What must I do to be saved?

During military training, soldiers are required to march in formation, to march in line. This requirement is probably to get certain behaviors consistent among troops. Carpenters use a plumb line to get boards straight, etc. When this writer and his father attempted to put new shingles on a house without a chalkline, it became quite apparent why they made a chalkline in the first place!

There is as much false teaching rampant in the church today and out of the church on the subject of the Holy Spirit as there is on any other subject. In Galatians 5:25, we are told to “march in step with the Spirit.” In fact, the theme of Galatians is contrasting following after the Law of Moses versus walking in step with the Spirit.

Observe Paul’s emphasis in Galatians relative to the Spirit. He says, “Walk in the Spirit” 5:16; “Be led of the Spirit” 5:18; “Live in the Spirit,” 5:25; and “Walk in the Spirit” 5:25. This latter verse uses a different word for “walk” and is consequently translated by the NASV as “follow in the steps of the Spirit.”

This original word found here in 5:25 is stoikeo, which means “orig. ‘be drawn up in line,’ fig. ‘be in line with, stand beside, hold to, agree with, follow” (Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek Lexicon, 769). We therefore get a picture of marching in formation (we are, after all, soldiers – 2 Timothy 2:3-4) or a little boy walking in step with his father, following his footsteps through the garden.

Later, in Galatians 6:16 and Philippians 3:16, we find another word associated with the concept of “marching in step with the Spirit.” In Galatians 6:16, Paul says, “Walk according to this rule” (vs 15 – the rule of being a new creature). And in Philippians 3:16, Paul says, “Walk by the same rule.” The word “rule” here is kanon – “rule or standard” (BAG, 403). It originally meant a reed, cane, or stalk of grain used in measuring. The word came to refer to the totality of the inspired Word of God – the Canon.

This rule or standard is broader than simply what it takes to be a Christian (a new creature – Gal. 5:15) for in Galatians 2:14, Paul rebuked Peter for not “walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel.” Peter’s error was in being a hypocrite! Thus the “Gospel” is the kanon, the standard, the rule by which we “march in step with the Spirit.”

The point to be emphasized is this: with all the talk about the Holy Spirit today, if one is not teaching and/or practicing exactly with the Holy Spirit told us to believe, teach, and practice, then that one is NOT “marching in step with the Spirit.” The New Testament does not teach that the Holy Spirit guides, leads, instructs, etc. except through the New Testament.

The New Testament is from the Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul says, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (NKJV). “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That’s why John wrote in Revelation 2 & 3 to the seven churches of Christ in Asia, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Because the New Testament is the Word of God, guided by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:3-5), then we absolutely must take it seriously! To do otherwise is to fail to “march in step with the Holy Spirit.” What Paul wrote to us are the commandments of the Lord (1  Cor. 14:37). If one refuses to listen to the word of the Spirit as penned by His inspired penmen, he has lost fellowship with God. Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 3:14, “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.”

It is therefore imperative that our Christian universities, preacher training schools, and other leadership training programs teach preachers to preach only New Testament doctrine, nothing more, nothing less. 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” To do otherwise is to fail to “march in step with the Spirit.” Romans 16:17: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them” (cf. 2 John 9).

When one, either in the church or out of the church, claims to be led by the Spirit in a direct way, all the faithful child of God has to do is compare the doctrine and/or practice with what the New Testament already teaches. He would of course know immediately that the Spirit did NOT speak in a direct way (as we have already pointed out). But when the doctrine and/or practice is not found to be consistent with the New Testament teachings, the faithful child of God will then know “that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken” (Deut. 18:22).

This was an article I wrote 25 years ago in the bulletin for the Seibles Road church of Christ.

Paul Holland

INTRODUCTION: Paul pleads “to keep…” (Eph. 4:1, 3). Seven things are mentioned in connection with this plea. We are examining the one body.

BODY:

First, let us see what the word ONE means: 4:4-6.

1) One is single in number. Check any dictionary!

2) Jesus said to the rich young ruler: “one thing…” (Mark 10:21)

3) Judas Iscariot was called “one of the 12” (Mark 14:10)

4) One of two was taken and the other left (Luke 17:34-36)

Second, let us see what the “body” is:

Body (Greek, “soma”) means “the body” (as a sound whole, Strong’s, p. 134);

“The church which is His body” 1:22-23; Col. 1:18

“Now you are the body of Christ and members in particular” 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30.

