WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Introduction:
A. John 6:57-69
	1. You know me well enough by now to be sure of two things:
		a. I believe the word of God to be true and the only source of authority in religion.
		b. I teach only what is written in the Bible.
	2. There are a few other things I would like you to know as well.
		a. I teach because I love people and their souls; would say nothing to deliberately
 		    offend another.
		b. In my efforts to preach the word of God as it is written so that souls might go to
 		    heaven, some become offended.
	3. John 6:60-61, 66-69
		a. Pain of the truth causes some people to obey the Lord; it causes others to turn
 		    from him in anger.
		b. Some are angered by the words of Jesus, but can they find salvation
		    elsewhere?
B. I am a servant of Jesus Christ preaching for the Tomlinson Run Church of Christ.
	1. Why in the Church of Christ? HARD QUESTI0N, but we can handle it.
	2. Matthew 16:16-18 - He would build his Church.
		a. How many?
	3. 1Cor. 14:33 - “God is not the author of confusion.”
		a. Is religious division confusing?
	4. 1Cor. 1:10
		a. Does God like division?
	5. Eph. 4:4, 1:22-23; Col. 1:18
		a. How many churches is Christ the head of?
C. Taught me that there is one that is pleasing to God.
	1. Since the Bible taught me that, I let it teach me which one.
D. WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

I. JESUS CHRIST IS ITS FOUNDATION
	A. Isaiah 28:16
		1. Matt. 16:18 - Christ is that rock.
	B. It is not built on anything else.
		1. 1Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20.
	C. Jesus is not the founder of any earthly organization created and led by men.

II. JESUS CHRIST GAVE US ITS CREED
	A. ’Credo’ - ”I believe.”
		  1. A creed is what a church believes.
		  2. Matt. 17:5 - “Hear ye him.” Excluded Moses, Elijah, and any other man
	B. Heb. 1:1-2, 13:8 - perfect creed; doesn’t need changed.
		  1. Only acceptable creed!
		  2. 2John 9-11; Romans 16:17; Prov. 6:19
	C. If a creed has more than the Bible, it has too much; If it has less, it doesn’t have
	     enough.



III. JESUS CHRIST IS ITS HEAD
	A. Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18.
	B. Has only one head and we are all subject to it; no man can command us in anything
	    other than what Christ has authorized - Col. 3:17.
	C. Christ died for it – Eph. 5:25,
		1. Paid for it with his blood – Acts 20:28
		2. He has all authority over it – Col. 1:18,
		3. His doctrine must be taught in it – 2John 9,
		4. He is the foundation – 1Cor 3:11…
		5. Whose name should it wear?!

IV. JESUS CHRIST GAVE IT HIS NAME
	A. Isaiah 65:15, 56:5; Amos 9:11-12.
		1. Names are important to God.
		2. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, etc.
		3. Prov. 22:1
	B. A Good Name – Acts 11:26, 26:28; 1Peter 4:16; Acts 4:12
		1. A bride wears her husband’s name.
		2. Eph. 5:23 -The church is the bride of Christ.
	C. 1Cor. 1:12-13 – It is sinful to wear any other name than what we have been baptized
	     into. Into whom are we baptized?
		1. How does this differ significantly from “I am a Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist…?”
	D. If it is Christ’s Church, then whose name should be on it?
		1. Some wear his name, but don’t use his doctrine.

V. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST PRACTICES GOD’S WORD ON BAPTISM
	A. Matt. 28:18-20 - Christ demanded it.
	B. Mark 16:16 - Christ said it saves.
	C. Acts 2:38 - It is in the name of Christ; removes sin.
	D. Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-12 - it is a burial or immersion.
	E. Acts 22:16 - It is what washes away sin.

VI. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST PRACTICES TRUTH ON THE LORD’S SUPPER
	A. Purpose - 1Cor. 11:23-29.
	B. Day - Acts 20:7
	C. Frequency - 1Cor. 16:1-2

VII. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS UNITED BY TRUTH
	A. John 17:20-21 - God’s basis for unity
	B. Eph. 4:1-6; 1Cor. 1:10
		1. How are we united? By speaking the same thing.
	C. John 12:48-49; James 1:25; 1John 5:13, 19-20; Matt. 11:25; Gal. 1:6-10
		1. United by truth, not in diversity.

VIII. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS NOT A DENOMINATION OF MEN
	A. Matthew 15:13, 7:21-23; John 6:67-69
		1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and I want to belong to His
		    Church!  Don’t you?
SCRIPTURAL ELDERS:  THE NEED FOR ELDERS

Introduction (Lesson One):
	A. Rules for this study:
		1. What do I expect of you?
			a. To listen with open minds and open Bibles.
			b. To search the scriptures at home between lessons.
			c. To obey what God says and to do the right thing.
		2. What can you expect of me?
			a. To preach all relevant NT doctrine on this matter.
			b. To preach only NT doctrine on this matter.
	B. Four Lessons:
		1. The Need for Elders
		2. The Work of Elders
		3. The Authority of Elders
		4. The Qualifications of Elders

I. THE NEED FOR ELDERS IS SEEN IN THE DUTIES THEY PERFORM
	A. Feeding the flock - Acts 20:28 
		1. To feed - "poimen" - to pasture or shepherd a flock
		2. To tend - 1Peter 5:2
	B. Guarding the flock - Acts 20:29-30
		1. Watching for false teachers from without and false brethren from within
		2. Watching for straying souls - Heb. 13:17
	C. Rule well - Lead carefully - 1Tim. 5:17
		1. Diligently with earnestness and zeal - Rom. 12:8
		2. Not with enforced inaction but by being pro-active

II. THE NEED FOR ELDERS IS SEEN IN THE COMMAND TO HAVE THEM
	A. Command - Titus 1:5
	B. Example - Acts 14:21-23
	C. Divine implication - 1Tim. 3:1-7

III. THE NEED IS SEEN IN THE DANGERS OF THE ALTERNATIVE
	A. Voting doctrinal matters is unscriptural.
 		1. The church is a monarchy (rule of one), not a democracy (rule of many).
		2. Jesus Christ has all authority - Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:18
	B. Our responsibility as his subjects
		1. To accept his authority - Col. 3:17
		2. To obey him in all things - 2Cor. 5:10
	C. In the local Church, Christ has given some authority to the elders 
		1. To oversee the congregation - 1Peter 5:2
		2. But not to act as lords - 1Peter 5:3
		3. Congregation's duty to the elders is to obey and submit to them - Heb. 13:7, 17
	D. It is dangerous to bring the world into the church.
		1. Some Christians think of New Testament church government as a democracy.
		2. Note this comment by R. L. Whiteside: "Our thoughts and actions in business and politics influence our thoughts and actions in religious matters. The reason for this is plain. In every relationship in life, our thoughts and actions form and shape our character; and this character, in turn, manifests itself no matter where we are or what we are doing. The spirit of democracy, which has grown more or less luxuriantly on American sail for so long, has spread over the world as a result of the wars. Democracy, the rule of the people, is the cry. Wilson's plea to make the world safe for democracy spread like wild-fire. Monarchies fell, kings took a hasty departure, and thrones crumbled. Democracy was in the air, and the people everywhere became infected. It became a habit of thought to such an extent that it found its way into some churches of Christ, and majority rule became the order of procedure. In these churches, any man would, if he could muster up a majority vote, run rough-shod over God's overseers or even depose the elders and appoint others. It is the spirit of the world over-riding the Spirit of God" (Doctrinal Discourses, 82, 85).
	E. The dangers of deciding any church matter by majority vote are many:
		1. It makes the church subject to unqualified men 
		2. It fails to distinguish experience and inexperience among members.
		3. It encourages preachers to cater to the wishes of the majority.
			a. Foy E. Wallace Jr. wrote, "Almost any preacher who is a good mixer can put it
			    over with women, young people and generally indifferent members whose
			    interest has been revived to 'take sides."' ("Majority Rule and Matters of Faith")
			b. The Lord does not want men-pleasers as a preachers or elders -
			    Gal. 1:10; John 10:11-15
		4. It provides occasion for politics and electioneering, resulting in division.
		5. It breeds anarchy and bitterness in the church.
	F. "But what if we don't have qualified men!?"
		1. Get them. The churches in the New Testament ordained elders within a few years of
		    their beginning as churches.
		2. Reasons why some churches do not have elders or find it difficult to appoint more.
			a. Some people do not want to be in subjection to elders.
			b. Some hobbyists elevate the qualifications above Divine intent.
			c. Qualified men are too lazy or fearful to take up the task.

Conclusion:
	A. The only scripturally organized churches are churches with elders and deacons. We will do
	     New Testament things for NT reasons in NT ways.

SCRIPTURAL ELDERS:  THE WORK OF ELDERS

Introduction (Lesson Two):
	A. What do elders do and what vital roles they are uniquely qualified to fill?

I. SCRIPTURAL NAMES
	A. Elder - presbuterion: elder, one who is older 
		1. Primary meaning is age (relative). 
		2. Term means an older person in the church without regard to an office or any work.
		    Speaks to one’s years and experience in Christ.
		3. One can be an elder (older person), and not necessarily hold the office of elder in the 			    local church.
		4. 1Peter 5:1-4
	B. Bishop - episcopos: overseer, man charged with duty of seeing that things to be done by
	     others are done correctly. 
		1. Synonym: a guardian, superintendent, or any curator
		2. Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1Peter 2:25
		3. "Bishop" means overseer or one who looks after the affairs of others.
	C. Pastor - poiman: to keep sheep - Luke 17:7
		1. To feed - John 21:16; Acts 20:28; 1Cor. 9:7; Jude 12 
		2. To rule, to govern - Rev. 2:27, 12:5, 14:15
		3. To shepherd - Matt 9:36, 25:32, 26:31; John 10:2, 12 
		4. To pastor - Eph. 4:11; 1Peter 2:25 
	D. Fundamental meaning is that of supervision and feeding. 
		1. "Shepherd" is commonly one who feeds, tends, and guards the spiritual interests of
		    Christians in a given location.
		2. The work of an overseer: he who tends the flock must know who they are; he must
		    lead the sheep. He must watch and take the oversight and responsibility.
		4. "Pastor" has the same scriptural meaning as “shepherd.”

