instituted a Memorial feast to cause the Jews to remember being delivered out of physical slavery. As Christians today, God has done the same for us. We have been given the Lord’s Supper to help us remember and treasure being delivered from Spiritual bondage or slavery. In this lesson, I want to talk about the Institution, The Significance, The Frequency, and the Focus of the Lord’s Supper. I. Institution A. The Time of the Jewish Passover 1. It was during the time of the Jewish Passover that the Lord instituted the Lord’s supper 2. The Jewish Passover Explained a. The Passover was one of the 3 great feasts for the Jew (Passover, Pentecost, Booths or tent) b. Accompanying the Passover was the feast of unleavened bread which was a 7 day observance. On the 14th day of Nisan was the paschal meal observed. (Nisan was the Jewish month that relates to our time period of mid-March and mid-April 30 days total) 3. The order of Events (Ex 12:1-14) a. The Lamb without blemish was sacrificed in the Temple (The Law required the Lamb be slain between the evenings, which were from 3pm to Sunset and from Sunset to 9am). b. It then was roasted and cooked c. Unleavened loaves were made (unleavened = without yeast) d. Wine was prepared e. Herbs were provided f. They would eat the Paschal Meal which was prepared and eaten around sunset. B. The Lord’s Command 1. The Passover for the Jew was a reminder to their freedom of their physical bondage a. It was a shadow of the Lord’s Supper or an anti-type. It was a deliverance from death by a sacrificial Lamb and was a symbol for the real thing to come in the future. 2. The Event (Mat 26:26-29) a. Took unleavened bread and blessed it, broke it, and then gave it (unleavened due Passover requirements) (26) b. This is my body, took the cup and gave to those there 3. This is the blood of the New Testament a. It was an Eastern practice to confirm a covenant with blood (Ex 24:6-8) b. Jesus represents Himself as the victim to which the blood was taken as a seal c. The fruit of the vine represents the sealing blood of the covenant of man and God d. The Forgiveness of sins shows us the purpose of the Lord being our Paschal Lamb e. Luke 22:19 adds, “This do in remembrance of me” II. The Significance A. The Representation for us to remember 1. It reminds us of the shedding of blood for our own sins a. It is a reminder that Jesus took our pain and suffering so we could live. 2. The Bread is a reminder of Jesus physical body being beaten, bruised, and slain a. Jesus took our punishment on the chin, so you and I would not be punished. 3. The Fruit of the Vine is the symbol for His atoning blood shed for us a. Heb 10:1-4, says that the blood of bulls and goats could never fully remove sin b. Jews had to offer up yearly the blood of bulls and goats for sins c. Jesus being more perfect offered His blood once for all time and for all of mankind B. It Proclaims the Lord’s Death until He comes (1 Cor 11:26) 1. Each time the Christian takes of the Memorial Feast, he says the Lord died for me! a. Each time we participate, we say the Lord is the One that died so I could be forgiven 2. When the non-Christians see the observance, they ask questions. a. They will want to know what is going on. Then once understood, they realize Christians are remembering and reliving the sacrifice Jesus made for them. 3. By participating the Christian is saying thank you Jesus for dying for me C. It is a time of Self-Examination (1 Cor 11:28-29) 1. The Memorial is for those who are Christians only a. For those who have not obeyed the Gospel of Christ, it is a time to think about Jesus and why He died. b. It is a chance to take seriously, the death of Jesus. To reflect on their sins and weigh the question, Did Jesus do that for me and do I want to be forgiven? 2. The Christian before he takes needs to examine Himself a. The Lord died in order to forgive us and cleanse us. When a Christian is not living like a Christian then we are laughing at what Jesus did for us. We disrespect the greatness of a sacrifice the Lord made to save us. b. It is a time to remember the punishment and power of our personal sins. He died so I could live a better life, why then I am living like those in the gutter? 3. Our Self-Examination causes us to Love the Lord More a. By remembering the sacrifice, we realize each time we have sinned, we have put the stripes on his back and the nails in his flesh. b. It creates a sense of conviction of sin and a commitment to avoid sin at all costs c. It causes us to repent of any un-confessed sin and seeking to be forgiven. d. We can say I may have sinned, but because I became a Christian I have been forgiven III. The Frequency A. The Apostles Teaching 1. After the church was established on Pentecost they continued in breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) a. The Apostles clearly taught the observance of the Lord’s Supper (vs. 42, and also had fellowship meals vs. 46). The 1st Christians observed the Lord’s Supper. 2. The Approved Example of When to Observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) a. The first day of the week. Sabbath was the day of rest and was the last day of the week b. Sunday is the first day of the week. c. The Disciples came together to break bread and Paul preached d. They were having church service 3. Since we have an example of an Apostle and the disciples observing we do the same a. The Apostles taught to observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11. Acts 2, and Acts 20) b. This is the only example of which day they observed it on and so that is why we come to service on Sundays because it is the first day of the week. c. Since there is a first day of the week, each and every week: We meet every Sunday to observe and remember the Lord’s Supper and Sacrifice for our sins. IV. The Focus A. It is a time to look up to God 1. We remember God and His Love for us (John 3:16-17) a. It shows that we are worthy in God’s eyes. God counts you so worthy that He was willing to die for you. b. God loves us and wants what is best for us that is why He died for you. Because you are worthy of His love and sacrifice. 