The body about which Paul speaks is the body of Christ, the church.

Third, let us now observe that there is only one body or church:

We have seen that one means only one when used with God, the Lord, and Holy Spirit, the body: Eph .4:4-6

We have seen the body is the church – Eph. 1:22-23.

We, therefore, conclude that there is only one church, since the body is the church.

Let’s emphasize this by other passages: Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, 20; Eph. 2:16; 4:12; Col. 3:15. Note the body is singular! The not a. See also 1 Cor. 12:15-16, 18-19, 22-25, 27.

Other passages emphasize but one church: “My church” (Matt. 16:18); “the church” (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:28; 14:4; 15:9). Again, we see the one church idea in the parallel between Christ and His church and husband and wife: Eph. 5:23-33; 2 Cor. 11:2.

Fourth, the idea of one runs throughout the Bible:

1) One fire – Nadab and Abihu – Lev. 10:1-3 – Only one acceptable!

2) One water – Naaman – 2 Kings 5 – Only one acceptable!

3) One God – Elijah and Baal – 1 Kings 18:36-39 – Only one!

4) One God – Athenians – Acts 17 – Only one acceptable!

5) One God – Daniel – Daniel 6 – Only one acceptable!

6) One God – Solomon – 1 Kings 11 – Only one acceptable!

7) One God and Savior – Hosea 13:4 – Only one acceptable!

Other descriptions of the body emphasize the oneness of the body or the church. Again, let us remember that the body is the church.

Paul called the body (church) the “house of the living God” (1 Tim. 3:15). Note: House (singular), not “houses” (plural)

There is no exception to the foregoing statements about the “one body,” the one church.

“Churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16) refers to a number of identical churches in various localities, not to different churches teaching different things. See also verses 17-18.

Being doctrinally one is imperative: 1 Cor. 1:10; John 17.

Fifth, some object to the one church idea:

1) It is “narrow-minded”

1. What about one God, one fire and one water?
2. Some may think that God’s way is too narrow.
3. It is right, for it is God’s way, narrow or not.
4. Some agree with one church idea, however, it is universal, made up of all denominations:
5. a) The universal church idea promotes division, which Christ condemns: 1 Cor. 1:13; see Jesus’ prayer – John 17
6. b) The universal church idea includes a number of plans for salvation. Christ proclaims only one: John 10:1; 14:6; Eph. 4:5
7. c) 1 Cor. 12 proves false the theory of the all-inclusive church idea.

2) Some say, “If there is only one church, what happens to all in denominations, and not in the one church?”

1. Jesus said, “Every plant which my heavenly father has not planted shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13).
2. Being religious is not enough, for many such persons will be lost: Matt. 7:21-23.

3) “But many in denominations are honest and sincere.”

1. Prov. 14:12; 16:25
2. Paul was most sincere, but he had to leave an abolished system for the right one (Acts 23:1; 26:1-2; esp. ver. 9).
3. Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11-12)
4. Eliminate churches which do not teach the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11), but add to and/or subject from His will (Rev. 22:18-19).

Conclusion:

4. There is one body – Eph. 4:4.
5. Jesus has promised to save His body – Eph. 5:23.
6. Jesus has not promised to save anyone out of His body.
7. Question: Are you in that body?
8. We can only respect Jesus by being in His church.
9. You can enter the body of Christ right now by believing (Heb. 11:6; John 8:24), repenting of your sins (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus Christ as God’s Son (Rom. 10:9-10), and being baptized into Him for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:27).
10. If you are a member of that body, but have become unfaithful, you can return to your first love now (Acts 8:22-24; James 5:16; 1 John 1:8-10).

the late Wayne E. Holland

a sermon preached at:

Hiawassee, GA (09/29/1985)

South Boston, VA (09/08/1991)

Roxboro, NC (06/23/2002)

Sometimes we might be tempted to define a good leader by such things as:

1. What kind of education does a person have?
2. What is his position?
3. How popular is he?
4. Has he made a lot of money?
5. Does He have a lot of followers?

Take a moment and think about what leaders in the Bible would be eliminated by such a shallow and worldly list!

But instead of using the wisdom of the world, let’s briefly consider the wisdom of Almighty God, so that we can be better leaders for our Lord.