II. THE DUTIES OF ELDERS
	A. Take heed to themselves - Acts 20:28
	B. To be guided by the word of God - Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9
	C. Be examples to the flock - 1Peter 5:3
	D. Take the oversight - 1Peter 5:2
	E. Take heed to the flock - Acts 20:28
	F. Rule well - 1Tim. 5:17
	G. Feed the flock - Acts 20:28; 1Peter 5:1-2
	H. Watch for grievous wolves - Acts 20:29-30
	I.  Stop the mouths of vain talkers - Titus 1:11
	J. Settle differences in the church - Acts 15:6
	K. Admonish the church - 1Thes. 5:12
	L. Support the weak - Acts 20:35
	M. Pray for the sick and administer to their needs - James 5:14
	N. Establish churches where needed and to help with such work - Acts 16:4-5
	O. Watch for the souls of the church - Heb. 13:17; Ez. 3:16-21

III. DUTIES OF THE CHURCH TOWARD THE ELDERS
	A. Know the elders - 1Thes. 5:12
	B. Esteem the elders highly in love - 1Thes. 5:13
	C. Be submissive to the elders - Heb. 13:17
	D. Be at peace among yourselves - 1Thes. 5:13
	E. Obey the elders - Heb. 13:17
	F. Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father - 1Tim. 5:1
	G. Receive not an accusation against an elder except in the mouth of two or three witnesses -
	     1Tim. 5:19
	H. Remember and imitate the elders - Heb. 13:7
	I.  Count the elders worthy of double honor - 1Tim. 5:17-18
	J. Call the elders when in need - James 5:14

Conclusion:
	A. No wonder Paul told Timothy "If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work,"
	     for it is work indeed (1Tim. 3:1).

SCRIPTURAL ELDERS:  THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS

Introduction (Lesson Three):
	A. All things presented in these lessons will be based on what is written, and will not include the
	     opinions and traditions that please men.
		1. If you do not agree with what is preached in these lessons, you would be my friend if
		    you spoke with me instead of someone else about it.
		2. However, I will insist on two things in advance:
			a. You must prove your point from the word.
			b. You do not become angry and leave without discussing it.
	B. What do the scriptures say about the authority of elders?

I. SOURCE OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ELDERS
	A. Is it from themselves? Are elders the final authority, answerable to no one?
		1. Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18
		2. They are answerable to Christ.
		3. The only being not subject to Christ is the Father - 1Cor. 15:27-28
	B. Is it from the congregation? Is the local church a democracy? 
		1. "A form of government in which political power resides in all the people and is
		    exercised by them directly or is given to elected representatives"
		    (Funk & Wagnall, vol. 1, p 169).
		2. "The members chose the elders; the members can take them out if they don't like the
		    elders’ decisions." WRONG!
	C. Is it from the preacher? Must the elders consult with the preacher for his approval on all
	     decisions made? NO!
		1. Timothy and Titus were told to appoint elders in every church.
		2. Does this make the elders subject to the preacher? "Evangelical oversight"?
		3. Preacher is to preach and teach, even to the elders.
		4. But elders are to have the oversight and are to rule well; therefore the preacher is
		    subject to them.
	D. Is it from Christ? Does the eldership derive its authority from the Head?
		1. Christ has all authority in the church. If authority is given, it must be from him. 
		2. Authority of elders is the authority of Christ. Rebellion against scriptural elders is
		    rebellion against Christ. Rejection of God's leaders brings one under condemnation. 

II. NATURE OF THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS
	A. It is not one man rule. It is an Eldership.
		1. Decisions to be made must be made by the whole.
		2. Every New Testament example has a plurality of elders.
			a. How many? More than one.
 	B. Two areas in which authority is administered.
		1. Divine rule - the making of laws.
		2. Human judgment - deciding how to act in agreement in practice of established law.
	C. Do elders function in both areas?
		1. Elders cannot make any laws for the church. The making of laws belongs exclusively
		    to Christ - James 4:12, 1:25.
		2. Can the elders make new laws for church work, discipline, or its organization? NO!  
			a. The elders guide the flock by helping the members to keep law already
			    given by Christ, not by making new laws.
		3. In matters of human judgment and decisions concerning the church and its course of
		    action, elders are to exercise authority in the local church.
			a. Individual members submit their personal judgments on collective matters to
			    the oversight of the elders. 
		4. Examples: 
			a. Meeting times for worship - Can not change the day authorized by God, but
			    can appoint best time of day. Time of day is not specified by God, but elders
			    are authorized to choose the best time of day to suit needs of the local church.
			b. Who will preach? Cannot choose an unsound preacher, but the specific choice
 			    of which man is made by the elders.
			c. Who will teach Bible classes?
			d. What Bible lessons will be studied?
			e. When and who to have for a gospel meeting?
		5. Members may disagree with the judgment calls, but there should be no murmuring
		    unless the elders clearly violate the scriptures.
			a. If a member disagrees, it is likely that he is mistaken, because as a member
			    and not an elder, he is not qualified to make those calls.
			b. If elders are unreasonable or unapproachable, then they were improperly
			    ordained; they aren't qualified. However, one must follow the NT pattern in
			    correcting them - 1Tim. 5:1, 19.
	D. Some misconceptions about the authority of elders:
		1. "An elder can rule by example only."
			a. 1Peter 5:3 - "being ensamples to the flock"
			b. False - Heb. 13:7 - "egoumenon" (the ones having the rule) has to do with
			    following the words and faith spoken by those who have a rule. Obviously this
			    extends beyond just example.
		2. "Elders have no authority outside of the church assemblies." 
			a. False - Elders must "watch in behalf of your souls" - Heb. 13:17. 								b. Otherwise sins such as adultery, lying, drunkenness, hatred, etc., couldn't be
			    disciplined unless committed in the assembly.


III. THE SCOPE OF THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS
	A. Members of a local church must submit to the eldership in order to obey God.
		1. Heb. 13:17; 1Tim. 5:17
	B. However, the eldership must rule according to truth.
		1. Titus 1:9; Heb. 13:7	
	C. Authority demands responsibility. What are the elders' responsibilities?
		1. Arranging orderly worship and all essentials to it.
		2. Directing the teaching program: classes, teachers, material, etc.
			a. Could the church support a man preaching in another locality? If yes, then the
			    supporting church has the obligation to monitor the work done by this man -
			    Phil. 4:16-17.
		3. Initiating discipline. They "watch in behalf of your souls" - Heb. 13:17.
		4. Directing deacons in the work of benevolence for sick and needy saints.
	D. The limit of elders’ authority:
		1. "Tend the flock of God which is among you" - 1Peter 5:2.
			a. Note: The autonomy of the local church must be respected. 
		 	b. "Autonomy"- right of self-government; a self governing state; an
			    independent body.
		2. No local eldership has the right to oversee or rule over the affairs of any other local
		    church under any circumstances.

Conclusion:
	A. There is wisdom in doing this God's way. There will always be strife and failure 
	     if we attempt to alter it. Let us simply say amen to God's plan for the church
	     and fully comply without wavering or murmuring.

SCRIPTURAL ELDERS:  QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

Introduction (Lesson Four):
	A. To become an elder in the Lord's Church, one must be selected by the Holy Spirit - Acts 20:28.
		1. The Holy Spirit gave qualifications - 1Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
		2. To ordain men according to these qualifications is the equivalent of having them
		    appointed by the Holy Spirit.  
	B. 23 qualities are needed by a man who would help lead a local congregation as an elder.
		1. The need for elders does not authorize churches to dismiss or reduce any of these
		    qualifications.
		2. We must not permit self-will, stubbornness, jealousy, ignorance, or animosity to make
		    them stricter than God stated them.
	C. Eighteen are qualities every Christian man should have.
		1. Only five of those listed are required only for elders.
		2. While all Christian men should have these eighteen qualities, elders should have them
		    to the extent that they are examples for others.

EIGHTEEN QUALITIES NEEDED BY ALL CHRISTIAN MEN:

I. WITHOUT REPROACH (Blameless - KJV)
	A. To live in a way that charges of wrong doing are not believable and cannot be proven.
	B. The Holy Spirit does not require that an elder must be above sin, but that he correct his sins as
 	     God instructs.

II. TEMPERATE (Vigilant - KJV; self-controlled - ASV)
	A. Watchful over self by restraining his appetites & passions; uses moderation.
	B. He has the power to control himself in the use of what is lawful.

III. SOBER-MINDED (Prudent - NASB)
	A. Calm, even tempered, cautious, circumspect, wise; sees all sides of an issue before acting;
	    uses good sense in all judgments.
	B. He is stable enough mentally and emotionally to make sound decisions.

IV. ORDERLY (Of good behavior - KJV; Respectable - NASB)
	A. His conduct in business, at home, at recreation, in dress, and in manners demonstrates
	     modesty and propriety.

V. HOSPITABLE (Philoxenia - "one who loves strangers")
	A. Cordially receives guests in order to supply their needs. Devoted to hospitality and derives
	     pleasure from it.

VI. NO BRAWLER (NASB - not addicted to wine; KJV - not given to wine)
	A. One whose reputation and mind are both free from all influences of evil and intoxication, or any
	     other thing destructive to objectivity and influence.
		1. This would include social drinking, drinking in the privacy of one’s home, any abuse of
		    drugs, and the use of tobacco.

VII. NO STRIKER (Not pugnacious - NASB)
	A. One who is not quarrelsome, who is not inclined to lash out at opposition.
		1. Even tempered, not easily excited, angered, or provoked.

VIII. GENTLE (KJV - Patient)
	A. Epieikes - "Seemly, fitting, equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing."
	B. Patient and humble with those in weakness or distress, not inconsiderate, bitter or
  	     disagreeable with those in a poor station.

IX. NOT CONTENTIOUS (Adverse to fighting)
	A. Not a nit-picker or domineering, nor one who likes to have feuds going all of the time, locally or
 	     in the brotherhood.

X. NO LOVER OF MONEY (KJV - not covetous)
	A. Grounds for discipline in 1Cor. 5; one who loves money has the potential to be bribed or
	     influenced by material concerns.
	B. Titus 1:7 - forbids one who obtains money in an unlawful manner.

XI. ONE THAT RULETH WELL HIS OWN HOUSE, HAVING HIS CHILDREN IN SUBJECTION WITH 
      ALL GRAVITY (NASB - HE must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children 
      under control with all dignity)
	A. This describes his leadership ability.
	B. His role as husband & father is a basis for judging him capable of leading a local congregation.
	C. In a well-ruled household, all recognize and fill their roles according to the NT blueprint.
		1. A man with a domineering wife is not elder material.
		2. A man with unruly children is not elder material.
		3. He is only responsible for his own household, not another's.

