What must I do to be saved?

We can learn so much about doing personal work by noting how it was done in the first century. We will focus our thoughts on just one account in which the apostles Paul and Barnabas give us biblical principles to use in this tremendously important work that we are to do for the Lord. The text is Acts 13.42-49. Paul and Barnabas were teachers in the synagogue. Note the following principles that will help us to better do our work for the Lord.

• The city came together to hear the word of God and there was opposition (44, 45). We are in good company! There will always be those who oppose our teaching of the gospel.
• The teachers grew bold (46a). We must do the same if we want to please the Lord and be effective in our efforts!
• The teachers taught them out of necessity (46b). We, too, must realize the necessity of teaching every single person the gospel so that they can have the opportunity to obey it.
• Many Jews rejected God’s Word (46c). Many, today, will reject it as well. We should not be discouraged in our efforts!
• Many judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life (46d). That is the same result even today. When one refuses God’s Word he also refuses heaven!
• The teachers turned to teach others who were receptive (46e). This is a biblical pattern. We ought to use it today!
• The teachers remembered their command from the Lord to share the gospel (47). We are commanded to do the same!
• The Gentiles were happy to hear the Word of God spoken (48). While there will be some who reject the gospel, there will also be some who obey. Let us give them the opportunity!
• The Word of God spread throughout the region (49). And, so it will with us if we will use these principles to reach others!
• Think about it!

Kevin Williams

Today we consider the last words of James in this remarkable and highly practical book, and they do not disappoint. There is no “ease-up” at the end with a polite greeting, but a strong and serious charge. As difficult as the charge may seem, James also supplies the fuel for the task. Let’s give brief consideration to these final and serious verses.

James’ final words are connected with the “sin problem” addressed immediately preceding our text (see especially vv. 15-16). While some may freely confess their sins and solicit prayers from their brethren, others may drift further away or need someone to confront the error of their way.

Note the following points from the final two verses:

STANDARD OF FAITHFULNESS
The fact that brethren are instructed to bring one back implies there must be a standard that Christians are responsible for living under. James says it is “the truth.” When one departs from the truth he has departed from the standard by which the Lord holds him accountable. Our Lord Himself said that the “word is truth” in John 17:17. The way or the path of truth that has been laid down by inspiration is the standard (see 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pt. 1:3). Jesus says that His words will judge the world on the final day (see Jn. 12:48).

POSSIBILITY OF DEPARTING
A standard implies the possibility of not measuring up or attaining to it. The language of these two verses also clearly convey the fact that a Christian can become lost and have need of being saved again. He can “wander from the truth” (v. 19). He can have need of being brought back (v. 19). He may be again classified as a “sinner” (v. 20). His soul can again be saved from death (v. 20). He can have his sins covered once again (v. 21).

PROCEDURE OF DEPARTURE
Two forms of the word “wander” appear in our text. The ESV describes this individual who leaves the truth as one who “wanders” (v. 19). In verse 20 James refers to his “wandering.” Some form of the word “wander” is only used a few other times in the New Testament. In 2 Timothy 4:4, Paul speaks of the one who has wandered away from the truth by listening to “myths” rather than “the truth.” Jude 13 uses the phrase “wandering stars” to refer to false teachers. In James, 2 Timothy, Jude and many other books, Scripture explicitly mentions the possibility of being deceived and led astray through false teachers. Such can have to do with faith and practice, life and morality, and many times both.

METHOD OF RETRIEVAL
While James does not get specific into procedures to use, he does speak of “bringing him back,” which clearing implies going after him. While we certainly “hope and pray” for the return of Christians who have fallen away, we must be willing to leave the ninety-nine to find the wandering sheep and help them find their way back! (compare with Lk. 15).

THE MOTIVATION
Knowledge is a vital factor in this pursuit. Without the knowledge that a Christian can wander, has wandered, and that Christian souls can be in eternal danger, he will not possess the drive to seek to bring back a lost brother or sister in Christ. Jude gives emphasis to the serious nature of this work, as well as the procedure being tailored to what that person needs when he says, “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” (vv. 22-23).

What a vital labor of love that we can have for our wayward brethren!

Daren Schroeder

By definition, the word “delight” means “to have a high degree of gratification, joy, and extreme satisfaction. Something that gives great pleasure.” I believe it is true that the character of a man can be measured by the things in which he delights.

The Bible records for us the delights of several biblical characters and God, Himself. For instance:

• It was said that Jehoshapat delighted in the ways of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:6).
• The people in the days of Nehemiah delighted in the great goodness of God (Nehemiah 9:25).
• Job delighted in God (Job 22:26).
• The upright man delights in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2).
• Godly men delight in peace (Psalm 37:11).
• God delights in man (Psalm 16:3) and He also delights in extending mercy unto man (Micah 7:18).

