Jan 11, 2012
When God Speaks, You Listen
Genesis 1-3
I. GOD SPOKE TO CREATE
A. Every time “God said” it was done.
1. Genesis 1:3; 6; 9; 11; 14.
2. Genesis 1:20f; 24; 26, 29.
B. The elements function according to God’s design.
1. Animals and plants still produce according to their own kind (Gen. 1:11, 1:21, 24)
2. There is still night and day (Gen. 1:5).
3. Etc. The point is, God knew what He was doing and He had the power to command.
C. The elements were authorized by God and they obey God.
1. Colossians 1:17.
2. Consider Matthew 8:27.
II. GOD SPOKE CONCERNING MARRIAGE
A. God knew Adam needed a companion (Genesis 2:18).
B. God made sure that Adam knew it (Genesis 2:19-20).
C. God created marriage (Genesis 2:21-25).
1. God authorized the union of one man and one woman as marriage.
2. In the New Testament Jesus made it clear that this same definition is binding in the New Testament age (Matt. 19:4-9).
III. GOD SPOKE CONCERNING OBEDIENCE
A. He gave specific instruction (Genesis 2:15-17).
B. Disobedience was not authorized by God.
C. Sin ruins things.
1. Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden.
2. Life got more difficult.
3. Blame entered the world.
4. Death entered the world.
5. Sin still ruins things (Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 6:23).
Conclusion:
1. When God speaks it is our duty to obey Him.
2. God spoke to creation, and the creation obeys.
3. Going beyond what God authorizes is disobedience.
4. Disobedience is sin, and sin separates man from God.
5. God has authorized salvation through Jesus Christ; have you obeyed?
a. Hear: Romans 10:17.
b. Believe: Mark 16:16.
c. Repent: Luke 13:3.
d. Confess: Acts 8:37, Matthew 16:16.
e. Be immersed for the remission of sins: (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Romans 6:1-4)
f. Be faithful unto death (1 John 1:6-7, Revelation 2:10)
Posted in Sermons
Jan 11, 2012
Dealing with Indifference
Give Me the Bible for 1/1/2012
Introduction:
1. The Cincinnati Bengals have an important game today (1/1/12). A trip to the playoffs (a big accomplishment for the Bengals) hangs in the
balance.
2. The team is struggling to get people to buy tickets.
3. You might wonder how this is possible. When the opportunity exists to be part of something so significant why would it be a hard sell?
4. That’s a good question. Let’s consider a few possible reasons one might miss out on something worthwhile.
DISCUSSION:
I. IGNORANCE
A. Perhaps some just don’t know about it.
1. That’s one thing when it comes to football.
2. Another when it comes to the Gospel. (Romans 10:14-17)
B. It could also be that they are ignorant of the true value.
1. Stone which builders rejected (1 Peter 2:4-8).
2. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 20-25.
II. INDIFFERENCE
A. Perhaps some don’t particularly care one way or the other.
B. God wants people to follow Him wholeheartedly.
1. Matthew 22:37-38.
2. Luke 14:26-33.
III. INTENTION
A. Some stay away because they deliberately do not want to go.
B. Some intentionally refuse to submit to Jesus Christ.
1. 1 Timothy 4:3-4.
2. Hebrews 2:1-4.
3. 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
IV. INSUFFICIENT FUNDS
A. Some aren’t willing to pay the price of admission.
B. God has made salvation available and accessible through Christ (Mk 16:16)
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These notes are not intended to be exhaustive. If you have any questions about this lesson, the Bible, becoming a Christian or receiving information to help you in your Bible study, please
contact us.(Link opens a new window)
Posted in Give Me the Bible Radio
Jan 11, 2012
John Allan
As you read Genesis 27 you probably noticed that there is lying and deceit involved as Jacob secures for himself a blessing that his father Isaac had intended for Esau. In light of this, some could come to the conclusion that this means God approves of lies and deceit in some instances.
Before jumping to that conclusion a few things ought to be considered.
It seems to me that it is more accurate to say that God’s will was accomplished in spite of this mess created by Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau instead of it happening because of it. Before Jacob and Esau were born God declared that the older would serve the younger. No amount of effort to resist this would stop it from happening. Esau did not have the birthright, he sold it to his brother Jacob. Thus it can be argued that Esau was not worthy of a blessing that would give him rule over his brother; yet Isaac was attempting to give him such a blessing (see Genesis 27:29).
Humans are often used by God in the Bible to accomplish His will. Yet, humans are not perfect. God can assure that His will is accomplished in spite of the unrighteous acts of men. That does not at all make God evil nor constitute an endorsement from God of the unrighteous acts men commit.
Nowhere in Genesis 27 does the Bible suggest that God commanded the lying and deceit. We also do not find any language in Genesis 27 that tells us God approved of it. There are many actions recorded in the Bible of which God does not approve. Sometimes those actions are even performed by people who were otherwise righteous and pleasing to God.
Since God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and since Satan is described as the father of lies (John 8:44) it follows that God would not, did not and does not endorse lying. To do so would be contrary to His very nature.
Posted in Bible Reading Notes
Jan 4, 2012
John Allan
It doesn’t take long to learn a lot. If you are following our Bible reading schedule you are already 12 chapters into the book of Genesis and have covered a lot of ground.
Consider a sampling of what you have already read:
Sunday (Genesis 1-3): You read about Creation, Adam and Eve and the ugliness of sin. When Eve and Adam sinned they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Sin separates man from God. In Genesis 3:15 you read the first Bible prophecy about Jesus Christ: Jesus is the seed of woman that crushed the head of Satan.