2. It is a time of communion with Jesus and our Father a. We can all look up to God and realize that He thinks we are precious to Him B. It is a time to look inward 1. Time to take self-inventory and evaluate a. Again we can see if we are living up the price paid for our freedom b. We can re-position our lives back at the foot of the cross 2. Time to look inward at our love for God and His love for us a. We can thank God in gratitude for the second chance on our spiritual lives b. The church of Christ is the hospital for the sin sick and Jesus gives us all a second chance on life. We should be grateful for the opportunity to be an heir of eternal life. C. It helps us to look forward 1. As we participate we know one day the Lord will come back and take us home a. The day is coming when the Lord will come and measure out justice and vengeance on them, that do not know the Lord and obey not the Gospel of Christ(2 Thes 1:7-8) b. For those who are prepared and living right it is day to look forward to and pray for. c. For those who are not it is day to run from and be fearful of. 2. It helps build expectation and hope of the Day of the Lord a. The Christian builds his hopes on things eternal. As we participate in the Lord’s Supper it is a time to realize the value of eternal life and the punishment of sin Conclusion: The Lord’s Supper causes us to be reminded of the value God places on each Christian. It shows the Love of a Savior and the need of the sinner. It reminds of how we would end up if Christ had not died for us. It carries us back to the cross: Jesus was mocked by the courts, Annais, and Caiaphas Where Jesus said I am the Son of God (Mark 14:62) and because of that was then Struck by the officer of the High Priest, after having false witnesses accuse Him Then Was delivered to Pilate as an evil doer though He was innocent. In front of Pilate He was accused of: (1) Forbidding to pay tribute (Mk 12:17) (2) Making himself a king, Jesus was the spiritual king and never intended to be a physical king. Sent from Pilate to Herod,who wanted to see a sign and then sent back to Pilate Then was scourged Given a crown of thorns, purple robe, and a reed to be mocked as king by Roman soldiers that hit and spit on Him The robe then taken off ripping the dried blood off from the scourging Due to the loss of blood fell beneath the load of the cross as he carried it to the place of His death Hung Him to an open shame by nailing His feet and hands to the cross. Then Jesus suffocated for our sins. Our sins caused Jesus to no longer breathe and in agony He died for our sins. Jesus suffered more than we will ever know. It is God’s will for us to live for Him and not ourselves. Jesus died for you because you are worthy of His love and sacrifice. Let us all take hold of eternal life before it is too late.

Who do you love most…Jesus our some other… Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man cometh unto me, and hates not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassage, and asks conditions of peace. So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounces not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt therefore is good: but if even the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill: men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear...Luke 14:25-35. Jesus is saying He does not want to be just in your heart but wants to own and rule it. He says we have to hate anyone that would come between Jesus and ourself. Does anyone in your life come between your relationship and Jesus…yes or no? Will you renounce all in the name of Jesus of Nazareth…yes or no? Consider what are the costs of a Good Shepherd to lead you to heaven and give you eternal life not eternal destruction in hell. Prayer Father we ask that you would remove us from anyone who is not You and renounce anything and everything from other sources and we renounce satan and his kingdom…please cover us in mercy, grace, peace, joy, and love in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance… Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?...Luke 3:8-10. Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him...Colossians 3:5-17. But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk...Galatians 5:16-25. We are to bring forth fruits worthy of God’s approval…when you read through these passages how many of the things you are doing good or evil? Is there love joy peace longsuffering kindness goodness faithfulness obedience (meekness) and self control or are in the flesh following fleshly lusts such as listed? Prayer Father empower us to not follow the flesh and to repent from our lusts and help us to lusts after the things of the Spirit…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

It is Divine to forgive but human to error… Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God...Matthew 5:6-9. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses...Matthew 6:14-15. But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that you may not do the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law...Galatians 5:16-18. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith...Galatians 6:7-10. Ever forgave and found healing…do you agree it is right to obey Jesus in order to find forgiveness…yes or no? I found when done wrong the healing starts when you forgive the oppressor and forgive the trauma. In fact I have learned it is right to forgive the trauma each time you remember the trauma. I found healing this way and hope and pray you do too. Prayer Father please forgive those who have done us wrong and our own souls’ as well…please fill us full of virtue, vigilance of righteousness and grace, mercy, peace, joy and love please heal those in Your kingdom that are erring in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Is There a God? Intro: 1. Why are you here today? I think that you are here today because you believe there is a God. In this lesson I will be speaking to the existence of God. I know that most, if not everyone here believe that God is real and he exists. 