GENERAL AREA OF EXCELLENCE: CHARACTER:

This is far and away the most critical area of an individual’s life as he seeks to be a leader for the Lord. This is crystal clear from the required virtues to serve as an elder, like: being able to control oneself, behaving respectfully, and not being quarrelsome nor greedy for material things (see 1 Tim. 3:1-7). Similar requirements are given for deacons (see 1 Tim. 3:8-13). Likewise, the apostle Paul instructs the young preacher Timothy to be “an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Character not only counts, evidently it counts the most! Of course, these are virtues that every Christian is seeking to cultivate, and one’s leadership for the Lord will to a large degree be proportionate to his or her character.

A LEADING VIRTUE: MEEKNESS:

Why meekness? Think about it from this perspective: Who was the greatest leader of the OT? This is somewhat subjective, but many would say: Moses, and it may hard to argue with that. (Of course, one could rightly say that the Lord was the greatest leader of the OT.) But do you remember what the Scripture said about this man Moses? Numbers 12:3 refers to him being the meekest man on earth! (For one great example, read and consider Numbers 11:26-30.) Who was the greatest leader of the NT? Jesus, right? In Matthew 11:29 Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” I’ve heard meekness defined as “power under control.” Meekness is restraining oneself (what one can say or do) not only for the sake of one’s own character but to have a much greater (or, higher quality) impact on others and the kingdom. A lack of meekness always hinders the kingdom!

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE: TRUTH:

Again, we are reminded of the qualifications of elders. Paul gives instruction for elders to be those who “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught” and also “give instruction in sound doctrine and… rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). Leaders love the truth! Jesus says that His “word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). It is impossible to love Jesus Himself if one doesn’t have great care about what He says. A good leader is one who seeks the truth uncompromisingly for himself as well as others, and doesn’t cower in fear in the face of opposition. He knows that the Lord’s way is the only way! (see Jn. 14:6).

It is true that much more could be said about what makes a good leader, but this is more than a good start in the right direction. Let’s lead for the Lord by embracing and growing in these three critical areas!

Daren Schroeder

Sam Geezil was from Chicago and he was a wealthy man, living in retirement. Joseph Weil was a conman, nicknamed “The Yellow Kid.” In 1910, Weil talked Geezil into helping him con some wealthy financiers who had a hunting lodge in Michigan to sell. The con involved Geezil buying the property for $35,000 (the financiers were so wealthy they did not care what it sold for) and then selling it for $155,000. Those involved would split the income. Geezil was interested.

Weil set up a meeting in Galesburg, IL where Geezil would meet the financiers. On the train, Weil had a friend of his join him who pretended to be a boxer. Geezil did not think anything about the man who was obviously physically unfit to be a boxer! Weil, Geezil, and the financiers met and agreed to sell the hunting lodge for $35,000. They then sat around, talking “finance talk,” even dropping the name of men like J. P. Morgan.

Then the talk turned to boxing and one of the financiers said he had a boxer who would be glad to fight Weil’s boxer. So, they all bet on the fight. When the financiers left, Weil confessed to Geezil that he did not have the money to put up for the fight. But, he assured Geezil that he could convince the other boxer to fix the fight and they would all win big! Geezil offered to use his $35,000, which he had already wired to the local bank, and he could wire for more money and would still make big on the sale of the hunting lodge. In all, they “bet” $50,000 on the fight.

When the fight happened, Weil’s boxer got hit and fell to the floor hard, with blood spurting from his mouth. He lay still. One financier claimed to be a doctor and pronounced the man dead! They all had to leave quickly or they would be implicated in the murder! Geezil left for Chicago, leaving behind his $35,000. He did not want to see Weil ever again. Weil, his boxer, and the other “financiers” made a tidy little profit.

The sale of the hunting lodge was a smoke screen to get $35,000 out of the hands of a  wealthy man. He never observed that the boxer was not in shape to box at all. He never saw the scam coming.

In Romans 16:17-18, Paul warned Christians: “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” I particularly want to draw attention to the statement that men can deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting through “smooth and flattering speech.”

Satan speaks through “smooth and flattering speech” in order to throw a smoke screen around the lie, to entice the unsuspecting to believe it.

