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Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:35 — 43.7MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 4: 12-19
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Peter begins this new section of his letter with that same idea reminding his readers their suffering and persecution is not punishment from God. Peter is reminding them that God is allowing the suffering to strengthen them through the testing and development of their faith. He is also reminding them persecution and suffering are a normal part of a truly Godly life in this ungodly world. Peter gives us 4 principles to remember concerning our suffering as Christians.
- OUR EXPRESSION WHILE SUFFERING! V. 12, 13. True men and women of God who walk with Him each day have come to know and understand from their daily quiet time and diligent study in The Word, that suffering of some kind is a normal part of the Christian life. The Lord Jesus Himself told us that men and women of God have experienced persecution and suffering of every kind imaginable throughout history. True men and women of God understand that how they express themselves reveals to all others their true inner attitude about living openly every day as a proper witness for Christ. Now look at
- THE EXPLANATION FOR OUR SUFFERING! V. 14. Throughout the OT God was constantly reminding his true worshipers and children who continually and consistently walked with him each day, that hardships and other difficulties were not punishment for them – but were in fact God’s way of making them stronger in their faith. The focal point Peter wants his readers to see is in the next part of the verse. For the true Christian insult is blessing! True men and women of God who have made a once for all commitment that they will, with all their heart, stand fast, and remained faithful to God, no matter what – are now blessed in this life with a taste of the glory, wonder, and overwhelming fulfillment that will be made known and felt in all its Divine fullness in heaven. Now let’s consider:
- AN EXAMINATION OF OUR SUFFERING! V. 15, 16. You recall that several times throughout his letter Peter has made a clear distinction between suffering for properly representing Christ, and living a Godly and righteous life – and suffering for doing evil. In this verse he is summarizing the truth that all suffering does not qualify for us to receive God’s blessing nor His glory. We don’t often think about it, but the early Christians were no different than us. They had many of the same problems we do today within, and without of the church family. Finally, out of all this comes
- OUR EXPECTATION BECAUSE OF OUR SUFFERING! V. 17, 18. There are two certainties here that every true believer can expect in this life. Peter explains the 1st in v. 17 which is our suffering for purification! In v. 18 Peter presents the other side which is the suffering of separation. The question “what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” is rhetorical! The comparison between the sufferings of Christians now and the suffering of the ungodly later is not centered in this life, or what we know of suffering now. The comparison is between the infinite glory and exultation Christians will experience in the New Heaven and New Earth—and the infinitely excruciating condemnation and suffering of the ungodly and unsaved in an eternal hell!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:56 — 42.3MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 4:1-6
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we learned from verse 1 that we must resolve in our hearts to suffer because we live the Christian life. We learned in verse 2 the reason we suffer is because we have changed our entire outlook on this life. Then Peter told us in first 3 the rationale for suffering is because we are expected to constantly and consistently move towards spiritual maturity. With that in mind, Peter then gives us:
IV. THE RESULTS OF SANCTIFICATION! vs. 4 Peter has explained to us in the first 3 verses decisions that are made privately within an individual’s heart. In verse 4 he is telling us when those private decisions to live a more Godly life take root in our heart – and begin to reveal themselves through our changed life and lifestyle – cause our ungodly and unsaved “cronies” then begin to malign us to for “going all churchy on them.” So beloved, those of you who have made significant deliberate choices to love and serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength – understand that the maltreatment in any form you are receiving from those who remain in the sin and sinfulness from which you have removed your self – is 1st a sure sign to you that the result of your sanctification is a real and showing; and 2nd their condemnation, slander, ridicule, or other mistreatment have you is also a sure sign that the results of your sanctification– or your more Christlike lifestyle is convicting them. So be encouraged. Now notice:
