Month October 2022

7 things to PROTECT, (final) our TREASURE in heaven

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“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

(Matt 6:19-21)

I hope you know by now that we’re talking about using our Physical means for a Spiritual end.

We’ve already spoken about MONEY, so now we conclude this series by focusing on our TREASURES in Heaven.

The Holy Spirit describes this ‘Treasure in Heaven’ in a couple of ways. Prize (Phil 3:14; 1Cor 9:24); Treasure (Matt 13:44); Crown (2Tim 4:8).

How shall we protect this treasure?

For many in the religious realm, the idea one needs to protect their TREASRUE in heaven is ridiculous. Fortunately, we have the scriptures to tell us the truth. Let’s look at how we might protect our CROWN.

First, whenever a command is given, it means we CAN COMPLY. Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matt 6:20). Paul wrote; “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2Tim 4:8). So, we LAY up a treasure in heaven, and can expect it if we LOVE His appearing.

Second, this treasure is only available after. While there are spiritual blessings here, and other good gifts (Eph 1:3; Jas 1:17), we shall RECEIVE the CROWN after this life. Note these passages (emph mine seb):

1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

2Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Rev 2:10 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.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Third, we ought not to expect anything from the Lord if we’re unfaithful, doubtful and disobedient. Scripture teaches that the OBEDIENT shall receive a crown;

1Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2Tim 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Next, the CROWN is compared to WINNING a PRIZE. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14; 1Cor 9:24). Putting the previous point and this one together, In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2Tim 2:5).

Lastly, while no man can take away the crown that is laid up in heaven (cf. Matt 6:20), we can certainly lose our crown through NEGLECT, disobedience, or rebellion. Let’s read the rest of James 1:12-16, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. (cf. John 10:28-29; Rom 8:38-39; Heb 2:1-3). Do you see it? In verse 12 is the crown promised, but verses 13-16 is the ability to lose it. Do you see why it’s so important to read an entire passage before drawing a conclusion from one verse?

Another thing. While no man can go to heaven and take your crown, men can deceive us and turn us away from Christ. It’s in this sense that Jesus told John to warn the church. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11). Note also the warning by Paul, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8; cf. 2Peter 2).

In closing out this series, let us be on guard and PROTECT those things we are charged to PROTECT. Life is serious business and not all fun and games. While there are things God has given us richly to enjoy, He also wants us to be ready at any given moment. We need to be READY against Rebellion, Enemies of Christ, Antagonists, Death, and You and I are responsible for ourselves.

Spencer

1Peter Overview chart

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chapter OUTLINES.

1) SALUTATION / SALVATION of believers / SECURITY of believers / SUFFERING of Christ / SANCTIFICATION of believer / SINCERITY to the word

2) SINCERITY to the Word 1-2 / SPIRITUAL House 3-8 / SPECIAL, STRANGERS, SOJOURNERS 8-12 / SUBMIT to Authority 13-17 / SUFFERING Savior Our Example 18-25

3) DWELLING together / DAYS that are good /

DEFENSE for our hope / DIVINE longsuffering

4) Time has PAST to Sin / Time for the END / Time to SUFFER / Time for JUDGMENT

7 unanswered PRAYERS

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7 conditions for our PRAYERS to go unanswered:

1) PHONY worship. Isa 1:15; Mal 1:6-9; Mark 7:6-7

“And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”

2) REBELLIOUS / disobedient John 9:31; Pr 1:28; Jer 11:11; 14:12; Eze 8:18; Mic 3:4;

“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

3) ABOMINABLE prayers if we turn from hearing. Prov 28:9; 15:8

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

4) YOU HUSBANDS not giving honor to his wife. 1Pet 3:7

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

5) EVIL people. Prov 15:29

“The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”

6) REGARDING iniquity in your heart. (Ecumenical?) Psalm 66:18; Jas 4:3

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”

7) SINNERS. Isa 59:2; 1John 5:18

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

We do not receive because we ask AMISS.

WHY GOD MIGHT SAY NO.