There is also the other side of this picture. Not everyone delights in what is good and pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that

• the wicked delight in lies (Psalm 62:4),
• war (Psalm 68:30),
• scorning (Proverbs 1:20),
• perversity (Proverbs 2:14),
• and abominations (Isaiah 66:3).

Do you see how one’s delights can easily reveal the true character of a man? There is quite a contrast between the delights of a righteous man and the delights of an unrighteous man.

Let me ask you – in what do you delight more?

• Discovering the sins of another person or helping to cover the sins of another person?
• A good church fuss, or a church existing in peace?
• Giving a person just what they deserve or being gracious and merciful?
• Worshiping and studying with the saints or watching television?

Take a good look at the things in which you delight, and while you’re looking, take a look at your character as well. You see, your delights and your character travel together, and when you see one, you will most certainly see the other.

by Steve Higginbotham

The Hebrew word for love appears more than 250 times in the text of the Old Testament. This number of occurrences should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with the content of God’s word. Love serves as a pivotal motivation, an unconditional expression, and a powerful reaction in the relationship between God and humanity. אהב (or “ahav”) can be defined as the “affection or attractive force found between two parties” (Holladay, 5). Interestingly, the two parties in which the love is exchanged can consist of divine, human, or animal and it can even extend to inanimate objects.

The first instance of אהב does not appear until the 22^nd chapter of Genesis. Though, it is in this inceptive appearance of Genesis 22:2 that love establishes its gravity. Prior to Genesis 22, God made a promise to Abraham which included the gifting of a land to his offspring (Gen. 13:15). As Abraham’s relationship with God developed, he eventually speaks to God regarding his lineage, “O Lord God, what will you give me for I continue childless” (Gen. 15:2). God affirmed and reassured Abraham numerous times that he would indeed bear children through Sarah (Gen. 15:4,5; 17:16). Abraham and Sarah found themselves in a state of disbelief after getting news that she would bear a child; for this seemed impossible to someone of her age (Gen. 18:12,13). As the narrative progresses, the reader discovers God as one who keeps His promises as He provides Isaac to the elderly couple (Gen. 21:2). Isaac’s birth was much more than a miracle; it was an event that highlighted the power and faithfulness of the Lord.

Here’s where things get interesting (as if the miracle of Isaac’s birth wasn’t cool already). After Isaac had grown and Abraham had sojourned, God commanded Abraham to rise, take his son Isaac, and offer him before the Lord. Though it is in this very command that God observes, “your son whom you love” (Gen. 22:2). That’s the first instance of the word. Additionally, the Hebrew is identified as QAL perfect, 2^nd person masculine, meaning, it is God who is looking and witnessing the אהב (ahav) that a father has for his child. Isaac was one of the most cherished gifts that Abraham had received and his affection for him was obvious.

In establishing the foundation of Israel’s holiness, the Lord commanded to “love the Lord with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your might” (Deut. 6:5). If anyone seeks to follow God, it requires the utilization of one of the most powerful actions/emotions given to humanity: אהב. God instructs that this love is to be powered by all that an individual has in their character, all that they have in their identity, and all that they have in their strength. When one fully comes to terms with giving all that they think, seek, and do for God, they understand how love becomes the propellant that moves a faithful relationship through the most difficult and most joyous of occasions of life.

While love can be a one-sided affair, such is not the case on God’s behalf. God is one who continually loves and shows that love through unwavering steadfastness. In the chapter after Deuteronomy 6 and the instruction of the Shema, God reminds the listener of His love for them. Deuteronomy 7 begins with how God has destined His people to prosperity, success, and blessing on the condition that they follow Him. The intent of God is unveiled in Deuteronomy 7:8, “it is because the Lord loves you.” This use of אהב appears as a noun feminine singular construct. God is indicating His love is something that embodies who the Lord is and what He does. Later in the text, in 7:13, God’s love is described as an verb QAL perfect; something that God does for His people. Love is who God is and what He does. When we love, we are perfectly representing God’s truest attribute. So love. Love your family, love your friends, love your enemies.

Tyler King

So many people collect so many different things.  Stamp and coin collecting are well known hobbies, but just about anything has become the object of a collection.  My mother collected paperweights (we still have a box full!), and one of our sons collected banana stickers.  Whatever it is that interests you, maybe you’ve thought of collecting that.