V. THE REVIEW BY THE SAVIOR! vs. 5 One of the themes that keeps re-occurring throughout this letter is that the persecution, suffering, and ridicule are all only temporary and will end with this life. In just one sentence Peter the focus of his readers from the gloom of this world, to the glory of the next. Peter reminds his readers and us today, that even though it appears like, and the world wants us to think we are being shortchanged and missing out on all the “good things of life” – when we are, in fact, not missing them at all! Finally let’s consider:
VI. THE RIGHT OUTLOOK FOR THE SAINTS! vs. 6. Peter is telling us that because there is no apparent benefit to salvation, because Christians are not exempt from the effects and consequences of sin and sinfulness—so why bother? Now watch! What I just told you is what Peter is saying when he says that though (Christians are) judged in the flesh the way people/unsaved are. Or the unsaved say, you Christians suffer and die just like we do so there really isn’t any benefit to salvation. The real impact of the verse is in the final phrase, they might live in the spirit the way God does. Peter is once again pointing us toward heaven. We might say, because we are saved and God has helped us understand this life and physical death are not the end. Beloved, Peter told us back in 2:11 that we are to consider ourselves as strangers and aliens in this world, therefore, we are to abstain from evil desires that war against our soul. In this paragraph he gives us further reasons why we are to live in the manner as did our Lord, Jesus Christ. May it be the desire of our heart to live as Christ lived.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:12 — 38.4MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 4:1-6
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. One does not have to read or study very far into this powerful little book to realize one of Peter’s themes is “living the Christian life is not easy.” That thought does not bode well with many in this culture and society where ease and comfort in living are center stage in almost every aspect of American life. Peter gives 6 principles that remind us we are to imitate Christ in all parts of our life, all the time, not just the easy parts some of the time. We will look at 3 this week, and 3 next week. Notice 1st he tells us to be:
- THE RESOLVE TO SUFFER! 4:1. Have you settled in your mind, and more importantly in your heart, that as a true Christian you are willing to suffer for living a life and lifestyle dedicated entirely to Christ during your time here on earth now? In the NT suffering can mean several different things. Most often, however, it refers to the physical agony of the process of death; whether by torture, games in the arena at the Coliseum, or the most heinous, which was crucifixion. Suffering can also mean the emotional agony of torment. In this particular instance Peter is telling us – since Christ suffered in both ways during His ministry here – we should also be prepared to suffer emotionally throughout our life; but we are to be equally prepared to die if God so permits! Therefore, our only resolved is to be willing to suffer the agony of emotional torment. A pretty small price to pay don’t you think?
- THE REASON TO SUFFER! V. 2 The phrase at the end of v. 1 “has ceased from sin” should not be taken to mean sinless perfection! It means that the person who understands that living a proper and a godly life will cause them emotional agony from time to time. Therefore, that person has forever stopped or ceased to be affected by the lustof – and attraction for the sinful addictions of this life. Why? True Christians desire from their heart more than anything to please their Savior by carrying out God’s will. And the reason we do what Peter’s telling us to hear in versus 1, 2 is because of what he told us back in 2:21. Now let’s notice
- THE RATIONAL FOR SANCTIFICATION! V. 3. If we were writing this today we might say “time to move on.” Here’s what Peter is saying: now that you have come to Christ for salvation, the time for you live like the unsaved is over. Peter use of the word “time” in both verses 2 and 3 makes them vividly contrast with one another. It’s like he is saying, “you spent more than enough time living a life of the ungodly debauchery of the Gentiles. Now that you are a Christian, you have no time to waste living as you did before.