XII. GOOD TESTIMONY FROM THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT (NASB - he must have a good reputation 
       with those outside the church)
	A. He must be known to be a moral and honest man.
	B. A local church can only accomplish good with a good reputation; the church's reputation and
	     influence often depends on the elders' good names.

XIII. NOT SELF-WILLED
	A. Cannot be stubborn, headstrong, or self-pleasing, and expect to get along with others in the
	     local church.
	B. Must make decisions based on what is good for all concerned, not on what he personally likes
	     or wants - 1Peter 5:2-3.

XIV. NOT SOON ANGRY (Not quick tempered - NASB)
	A. Doesn’t allow difficulty to impact his composure; even tempered & at peace when under stress.

XV. LOVER OF GOOD (Loving what is good - NASB)
	A. He doesn’t do well from a sense of duty, but loves goodness for its own sake.
	B. Imparts this love for goodness to others by example.

XVI. JUST
	A. Fair, impartial, without prejudice.
	B. This quality is crucial in matters of discipline.

XVII. HOLY (Devout - NASB)
	A. One who religiously observes every obligation to God and man; spiritually minded. Continues
	     to pray and study all of his life.

XVIII. HOLDING FAST TO THE, FAITHFUL WORD
	A. Must adhere to sound doctrine in order to:
          		1. Keep himself right - Acts 20:28.
          		2. Teach others to be right - Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17.

FIVE QUALITIES REQUIRED IN ALL ELDERS
Introduction:
	A. These five qualifications are required of all elders, but not necessarily of all Christian men.
	B. I believe all Christian men should work toward being elders, but not all will succeed because of these five qualities. These five are the most controversial of the qualifications, over which brethren have divided for many years. The division occurs, not because God has been unclear on these matters, but because men have tried to either bind or loose more that what has been bound and loosed in heaven.
	C. I am aware that there are some restrictive traditions held by a few here at TR with regard to the qualifications of elders. I will present the NT teaching on each matter; it is up to you to accept it. It may well be that contention over these things will arise so sharply that it threatens division. We will not allow it to get to that point. Instead, we will follow the NT teaching with regard to the strong bearing with the scruples of the weak, and not force men upon you as elders to whom you object because of your conscience. However, be it known that if we do not ordain a man or men in order to avoid division over these qualifications, it will not be for a scriptural reason, but due to traditions strongly held by those who are weak in understanding - Romans 15:1-2.
	D. At the same time, I pray that those who are the focus of objections made by brethren who are weak in understanding will demonstrate great strength and forbearance of character and be patient with them until such time as they grow.

XIX. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE
	A. Must be:
		1. A man
		2. Married
		3. Lawfully
	B. Both restrictive and positive:
		1. Prohibits more than one wife,
		2. Demands one wife.
	C. Demonstrates:
		1. That he can communicate with women,
		2. That he can treat them with respect, recognizing their role & value to the Lord.
		3. That he can understand and empathize with those who are married.
	D. Controversies:
		1. Widowed man who remarries? 
			a. If it is a lawful marriage, he is truly the husband of one wife. 
		2. Divorced man who has remarried? 
			a. While he may be lawfully remarried, his history demonstrates that he does not
			    have the qualification of one who rules well his own house. 
			b. The appointment of such a man would become the focal point of dissention.

XX. NOT A NOVICE (Not a new convert - NASB)
	A. He will need to draw heavily on the experience, wisdom and knowledge that years as a
	     Christian will bring.
	B. The length of time depends on the individual.
		1. Paul told Timothy & Titus to ordain elders in churches in existence for just a few years.
	C. Controversies:
		1. How old must a man be? 
			a. This qualification speaks of experience as a Christian, not chronological age.
			b. Age is implied in the name “elder.”

XXI. APT TO TEACH (Able to teach - NASB)
	A. Must have:
		1. Comprehensive knowledge of God's will.
		2. The ability to impart that knowledge to others.
	B. Controversies: 
		1. It is easy to be stricter than God in this qualification.
		2. Teaching abilities vary; one can teach publicly; others are skilled at “one on one”
		    studies. Working together they will complement one another.
		3. He doesn't have to be an Apollos in the pulpit, just able to teach.
		4. This qualification does not refer to eloquence or speaking talents.

XXII. DESIRES THE OFFICE OF A BISHOP
	A. Wants to do the work, for it is work!
		1. Often men who love power or control are drawn to this office.
		2. The qualification process will sort out this kind; and if not, the difficulty of the work will
		    press him out.
	B. A man who does not desire the office should not be imposed upon to lead the congregation.
		1. The church will be better off without a reluctant leader.
		2. However, what of the condition of a man who meets the other requirements, but is
		    unwilling to serve?
		3. Rom. 12:6-8; 1Cor. 12:28-31; Eph. 4:11-12; Matt. 25:14-30
		4. Can one refuse the Lord with impunity?

XXIII. HAVING CHILDREN THAT BELIEVE; NOT ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY 
          (Having faithful children, not accused of rebellion)
	A. An elder must be a man who has demonstrated his ability to lead and teach.
	B. "Believing children" is the qualification that gives Christians more difficulty than the remaining
	     22 qualifications.
		1. It has been said that TR will not accept a man as an elder who has only one believing child. I am inclined to accept that statement as true, because TR’s tradition is to accommodate the consciences of those who are weak in their understanding of difficult texts. Therefore, neither I nor anyone else here will force the issue at this time. However, two things will not change as a result of tolerating this extra restriction: 1) I will still preach it the way it is written, and will not change what is written for the conscience of anyone, including myself. 2) Simply because the church will not press the point, this will not change the fact that limiting “children” to a plurality is a scruple of conscience and not doctrine. It is not a sin to hold and practice a scruple of conscience, and it is right and good to accommodate those who do, which is what we will do in this matter. However, it is a sin to bind a scruple of conscience as a test of fellowship, or to teach it as if it were revealed doctrine. One who does so becomes a prospect for discipline and should be marked. 
		2. Rom. 14:1 – 15:7, 16:17-18; 1Cor. 8:4-13; Gal. 2:3-5
		3. "Believing or faithful" - obviously means that they are Christians.
		4. "Not accused of riot, unruliness or rebellion" is self-evident 
	C. The question of the number of children often arises: "’Children’ is plural, so he must have more
 	     than one."
		1. The Bible is self-consistent. One must give a reason from the text or context for
		    interpreting the same word two different ways.
		2. Assume that when a command specifies children that it only applies when one has
		    more than one child.
		3. Gen. 21:7; Matt. 22:24; Acts 2:38-39; 1Tim. 5:4, 10, 16; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21
		4. He cannot have it both ways.
	D. "It takes more than one child because he cannot get enough experience with only one child."
		1. The object is to demonstrate his ability to guide a home, not to show how prolific he
		    can be. If more than one child gives one experience, then why did God ask for only
		    one wife? 
			a. If a man with two children is more qualified than a man with one, then a man
			    with ten children is more qualified than a man with two.
		2. The Bible often uses the plural for the singular. 
			a. Gen. 19:29, 21:7, 46:7; Jer. 6:16; Gen. 1:20 

Conclusion:
	A. Titus 1:5; Acts 14:21-23
		1. The time between Paul's first journey and his second was about three years, and so from the time when he first established those local congregations and the time when he told them to ordain elders was also three years. The implication of this approved example is that congregations should not continue on in perpetuity without ordaining elders. Let us take these commands seriously. By the authority of the word of the Lord, I admonish you to heed this command and to do this good work.

Plans and Procedures

Phase One: “Study To Show Yourselves Approved”
	For the next two weeks beginning March 23, 2003, we will have a series of four sermons on the subject of elders: 1) The Need for Elders, 2) The Work of Elders, 3) The Authority of Elders, 4) The Qualifications of Elders. The first three lessons will be approximately 35 to 40 minutes, and the fourth will take as much time as necessary to examine this vital subject. Those who are unable to attend all of these services are encouraged to obtain a copy of the sermon tapes and listen to it. Outlines of all of the lessons are being provided, and all members are encouraged to obtain a copy and to study it at home.

Phase Two: “Look Out Among Yourselves”
	For the next two weeks following the March 30th sermon, members are asked to consider the qualifications of elders and to look within this congregation for men who meet the scriptural requirements of elders. Write the names of these men on paper along with a brief statement of why you believe these men are suited to this office. Sign this paper and submit it to Paul R. Blake. To avoid secret selection and veto, no unsigned recommendations or objections will be considered.

Phase Three: “Let Each One Examine His Own Work”
	The men who were named by the congregation and who meet the qualifications of elders will be asked if they desire the office of an elder, and if they believe they can fulfill all of the responsibilities of that work. They must consider whether or not they would serve as elders if asked.

Phase Four: “Recognize Those Who Labor Among You”
	These names will be placed before the congregation for a brief period of time to allow all members to consider whether or not there is a Biblical objection to their appointment. If there is a scriptural reason why any of these men should not serve, those who have the objection will go with Paul R. Blake to the man against whom they hold the objection and talk to him about it. Only if it is a valid, scriptural objection will he be asked to remove his name from consideration. Personal, secret, or anonymous objections will not be considered.

Phase Five: “Set In Order The Things That Are Lacking And Appoint Elders”
	Those men whose names remain under consideration at this point will be ordained at a Sunday morning worship service, and will serve as elders of the Tomlinson Run Church of Christ along with Carl W. Parsons and Kenneth Berdine, until such time as they are no longer capable of filling that office.THE SCRIPTURAL WORK OF A PREACHER

Introduction:
	A. 1Tim. 4:6, 9-16
	B. Series on preaching.
		1. Things that are not qualifications for preachers.
		2. Scriptural qualifications for preachers.
		3. Things that are not part of the preacher’s work.
		4. Things that are the preacher’s scriptural work.
	C. A call to arms for potential preachers here.
		1. The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few.
		2. It is not hard to get started.
			a. Begin incorporating lesson preparation into your daily Bible studies.
				1) Dad
			b. Begin with extending an invitation and teaching a class.
			c. Stick with it.
				1) TR producing preachers. Used to be one of the works that 					    elders in every congregation would encourage.
	D. What on earth in heaven’s name is a preacher?
		1. Isaiah 6:5-11
	E. He is:
		1. An earthly man answering a heavenly duty.
		2. He is an earthly man proclaiming what heaven has authorized.
		3. He is on earth proclaiming heaven’s will by God’s grace.
	F. Some are unwilling to accept this definition.
		1. Hang titles, roles, and responsibilities on him that God never intended.
		2. Lets examine this question from a negative and then a positive approach.
		3. Let’s expose the error and expound the truth.