For example, in the famous scene involving a false prophet in 1 Kings 22, the false prophet named Zedekiah dropped the name of “Jehovah” in his lie, to entice the unsuspecting to believe his message (22:11-12).

Christians need to be extremely cautious over trusting what man has to say about what the Bible says. Nothing clarifies the truth more than reading the truth ourselves!

Paul Holland

Joy is one of the greatest things that we human beings can desire. We need joy to make life worthwhile. Earthly wealth and fame may never give us true joy. On the other hand, there are many people that experience a joyful life without having great wealth or fame.

How is it possible to be rich and not have joy and how is it possible to be poor and have joy? Joy is the one thing even beyond wealth and fame that people want to possess. People want to have joy in their life, rich or poor good or bad. So where can we find true joy that makes us happy in all things? See Colossians 1:9-18. God commands us to have joy

Back to the point that we cannot find joy sometimes because we are looking in the wrong places. We look for the approval of people to find joy and that does not happen. We seek pleasure to the point of fatigue and yet do not find joy. Where do we need to be looking? The answer is to our Creator who made life and all things possible.

Having a family and home for living and fulfillment is from God. We need to look to Jesus who claims to be able to give us real life and that more abundantly. We find joy in the teachings of Jesus and His life.

When Jesus passed by, he left people with the opportunity to have joy. The angels were recipients of the joy that Jesus brought and proclaimed, “Joy to the world the Lord has come.” Luke 2:10-11.

The teachings of Jesus in the Bible and his good news is the mechanism for bringing us a life full of joy and joy unspeakable.

Ivy Conner

Before the president of the United States can take office, he has to swear an oath. Historically, he puts his hand on a Bible, and he repeats these words from the US Constitution:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Most presidents have added the words: “So help me God.”

But when God swears an oath, He doesn’t say “So help me…anyone else.” Why? Because God doesn’t need anyone’s help to stay true to Himself…

The letter of Hebrews is a sermon on encouragement (13:22). The author is wanting to encourage Christians to stay faithful to Jesus Christ, regardless of what the consequences might be in this physical life. To encourage Christians, the writer talks all about the blessings that are available in Jesus Christ.

In Hebrews 6, the writer states in verse 10 that “God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” So the writer wants Christians to know that God recognizes, remembers, and will reward our acts of service toward each other. Those acts might not get recognized in this life, but God will recognize them in the next life.

Because God remembers our acts of love and service, the writer states in verse 11 that we should show diligence in this area so that we can realize the “full assurance of hope” until the end of our lives on earth or until the end of the earth itself. We need to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (ver. 12).

One of those whose faith we need to imitate, he mentions in verse 13, is Abraham. God promised Abraham and God swore an oath to Abraham – recorded in Genesis 22:17 – that God would bless Abraham and multiply his family. Abraham waited; he waited; he waited – and eventually God fulfilled that promise to Abraham (ver. 15).

In verse 16, the writer wants to contrast the nature of God and the nature of human beings. Human beings, when they want to emphasize the importance of their word and the truthfulness of what they are saying, will swear by someone greater than themselves. Usually, men swear “by God.” Supposedly when someone says, “I swear by God,” then that should settle things because they are telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

But what does God do when He wants to emphasize the truthfulness of what He is saying? Can He swear by someone higher than Himself? No. There is no one higher than God. Notice the words of the Hebrew writer in verse 17: “God desires to show to the heirs of promise [Abraham and his family and all those – including Christians – who will learn from Abraham’s life] the “unchangeableness of His purpose,” interposed – or guaranteed – with an oath.”

So, to show Abraham that God really, really meant what He was saying, the writer says God guaranteed it with an oath. But notice verse 18 – by two “unchangeable things:” God’s nature (that He cannot change; it is impossible for God to lie) and God’s oath – we can take strong encouragement from God and find refuge in God’s nature so that we can take hold of the hope that is set before us.

The word translated “unchangeable” here is also translated “immutable.” I wanted to introduce that word to you if you do not know the word. “Immutable” means “unchangeable.” Here, the writer is talking about God’s unchanging nature.

God is not One person one day and a different person the next day. He does not change. I, for one, have changed over the years. There are some bad things that I once did that I don’t do any more. There are some good things that I should have done my whole life but I started doing them when I learned better. You and I have changed.