2. I am however preparing you to present the arguments for God and his existence. In today’s society there is a real problem, people due to their freedoms here are making themselves God. By denying that there is a Creator, people are the highest level of existence. 3. Since so many atheists exist in the world, and are trying to present cases to courts that deny our rights to freely exercise our religion, I thought it worth your time and mine to prepare a sermon that will help all of us to present the idea of a Creator. 4. There are a few arguments that I will use. The Cosmological Argument, The Teleological Argument, and the Moral Argument. I. The Cosmological Argument A. Cause and effect 1. This argument would state that everything has a cause and effect. a. Because the world is in a state of regression or decay then there must be a cause b. Have you ever heard of the idea of perpetual motion? 1. Perpetual motion is defined as eternal motion 2. For years scientist have been trying to figure out a way to have perpetual motion 3. The problem with this ideal is in science you have to put more energy into something to get an output. The ratio of energy in and energy out is call efficiency. 4. The higher the efficiency the better the output 5. Could you imagine an engine that never quits, we all know things like friction and heat keep it from running without end. 6. Because of these types of things we all have to put oil in our cars and trucks c. The law of entropy, or the law of chaos 1. The law of entropy is a law of physics that has just been generated in the last century. It states that the unbalanced forces in the universe will work, through this law, to balance all other forces. That since there is always an unbalance, then this constant balancing of forces is the reason for creation and not God. Like temperature heat and cold mix until they are the same potential. 2. If this were true, the universe would still have to have an original beginning of forces that balance themselves out and makes the universe eternal. 3. Every bit of matter we know does decay and is not eternal: plants, animals, and humans 4. We know that all matter is finite or has a beginning and an end. d. Logic says that nothing can create nothing. That something does not come from nothing 1. These scientist have created this idea so it will agree with the evolution theory. 2. For it to be true the forces have to be eternal in order to be in the beginning. In other words there was no starting point or ending point for these forces that balance themselves out. Since nothing can create nothing this view is out of reasoning with common sense. e. Since the world is here there must be something that created it. B. Alternatives to this view 1. It is an Illusion a. Some philosophers state that we really are some where else and this is what we dream or experience as a result of being elsewhere. b. It is similar to the ideas portrayed by the movie Matrix 2. It sporadically arose out of nothing a. As I spoke of earlier this defies any form of logic b. It basically says that out of nothing came something. c. This is what some people of the big bang theory suggest that out of nothing came this big explosion in which everything was put into motion. 3. It had no existence but has existed for eternity a. This is the idea of perpetual motion b. Since we can not even come close to creating perpetual motion it must not be true 4. A Creator created the world. C. Assessment of these ideas 1. The ideas that the world is an illusion is not within reason 2. The idea that nothing created something also defies reason. 3. The idea that the world is decaying is fact. However the idea that the world has forever and will forever continue to decay is not within reason. The stars that die out, the earth and its wealth of life, are evidences that everything started at a fixed time and place. a. The law of entropy says if everything was hot and cold then in time due to mixtures there would be a perfect balance called warm. The idea is that there is an eternal amount of hot and cold. So the forces behind creation is the mixing of cold and hot to get warm. However the world has always and will continue to decay, until the Lord comes back. 4. The only other assessment left is that there is a creator that created everything. a. He was the one who gave us the starting point of time and place b. God is the Creator. Someone may say well who created God? 1. There is something we must understand about God. Jesus said “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth” John 4:24 2. God is a spirit; he is what we call self-existing. He needs nothing other than Himself to exist. He relies only on Himself for His existence, He is eternal. 3. We are humans we are finite, meaning we have a beginning and an end, We depend on our environment to sustain our lives. In essence we depend on God to live. II. The Teleological Argument A. The design and purpose 1. Have you ever just thought about the chances of us being here? 2. Odds for this happening by chance a. What are the odds of the earth being the exact distance from the sun that we neither burn up nor freeze to death? b. That everything is beneficial to everything else? B. Evolution idea 1. The odds of a chemical soup existing in which some amino acids come together to form the first 1 cell organism of life happening by chance. 2. The odds of this 1 cell organism evolving into a 2 celled organism a. Invertebrates b. Fish or vertebrates c. Reptiles d. Birds e. Mammals 3. The very odds of this happening says that we did not evolve 4. They have never found the missing links, which bridge the gap between the species. 