Aaron Bartholmey of Colfax, Iowa has been collecting wooden pencils for years, focusing on pencils with advertisements.  His collection doesn’t have duplicates; each pencil is unique.  The Guinness Book of Records is now considering whether he holds the world title for having the most.  Two separate counters from the American Pencil Collecting Society (!) have verified that Bartholmey has over 70,000 pencils.  The current record is about 24,000.

Advertising pencils don’t seem to be as popular now as ink pens.  The church I serve keeps on hand a large supply of pens that we make available in our lobby.  They seem to vanish regularly, and we hope some of these end up in hands that might be searching for a new church home.

What does a massive collection of pencils have to do with the Bible?  This passage came to my mind, the last verse in the Gospel of John: “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

A lot has been said about Jesus.  On the website answers.com, one person asked: “What is the total number books that have ever been written about Jesus Christ?”  The featured answer replied, “As for modern biographies and biographies that have been written throughout history (ie the last 2000 years) these are far too many to be listed. They run into tens of thousands.”  That sounds about right to me.  I have many books in my library that feature Jesus, His works, and His teachings.

The one who wrote that statement in John, however, had first-hand knowledge.  John was one of the twelve apostles who shadowed Jesus for about three years.  Peter noted the qualifications for the one who would replace Judas as an apostle: “… beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us” (Acts 1:22).  Whom have you followed that closely for three years?

Millions of us love the accounts of Jesus’ miracles, His parables, His teachings, etc.  If asked to name some of the miracles of Jesus, I could easily list a couple dozen without slowing down.  But here’s the amazing part – there are more.  Many more!  We could easily say about Jesus what the Queen of Sheba said of King Solomon: “Indeed, the half was not told me” (1 Kings 10:7).

There are many reasons I want to go to heaven.  One of those is to hear some of the other amazing things Jesus did during His ministry on earth.  When that day comes we’ll need a larger collection of pencils than Aaron Bartholmey’s to write them down.  For now, we’ll have to resort to the description Peter gave to Cornelius: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).  What a storytelling festival that will be!

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

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Copyright, 2023, Timothy D. Hall

In order to submit, we have to make a conscious effort to lower our expectations or interests to the expectations or interests of someone else. You cannot make someone else submit. You can force someone to do what you want them to do, but that’s not submission.

Submission begins in the heart. We will not submit until our hearts are humbled toward the other person.

In our monthly study this year on the “Prayer Life of Jesus,” I am going to be talking about submission in our marriage. We will begin by looking at a prayer of Jesus which is actually recorded. This is the first prayer of Jesus we have looked at this year where the words are given to us. And I want to emphasize how important it is for us to pray for submission.

GOD REVEALS HIS WILL TO “INFANTS” – 11:25-26:

Jesus praised the Father, thanking Him for His discretion in revealing heavenly truths to those who were “babies” in their humility. Those who are wise and intelligent by the world’s standards do not easily submit their intellect to the will of God. The humble – the “infants” – are those who will seek God and the will of the Son.

NO ONE KNOWS THE FATHER – 11:27:

Just as John 14:6 rules out as intellectually and spiritually unsatisfactory all non-Christian religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, so this verse does the same for Matthew’s gospel. No one knows the true nature of the Father except the Son and only He can reveal the Father.

WE KNOW THE FATHER THROUGH HIS YOKE – 11:28-30:

Speaking of the will of the Father, Jesus calls on any with humility to come to Him and learn His teaching. Those laboring to be saved under the teachings of men and those who have been burdened by the traditions and doctrines of men need to come to Christ to receive rest.

RETURNING TO INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

If a wife does not believe her husband’s heart is submissive to Christ, then she might have a hard time submitting to him because she doesn’t feel she can trust him. And, of course, if he refuses to consider her thoughts, feelings, and insights on a subject, then he is not reflecting the humility that Christ requires of us. Certainly, also, if trust has been violated in the past, perhaps in a prior relationship, then it can also be challenging to submit.

Pray for your own submission and for the submission of your spouse in their proper, respective sphere.

Paul Holland

As noted in the previous section (5:7-12), suffering is to be endured by the Christian with endurance. James now commends Christians to avail themselves of the power of God through prayer.

Our text begins with three questions. The first two are simple: “Is anyone among you suffering?” And “Is anyone cheerful (both from verse 13)?” Both questions ought to be very naturally responded to in the life of the Christian. Suffering is dealt with in prayer (see also 1 Pt. 5:7), and cheerfulness gives way to praise (see also Col. 3:16). The Christian directs his attention to God whether in tribulation or joy! Perhaps some had learned the skill of being patient through trials and therefore were able to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). What a challenge to pursue growth to that degree if need be!