God does not change. God does not need to change. And the Hebrew writer wants us to know that because God does not change, if He kept His promise to Abraham to bless him and his family and then fulfilled His promise, then God will fulfill His promise to us to bless us for serving each other in love, which is the context of this statement back in verse 10.

See these passages also: Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 102:25-26; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17.

Because Jesus is immutable, we can (and must) trust Him!

Paul Holland

When Rachel and I married, almost 29 years ago, she did what is common practice and custom in English speaking worlds – she took my last name. She left being “Rachel Anderson” and became “Rachel Holland.” In fact, in the weeks leading up to our wedding, she created a little countdown poster with the words: “Days Left Until I become a ‘New Holland’.”

When we obey Jesus Christ, we take His name. As we all know, the church is pictured as the “bride of Christ” in the NT so that when we obey the gospel, we become married to Christ, or at least engaged to Him, and we take His name.

The name “Christian” describes those who are an anointed people and it means we “belong to Christ.”

As a group of people, we also take the name of Christ. As you know, the people who belong to Christ are known as “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2) or Acts 20:28 or “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16).

So the church belongs to Christ. He built His church; it is His: Matthew 16:18.

In fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that God’s people – when the Gentiles entered that body – would have a “new name.” The prophecy is found in Isaiah 62:2: “The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will designate.”

The Gentiles started being added to the church of Christ in Acts 10 with the household of Cornelius. The church of Christ in Antioch of Syria was predominately if not exclusively Gentile Christians and in Acts 11:26 we see that “new name which the mouth of the Lord will designate:” Christian.

Acts 11:26 reads: “for an entire year they [Barnabas and Paul] met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called [passive voice] Christians in Antioch.” Normally when scholars see a passive voice verb as “called” is in this text, they will say that God is the subject of the verb; except not here. Invariably, scholars will say that it is the enemies of Christians who called them this. There is no reason in the text to accept that interpretation. There aren’t even any enemies or persecution mentioned in the text. It is better to see this as God inspiring some prophet if not the apostle Paul to start calling His children after His Son’s name: “Christians.”

Because we are married to Christ, let us accept no name but that name God has given to us. Let us be only Christians and Christians only!

Christ has admonished loyalty and faithfulness until He comes again. Those who are members of His bride, the church, are those who have stayed loyal to Him and faithful to His teachings. When Jesus comes again, He will find that many have denied the faith, left their first love, and have defiled the wedding garments.

But to those who are faithful to the Bridegroom, He will say: “Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34).

Let’s not forget who our Bridegroom is. Let’s stay faithful to Him.

Paul Holland

INTRODUCTION

1. This is the first recorded sermon of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He had already preached: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (4:17) and taught “the gospel of the kingdom” in synagogues throughout Galilee (4:23). But in Matthew 5-7, we have the first discourse of Jesus, and what many have referred to as “the greatest sermon ever preached.” While it may be difficult to say that one sermon of Jesus was (or, is) better than another, we at least say this one is quite remarkable to say the least!

1. At this point Jesus had likely already called the twelve apostles (this is definitively the case if Luke 6 is referring to the same sermon). Many others had became disciples, and masses of people were following Christ after seeing and hearing of His miracles (see 4:23-25). (This lesson will not delve into whether Luke’s account is the same sermon or not – See Lk. 6:17-49.)

1. The primary audience of the “Sermon on the Mount” may be the apostles and disciples (see 5:1), but yet it is difficult to argue against Jesus having the multitudes that were also assembled.

1. As Matthew has already alluded to Jesus preaching the kingdom, we should not be surprised that the kingdom is the focal point of this great sermon.

1. Some have likened the Sermon on the Mount of the NT to what the 10 Commandments were to the OT. Surely we at least see in this masterpiece a great portrait of what the Lord’s kingdom is all about!

Let’s take a brief look at the outline and structure of this sermon that is prefaced by the casual and yet astounding words: “And he opened his mouth and taught them” (v. 2; see 7:28-29).

1. AN OUTLINE OF THE SERMON

In some ways this sermon is difficult to outline. Here is a basic outline that you may find helpful:

(1)  5:1-12 – Attitudes of the Kingdom.

(2)  5:13-16 – Influence in the Kingdom.

(3)  5:17-6:18 – Righteousness in the Kingdom.

(4)  6:19-34 – Seeking First the Kingdom.

(5)  7:1-12 – Dangers and Admonitions of the Kingdom.