Man’s Concept of the Preacher’s Work:

I. THE CHURCH’S “GO-FER”
	A. A gofer to do all of the:
		1. Personal work.
		2. Visit the straying sheep of the congregation.
		3. Drop everything to run church errands.
		4. Maintain the church property.
		5. He is the Lord’s servant, not the church’s errand boy.
	B. I’m not saying that the evangelist does not have any responsibility along these lines
  	     AS A CHRISTIAN, but they are not his job as the preacher. If you think they are his
 	     jobs, where is the NT authority?
		1. Some of these would qualify as the specific work of elders, or deacons, but not
 		    the preacher.
		2. “But if we don’t have elders, shouldn’t the preacher do them?”
		3. No more than he should do the other work of the elders in overseeing the local
 		    congregation - Acts 20:28.
		4. In cases of congregations without elders, ALL members including the preacher
 		    should shoulder the load together.
		5. Occasionally, the preacher has greater opportunity to do these; however, he
		    does so as a member, not as the preacher.
		6. Need to shake loose some of the denominational influence we have absorbed
		    in wanting an official clergy.
		7. Those who want a clergyman, often want someone to do their own work.
	C. Consider Acts 6:2-4; Hosea 4:6.

II. THE CHURCH’ S SOCIAL ORGANIZER
	A. All Christians are to be sociable - 1Cor. 5:10; Heb. 13:1-3.
	B. Often a schedule of continuous social visits invited or not, takes time away from what
	     God has commanded that the evangelist do.
		1. A good evangelist will not hesitate to visit a home for a Bible study or to
		    discuss a spiritual solution to a problem one may have.
		2. Yet to expect him to visit just because he is the preacher is an unscriptural
		    expectation. Shatters illusions, but we walk by the word not by our wants.

IV. THE CHURCH NURSE
	A. Some may choke me for saying this but, the NT does not teach that visiting the sick is
 	     the responsibility of the evangelist.
		1. Visiting the sick is the duty of every Christian.
			a. Matt. 25:34-40; Gal. 6:10
		2. If anyone has a special responsibility to visit the sick it is the elders.
			a. James 5:14
		3. Preachers must visit the sick as Christians, not as clergy.
		4. Preachers should be happy to visit the sick just like any other Christian should,
		    but his prayers have no more special power than that of any other Christian.

V. THE CHURCH YOUTH LEADER	
	A. Some feel the church needs a special program for the young, and that the preacher
  	     needs to head it up.
		1. Tryout requirements: “Good with young people.”
		2. I’ve got the same program for the young that the Lord has....
		3. 1Tim. 5:21; Rom. 1:16; Ecc. 12:1
	B. This program works with the young, old, and in between.
		1. Anything more is the duty of parents.

VI. THE CHURCH OVERSEER
	A. Some preachers want to take charge, and some congregations let them.
		1. Such is the work of Jesus Christ, working through the word and scripturally 
		    ordained elders.
	B. Leads to the pastor system.
		1. The preacher has no more personal authority than any other member.
		2. That is when he speaks his own words; when he speaks as the messenger of
		    God, faithfully declaring the truth, that’s another matter.
	C. If preachers focused on the duties God gives them in the Bible, no time would be left
  	     for these other man made tasks.
	D. The only source of authority for the qualifications and work of an evangelist is the
	     word of God.
		1. Not your personal preferences, or local traditions, or carry-overs from
		    denominations. 
		2. You have no more authority to add to the list of qualifications and works of a
		    preacher than you have for a piano or fellowship hall. So stop doing it.

What Does God Say About the Work of a Preacher?

I. HE IS A STUDENT OF THE WORD
	A. 1Tim. 4:6, 12-16	

II. HE IS AN EVANGELIST
	A. A messenger of good - 2Tim. 4:5; Eph. 4:11.
	B. Put these two terms together and you get a good job description.
		1. A herald of good news - Rom. 10:15.
	C. He is a preacher; He forth-tells - 2Tim. 1:10-11; Rom. 10:13-14; 1Tim. 2:5-7.
	D. He is a prompter - 1Tim. 4:6; 2Tim. 2:2; Titus 3:8, 14

III. HE IS THE LORD’S BOND SERVANT
	A. The term applies to all Christians - 1Cor. 6:20; 7:22-23; Rom. 6:17.
	B. Sometimes specifically applied to those who preach.
		1. Gal. 1:10; Phil 1:1; 2Tim. 2:23-25
	C. As Christ’s slave, he does not have the option of pleasing men or obeying 
	     any other master.
		1. He works for Jesus Christ, not magazines, editors, big name preacher fan
		    clubs, rich, educated, poor, blue collar, conservative, or modernist factions.

IV. HE IS A MINISTER
	A. Servant - all Christians are God’s workmen - Eph. 2:10.
		1. All have a place of service, a ministry, and therefore are ministers.
	B. The area of service for a preacher is the gospel.
		1. Eph. 3:6-8; 1Cor. 3:5-6
		2. Ministers to spiritual things - 1Cor. 9:1
		3. Point of definition that the religious world stumbles.

V. HE IS A MAN OF GOD
	A. 1Tim. 6:11
		1. Used in Old Testament to describe spokesmen of the will of God.
	B. Links Timothy and other evangelists with prophets of old.
		1. God’s man with God’s plan for God’s people.

VI. HE IS COMMISSIONED
	A. Four usages of the term apostle:
		1. Witnesses and representatives of Jesus - Acts 1:21-22.
		2. One who received a personal commission from Christ (Paul) - 1Cor. 15:8-10.
		3. One who was sent out to preach (also the definition of apostle).
			a. Acts 14:4, 14; 13:4; 1Thes. 1:1, 2:6
		4. Anyone sent out - Phil. 2:25; 1Cor. 8:23.
			a. Jesus Christ was called an apostle in Heb. 3:1.
	B. No faithful Bible student would call anyone an apostle in the first two senses.
		1. Wisdom would dictate that a preacher should not use this title in order that 
		    there will be no confusion.
	C. BUT, I have been sent out on business for my King.
		1. As His ambassador, it behooves me to keep my life above reproach to the 
		    best of my ability.

	D. Please note: These are not titles; they are descriptions.
		1. To use them as titles violates Matt. 23:8-12.
		2. (Clipped from the Beaver County Times, August 1995)
		    “Q. Who was the first minister to be addressed as "Reverend"?
		    A. One Thomas Blake.  So titled by his flock on June 11, 1657, according to 
		    records left by his descendants. Of whom there are many, one might add.
		    Numerous Blakes trace back to the original Reverend.”
		3. A preacher is not titled, period. Especially with a name that belongs to
		    God - Psalm 111:9.
	E. Scriptural patterns and examples
		1. Acts 11:19-26, 13:1-3, 15:1-4, 22, 35; 1Cor. 16:10; 1Thes. 3:1-3

Conclusion:
	A. As the Lord’s Church, we will do Bible things in Bible ways and call them by Bible names. We will provide book, chapter, and verse for every aspect of the work, worship, and organization of the church. We will not add to nor diminish ought from what is written. That includes the qualifications and work of an evangelist. To do otherwise would make this congregation unsound.	
“Some Great Thing”

Introduction:
a. 2Kings 5:13 - “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?”
b. Making the simple complex.
a. First two rules of government bureaucracy:
i. To grow by becoming more complex,
ii. And to exist perpetually by making its work come complex.
iii. Have you ever asked a simple question and received a ten minute dissertation on subject?
c. The religions of men make the simple into the complex.
a. Matt. 11:28 - “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
i. Especially when contrasted with the doctrines of men.
b. 2Cor. 11:3 - “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
d. 2Kings 5:1-14
e. In Bible times, leprosy was a mark of shame, a death sentence, and a symbol for sin.

I. A Leper’s Lessons
a. Naaman was a great, honorable man, but he was still a leper.
i. There are many good, honorable, moral persons still in sin.
ii. Without the Gospel, they will not be saved.
1. Rom. 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation...”
2. 2Thes. 1:9 - “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
iii. Without the Church, they will not see God.
1. Eph. 5:23 - “Christ is the head of the church, and he is the savior of the body.”
2. Eph. 2:16 - “That he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross.”
b. Naaman’s anger didn’t change his state.
i. Smashing the bathroom scales will not make one weigh less, not will breaking mirrors make one better looking.
ii. An angry, self-righteous mob stoned Stephen, but that did not end their lost condition (Acts 7:54-60).
iii. Turning away from the truth will not change the truth, nor absolve one of sin.
c. Naaman tried to develop his own plan of salvation.
i. “Behold, I thought...” (2Kings 5:11)
ii. A man’s reasoning will not save him.
1. Jer. 10:23 - “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
2. Prov. 14:12 - “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
iii. He must walk by faith, not opinion.
1. 2Cor. 5:7 - “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2. Rom. 10:17 - “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
d. Naaman expected his leprosy to be prayed away; the work of his salvation done by another - 2Kings 5:11.
i. “But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.”
ii. God had already given His plan of healing for Naaman.
1. He has already given His plan of salvation for us.
2. Heb. 11:6;  Acts 2:38;  Mark 16:16 (quote all)
iii. To pray for salvation apart from God’s commands is an abomination.
1. Prov. 28:9 - “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
e. Naaman thought his own religious substitutes would heal him.
i. 2Kings 5:12 - “Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.”
f. God has never tolerated substitutions.
i. Cain, Nadab & Abihu? 
ii. Deut. 4:2;  Prov. 30:6;  Rev. 22:18-19 (quote)
iii. What could possibly make one think God will accept substitutions today

II. A Leper’s Lessons
a. Naaman was a great, honorable man, but he was still a leper.
b. Naaman’s anger with God’s plan didn’t change his condition.
c. Naaman wasn’t allowed to create his own plan of healing.
d. Naaman’s own religious substitutes couldn’t heal him.
e. God has never tolerated substitutions.
f. Naaman had to learn these lessons before he could be healed of leprosy.
g. One must learn these lessons before he can be made free from his sins.

