The Precious Blood Of Christ

Redemption is defined as the act of delivering from sin or saving from; Repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity; the act of purchasing back something previously sold.[i]  Josh McDowell wrote: “If Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be, and He did die on a cross at a point of time in history, then, for all history past and all history future it is relevant because that is the very focal point for forgiveness and redemption.”[ii] The apostle Peter wrote:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:18-25).[iii]

As Peter unfolds by inspiration that which is most “precious” when it comes to our redemption, we are reminded: that it is not with “corruptible things” (v. 18), that it was planned before the foundation of the world (v. 20), that it is found in the Gospel (v. 21), that in it souls are purified (v. 22), and that we are born again of incorruptible seed, the word of God (v. 23-25).  Let us consider verse nineteen of this passage noticing the precious blood of Christ.

PRECIOUS

Thayer defines “precious” as that which is of great price, held in honor, esteemed, held especially dear.  Consider its use in scripture: “There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat” (Matthew 26:7), “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.  Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it…” (James 5:7).

The apostle Peter speaks in chapter two of Christ as “chosen of God, and precious” (2:4) and as the “chief corner stone, elect, precious…” (2:6).  In Second Peter, Peter wrote of the Christian’s “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1).

As the definition indicates something of a great price, consider the great price of the church.  Luke wrote: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).  The church is held in high honor, esteemed, and held especially dear because of the great price which was paid: The Son’s Blood!

BLOOD

Why blood?  While most cringe at the mere thought of it, few like to speak of it.  Yet, it is vital for atonement.  The closest literal meaning from the origin of the word means: “AT – ONE”.  This idea is seen in both testaments:

Exodus 32:30 “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.”

Leviticus 1:4 “And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”

Leviticus 9:7 “And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.”

Though the English word “atonement” is not found in our New Testaments in the KJV, it is seen in the word “reconciliation” of Romans 5:11 - “More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  It is also seen throughout New Testament teaching in the following verses:

Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

1 John 1:6-10 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Revelation 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Not just any blood will do!  Not mine, not yours, not an animal’s…only that of Christ.  The Hebrews’ writer spends a great deal of time dealing with this subject under the theme of “the blood of Christ is better” (Hebrews 9:6-14).

OF CHRIST

The designation of “Christ” occurs 522 in the KJV denoting that Jesus was anointed or consecrated to His great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of His people.[iv]  Jesus of Nazareth was proved to be the Christ.  John the Baptizer spoke of Jesus as “the true Light”, the “Word made flesh”, “one preferred”, and “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world” (John 1:6-29).

Jesus spoke of himself: “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions” (Matthew 22:41-46).

Peter spoke of the Christ answering Jesus: “thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), and his entire sermon on the day of Pentecost was concerning the Christ: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you…” (Acts 2:22).  Peter went on to say:

“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:29-32).

Paul spoke of the Christ, as well:

Acts 17:2-3 “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

Acts 18:5 “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.”

Because Jesus is the Christ, His precious blood can wash our sins away.  To the Christian, the blood of Christ is SO DEAR!  To the Sinner, the blood of Christ is SO VALUABLE!  To the God of Heaven, the blood of Christ is SO HONORED AND ESTEEEMED!

---

[i] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption

[ii] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/joshmcdowe299815.html#Yfw1c5o4kAHDKvj1.99

[iii] All verses from King James Version of the Bible, electronic edition unless otherwise noted.

[iv] Easton’s Bible Dictionary, electronic edition.

This article was published in the Preachers Favorite Passage at: http://thepfp.weebly.com

Together In The Christian Life

Henry Ford is quoted as saying, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." As we apply this good logic within the congregational setting of the Lord's church, what lessons can we learn from Mr. Ford? 

There is always a beginning, a coming together. Whether the individual having visited and learned the Gospel and then obeys (2 Thess. 1:7-9) or the brother or sister having moved into the area and begins worshipping with the congregation, there is a beginning. For the new convert, there is a learning curve where foundational teaching and application helps the convert grow by "the sincere milk of the word" (1 Pet. 2:2). Also for the new member who has moved into the area, there is a learning curve. There is a period of time where the congregation is getting to know this new member and vice versa. In both cases, the member is getting to know the eldership, deacons, and preacher.

“…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thess. 1:7-9, ESV).

There is progress as time goes by that helps promote staying together. This is where each individual has opportunities to grow friendships with a Christian family and grow in faith. Paul reminds us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17, ESV). Unity is founded in faith as each member grows in "knowledge" (2 Pet. 3:18) and in "love" (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Paul also reminds in Ephesians 4, “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3, ESV).

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Cor. 13:4-8, ESV).

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18, ESV).

There is success when brethren are not only in unity, but actually working together. In fact, it is likely difficult to actually have unity when one is working and another is not. Success is seen then in the result of our working together. We work together with an eternal goal of Heaven (Col. 1:4-5). We work together with a common goal of our salvation and the salvation of others (Phil. 2:12; Mt. 28:18-20). We work daily in our praying, studying, helping, edifying, admonishing, preaching/teaching, etc.