(6)  7:13-27 – The Conclusion and Invitation of the Kingdom.

1.  THE STRUCTURE OF THE SERMON
2.  The sermon begins with what we typically call “The Beatitudes,” which is related to the word “blessed” (a Latin word for “blessed”). Jesus uses the word “Blessed” nine times in verses 3-11. The Greek word markarios means happy or fortunate. Perhaps a good working definition of it would be “the finding of divine favor.” Interestingly, this word is in the plural, likely signifying the degree or depth of blessedness offered in the kingdom. This blessedness is not always outward, but is actually deeper and much more meaningful. Of course, this blessedness has character requirements, but the incentive to develop that character is also a part of the blessedness of His kingdom!

31.  Notably, the sermon begins with the “tranquil” yet challenging beatitudes, but quickly becomes confrontational (as far as the Jews would see it) as Jesus claims to have come to fulfill the Law and Prophets (5:17). He further proceeds to exalt His teachings not merely above the law, but above what Jewish teachers said about the law. (Note that He does not say, “It is written,” but Jesus says, “it is said” – see, for example, 5:21, 27, 31. What the Pharisees and others sometimes said about the Law was sometimes different than the Law!). Many Jewish teachers, most notably, the Pharisees, were known for emphasizing the “letter of the law” while forgetting the heart of the commandments (see Mt. 23:23). These statements would have certainly raised the ire of the religious leaders, but imagine what 5:20 would have done, where Jesus said, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

1.  Jesus closes the sermon by powerfully asserting that entrance into the kingdom is restricted (see especially 7:13-14), He says, to those who do “the will of my Father who is in heaven.” He actually draws the sermon to a conclusion using an illustration of a wise man who built his house on the rock (by hearing and keeping the words of Jesus) and another man who built his house on the sand (by not keeping the teachings of Jesus). The wise man will enter the kingdom, the foolish man will not!

1.  Rightly so, the teaching and authority of Jesus stood out to the audience that heard this great sermon (7:28-29).

III.  A FEW OBSERVATIONS

1.  Jesus’ teachings of the kingdom were surely countercultural in that day and continue to be in our day. Like then, even now it stands in stark opposition to what many religious teachers have to say. His way is inward (see 5:1-12; 21-30). His way upholds the sanctity of marriage (5:31-32). His way is restrictive (7:13-14).

1.  Related to what was just said, Jesus taught a focus upon one’s relationship with the Lord, rather than an appearance of being righteous (6:1-18). Some today have a shallow righteousness that is really no righteousness at all. We must beware of showing our good side to man, because the Lord sees the heart!

1.  Ultimately, Jesus forces all to make a decision. He presents the way of the kingdom, along with it’s blessedness, and then each is free to accept or reject it.

Daren Schroeder

Just outside of the Colosseum in Rome are massive arches built by the emperors in the Roman Forum. Five arches were built but only three remain. These arches were built to commemorate various victories and events in Roman history. The two oldest were the Arches of Augustus and Tiberius. The Arch of Tiberius was constructed in 16 AD.

The oldest surviving arch is the Arch of Titus that was built in 82 AD by emperor Domitian following Titus’s military victories which included the siege of Jerusalem. Our Lord prophesied of this siege in Matthew 24. In 203 AD, the Arch of Septimus Severus was built after his defeat of the Parthians. And lastly, the Arch of Constantine was erected to the honor of Constantine following his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. All these arches are massive structures, the Arch of Constantine measures 69 feet in height, 85 feet wide and 24 feet in depth. The oldest of which has survived almost 2,000 years.

Returning triumphal armies would have marched through these arches to the great fanfare of Rome’s citizens. Great treasures would have been brought back with them as well as many captives. All of Rome would have turned out to see this great spectacle.

Though the last three arches were built after Paul’s time, the first two would have still been standing in his lifetime. With this said there is an interesting verse that is found in 2 Corinthians 2:14 which says, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Whereas to be a Roman captive would have been humiliating, it is not so for the Christian who is led in spiritual triumph. It is a glad time by which we have given ourselves up to the reign of Jesus Christ.

In like manner, Paul stated in Romans 5:10, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Prior to our surrender to Christ, we were considered enemies of God. Yet now through Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God. Whereas many of those who were captives of Rome were either sold or put to death, Paul said that we as Christians are “saved by His life.”