Oh beloved, if we could only understand that magnificent truth! From God’s viewpoint any time in sin is too much time! It makes no difference what your chronological age is when you come to the realization you need a Savior! From the second you are born again, you have so few days left to prepare for all eternity! Every moment we spend in the garbage of our life before our salvation is a moment wasted in glorifying God for redeeming us from an eternity in hell. May God grant that all of us choose to spend all our time left here living for and in the will of our great God!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:05 — 43.6MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 3:21, 22
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. In our doctrinal statement we say that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, Word of God; we believe every word of the Bible to be truth spoken from the mouth of God; and further, we believe it to be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, or daily living. God is omniscient – which means God fully knows Himself and all things actual or possible in one simple and eternal act. Why is it necessary to understand and believe such mind bending statements as those? Because the more a true Christian studies the Word of God, the more the God of the Word reveals Himself as a God of detailed intricacy and accuracy that permeates every part of creation! The question I want to try to answer today is: does the Bible teach baptismal regeneration – or that one must be baptized in water to be saved? First, let’s review some passages of Scripture that are very familiar, at least to students of the Word. Let’s start with John 3:16; Rom. 3:10-26; 5:1-11; 6:20-23; Gal. 2:15-21; Eph. 1:3-14; Heb. 9:11-14. Even a casual reading of these passages brings one to the conclusion that it is God, and God alone that provides redemption/salvation and justification from sin. Let’s look first of all at:
- BAPTISM AS A RESEMBLANCE! vs. 21. Notice in verse 21 Peter says “and this water symbolizes baptism.” The ESV says “baptism, which corresponds to this.” so the first truth to understand is that baptism is presented as a type, symbol, a likeness or a resemblance. So the question becomes then baptism is a type, likeness or resemblance of what? Go back to v. 18-20. Peter is saying that the act of Christian baptism provides the same illustration, and carries with it the same symbols of the flood. So what are those symbols? Proclamation of the word – 19. The second type is the patience of God. According to Rom. 2:4 God demonstrates His patience to us to bring us to repentance! Another type or symbol is preparation by God! He moves through history to help people be ready to be saved. The next type or symbol of baptism, which is God’s protection! V. 20. Noah and his family “were brought safely through the water.” Noah believed the ark was his only hope of salvation. There is the truth you have to understand; the ark saved Noah, not the water! His building the ark was a demonstration of their faith that God would save them from the water not by the water.
- BAPTISM AS A REQUEST! V. 21. Peter is telling us that water baptism is a symbol of *“an appeal to God for a good conscience.” He is teaching us that when a person who claims to be a Christian is baptized – they are publicly declaring they have appealed to God on the basis of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, asking Him to work in their lives in such a way as to develop a proper, Godly conscience. Listen beloved! The Bible clearly teaches that salvation comes by God’s grace alone!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:58 — 41.0MB) Subscribe: 1 Timothy 1:3-7
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. For the last 238 years July 4th has been called Independence Day in America. To those who are willing to study all of American history it becomes obvious that our forefathers had a strong faith in God Almighty, and even lived and practiced that faith daily. They framed our Constitution so that all Americans could enjoy those in alienable rights with which they are endowed by their Creator. But it is true that America is a nation waning in the number of true Christians among her population. If one turns to the Scriptures is there any real, Biblical evidence that America is becoming, or has already become a Godless nation? Perhaps the better way to ask the question is: is America still a mono theistic nation or has she become polytheistic? Is America still one nation under one God or has she become a nation who worships many gods? Let’s consider some valid evidences that America has lost – or is at least losing – her moral purity as a nation!