The third question seems simple enough at first, but quickly becomes more challenging. James asks if any of them are sick and suggests that such an individual respond by calling for the elders to pray as well as anoint them with oil (v. 14).

Before proceeding, we should consider that this is a rather obscure passage that poses difficulties for us that it likely did not for the original audience. We certainly cannot investigate these matters deeply in this brief lesson, but I will present a few very brief thoughts for your consideration before we get back to the thrust of James’ message.

One consideration here is whether James is referring to physical or spiritual sickness. The word “sick” (astheneo) can refer to either the physical or spiritual depending on the context. The ESV translates this word as “weak” regarding the state of some Corinthians who had not correctly observed the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Cor. 11:30). Is Paul teaching that they became physically sick (or physically died) as a direct result of their sinful observance of the Lord’s Supper? I personally doubt such an interpretation (though I’m not being dogmatic about it), and lean toward James 5 and 1 Corinthians 11 having reference to a spiritual condition.

One other reason for favoring this interpretation has to do with the overwhelmingly spiritual work of elders as seen in the NT. And going forward in our text of James 5, it is spiritual weakness and sin that is alluded to all the way to the end of the chapter.

The main emphasis of this entire section has to do with the power of prayer. Elders ought to pray for members, the physically sick as well as for matters of spiritual weakness. Members ought to ask them, and others, for prayers. We all ought to pray for one another. Why? Because the prayer of God’s children has great power (v. 16). The power itself, of course, resides in what God is able to do.

The example is given of how powerfully prayer was used by God in the life of the prophet Elijah. In Kings 17:1, Elijah prayed for rain, and God granted rain. In 1 Kings 18:1, the prophet called for the rain to cease, and it ceased. We should not take from this that God will act in such a manner today, but that Elijah was every bit as human as we are, and God heard and responded to His prayer. If we believe in the power of prayer, that God can work through His providence, we will be a praying people, and we will especially pray for our brethren. While it is certainly good and right to prayer for their physical well-being, let’s not forget to be devoted to praying for their faithfulness to the Lord! This leads right into the last two verses of the book that we will plan to finish with next week. In the meantime, be sure to pray for your brethren!

Daren Schroeder

“Back in 1830, a man by the name of George Wilson was convicted of robbing the U.S. Mail and was sentenced to be hanged. President Andrew Jackson issued a pardon for Wilson, but he refused to accept it. The matter went to Chief Justice Marshall, who concluded that Wilson would have to be executed. ‘A pardon is a slip of paper,’ wrote Marshall, ‘the value of which is determined by the acceptance of the person to be pardoned. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged’” (SermonIllustrations.com).

Who in their right mind would refuse such a pardon? Perhaps the answer is found within the question. There are times when people just aren’t thinking clearly enough to make the correct decision.

In Acts 2, Peter preached a sermon to some of the same people who yelled for Jesus to go to the cross. When Peter made it clear that the person they sent to the cross was none other than the prophesied Messiah, they were understandably upset and frantic for a pardon (vs. 36-37). In an incredible act of mercy, God offered forgiveness to those who would “repent and be baptized” (38). On this day, thousands accepted God’s pardon (vs 41). Sadly, many others refused it.

Today, this same offer stands for us. Not only can we receive forgiveness at baptism (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21), but we can receive a pardon for the sins we commit after becoming Christians (2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 2:5). Why would we ever choose to reject such a loving offer?

The question is, right now, are you accepting or refusing God’s pardon?

Brett Petrillo

What does it mean to forgive? Some people teach that only those who repent should be forgiven. They believe this because God only forgives those who repent (cf. Deuteronomy 30:1–3; Acts 2:38). Others point to the warnings in Scripture about failing to forgive as proof that we should not ever withhold forgiveness (cf. Matthew 6:12–15; 18:21–35; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; 11:4; 17:3– 4). We have to understand what forgiveness is, what it means for God to forgive, and what it means for humans to forgive.

Two related Greek terms account for the majority of the occurrences of the concept of forgiveness in the New Testament. The noun aphesis appears 17 times; the verb, aphiémi, occurs 146 times. The verb has a broad range of meanings: send away; let go, release; remit, forgive; permit. For example, when Matthew 4:11 says, “the devil left him,” it uses this verb. In Mark, a woman anoints Jesus with pure nard. Those present scolded her (v. 5). In v. 6, Jesus says, “Leave her alone.” So, the verb does not always mean “to forgive.” These examples, however, shed light on the meaning of forgiveness: it is the releasing of a debt.