Monday (Genesis 4-6): You read about Cain killing Abel and could observe God’s care for life. God said Abel’s blood “cries out to Me from the ground.” Cain was punished for his sin. You also read the genealogy of Adam down through Noah and were introduced to Noah. In a time of worldwide wickedness Noah was a just man. God instructed Noah to build an ark so he could be saved from the coming flood that would destroy the wicked.
Tuesday (Genesis 7-9): You read about the flood and how Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives (eight people in all) went on the ark along with the animals. You also read about their coming off the ark and receiving the promise from God that He would never again destroy all flesh by flood waters. The rainbow was placed in the sky as a visible reminder of God’s promise.
Wednesday (Genesis 9-12): You read about Babel and the Tower of Babel. God had commanded Noah and his sons to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. At Babel people attempted to bunch together and “make a name” for themselves instead of bringing glory to God. By confusing their language God thwarted their rebellion (see Genesis 11:9) and kept man from committing even greater sin. Additionally, you were introduced to Abram (later known as Abraham), a key Bible character. In Genesis 12:3 a tremendously important promise was made to Abram and one that will develop through the Bible.
That’s just four days and we have not even touched on everything from those 12 chapters that could be mentioned. What will you learn tomorrow? Keep reading and find out!
If you haven’t started reading yet it is not too late to start! In the course of 12 months the 12 chapters you are behind can easily be made up. You can still do it!
Posted in Bible
Jan 2, 2012
The year 2012 has arrived and we have formally kicked off our Bible Reading campaign. Have a question about what you are reading? Feel free to ask us a question through our “Contact Us” link.
Throughout the year, Lord willing, we will feature articles and insights to aid in comprehension of what we have been reading.
Posted in Announcements
Dec 15, 2011
John Allan
As previously announced on this web site, the Clinton Church of Christ encourages everybody to make the commitment to read the Bible in its entirety by the end of 2012.
The Bible is the inspired word of God and therefore must be our guide for all that we say and do in life if we are to be pleasing to God the Father. Whether you read the Bible regularly or this will be your first time through we encourage you to search the pages of God’s word.
There are different methods people have used to read the Bible in a year. Some choose to read the Bible straight through from Genesis to Revelation. Some read a little bit of the Old Testament and New Testament each day. Other methods exist, also.
Whichever method you choose we simply encourage you to read! In approximately 15 minutes per day you can read through the entire Bible in one year. You can do it, and you will benefit greatly from it!
We have a limited number of free Bible reading calendar bookmarks available by request. Additionally, various reading plans exist for free on various web sites including this one.
Throughout 2012 we will feature articles on our web site to assist readers in gleaning information and insight from God’s word as we read through the Bible. It is our sincere hope that you will join us in searching the riches of God’s wonderful word.
If you have any questions, would like to inform us of your intent to read the Bible or would like to request a free Bible Reading Calendar bookmark (supplies are limited) please contact us.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 109:105; NKJV)
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17; NKJV)
Posted in Announcements, Bible
Nov 8, 2011
John Allan
The Bible is the inspired word of God. It is through the Bible that God communicates the gospel to mankind today. That makes the Bible no ordinary book, but an extraordinary book. There is simply no book that can match the value and significance of the Bible.
Unfortunately, there is a great lack of Bible knowledge in our nation and even in our state today. In hopes of re-kindling interest in the word of God within the city of Clinton we invite you to commit to reading the entire Bible by the end of 2012.
If you are planning to do this and would like to let us know you can do so via the methods presented on our “Contact Us” page.
Posted in Bible
Oct 1, 2011
John Allan
We cordially invite you to our Gospel Meeting Sunday October 2-Wednesday October 5.
Our guest speaker is Waymon Swain. The meeting begins Sunday at 9 a.m., continues during our 10 a.m. worship hour and resumes at 6 p.m. during our evening worship service.
The meeting continues Monday-Wednesday at 7 p.m. each night.
Clinton Church of Christ meets at 155 Broadway Street, adjacent to Windsor Village apartments and across the street from Landmark apartments. A welcome is waiting for you!
Posted in Announcements
Aug 15, 2011
John Allan
You might not know it, but the radio program Give Me the Bible airs Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on 93.5 FM radio here in Clinton.
If you haven’t listened before, Sunday is a great time to start. Our topic of study for this coming Sunday’s program has to do with the term “pastor.”
You have probably heard many people use that term, but are they using it in the way that the Bible uses it? According to the Bible who qualifies as a pastor and what does a pastor do? We will be considering those questions Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on 93.5 FM.
Please join us in looking to the Bible for the answers to life’s issues.
Posted in Uncategorized
Jul 11, 2011
John Allan
There is simply no getting around the fact that the heart is vitally important. We can tell when people are doing something “from the heart” or with all of their heart and we can often tell when somebody gives a “half-hearted” effort. We even have expressions like “his heart just wasn’t in it” to describe a lack of desire or commitment.
In Jesus’ day the scribes and Pharisees placed great emphasis on external actions. While binding such things as hand washing before meals they were failing to emphasize the heart. Jesus explained to the apostle Peter “Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” (Matthew 15:17-20 KJV).
There are so many things in the world that threaten to pollute our heart and so many sins that come from a heart that is polluted. Great care must be given to keep our hearts clean.
The Bible warns us about fleshly lusts frequently enough that the topic cannot be rightly ignored. The lust of the flesh is one of the avenues through which Satan tempts us. We can look around us in the world and see that he is very successful. It logically follows that we should not trick ourselves into thinking it is a matter we can take lightly.
In Galatians 5:16 the apostle Paul gives us a key to keeping our hearts clean: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (KJV). Let us have the determination to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.
Posted in Morals