- RAMPANT FREEDOM UNDER GRACE! Jude 3, 4; Rom. 6:1, 2. So how does rampant freedom under grace become an accepted way of life? One way is to remove absolute truth. In this way of thinking the only absolute truth is – there is no absolute truth! Watch – it’s very simple! If there is no absolute truth then anything and everything is permissible. Now rampant freedom can be claimed by everyone. So where does grace enter in? Grace is no longer the grace of God – but has been perverted and redefined as a grace, blessing, benevolence that removes absolute truth. Another way to claim unrestricted freedom under grace is to redefine discipline, punishment, or consequences for an individual’s actions. By redefining those things God established as deterrents from sin as cruel, abuse, inhumane, or an infringement on civil rights the door is opened to unrestricted freedom. Another evidence that we have lost moral purity as a nation is:
- REPUGNANCE TOWARD SUBMISSION! Jude 8-10; 2 Peter 2:9-15. One way people show their repugnance towards submission is by speaking evil of those in authority. It is yet another visible manifestation of the effect of sin. It is in fact rebellion against God and His position. Another evidence that we have lost moral purity is:
- REJECTION OF SPIRITUAL TRUTHS (which are beyond human reasoning)! Jude 8-10. Jude is an interesting and powerful little book. The main thought of the book is that true Christians must (and will) remain faithful to the truth of the inspired Word of God. The truth of the Word of God will cause true Christians to stand fast, or persevere, in spite of all the blasphemous attempts to lead them astray through the heresies of false teachers. Another evidence that America has lost her moral purity is:
- REVOLT AGAINST MORAL PURITY! Jude 16; 1 Peter 2:13-17 June 16 teaches us what moral impurity looks like in a person’s life. 1 Peter 2:13 – 17 teaches us how to be morally pure. Moral purity is one of the byproducts of salvation and has to do with *holiness, righteousness, and justice. The way these 3 character qualities intertwined with one another is fascinating. Every true Christian is gifted with these three attributes of God as a result of their salvation. Our culture and society today is opposed to moral purity, especially as it is defined and presented in the Scriptures. People are constantly complaining about what they affectionately refer to as “moral strictness.” Those who do not want to believe in, nor adhere to the Biblical principles and laws of God are the ones who cry the loudest and fight the hardest for what they have dubbed “ civil and social freedom.” Jude uses only 6 words to summarize, not just the rebellion against moral purity in America, but rebellion against moral purity in the human race since Eden – when he writes, “they follow their own evil desires.” Paul warns Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Go to Titus 3:9, 10. Where there is little or no concern or desire for true Biblical moral purity, those who would depart from sound doctrine to satisfy their itching years, develop new and more fashionable philosophies that contradict God’s word. By the way, this kind of complaining against moral strictness and creating more fashionable philosophies is not something that happens exclusively in government or the unsaved world! It often happens in local churches that claim to follow and obey the word of God!
The ultimate freedom is the freedom to do right according to the Word of God. There are those who would say that’s an incorrect statement – they would say the ultimate freedom is to do what one wants to do. Well then, let’s just put them both together and say the *ultimate freedom is the freedom to want to do what is right according to the Word of God! I happen to believe there are still millions of people who are real, genuine, tried and tested, born-again Christians who love and walk with the Lord daily, who are also real, genuine, tried and tested Americans! I also believe there is still time for those millions of Christian Americans who are called by God’s name to humble themselves, and pray and seek God’s face, and who will continue to turn from their wicked ways so God will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land! Like Israel, the more God blessed America the more arrogant she has become.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:04 — 37.9MB) Subscribe: Proverbs 4:1-9
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. As conservative and fundamental Biblicists we believe that the Bible clearly teaches throughout, that the husband is the God-ordained head of the home. As such, he is God’s primary ambassador to his wife, following 1 Pet. 3:7 as his pattern for living with her; and his children, always training them up in the way they should go as Solomon directed in Prov. 22:6, in the home; and is also God’s ambassador outside the home. Another way to say it is a man who calls himself a Christian is always representing God to someone! So men, the first question is are you representing the God of the Bible, and His perfections of His nature and character, His saving grace, and His compassion – or are you presenting a false god that lets you remain comfortable in your own self image? Let’s consider first:
