Introduction. With the passing of each year, we are reminded of the brevity and fleeting nature of life. During this final week of 2015, we have an opportunity to evaluate the past and make preparations for the future. Scripture has a lot to say about how best to use this week.
Subtitle: "Sarah Called Abraham Lord .... You are Her Children"
Introduction. For those who believe in inspiration (the Holy Spirit wrote every word of Scripture), the applications made in the New Covenant concerning man and woman are both logical, scriptural, and sound. While God created us male and female, giving us the same soul, image, likeness and dominion (Gen.1:26-28), we are not identical. He creating Adam first with certain limitations ("not good to be alone") and then Eve with the strengths to complete him (Gen. 2:7-25). In doing that, God made it obvious that together they were perfectly formed to do everything He had planned ("all was very good”). Since God did not create male and female identically, it follows He designed each to do different things. Just as “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10), so also Adam and Eve were created for the good works God prepared for them. Since they were created differently, they each had different work. Though obvious, this is the heart of today's controversy. Some men and women do not want the distinctive roles God gave them by their Creator. Since they have no interest in what God wants, they mock, scoff and persecute those who do Subtitle: Adam was not Deceived!
Introduction. Whenever a Scripture is questioned, the “evil company that corrupts good...” (1Cor. 15:33) is at work. After revealing the woman’s role, Paul affirmed “the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Cor. 14:35-38). Yet the world calls Paul a male chauvinist (attitude that members of your own sex are always better than those of the opposite sex - Webster’s Dict.). Thus the world is again a corrupting influence on God’s children. Which have you chosen? Do you believe the inspired Paul or are you being corrupted by the evil influence of the world? God protected Paul from this charge by citing the Law. When Paul said:
Introduction. Just as “by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Heb. 11:3), we also believe God, “at the beginning made them male and female” (Mt. 19:4). Hence just as we reject evolution in all its forms, we must also resist the unisex movement and all attempts to remove the distinctions God made at the beginning. We are what God created us to be. Anything else lessens and mars us. God made some very important distinctions between male and female. Yet subtle influences are permeating the culture seeking to remove them. They are in the schools, movies, workplace and homes. We must guard against them and allow only the truth to guide us.
The First Distinction. The first distinction God made between man and woman was in the order of their creation. While the animals were simultaneously formed male and female from the dust of the earth, God first created only Adam from the dust and placed him by himself in the garden. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” (1Tim. 2:13). Although a small distinction, God used it to reveal how man and woman work together today in the home and in the church (1Tim. 2:9-15). (Alan is on vacation this week, so our webmaster Jeff Cox is filling in during his absence.)
Introduction. "The Lord is My Shepherd . . ." (Psalm 23:1) So begins one of most colorful and memorable expressions in the Bible of the relationship between God as a loving, watchful, providing, protecting Shepherd and His people as dependent, trusting, grateful, obedient sheep. As beautiful as this Psalm is, there is an undercurrent of ominous danger and potential death ("restores my soul", "the valley of the shadow of death", "evil", "my enemies"). Dangerous Predators. Bible references abound describing the wolf as a threat to relatively defenseless sheep (Gen. 49:27, Zeph. 3:3, John 10:1-16). Even with Jesus as the ultimate "Good Shepherd", His sheep will still encounter these dangerous predators:
Introduction. The changing roles of men and women in our culture today have created new doctrines and heated controversy that God’s children must resolve only with Scripture. Today, women want equality. There are women who want to be soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and corporate leaders. Others want to be preachers, elders, song leaders and teachers in the churches. Many want a 50/50 equality in marriage where there is no leader. Some men are happy to relinquish the leadership role and absolve themselves from any responsibility. What do the Scriptures say? Are these changes opportunities for success or temptations to sin?
Most NT passages describing the woman’s role refer back to the creation. They form the firm foundation upon which all questions can be answered. In the beginning (Genesis 1-3), God revealed why He created man as male and female and described their similarities (1:26-28), their differences (2:7-25) and the impact of the curse on our relationship to Him and to each other (3:16-20). When we understand this, we will be prepared to talk scripturally and spiritually about it. (Alan is recovering from surgery this week, so our webmaster Jeff Cox is filling in during his absence.)
Introduction. Most people in our modern, high tech society have little exposure to caring for farm animals. Having pets is not nearly the same as caring for cattle, pigs, goats, or sheep on a continual basis. Because we are somewhat disconnected from such a lifestyle, we may not really understand Biblical teachings that are based on rural experiences with tending livestock. Sheep and Shepherds. There are a number of literal and figurative references throughout the Bible to raising sheep. A number of prominent Bible characters were shepherds, including Abel (Gen. 4:2), Abram (Gen. 12:16), and David (Gen. 16:11; 17:15, 34-35). The same can be said for "spiritual" shepherds, including God (Psm. 74:1; 79:13; 95:7), Jesus (Eze. 34:5-23; Matt. 2:6; Heb. 13:20), the Apostles (John 21:16-17), and elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). But do we understand and appreciate the role of an ancient shepherd and what it meant to the sheep under his care? Introduction. It is fascinating to tour a factory that recycles glass or metal. A truck enters the factory with crushed old cars, piles of old metal, or broken glass. Such factories take broken products and recycle them into something new. From old glass to a shiny new light bulb that produces light.
We too have been recycled! The church is God’s factory, taking lost souls and recreating them into His productive servants.
Introduction. God began preparing the human race for the coming of His Son shortly after the creation as a promise to Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15). God continued adding details as He developed His “eternal purpose” (Eph. 3:8-11).
God’s Wonderful Promise of a Messiah. When God called Abraham and started the nation of Israel, He promised through his seed to bless all nations (Gen. 12:1-3). Moses revealed the Messiah would be another lawgiver like him (Deut. 18:15-18). David, after God’s own heart, was promised his seed would be a king who would reign forever. Long after Melchizedek ministered to Abraham, God swore an oath He would make His Messiah both king and priest on His throne (Ps. 110; Heb. 7). Isaiah revealed Him as a servant who would suffer and die for our sins (Isa. 53). The Messenger Sent to Prepare. His coming and work were so important God promised to send someone to prepare people for Him. I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.” “I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming” (Mal. 3:1; 4:5). I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare your way before you.’” (Lk. 7:26-27 Isa. 40:3-5). This was fulfilled by John the Baptist. His success was great! Matthew said “Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him” (3:5-6). Luke stated “the multitudes came out to be baptized by him.” Introduction. Everyone who has lived through the last few decades knows entertainment has exploded in popularity. Social Media, Video Games, Sports, Television, Movies, Books and the Internet all compete for our free time. Depending on our interests, each of these mediums can be used to fulfill our desires and needs. This is a blessing for those with self-control, who can relax at the end of a long and tiring day.
Yet Satan has also found these things useful to corrupt the morals of our culture and change our way of life. Truly Paul’s words regarding evil companionship apply to our entertainment today. “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” or “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1Cor. 15:33-34 NASB; ESV). Both the habits and morals of multitudes of people have been corrupted and coarsened by their choice of entertainment. |
Alan HitchenAlan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career. He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa. |