III. Righteous Reasoning
a. 2Kings 5:13 - “And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”
b. The religious world dismisses the simple instructions of God in order to follow the complex rituals of men.
i. 1Kings 18:17-29 - priests of Baal (read)
1. Consider the suffering they put themselves through.
ii. Matt. 6:1-7,16-18;  Luke 18:9-14 – Pharisees (read)
1. Sinners often make good comparisons between Pharisees and some professed Christians.
2. Great public worship; lousy daily example
3. Quick to spread a public feast; slow to give a cup of cold water in private.
4. Outwardly act as if butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths; inwardly are like the Pharisees, sepulchers filled with malice, manipulation, envy, scheming, speculation, and gossip.
iii. Col. 2:16-23 - first century denominations (read)
1. Many in the world would rather pass up the simple instructions in Christ in order to follow the complex doctrines of men.

IV. Simplicity of Salvation
a. Salvation through complex liturgies and rituals, an agonizing ordeal of begging, praying, pleading, and weeping, a vague formula that changes with fashion?
b. Or simplicity in Christ: scriptural salvation by faith that moves one to believe, repent, confess and be baptized?

V. Personal Prayer
a. A system of select intercessors?
b. Or directly addressing God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest?
i. Matt. 6:9 - “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
ii. John 14:13-14 - “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

VI. A Bounty of Bibles
a. Trying to learn a difficult, contradictory human creed outlined by self-appointed religious leaders? - Matt. 15:8-9
i. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
b. Or following the revealed, readily available word of God? - Matt. 11:25
i. “Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
ii. 1Tim. 4:13;  2Tim. 1:13, 2:15, 3:15 (quote)

VII. Accessible Afterlife
a. A Purgatory in which to burn off sins on the way to the next place?
b. Or as the Lord taught:  the righteous go to bliss and the unrepentant go to torments to await Judgment?
i. Luke 16:19-31 – (read)

VIII. Effectual Expectations
a. The impotence of human pomp and ostentation in religion?
b. Or the profound power of God’s way?
i. Isa. 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
ii. 1Cor. 1:25 - “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Conclusion:
Has God asked you to do some great, complex thing?
Or just yield to the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

THE CHRISTIAN AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT
Romans 13:1-7
Introduction:
	A. There are extremes taught on this subject:
        		1. That compliance with civil law is equal to disobedience to God's law.
				a. Barton Stone primitivism – Christians do not vote, run for office,
			    	   participate in the military, etc.
				b. Government is inherently evil.
        		2. That civil law can be disobeyed, not because it is in conflict with God's
 			    word, but because the religious person just doesn't like it... civil
			    disobedience.
			a. Revolutionary War; Civil War
        		3. That civil law must be obeyed at all times even if it is in conflict with
 			    God's word.
			a. Position of a moral coward.
    	B. Definition: "That authoritative direction and restraint exercised over the actions
 	     of persons in communities and countries, societies and states."
    	C. Civil government is spoken of in the NT as:
        		1. Caesar - Matt. 22:21
        		2. Kings of the earth - Matt. 17:25
        		3. Governors - 1Peter 2:14
        		4. Principalities, powers, magistrates - Titus 3:1
        		5. Higher powers and rulers - Rom. 13:1-3
        		6. Ministers of God - Rom. 13:4, 6
        		7. Servants of God - Isa. 45:1-2
    	D. Two questions:
        		1. How should Christians view the government?
        		2. What are a Christian's responsibilities toward government?

I. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS VIEW GOVERNMENT?
    	A. As ordained of God - Rom. 13:1.
    	B. Jesus respected civil rule and taught his disciples the same.
        		1. Paid his taxes, even though they were unjust - Matt. 17:24-27
        		2. Taught that some things belonged to Caesar - Matt. 22:21
			a. After all, they benefited from empire protection.
    	C. The apostles taught on respect for government - Rom. 13:1-7.
        		1. Government is ordained of God - vs. 1.
            		a. Government, not specific rulers
        		2. Those who resist government resist God - vs. 2
        		3. Rulers are not a terror to good works, but evil - vs. 3
        		4. Rulers serve God for the good of citizens - vs. 4
        		5. Subjection, not just to avoid wrath, but also for conscience sake - vs. 5
        		6. Pay taxes - vs. 6
        		7. Render to them what is their due...
            		a. Taxes - what they do after they get it is their responsibility.
            		b. Customs - whatever is appropriate tribute.                     
            		c. Fear - not unhealthy to be a little nervous around power.                   
            		d. Honor - the man in office may not be respectable, but the office
			    must be respected.
    	D. Remember that when Paul wrote this.....
        		a. The Caesars were reigning in Rome; corrupt - Caligula; evil - emperor
 			    worship... called the "beast" in Revelation.
           
II. WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARD GOVERNMENT?
    	A. Submission and obedience - Titus 3:1
        		1. 1Peter 2:13-14
    	B. Recognize that government is God's servant.
        		1. Can we resist an ordinance of government that does not conflict with
 			    God's law? Well, can we resist a law of God?
        		2. Rom.13:2; 1Peter 2:15
    	C. Look to them for fairness and protection that belongs to citizens.
        		1. Acts 16:35-39, 22:25-29, 25:11-12, 24-27
        		2. We can expect and use the rights given us as citizens, as long as God
 			    permits those rights in His word.
            		a. Divorce, abortion, homosexuality.
            		b. We can appeal for honesty and fairness just like Paul.
    	D. Pray for them - 1Tim. 2:1-2; they need it!
        		1. Homosexuals in military, unrestricted abortion
    	E. Respect the office of civil authority - Acts 23:1-5; 26:1-3.
    	F. Put to silence those who class Christians as fanatics and troublemakers, by
 	    obeying the law when it does not conflict with truth.
        		1. 1Peter 2:15
        		2. Law flaunting Christians have no influence. Christians obey the law the
 			    way it is written; even speed limits.
    	G. Must put God's law above man's law when they disagree.
        		1. Acts 5:28-29; Rev. 13:15

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S DUTY TOWARD CITIZENS?

I. WHAT WOULD THE BIBLE SAY TO THE GOVERNOR?
        	A. Proverbs 17:13, 24:19-20,24-25, 28:4-5,9-10,16,28, 29:2,4,7,10,12,16
        		1. But I am not preaching to Ed Rendell.
    		2. What does the Bible say to you and me regarding our relationship to
		    him and his administration?

II. WE CAN BE CERTAIN THAT GOD KNOWS ED RENDELL WAS ELECTED
    	A. If God absolutely did not want him in office, he would still be a mayor.
        		1. We say, "God's will be done in all things."
        		2. Daniel 4:24-25, 34-35, 5:18-28; Hab. 2:20
    	B. If God cannot use a wicked ruler to serve His own divine purposes, then He is
	     not God.
        		1. We say, "God will be glorified in all things."
        		2. Ex. 9:16; Gen. 50:20; Isa. 1:10-28; 1Sam. 8:5-18

III. WE CAN BE CERTAIN THAT WHATEVER THE FUTURE OF AMERICA MAY BE,   
    IT WON'T BE ANYTHING THAT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED ELSEWHERE.
    	A. Ecc. 1:9; Prov. 14:24; Num. 35:30-34; Lev. 20:6-10, 13, 22-24; Isa. 3:1-17

Questions:
    	A. Could you serve God in a land ruled by:
        		1. A woman?  Margaret Thatcher, Esther, Deborah.
        		2. A foreigner?  Daniel.
        		3. A different race?  Joseph.
        		4. A wicked leader?  Jeremiah.
    	B. You can be a Christian and serve God under any leader, including a leader
	     that despises your faith.
        		1. Communism was no worse than the Romans.
        		2. Do your duty for three score and ten, and live for eternity.
Lessons:
    	A. God ordained that there be government to protect the innocent and punish the
 	     evildoers that order might prevail.
        		1. We must follow the Bible's instructions regarding our relationship with
 			    government regardless of whom or what kind of rule we may be under.
        		2. We can be faithful Christians no matter who is in charge.
    		3. Both in the Bible, and in secular history, when an nation forgot God,
		    rewarded criminals, and oppressed righteous people, THAT NATION
		    CAME DOWN... HARD!
	B. “Remind them to be subject to rulers…” Titus 3:1
THE CROSS IN HEBREWS

Introduction:
	A. The Hebrew gospel -- it reveals much that the other four did not.
		1. Internal vs. external view; spiritual vs. temporal view.
		2. Need to see Jesus in a different light.
			a. See Him as the victim – Heb. 2:9
			b. See Him as the victor – 3:1
			c. See Him personally – 4:14-15
		3. Will help us develop faith by means of a steady view of the cross.
	B. An important aspect of Christ dealt with in Hebrews.
		1. Crucifixion - mentioned 27 times; more on the shed blood that saves.
		2. Hebrews forms an unbreakable bond between the cross and our
		    salvation; if we fall, perhaps we haven’t kept our eyes on the cross.
		3. 2Cor. 5:14-15 – A sobering thought that Christ died for us.
			a. How can we help but obey?

I. PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S COMING WAS THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 2:9 - He came to die.
		1. His birth was an occasion for mixed emotions;
			a. Great joy that salvation for man was coming,
			b. Great sadness that the Son of God had to be sacrificed.
	B. ”Lower than the angels…”
		1. Well, which is he, higher or lower? - 1:3… Both!
			a. Chapter one - He is higher to show His power and Deity.
			b. Chapter two - He is lower to show his humanity, sympathy.
			    (Human predicament: All men are tempted, and all men die)
		2. Two aspects of a Savior that we need: POWER & SYMPATHY.
			a. Debtor says that he knows two kinds of people; those with the
			    power to get him out of debt but have no sympathy, and those
			    with sympathy but no power.
		3. Christ is higher and lower, so that he has the power to remove sin and
		    he cares enough to do it.
			a. Phil. 2 - willingly humbled himself to serve us by dying for our sin.
			b. He did not die because the Jews surprised him with a cross and
			    started the Church as an afterthought. 
			c. Acts 2:23 - “Determined counsel and foreknowledge of God.
			    (Premillennialists are wrong)
			d. John said the Lamb was slain from the beginning of the world. 
				1) Rev. 13:8; John 10:17-18
			e. He came to die -- great courage!
	C. 12:2 - His attitude toward the cross:
		1. “Despising the shame” – It wasn’t worth his notice.
		2. World looks and laughs; cries shame.
			a. Shame of cross-bearing causes some to forsake it.
			b. Shame is in the mind and mouth of the world, not in the Lord.
		3. 1Cor. 4:9-13, 1:18-24
			a. The world considers a Savior that cannot save himself as foolish.
			b. To be associated with that Savior is considered foolishness.
			c. If we associate with them, the world will laugh at us.
			d. We worry too much about what stupid men think of the cross.
		4. We became Christians for the same reason Christ came into the world:
		    to bear a cross.
			a. Would that the body had the same attitude toward the cross as
			    the head.
	D. Portrait of a fool – 1Cor. 4:9-13
		1. Called a fool? Be a fool for Christ!
		2. Called “off scouring?” Count yourself a success.
		3. Despise the shame and take up the cross.
		4. Acts 5:41

II. PERFECTION OF CHRIST WAS IN THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 2:10, 5:8-9
		1. Not moral perfection; official perfection, completeness.
		2. Some moral men not qualified to be elders; doesn’t mean that they
		    have blame.
		3. Christ was not complete as our high priest until he had suffered.
	B. Perfecting Christ
		1. High priest on the Day of Atonement – 9:7
		2. Christ had to go into the presence of God with blood - 9:11.
			a. Not in the tabernacle, but the true Holiest of Holies.
		3. Whose blood? - 9:12
			a. The only blood with lasting benefits.
		4. Where was it shed?
			a. On the cross; Christ took his own blood.
			b. Was both the priest and sacrifice.
	C. A priest had to have compassion on those who are tempted, by being subject
	     to temptation himself – 5:1-2.
		1. Christ had to learn this.
			a. Learn obedience not only in the spirit but in the flesh
			b. Endure temptation in the flesh
			c. Suffer as a man beset by physical weakness
			d. Learn compassion in the midst of suffering
		2. He wasn’t perfect or complete until he had done this in the cross.

III. POWER OF CHRIST WAS IN THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 2:14-15
		1. The world looks at the cross and says pitiful; God says powerful.
	B. Where else do you find that kind of power?
		1. Satan devastated,
		2. We were delivered from death: Spiritual & physical.
		3. With one blow beat his worst enemy and saved his best friends. Power!
	C. Jesus emptied himself, humbled himself, and became the servant of every
	     human being in all time on the cross.
		1. If Christ could defeat Satan and save us while the servant of all, in his
		    most vulnerable state, what could he do as King of kings in his full might
 		    at judgment day?
	D. There is power in the blood! Not water salvation, blood salvation.

IV. PURGED FROM OUR SINS IN THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 12:2 - What joy?  2:10 - He was bringing sons to God.
		1. Not that he was going back to heaven, but he was bringing many souls
		    with him.
		2. Phil. 2 - He came to save and could return with mission accomplished.
		3. To do that, he had to purge our sins – 1:3.
		4. He did it himself – 9:14, 26-28.
		5. How can one face death without having his sins removed?
	B. Emphasis should not be on the physical aspect of his suffering, although it is
	     important to consider.
		1. Thousands have died by crucifixion or even worse; innocents have
		    been executed throughout history. The crucifixion of an innocent is not
		    what makes the cross powerful and unique.
		2. No one has ever suffered as Christ – Isa. 53:4-6.
			a. Contemplate the anguish of guilt, can’t eat, knot in stomach,
			    fear of retribution, can’t sleep, sweating, feel ill, desire to turn
			    back time, contemplate suicide, etc.
			b. Multiply that spiritual, mental, and emotional anguish by
			    everyone in room, in the world, we begin to see how great his
			    suffering was.
			c. Unspeakable, unimaginable horrid, ugly nauseous mass of all sin
 			    ever committed, all born by the innocent Son of God.
			d. 2Cor. 5:21 - “became sin
		3. If you don’t feel the need to have your sins forgiven, you are in as
		    dangerous a position as is possible for a man.
			a. Not to recognize the price paid for our sin is worse than being
			    Barabbas.
			b. We are the ones who should pay for our sin, but Jesus went in
			    our place.
	C. While he was purging us of our sin, he looked down at the crowd that hated
	     him and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
		1. Do you realize what ungrateful folly we commit when we say, “not right
		    now, Lord; I’m just not interested.”

V. PROFANING THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 12:16-17
		1. Trade our inheritance in heaven for what? A bowl of bean soup!
		2. 10:29 - Sin isn’t something to be flirted with, ignored or laughed at.
		3. Portrait of sin - Knocking the Lord down and walking on him.
		4. Second picture of a sin – 6:6 - putting him back on the cross.
	B. Intended or not, that is what we do when we sin.
		1. This is not how we want the Lord to see us on Judgment day.
		2. We are connected to what happened on that rock outside Jerusalem
		    2000 years ago, whether we acknowledge it or not.
		3. Time to get our heads out of the sand and admit it.
		4. Saying, “I’m not interested right now” is edging up on the precipice of
		    blasphemy.

VI. PRECIOUS BLOOD SHED AT THE CROSS
	A. Heb. 9:22-28
		1. 1Peter 1:18-19
	B. How do you view the body of Christ?
		1. A trickle here and there or completely saturated?
		2. Sweating, beating, robe, crown of thorns, nails, spear.
	C. But it makes us pure and clean – Isa. 1:18.
		1. Are we red-stained by sin or cleansed by the blood of the Lamb?

VII. PREREQUISITES OF COMING TO THE CROSS
	A. Obedience - Heb. 13:20-21
	B. Courage – 4:16
	C. Diligence – 5:11-12
	D. Faith – 11:6
	E. Humility – 12:9

Conclusion:
	A. Come to the cross – Rev. 22:12, 17
The Incorruptible Seed

Introduction:
	A. Christians are pilgrims in this world; our lives are a perpetual journey toward
	    our true home in heaven.
		1. To guide us on the journey, God has given us His word.
		2. Many people go through life never honestly consulting this book.
		3. Many Christians go through life ignorant of much of its content.
		4. Effortless access to the word of God has devalued it in the eyes of the
		    world, and they starve to death in a room full of food.
		5. Made life too easy; made Christianity too convenient. “Stalled ox.”
		6. Amos 8:11 - "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I
 		    will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for
		    water, But of hearing the words of the LORD.
		7. Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because
		    you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for
		    Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget
		    your children.”
	B. Simple scriptural logic:
		1. Romans 1:16 – The gospel is God’s power in salvation
		2. Romans 10:17 – The word of God is the means by which we obtain
		    access to this power by faith.
		3. Therefore, the incorruptible word of God is our power!
	C. 1Peter 1:3-5 – By means of the incorruptible word, we have acquired a home
	     in heaven preserved until the judgment.
		1. What other force in the universe has the capacity to do that?
	D. 1Peter 1:6-9 – By means of the incorruptible word we have gained faith that
	     sustains us through every trial that would rob us of our joy, salvation, and
	     eternal home?
		1. What other force can do that?
	E. 1Peter 1:10-12
		1. The ancient heroes of faith gave their all for a glimpse of what so many
		    take for granted. Angels did not have the privilege that you now enjoy.
	F.  Examine the characteristics of the incorruptible seed in 1Peter that make it
	     unique among all written works.

I. IT IS DIVINE IN ORIGIN
	A. Was given by God Himself
		1. 2Peter 1:12, 15, 16, 19-21, 3:1-2
		2. 2Tim. 3:14-17; John 16:13
	B. Was designed to be understood by all men.
		1. James 1:25; 1Cor. 1:17-25 – God entrusted the communication of the
		    most powerful, important message this world will ever hear to be done
		    through the plain preaching of the world. This implies that God is
		    convinced that His message is easy enough to be accurately and
		    clearly transmitted by speaking the written word.
		2. Eph. 3:3-4; 1John 5:13, 19-20
	C. Was designed to be understood alike.
		1. 1Cor. 1:10 – God requires nothing of man that man cannot do.
		2. Matt. 11:25 – What complicates understanding?
		3. There exists a body of truth on any given Bible matter. That body of
		    truth is called "the faith" (Jude 3). There is a means whereby I
		    apprehend that body of truth. That means is described as "my faith." My
		    faith, based upon the faith, can be strong or weak, depending on my
		    stage of growth and willingness to study. However, the faith is not
		    modified by the strength or weakness of my faith; it remains constant.
		    Therefore, my faith must measure up to the faith.

II. IT IS ETERNAL
	A. 1Peter 1:23-25 – It Lives and Abides Forever
	B. God word is indestructible – Matt. 24:35
      		1. History bears out the fact that despite man's efforts to do away with it,
		    the Bible continues to endure and proliferate.
         			a. The efforts of Diocletian
					1) In 303 A.D. he proclaimed an edict requiring Christians
					    and the scriptures to be destroyed
					2) Within 25 years, the succeeding emperor ordered that 50
					    copies be made and distributed at government expense.
         			b. The claims of Voltaire, the French atheist (who died in 1778)
            				1) He boasted that within 100 hundred years of his lifetime,
					    Christianity would be swept from the earth.
					2) But only fifty years after his death, his own printing press
 					    and house were being used by the Geneva Bible Society
 					    to print Bibles.
      		2. 1Peter 1:24-25 – It will last forever.
	C. No book in history has been more carefully, accurately, and completely
  	     preserved with its original message intact and untainted.
		1. No other book in history has ever had the universal distribution as the
		    Bible has enjoyed.
		2. No other book in history has ever had the impact on the world secularly
		    and religiously as the Bible.
		3. No other book has the power to guide us from this physical world of
		    death and decay to a realm of eternal life and joy.