- JONAH’S REBELLION! 1:1-3. Before we scold Jonah too severely, we should remember God comes to all men while they are in rebellion to Him. Immediately upon understanding exactly what God wanted him to do he ran the other way! Why? Why does any man run from the word of the Lord? Because they are keenly aware of their sin and sinfulness before Him! Psalm 139: 1 – 12 and Hebrews 4:13 are just two passages of Scripture that tell us getting away from the Lord is impossible! It was in the midst of his rebellion God made provision for:
- JONAH’S RESCUE! 1:17. Another one of the hardest lessons for a man to learn is that he can do absolutely nothing to rescue himself from his sinful condition. It makes no difference how long, or deep into your heart your rebellion is – you can do nothing on your own to change your position and attitude before the Lord. The song is right when it says “just as I am without one plea.” Men, God delights in rescuing us – especially when we think there is no hope for us! Have you ever thought that the belly of the great fish God sent to swallow Jonah was a place of rescue? There is a point to this: when God comes to rescue us, He may choose to make our rescue a process rather than an event! One writer says “the belly of the fish is not a happy place to live, but it’s a good place to learn.” The point is this: God rescued Jonah from drowning in the sea, but He did not deliver Jonah to a vacation resort so Jonah could continue to live in his sin and rebellion and running from God! Don’t miss this point: it is in the midst of all Jonah’s darkness, loneliness, misery and filth that we see:
- JONAH’S REPENTANCE! 2:1-9. For any man to repent of his sin and become a true man of God he must understand that repentance begins with prayer! It was only after Jonah’s sincere and urgent cry to God in prayer that he was delivered! Let’s consider:
- JONAH’S RESPONSE! 3:1-3. This time when the Lord spoke to Jonah, Jonah did what the Lord told him to do. True repentance is demonstrated by total obedience! When any person, man or woman, sincerely repents – or turn from their sin to God – it is an event that occurs in the heart, and manifests itself in daily living.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:37 — 40.4MB) Subscribe: 1 Peter 3:18-22
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. One of the foundational doctrines of Scripture upon which we build our faith is the substitutionary atonement of Christ. It is not only proper for us to remember the awful price that our Lord paid to redeem us; it is also proper for us to remember that He suffered beyond anything we can possibly imagine. No matter how horrible we may consider it, we suffer only what we can bear! Even the suffering of a stone cold heart in rebellion and disobedience suffers only enough to break it for the purpose of it making it pliable in the hands of the Master Designer! Here Peter is making it very clear that suffering encountered by those true Christians who walk daily with the Lord is not punishment! In fact he is teaching us the exact opposite. Notice first:
THE REASON OF HIS SUFFERING! V. 18. The reason Christ suffered is clearly stated in verse 18 when Peter says, “that He might bring us to God.” Pay particular attention to the 4-pronged truth being taught here. The 1st truth is that it is Christ and Christ alone that makes salvation possible! Here is another crystal clear teaching that man has absolutely no part in obtaining his salvation – other than believing in the work Christ did to make salvation possible. The 2nd truth is all suffering is only temporary. The 3rd truth is that our way to heaven, which is our salvation, is guaranteed because Christ was victorious over sin. The 4th truth is that Christ suffered only once! Now let’s look at:
THE RESURRECTION FROM HIS SUFFERING! Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit God is guiding Peter to help us understand how the resurrection of Christ is important to us in two ways: 1st, the resurrection guarantees that our suffering ends when we leave this world; and 2nd, it makes it possible for us to grow spiritually. Finally,
THE RESULT OF HIS SUFFERING! V. 22 Peter, and many other authors of Scripture, tell us that Christ is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. More than that the results of Christ’s suffering offer us some practical truths in daily living. 1st His suffering is an example to us. 2nd, He is *now exalted in heaven-v. 22. So the question becomes one of choice: are you choosing to exalt your self here now in this life; because in in your own mind your own way is better than God’s – and you deserve more recognition than you think He want you to have. My counsel to you is enjoy it, wallow in it, and enjoy it to the fullest – because on the day you draw your last breath your exultation is over forever. On the other hand you can choose to wait to be exalted by God. That means in this life you have to set yourself aside and focus on exalting Christ. Then when you draw your last breath your exultation begins and goes on forever! The catch is you cannot choose all of the above – you must choose now or later.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
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