Though many may despise the idea of being made captives of Christ and committing ourselves to His righteous will, to the Christian it is a wonderful and joyful event. Paul stated, “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). He would later write concerning his own conversion by saying, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

In the Church of Christ, when one is baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38), we often sing the hymn, “Oh Happy Day”. Why? Because it is a happy day when one surrenders to the Lord and we are no longer an enemy of God.

Unlike the howling mobs of the Roman triumph, in the Lord’s triumph, the crowds are encouraging us on in our faithfulness to the Lord. Following the wonderful list of faithful men and women in Hebrews 11, the next chapter begins by saying, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”. When we become Christians, we are surrounded by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as well as a heavenly host who desires the best for us and wants us to see our faith through to the end.

As Christians, let us be thankful to God who leads us in triumph, whose journey’s end is in heaven itself.

If you would like to know more about the salvation that God has for you through His Son Jesus, please let us know.

Roy Knight

About 60% of the human body is water. We lose water simply by breathing. We lose water by sweating. We lose water when we use the bathroom. We are constantly losing water.

That’s why health professionals tell us that the average man needs to drink 13 cups of water a day; the average woman needs to drink 9 cups of water a day. That’s 3 liters of water a day for men; 2 liters of water day for women! That’s a lot of water!

If you don’t take in that much fluids, you could be dehydrated. Let’s say you only drink 1 cup o water a day – 8 ounces. That would be 56 ounces of water a week, when you should have drank as much as 700 ounces a week!

When we talk about following Jesus, being a disciple of Christ, we are not talking about worshipping Jesus for 1 hour each week. Being a disciple of Christ includes worshipping Him, but it is so much more. And studying the word of God on a daily basis is a part of that discipleship too. Jesus designed us to feed on His word regularly; remember He said, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).

If you do not read the Bible during the week, the 30 minutes of Bible you get from a Sunday morning sermon is not going to be enough to sustain your spirit. No wonder many Christians leave worship feeling like their spirits have not be uplifted. It’s because you came to worship already “dehydrated” and 8 ounces of water is not enough to sustain you.

Following Jesus is a daily decision that also includes daily choices.

We want to look at one example of a disciple of Jesus, whom Jesus will make into an apostle and this man illustrates to us what it means to become a disciple of Christ.

LEVI BECOMES A FOLLOWER – Luke 5:27-28:

Jesus is in the area of Capernaum, and he is walking on the road and came across a booth for collecting taxes and there was this man sitting there, collecting taxes. “Levi.” And Jesus says, “Follow Me.” Notice in verse 28 that the text says Levi “left everything” and got up and followed Jesus. That verb “to leave” carries the idea of “abandoning everything.” Levi decided that he was going to do more than be an honest tax collector. He was going to stop being an honest tax collector and he was going to be a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth.

LEVI BECOMES AN EVANGLELIST – 5:29-32:

The first thing Levi does, according to Luke’s account, is to throw a huge reception – a fantastic dinner – with Jesus as the honored guest in his house. But this party is not just for Levi. He invites a “great crowd” of tax collectors and many other people to join him. He is introducing his friends and family and neighbors to meet Jesus. In Matthew’s account (9:10), Matthew tells us there were “sinners” in this crowd!

LEVI BECOMES A METAPHOR – 5:33-39:

Keep in mind that Levi carries the name of the tribe of priests from the OT. Could it be that God wants us to see Levi as being a metaphor for leaving the tribe of Levi behind and that priesthood (the “OT”) as we move into the new covenant of Jesus Christ? Levi has another name, you see, Matthew, which he is known as even in Luke 6:15. Once he becomes a follower of Christ, he leaves the “Levi” behind – the OT forms – and he takes on a new identity, a follower of Christ, which is symbolized by him using a new name: Matthew. And, being led by the Spirit of God, Matthew writes for us the Gospel according to Matthew so that he can continue introducing the world to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

LEVI IS AN EXAMPLE – Luke 14:25-33:

So Levi became a disciple of Christ, a “follower” of Jesus. He left his job and his old religion and he followed Jesus with his heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Levi is an example of the dedication and commitment that Jesus actually demands from all of us. Let’s conclude by reading Luke 14:25-33…

Follow Jesus with everything you are, every where you are, with all that you are.

Paul Holland