III. IT GIVES AND SUSTAINS LIFE
   	A. By it one is born again.
      		1. There is a law of science known as the Law of Biogenesis which states
		    that life begets life. Francesco Redi disproved spontaneous generation.
      		2. Likewise, spiritual life cannot be generated by a book of dead myths
		    and folk tales.
         			a. It is the "incorruptible" seed which "lives and abides forever"
            		    1 Peter 1:23
         			b. It is "living and powerful" – Heb. 4:12
         			c. As Jesus said: "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and
				    they are life" - John 6:63.
      		3. When one believes the Word of God and obeys it, he is truly born
		    again - James 1:18.
	B. By it one purifies his soul.
      		1. Notice carefully:  "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the
		    truth" - 1 Peter 1:22
      		2. By obeying the truth, our souls are purified - John 17:17.
      		3. The truth is the gospel, which when believed and obeyed, results in the
		    remission of sins by the blood of Christ.
		4. Faith through the gospel is so powerful that when acted on, transforms
		    a sinner into a saint. What other force can do this?
			a. How much money does it take to buy you out of one sin?
			b. Political power, influence, military might, weaponry, friends,
			    education, possessions?
			c. No force but faith through the incorruptible seed that moves one
			    to obedience.
	C. By it one is preserved growing until the end.
      		1. 1Peter 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14, 3:13

IV. WILL THE INCORRUPTIBLE SEED RETAIN THESE CHARACTERISTICS IF 
     MINGLED WITH THE DOCTRINES AND FASHIONS OF MEN? 
	A. Gal. 1:6-10 – What constitutes preaching another gospel?
		1. Anything added or taken away from the word.
			a. Creeds, catechisms, etc.
		2. Any over or under emphasis of a Bible principle.
			a. Positivism, Deity of Jesus heresy
		3. Any scruple of conscience bound as doctrine.
			a. Military participation, head covering, etc.
		4. Any ignorance taught as truth.
			a. Personal indwelling, communion in an upper room, etc.
		5. Any loosing of a doctrine.
			a. Foundation of fellowship (Harrell); accepting multiple conflicting
			    views on MDR
	B. What relationship can one maintain with those who advocate any mixture of
	     error with the incorruptible seed?
		1. Eph. 5:11; 2John 9-11

Conclusion:
	A. Embrace, believe, and obey the incorruptible seed, for it alone can save.
	B. 1Cor. 15:1-4
	C. WWII British children given a piece of bread to help them through the night.
		1. The word of God is our bread of life that sustains us through this dark
		    world of sin.
“THE RIGHT TO BELIEVE”

Introduction:
	A. Does Every Person Have A Right To His Own Beliefs?
		1. A prevailing idea, and the "politically correct" view of our world today.
	B. Strictly "legally" speaking, we do have a freedom and a right to believe what
	     we choose.
		1. Freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution & Bill of Rights.
		2. Ed Harrell quote:
	"Most members of the Churches of Christ share the American heritage of freedom of religious expression and are fully committed to religious toleration. But I have my zealot side. Any man who believes that he can find literal truth in the Scriptures must also believe that those who do not find the same truth are wrong. What follows is that such people are sinful. The next logical conclusion is that they will go to hell. The most onerous charge leveled against those who are members of the Churches of Christ is that they are bigots. It is frequently assumed that they believe that all who do not accept the truths which they find in the Bible will be lost. All members of the Churches of Christ do not have such an attitude, but I do. This does not imply that I would restrict anyone's right to believe as he pleases; I hold no brief for persecution. The essence of the philosophy of toleration is a willingness to defend a man's right to free expression even when one has deep convictions to the contrary." (Harrell, David Edwin, "Disciples and The Church Universal," Nashville: Disciples of Christ Historical Society, 1967, p 35)
	C. Speaking scripturally, our rights are seen in a different light.
		1. Joshua 24:15
		2. John 14:15, 23, 15:10; Heb. 5:9; 1John 5:2-3; Rev. 14:12-13
	D. Those today who contend that we have the right to believe whatever we
	     choose often have an agenda.
     		1. Effort to justify their own rejection of the N.T. teachings of Christ
       		2. Have already decided not to comply with His terms of pardon, wear His
		    name, belong to His church, etc.
		3. Does one have a right to believe error? 
		4. What of a matter of personal conscience?

I. BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO DID NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN BELIEFS
	A. Cain - Genesis 4:3-5
      		1. Abel offered by faith -  Heb. 11:4.
       		2. Implies they were told how to offer.
       		3. Cain rejected God's instructions, and was therefore rejected by God.
       		4. 1John 3:11-12
	B. Nadab & Abihu - Lev. 10:1-2
      		1. Offered strange fire
       		2. They were commanded to offer fire, but they offered the wrong kind.
		3. Illustration: God has specified the kind of music that He wants to be a
		    part of the worship of the church.


	C. Naaman - 2Kings 5:1-14
      		1. Expecting something spectacular, he was angry at the simplicity of 
		    Elisha's instructions.
	      	2. Preferred own rivers; had to obey God's commands or remain a leper
       		3. Many today react to God's commands in the same way as Namaan:
		    anger, frustration, etc.
	      	4. Example ... be baptized
       		5. Sinner can no more be saved without baptism than Namaan could have
		    been cleansed without dipping seven times in the Jordan.

II. "DOESN'T GOD CARE ONLY FOR ONE'S HONEST & SINCERE ATTITUDE?"
	A. Is a thing always right or safe just because we sincerely believe it is?
 		1. Financial world - many people honestly & sincerely believe their
		    investments are safe.
          	2. Battles lost because generals honestly & sincerely believed they had a
	   	    good plan of attack or defense.
         	3. Ship builders and owners honestly & sincerely believed the Titanic to 
		    be unsinkable.
		4. As reasonable to say "it doesn't matter what you eat or drink as long
		    as you are honest & sincere."  
             		a. What about poison?  Foods that are not good for you?
	B. Also in religion, it is possible to be honestly & sincerely mistaken.
         	1. Young prophet - 1Kings 13:11.
          	2. 2Thes. 2:11-12

III. IF IT IS RIGHT TO BELIEVE ANY DOCTRINE AS LONG AS ONE IS HONEST    
     AND SINCERE, THEN:
    	A. Faith in Christ is non-essential.
      		1. Honest Jews & Muslims
         		2. Neither believe in Christ - John 8:24
	B. One can abide in any doctrine - 2John 9
    	C. There is no basis for the unity of the Spirit of Ephesians 4.
    	D. The will of God is eliminated and replaced by the will of man.

Conclusion
	A. Christ, who has all power, has the right to dictate the terms of our belief.
	B. Hearing without obeying/doing, or substituting our own wants for the
 	     commands of God, will cause us to be rejected by God - Matt. 7:21-23

THE VOW OF CHRIST THE BUILDER

TEXT:	 Matthew 16:13-19
Introduction:
	A. The Church is one of the most important Bible subjects.
		1. Was not an after thought like some think. Christ could not establish His
		    kingdom, so He made the Church as a temporary measure.
		2. Vital part of the panoramic, eon-spanning scheme of redemption.
		3. It is the Kingdom to rule all kingdoms; Nebuchadnezzar’s statute of
		    various substances struck by a stone that became a mountain that filled
 		    the earth.
		4. Eph. 5 tells us that it is where salvation can be found and maintained.
		5. It is Christ’s soul saving institution on earth; when we work for the
		    Church, we work directly for Christ.
		6. It remains the most expensive organization in history, purchased with
		    the most priceless substance in the universe... the blood of Deity.
	B. Jesus Christ promised to build it; ironically, He promised to build it in the same
 	     chapter in which He discusses His own death.
		1. There is much to be learned about the Church from the vow of Christ
		    the builder in Matt. 16.

I. “UPON THIS ROCK...”
	A. Matt. 16:13-16 - The great confession by a little man.
		1. The confession is the context, the topic, the theme, the object of
		    discussion, the whole point of Christ’s discourse.
		2. Anything other than the confession makes this text illogical,
		    ungrammatical, deconstructive, unimportant, and disharmonious with
		    the rest of the Bible.
	B. Matt. 16:17 + “Thou art Peter.”
		1. This great confession could not come from a little man without Divine
		    intervention.
		2. “Thou art Peter.” emphasizes this point; keeps Peter’s perspective;
		    OUR perspective.
		3. Gal. 2:9 - Peter was a pillar in the Church, not the foundation.
		4. 1Cor. 3:10-11 - Christ is foundation upon which the Church is built.

II. “I WILL BUILD...”
	A. Ps. 127:1 - “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
		1. The Church could not have been built by any man.
		2. Matt. 16:28 - He promised to do it in the lifetime of His apostles. 
		3. See it happen - Matt. 16:19; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:1-4, 36-41, 47.
		4. ANY church started after that is NOT the Lord’s Church.
	B. Thousands of churches exist because men are dissatisfied with God’s Builder
	     and blueprints.
		1. THE Church was built by Christ; all others are Satan’s imitations.

III. “MY CHURCH...”
	A. The Church belongs to Christ.
		1. Acts 20:28 - He holds the deed.
		2. Rom. 16:16 - It wears His name: Christ, God the Son.
		3. It is not the Christian’s church, John the Baptist’s church, Martin
		    Luther’s church, et cetera. - Matt. 15:13
		4. Other churches wear the names of their founders and doctrines.
		5. Poor counterfeits for the only true Church.
	B. Jesus said: “My Church”; singular.
		1. Prophets spoke of one church, not many.
		2. Isa. 2:2-3; Dan. 2:44.
		3. The New Testament witnesses that there is only one, not many.
		4. Eph. 4:4, 1:22-23; Col. 1:18.
		5. Salvation is only found in His Church, not others.
		6. Eph. 5:23, 27.

IV. “THE GATES OF HADES SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.”
	A. Ecc. 9:10 - death ends man’s work on earth.
		1. But Christ was not merely a man - Heb. 1:8; Col. 2:9.
		2. The grave would not prevent Him from completing His work.
		3. Acts 2:31 - Hades lost; Christ came back to finish.
		4. 1Cor. 15:19-20, 27

V. “I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”
	A. A key affords entrance for the holder; the lack of a key prevents entrance to
	     those without. 
		1. Peter and the other apostles passed the keys on to the whole world,
		    beginning at Pentecost in Jerusalem.
	B. All of the keys must be used to enter the kingdom.
		1. Faith is essential - Heb. 11:6; Rom. 10:17; John 8:24.
		2. Repentance must be complete - Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38.
		3.  Faith without confession saves no one - Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32-33.
		4. Baptism - Acts 2:38, 47; Gal. 3:26-27; Mark 16:16.

VI. “WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT BIND... LOOSE...”
	A. Peter revealed God’s law as he was directed by the Holy Spirit.
		1. John 14:26, l6:7, 13; 2Tim. 3:16-17; 2Peter 1:2-4
		2. We do not deal with man’s law and doctrines, but God’s.
	B. We must continue in God’s law in order to remain saved.
		1. 2John 9-11

Conclusion:  1Cor. 15:1-4
    	A. Christ promised to build His Church.
		1. He fulfilled His promise to the uttermost.
	B. You cannot afford to be outside of the body of Christ.
        
        "WANDERING SOUL...YOU ARE BREAKING OUR HEARTS."