5. There are other proofs as well. They have found trees that are upright and pass through several layers of the geological strata. Thus proving the strata did not happen over billions of year because for that to happen; the tree would have to be billions of years old. In fact it actually suggest that there was a great flood. C. The ecosystem 1. The human waste product of carbon dioxide is actually one of the substances needed for the plants to survive. 2. The idea that the plants support the animals, and the animals and plants sustain us. 3. The idea that the earth is 2/3rds water, and evaporates in such a way that produces clouds that carry this water to the land so that crops or vegetation can grow for the benefit of the animals, and humans. a. The water collects and then is distributed to the land or earth b. The extra is then collected into rivers, streams, and lakes then returned to the seas D. It is no accident 1. These things did not happen by accident 2. Each item has a purpose and a plan in the environment. 3. The watchmaker a. Someone has given me an illustration of a watch b. The idea is that for all of this world to happen by accident or mere chance is like me taking the parts of a pocket watch, putting them into a bag, shaking the bag and its contents up, then reaching my hand into the bag and pulling out a put together, complete and working pocket watch. c. You and I both know you can not put the right parts in a bag shake it up and have a complete product. You see each part of a pocket watch has a design and a purpose. d. Each gear, piece, bearings, and shafts all depend on the others for it proper working order. e. The watch would never work unless an intelligent being put each piece in its proper place so that it would run correctly. 4. God the watchmaker a. God is the one who put each part of this universe together b. He is the source of all things. c. He is the intelligent being that put everything in its place. III. Moral Code A. If men are only smart animals then what? 1. Supposing we are here just by accident, then why do we consider some things to be wrong? a. If we are upright animals, then what is wrong with me eating a baby for lunch? b. You and I both know that eating humans and especially babies is wrong c. If we are just animals, then only the strong survive d. So on animal instincts, anything that could be food is considered food. 2. All people have an inherent sense of right and wrong called a conscience a. Everybody has there idea of right and wrong 3. Some say we legislate morality for the preservation of humans a. Then why are we do we consider it wrong when people like Geoffrey Dahlmer eat humans b. We get so mad at people for killing other people we make their punishment so severe that others will never do or else they also will be punished severely as well. 4. For us to be smart animals means we had to evolve a. Why are the apes still not evolving? b. Why are the apes not speaking in a human language? c. What will we evolve into in the future? B. Men are moral because God is moral 1. You and I have a sense of good and evil because we are not just animals a. We are not just physical beings we are spiritual beings b. We have a conscience and an ability to reason unlike the animals c. We are able to reason right and wrong 2. God because he is our creator wants us to know how to behave a. He gives us the Bible so that we see what his standard of morality is b. By reading His standard our standard is changed to be like His. 3. For there to be a moral law there most be a moral law giver Conclusion: 1. So with the idea of a God being established by anyone of these arguments we know there is something greater than ourselves out there. In every single society since the dawn of man has worshipped something. Man is hard wired to believe in something greater than himself. 2. The Aztecs, Indians, the Aborigines, Greeks, man has always since the need for a divine aid. In some societies they went about to create their own God. That is why there is so much idolatry in the world today. We do not see it very much today here in America but there are many gods of the Hindu’s, Buddha, etc 3. The problem with all of these other gods is most are presumed to be mean or evil and have to be appeased by sacrifices. Most people who are idolatrous believe they must give to the god or else harm will come unto them. 4. The God that we see in the Bible is a loving, caring, forgiving, just, fair God, who only punishes those that directly disobey Him. God knows that man is not perfect and can not measure up to his standard of living. If man could be as good as God then God would not be God. Because of our predicament we need help in obtaining this moral perfection in the eyes of the life giver. 5. God made a way for us to be saved. He gave us a way to be saved or forgiven in His eyes. That way is Jesus Christ. Jesus said “ I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father but through me. John 14:6 6. There is only one way to Heaven and that my friend is through Jesus Christ. 7. The five finger Gospel: 8. Hear (Rom 10:17) So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 9. Believe (Heb 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. (Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.(Joh 3:17) For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. 10. Repent (Act 17:30)The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:(Act 17:31)inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Luk 13:3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. 11. Confess (Rom 10:9)because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:(Rom 10:10)for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Mat 10:32)Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.(Mat 10:33)But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. 12. Baptism (Act 2:38)And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(Act 2:39)For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. (1Pe 3:21)which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Mar 16:16)He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.