“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (Col. 1:4-5a, ESV).

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Phil. 2:12-16a, ESV).

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:18-20, ESV).

Paul explained that, early in the church, miraculous gifts were given to benefit the church in its growth. We have the revealed Word of God today and that which has remained… “faith, hope, and love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Eph. 4:12-16, ESV).

From Mr. Ford’s logic, we can see the growth process in the life of a Christian in the local congregation.  A beginning and place to start a new life, making progress in life by staying together, and ever striving in life toward that goal as we work together.  May we ever strive to grow and work together so that we might have Heaven as our eternal Home.

Photograph: Getty Images/Library Of Congress

My Purpose In Life

Occasionally, I receive from a dear sister one of her calendar devotionals that she reads each day. This one had to do with our purpose in life: “To know and love God, and everything else will fall into place if I make this my priority.”

How fitting and timely these often are for us.  Seeing the need always to work on me, I pray this will help us all develop into the type of people that God wants us to be.

Finding real purpose in life begins at the source: God and His Word.

While there are many psychologists and philosophers proclaiming through “self-helps” and “espoused doctrines” how to find purpose in life, the source of all life is God; therefore, it is imperative that we begin with Him.  John, the apostle, wrote of how we should view God and explains why we were created: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). 

In most all philosophies and doctrines taught throughout history, there was a goal to reach such as self-worth, knowledge, etc., but we are reminded by the wise man, Solomon, that “in the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death” (Proverbs 12:28).  Solomon thus reminds us that there is a path to be chosen, and that will also determine our eternal destiny.  So, as sure as I need to realize my purpose in life, the choice I make will determine where I will spend eternity.  My eternal purpose in life is very important to consider!

The Psalmist wrote:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1:1-6, ESV). 

If we truly want to find our purpose, we must acknowledge that God has “a way” of life that is pleasing to Him.  As John wrote, “for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Therefore, we must consider that God’s way is “the” way, and it is a “better” way.  Consider what Isaiah wrote from God: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways may ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV).  

If our purpose is to bring honor, glory, and power according to John, then the way to do it will bring about blessings and prosperity according to the Psalmist. We honor Him when we obey (Hebrews 5:8-9). We glorify Him in the church (Ephesians 3:20-21). We are to submit to his power (authority) who is Christ, the head of the church (Ephesians 1:21-22).

Be Patient, Establish Your Hearts

After the decision of the Supreme Court this week to overturn California’s Prop 8 and to rule DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) as unconstitutional, there is a definite "sigh" among those who want and desire to see this country take a stand for truth and morality. This is one more step along the way of the homosexual agenda to completely destroy the very fabric of God's design for the home.

Where does this leave the Christian?  What are we supposed to do now?  While evil is in our midst, does this really change the action and purpose of the church?  Absolutely not!  While James reminds us “be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord...be patient; stablish your hearts...” (James 5:7-8), we are also reminded by Paul the purpose of the church. 

“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Ephesians 3:10-12).

Our purpose is also set by the Lord’s desire to “seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10).  With these thoughts in mind, consider the following:

Endurance

Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...”[1]

Through our trials and tribulations, we are given opportunity to grow into the kind of people that God wants. The inspired writer, James, wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Establish Your Hearts

The apostle Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica “to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).  They had been warned that they would be tempted, and Paul worried about them sending Timothy to help teach, encourage, and comfort them.  Verse 13 (ASV) reads: “to the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”  To the church at Rome, Paul wrote: 

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).

Evangelize

Through patience and establishing our hearts toward God and His Word, it is then only logical that we would begin to spread that Word.  After Jesus had told Nicodemus about His purpose of seeking and saving the lost, he spoke the Parable of the Pounds (minas).

“As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’  When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ” (Luke 19:11-27, ESV).

This great parable reminds us of the necessity of each to diligently use both the opportunities and abilities that God has given to us.  We must so establish our hearts being committed to the Lord enough to teach His Word to those who are “lost” (Luke 19:10).  We are also reminded of the judgment to come.  We will all “appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

With so much going on around us in this world, it is important to stay focussed on Christ and the goal of heaven (Philippians 3:14).  Never give up!  Be faithful to the end!  Endure, Establish Your Heart, & Evangelize The Lost.

[1] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/endurance

[2] picture source: http://www.icie.us/web/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Supreme-Court.jpg

What Does Family Really Mean To Us?

It never ceases to amaze me how much family really means to us. Sometimes, it takes some absence to make us realize what we really have or are missing. The old adage often rings true: "absence makes the heart grow fonder;" but, only when there was a fondness to be missed. To me, it has become sweeter through the years to have my family closer to me, and I wonder if there is not a spiritual application to be seen in that. It seems that it is easier to be with family the more that we are with our families. We continue to grow in love toward each other.

It has been the case lately that as I study more about the family of God, I realize that it is much better for the family of God to be together than apart. The Hebrew's author wrote:

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:19-25, ESV)

The idea that "closeness" not absence causes the heart to grow fonder may be more appropriate and truthful. 