TEXT:  Psalm 51:1-13
Introduction:
    A. Little Tommy, a precious bundle of baby, entered into the joy of 
his family as a blessed treasure sought through many trials.  Long years his 
parents prayed for a child, and at last, near the end of their fruitful days, 
a child was coming to grace their home.  It was a most difficult time for 
Mother, for after a dangerous and arduous birth, Little Tommy's first cry 
rang like music from heaven in Father's ears.  And then the womb that opened 
once closed forever, leaving Little Tommy as the sole object of a mother's 
life giving love.
    Little Tommy, a happy handful of boy, had an energetic spirit that 
yearned to explore and be free.  He would climb the bookshelves pretending 
they were mountains;  he would write on the walls pretending to be an 
artist;  he would pull the cat's tail pretending to be a lion tamer;  he 
would ride his bicycle in traffic pretending to be a race car driver;  he
would shoot his water pistol in church pretending to be a gangster.  He
sought to be everything but Little Tommy, a beloved child of devoted
parents.  They would smile indulgently at one another and said, "What a 
free spirit Little Tommy is."
    Little Tommy, a busy boy of sixteen, yearned to explore and be free.  
He has made his boast to his teasing teen friends that he will try anything 
once, and lived up to his word.  He had already explored school, and could
no longer find wonder there.  He had already explored his home and there
was no excitement there.  He had already explore the church and there were
no more thrills there for him.  He abandoned each as boring in his search
for freedom and frolic.  His mother and father who love him to distraction
call for Little Tommy to return to the warmth of their heart.  But Little
Tommy is a free spirit and must fly.  School, church, and a home are not
for an explorer like he.
    Little Tommy, exciting man of 23, explored the heart of woman and 
married the girl of his dreams.  He searched fatherhood and found to his 
temporary surprise three children who looked much like he.  Mother and 
children held Little Tommy as the jewel of their lives, but Little Tommy was 
a free spirit and he must fly.  Family, work, and faith are chains to a 
seeker like Little Tommy.
    Little Tommy, a bored man approaching midlife, explored the darker 
side of himself.  He had already tasted the sunshine of his parents love,
the rush of energetic youth, the peak of marital joy, the thrill of
learning, and the peace of faith.  But Little Tommy is a free spirit and
there are other things to explore.  The darkness of sin may yet hold
exciting mountains to climb, or lions to tame, or race cars to drive.
Little Tommy will try it and see, for he is a free spirit and must fly.
    Little Tommy's mother and father, wife and small children stand 
together in sorrow at the base of a small granite mountain.  It is only four 
feet high, but it is the last mountain Little Tommy tried to climb.  You see, 
he got lost on one of his explorations...lost to his family, lost to his 
parents, lost to his God.  On the side of that little stone mountain are 
carved the words:  "Here lies Little Tommy;  he was a free spirit, and he
has flown."  Those who loved him weep as they walk home from the cemetery.
    B. Wandering soul or wayward Christian, your life is connected to 
       that of many others;  you do not walk alone through this life;  
       your life touches many others.
    C. Those others care about you deeply;  their labors and prayers are      
       that you do not die...neither your body, nor your soul.
    D. With open mind and heart will you consider three questions with
       us this day?

I. DO YOU REALIZE HOW PRECIOUS A PERSON YOU REALLY ARE?
    A. Many folks do not believe that they are worth being loved by 
       others.
        1. Young man who asked fiance if she was pregnant and needed
           a husband because he couldn't believe she loved him just
           for who he was.
        2. Try to sabotage a good relationship with those who care
           about us, because if  we believe that others truly love 
           us, we will have to change our self image and see self as
           good.
        3. Do not believe we are worthy of love, and therefore do
           not believe others when they tell us that they love us.
    B. But, every single one of us is precious.
        1. Psalm 113:3-9 - WHY?!?  Because He treasures each and 
           every one of us!
        2. Psalm 103:10-12 - WHY?!?  Because, though we may sin, we 
           are not sin.  He is able to see the difference between
           who we are and the mistakes we make.
        3. Matt. 18:12-14.
        4. Matt. 18:15;  James 5:19-20.
        5. 2Peter 3:9 - Are we aware that God is delaying judgment
           for a time because of how precious every soul is to Him?
        6. 1Thes. 2:5-13 - Are we aware of how much we are cherished
           by the church here?
    C. We need to see ourselves through the eyes of God, Jesus, and our
       fellow Christians.  It may even hurt a little bit to see just how
       much others treasure our relationship with them.

II. DO YOU COMPREHEND THE DEPTH OF THE LOVE THAT IS BESTOWED ON YOU?
    A. John 3:16-18.
        1. Vs 16 - Depth of God's love.
        2. Vs 17 - Proof of God's love.
        3. Vs 18 - What we do to ourselves if we do not believe in
           God's love for us.
        4. Rom. 5:5-8;  1Tim. 1:12-16.
    B. Do we know how much our fellow Christians care for us?
        1. Rom. 9:1-3;  2Cor. 11:27-29.
        2. Matt. 18:6-7 - Do we realize the lengths that the saints
           here would go to out of love for us?
        3. Why do faithful Christians visit us when we stray?
            a. To torment us?  Because they want our
               contribution?
            b. Why do they take the risk of rejection, agonizing
               for days over the right words to say, taking time
               out of their own lives to encourage the wandering
               soul to come home?
            c. Why does a wife worry when her husband is late
               coming home on an icy night?
            d. Why does a father anguish over a child who is
               taking drugs.
            e. Why does a child cry in bed at night when his
               parents argue?
            f. Why do dear friends fret over a preacher who was
               eating his way into an early grave?
            g. Why do faithful Christians suffer the emotional
               turmoil of visiting us when we stray from God?!?
        4. Because they love us!!!!!!!!
            a. When one soul is lost from the fold, we all 
               struggle with our own commitment to God, fighting
               the feeling of "what's the use?".
            b. Children and young people must deal with the 
               shattered image of "what happened to the dear 
               Christian I looked up to for an example?".
        5. Parents ache for years who have seen a child precede them
           in death.
            a. But what of the child that is living, but 
               spiritually dead?
            b. Death becomes eternal separation.
            c. We bade farewell to sister Mullins recently, but
               we have the faith that we will be reunited with
               her in heaven.
            d. But saying good-bye to the wandering soul is an
               unending loss, sorrow that is unmatched in this 
               world.
    C. God loves you!  Jesus Christ loves you!  We love you!
        1. How can we dismiss such love?

Conclusion:
    A. A tale of two boys:
    B. Prodigal son - Luke 15:11-24
    C. Absalom - 2Sam. 18:32-33


“What is My Hope and Expectation?”

Philippians 1:19-26

Introduction:
1. Questions:
a. Why are you here this morning?
b. What reason do you give yourself each morning to get out of bed and feel as good as you do about facing this world?
c. How can you go about your day with a calm spirit and a sense of confidence about your person?
d. How do you patiently endure the many troubles presented to you by this world?
e. Why do you rise from bended knee in prayer with a renewed spirit and a feeling of forgiveness?
f. Why have your friends seen a change in your character, making you more understanding, compassionate, knowledgeable, and willing to help others?
g. Why is it that when worship services begin that you become solemn and humbled by the presence of God?
h. What makes you pause, wonder, and grieve at the great story of the cross?
i. Why are you happy when the word of God is taught, but sad and empty when it is not?
j. Why are you happy this day?
i. Because God is in heaven, and we are going there some day!
ii. Apply to each of these questions.

2. Our Hope Lives When We Seek a Higher Call
a. We are in this world anticipating a better one after it.
i. That makes us different from the rest of the world.
ii. Contrast the percent of those who believe in heaven versus those who are actually trying to go there.
b. Society holds one of two philosophies:
i. That this world can be improved and modeled into heaven on earth or utopia.
ii. That there is no heaven and this world will never get better, so live for the moment.
c. We believe in living for God today in hope and expectation of heaven tomorrow.
d. We are different from the world.
i. Improving this world is not very important; improving ourselves is.
ii. We do not live for the moment, but for the eternity to come.
e. Our lives are lived in happiness before God because of the hope that lives in us.
i. John 16:33 - “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
ii. John 17:14 - “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
iii. 1John 4:4-5 - “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 
iv. 1John 5:4-5 - “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 
v. Rom. 12:2 - “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

f. The Apostle Paul Was Governed By A Higher Calling Than This World.
i. Phil. 3:14, 7 - “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
g. He suffered greatly for this hope.
i. 2Cor. 11:22-28 – “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” 
ii. Why!?  Because of his hope and expectation.
iii. Phil. 1:19-21 – “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
iv. And he admonishes us to do the same.
v. Col. 3:1-4 – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

h. Christ’s Message Of Hope To The Saints Of Revelation Sustained Them.
i. Rev. 2:10, 7 - “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 7. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
ii. God’s part is the crown of life and the tree of life.
iii. Our part is to be faithful and overcome. 
iv. It is His promise that enables us to do our part; hope drives us onward.
v. A lifetime of faithfulness in this world in exchange for an eternity of joy in heaven.
vi. We are not so foolish as to trade our birthright for bean soup like Esau.
i. Our hope sustains us and gives us joy in the present world.
i. Rom. 8:23-25 - “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.24. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” 
ii. 1Peter 1:3-6 - “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” 

3. We Build Our Lives Around This Hope.
a. Christians live prepared for the moment they will die.
b. Three immutable facts of life:
i. We will choose to sin.
ii. We will die.
iii. We will face God in judgment.
iv. The only matter that is in our power to control is what will be our moral condition when we stand before God.
c. Christians see beyond this world.
i. 2Cor. 4:8-10, 14, 16-18 - “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 16. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 
ii. Psalm 71:5, 14 - “For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. 14. But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”
iii. Lam. 3:24, 26 - “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.25. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.26. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” 

d. That is how the faithful Christian can calmly, joyfully live before the Lord day by day in this world.
i. Rom. 5:1-4 - “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”
ii. No friction, no heat; no trials, no hope.
e. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.
i. Jer. 17:7 - “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”
ii. Prov. 14:32 - “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”
f. What is the hope and expectation of a sinner?
i. Job 8:13 - “The hypocrite's hope shall perish.”
ii. Job 11:20 - “But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.”
iii. Job 27:8 - “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?”
g. Prov. 10:28 - “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

Conclusion:  What is Your Hope and Expectation?