When we sin, we grieve God. We act against our Creator and the purpose for which He made us. In effect, we create a moral debt. Yet, we have no moral power to repay that debt. Our good deeds do not undo our bad ones. When Jesus died on the cross, He used the language of debt repayment in John 19:30, “It is finished.” When this phrase appeared on a receipt in the ancient world, it meant “paid in full.” So, when God forgives, now through the blood of Christ, He releases us from the debt of our sins.

Does any human have the moral authority to release another human from the moral debt of sin? The Bible teaches that there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). When we forgive another person, we do not change their status with God; only their repentance and confession can do that (cf. 1 John 1:9).

When one person forgives another, he is letting go of the damage that the other person caused in the relationship. This is something we should all strive to do, for, “if one has a complaint against another, [forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).

Clay Leonard

1. There is no greater motivating power than the power of love. Love is more than words – it is words in action. If we fall in love with the lost, our accomplishment can be greater. Love for the lost will grow churches. Why did the church grow so rapidly in the 1st century and during the restoration movement? There were two basic reasons: 1) They were in love with the truth; 2) They were in love with the lost. That inescapable motivating power of love!!
2. We need to ask ourselves these questions:
   1. Why do we exist as a church?
   2. What is our purpose?
   3. What are our goals?
   4. In short, we exist for three basic purposes:
      1. Seek and save that which is lost.
      2. Edify (build up) each other.
      3. Tend to needs and heal the hurts.
   5. If we aren’t doing these three we need to reevaluate and re-align our priorities.
3. How should we love the lost?
   1. Love in heavenly fashion.
      1. God is love – 1 John 4:7-8, 16 – He that dwells in love dwells in God and God in Him.
      2. God so loved the world – John 3:16.
      3. God commends His love – Romans 5:8.
      4. Greater love hath no man than this – John 15:13
      5. Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Luke 19:10 – For the Son of Man is come to seek and save that which is lost.
   2. Love as first century-church loved:
      1. Acts 2 – 3,000 added
      2. Acts 8:4 – Every Christian is a missionary
         1. They fulfilled the three aspects of Christianity.
            1. Carried the gospel – Acts 8:4
            2. Cared for the needy – Acts 2:45
            3. Edified each other – Acts 2:42, 46; continued steadfastly; continued daily
   3. Love as Paul loved:
      1. Made three missionary journeys because he loved the lost.
      2. 1 Corinthians 9:22 – Made all things to all men that I might by all means save some; And this I do for the gospel’s sake.
      3. Romans 10:1 – Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
      4. Romans 9:3 – For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
4. Our slogan should be: “Salvation for the lost regardless of the cost.”
   1. Question is not how much will it cost, but the saving of the lost. The church as a whole has enough money to do most anything it wants.
   2. We need to have the indwelling idea that “God is not interested in money; he’s interested in men.”
   3. “Little is much if God is in it.” There’s no limit to what can be done if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. Only God deserves the credit.
   4. Probably, the greatest thing that Andrew ever did was to bring his brother Peter to Jesus. John 1:41-42 – Andrew never became a great gospel preacher, but every time Peter baptized a soul, I believe Andrew got a little credit.
   5. Salvation Army’s slogan is: “Saved to Serve.”
5. The message is urgent:
   1. Jesus said in John 4:35: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields for they are white already to harvest.”
      1. The world needs the gospel. Every 30 minutes, 5,400 people die unprepared to meet God. 33,000+ serious crimes are committed a day.
   2. What we need is some “Old Fashioned Compassion.”
      1. Matthew 9:36-38 – “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.”
      2. Matthew 14:14 – He healed their hurts (sick).
      3. Yes, Jesus has compassion – Phil. 2:5…
   3. We cannot have compassion like the brother of the prodigal son.
      1. Why did Jesus tell the story of the elder brother? I like stories that end in “they lived happily ever after…,” don’t you?
      2. Ugliest story in the Bible? Luke 15. Jesus ended the way He did because the people of His day didn’t love the lost. They had no compassion and were looking down their noses at Jesus…

the late Wayne Holland

from a sermon preached at:

Hayesville, NC (4/12/1981) – this was the sermon Dad preached when I responded to the gospel

Lafayette, LA (4/22/1981)

Leesville, LA (3/27/1983)

Florence, SC (4/10/1983)

El Dorado Springs, MO (8/14/1983)

Gainesville, GA (12/09/1984)

Blairsville, GA (11/30/1986)

Roxboro, NC (8/30/1987)

Reidsville, NC (4/28/1991)

South Boston, VA (05/05/1991)

Roxboro, NC (05/21/2000)