Consider the following words and phrases from the text highlighted above:

•   “enter” - We enter into the church by the blood of Jesus  who was sacrificed as our High Priest.
•   “draw near” - We are admonished to draw near to Him with a true heart, having been washed (cleansed) by faith and baptism.
•   “hold fast” - Cling to or hold close to the confession of our hope without doubting.
•   “stir up one another” - Provoke one another to greater things like love and good works.
•   “not neglecting to meet together” - This is where those who have entered in, drawn near, holding fast, and stirring one another have the opportunity to finally be close together in an assembly of a family worshipping together.
•   “encouraging one another” - An amazing and needed result of such closeness and assembling together is the wonderful encouragement reciprocated to each other on each occasion we come together.

I have noticed over this last year especially that each time the church comes together, whether at worship services, fellowship meals, church outings, hospital visits, in-home visits, etc., we grow closer and closer with each other and with God as a result of our mutual encouragement and provoking.  When we apply verse 24, verse 25 is never a problem for those who love the Lord and each other.

Consider also 1 John 4:7-12, ESV:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

May we ever be drawn closer together with one another and to Him who first loved us.

~Wayne Rodgers

Jesus, the Master Teacher

The book of John gives some insight as to the wonderful teaching of Jesus and the reaction of those around Him.  While He taught that His doctrine was from the Father, and He spoke by His authority, notice that chapter records the responses to that authority.

There were “his brethren” that did not believe in Him (John 7:5).

Those who murmured “among the people concerning Him” (7:12) and would not speak openly “of him” (7:13).

Those who marvelled (7:15) at His knowledge of Scripture.

Those who sought to kill Him (7:25).

Those who believed on Him (7:31).

Those who sent officers to capture Him (7:32).

Those who responded: “Of a truth this is the Prophet” (7:40).

Those who responded: “This is the Christ” (7:41).

Those who questioned: “Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (7:41).

Those who knew the Scripture concerning the Christ (7:42).

Verse 43 shows that “there was a great division among the people because of him.”  Not much has changed today.  There are those who perceive Jesus as a good man, but will not follow Him.  There are those who say, “He was a prophet,” but will not listen to what He says.  There are those who know the Scripture concerning the Christ, and they logically can conclude that Jesus truly IS the Son of God.  Still there are those who would attempt to kill Him again, because Jesus exposes their error, as He did the Pharisees (7:33-34).

The truth is that there is much division, today. 

In this world, we need direction; Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).

In this world, we need knowledge; Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6).

In this world, we need salvation; Jesus is the Life (John 14:6). 

What is our reaction to the Master Teacher?

May it be like the officers who answered: “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46, ESV).  That should ever draw us to the fact that His words are meaningful to our lives.  May we ever respond properly to the Master Teacher when He calls us to obey His Word.

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me” (John 12:48-50, ESV).

MSOP Lectureship Day 2 & 3

http://msop.org

It's been a busy 2 days, but I wanted to try to catch up on the MSOP Lectureship recap.  We have heard tremendous sermons from students preaching in chapel to start each day and ending with seasoned preachers like Dan Winkler & Tom Holland.  

Throughout the day, centered on the theme of what it means to be a New Testament Christian, we have heard numerous Gospel preachers present sermons on:

A New Testament Christian...
 Understands Restoration 
 Forgives Without Grudging
 Honors God In His Home
 Becomes God's Friend
 Trusts The Grace of God
 Worships In spirit and truth
 Loves Young People
 Respects The Authority of Young People
 Understands Prophecy
 Loves The Brotherhood

Dan Winkler's sermon: A New Testament Christian Believes The Simple Plan of Salvation is truly a gem of a lesson, as always.  Follow the link: http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130401Winkler.asx

Tom Holland's sermon: The Church To Which  A Christian Is Added is a "Holland" masterpiece.  Follow the link:
http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130402Holland.asx

All the sermons can be found at the following link:
http://oabs.org/archives/lectures/msop2013.htm

These are just a few highlights from the last two days of lectures.  What a spiritual feasting and opportunity for refreshing and spiritual renewal.  May God bless you as you listen to these lessons, as well.

MSOP Lectureship Day 1

We are at the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship this week, and it has truly been a wonderful day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.  We are so blessed to be able to be here this year.  The Gulf Breeze church of Christ has taken care of all of our needs so we could be at the Lectureship.  We are ever so blessed to be a part of that wonderful family of Christians on the Gulf Coast of Florida.  

The Day's recap:

David Sain began this morning with an amazing lesson introducing Jesus as "the Object of the Christian's Faith." 

http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130331SainD.asx

Barry Grider preached during the morning's worship hour a lesson entitled: "Why I Am A Christian."  Brother Grider's lesson was very motivating for me as a Christian and a Gospel preacher being ever reminded of the responsibility to teach the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

Paul Sain preached this evening reminding us and challenging us that A New Testament Christian ... "Contends For The Faith."  This was a powerful lesson from Jude. 

http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130331SainP.asx

We look forward to a great week at the Lectureship!

Helpful Links:

http://msop.org

Watch the Lectureship live or check out the archives here:

http://oabs.org/archives/lectures/msop2013.htm