  1. AGAINST HIS WILL. unauthorized
    1. 1John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1John 3:22 because you keep commands.
  2. MAGNIFY yourself. Mat 23:5;
    1. Mt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
    1. Cf Moses and speaking / smiting the rock.
      1. Num 20:12
  3. INDECISIVE…;
    1. LORD WILLING as a doubt
    1. 1Tim 2:8 without wrath and doubting.
    1. Mark 11:24 believe that ye receive them
    1. WAVERED; Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
    1. Cr Lord willing as if God CAN DO MORE. 1King 3:13; Eph 3:20, Rom 8:26
  4. SELFISHNESS. to consume on own lusts.
    1. Jas 4:3 that ye may consume it
  5. SIN. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
    1. Job 27:9; 35:12; Ps 18:41; 34:15; 66:18; Pr 1:28; 15:29; 28:9; Isa 1:15; Jer 11:11; 14:12; Eze 8:18; Mic 3:4; Zec 7:13; Joh 21:25

Roast Duck Soup

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A nephew came to see his kindly old uncle from the country and brought a duck. The kindly old uncle was grateful, had the bird cooked, and shared it with his nephew.

A few days later another visitor arrived.

“I am a friend,” he said, “of the man who gave you the duck.”

The kindly old uncle invited him in to some steaming hot duck soup.

Another man came the next day who was a friend of the friend of the nephew. The kind old man sat him down to a bowl of Duck Broth Soup & Rice.

One day there was a knock at the door and a stranger appeared. “I am the friend of the friend of the friend of the man who brought you the duck from the country,” he said.

“Come in,” said the kindly old uncle.

They seated themselves at the table and the kindly old uncle asked his wife to bring the soup.

When the guest tasted it, it seemed to be nothing more than warm water.

“What sort of soup is this?” he asked the Old Man.

“That,” said the kindly old uncle, “is the soup of the soup of the soup of the soup of the duck.”

This is the difference in watering the gospel and watering it down.

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1Cor 3:7).

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gal 1:6-10).

How to LIVE in this world

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Living in the world without becoming part of this world is difficult. Yet, we need to live among them so we can reach them. Paul said,

“I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world” (1Cor 5:9-10).

He also wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18).

here are 4 ways we can LIVE in the world peacefully:

  1. LOVE Always. (Luke 6:27-36; cf; John 3:16; Rom 5:8-10)
  2. be INDEBTED to them to love, which requires being grateful. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8)
  3. live VIRTUOUSLY among them. “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:1-8; cf. 1Peter 3:1-6; 2Pet 1:5-10; Romans 12:14-21)
  4. EXPECT less from people, Except Christ and Him crucified. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1Cor 1:2)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ in Borger Texas.

4 Excuses to reject God

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4 excuses some give for disobedience.

It’s not fair. Gen 3:9-13

I can’t do it. Ex 3:10-4:14

I have a better way. 2King 5:1-14; 1Sam 15:20-23

I’ll do it later. Acts 26:24-29

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

let’s talk about how to FORGIVE

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FORGIVE.

FAILURE to Forgive will jeopardize our salvation. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt 6:14-15).

OFFENDED party is the one that OFFERS the OPPORTUNITY. Without forgiveness, the repentant party has no opportunity to be restored. “Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt” (Matt 18:27).

RELEASE is the form of forgiveness you can practice when the offending party can’t (death or absence) or won’t ask for forgiveness. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34; cf Acts 2:36-38).

GOD can forgive, will forgive, and practices forgiveness. “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5).

IDOLATRY is a form of being unforgiving. You’re elevating self above God. “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Luke 15:28-30).

VENGEANCE is the Lords. We won’t forgive for the lack of justice. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom 12:19).

EXONERATION is what we need and the ultimate goal. “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both” (Luke 7:42; cf Rom 5:8-10).

we can RESTORE the New Testament church

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Here’s a question almost nobody asks; Is the Lord pleased with so many varied churches teaching contradicting and erroneous doctrines? The answer is self evident.

We ought to seek to RESTORE the New Testament church that Christ built in the first century.

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt 16:18

How to continually RESTORE the New Testament church.

  1. RECOGNIZE there are different ones and it is not pleasing to the Lord.
    1. Gal 1:6-10
  2. EXPECT that it can be done. 1Tim 3; Titus 1; Matt 16:18
  3. SEED of the SCRIPTURE is the STANDARD by which we restore. Mark 4:13-20
  4. TRUE JESUS vs fake Jesus. 2Cor 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”
  5. ORIGINAL identifying marks of doctrine, organization, and function.
    1. 1John 1:9
  6. RETURN, Restore, Repent. 1Cor 1-5 This was the problem with the church at Corinth. They had become divisive over several issues. “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.”
  7. ESTABLISHED, organized, met. Acts 2:38-47
    1. 1Cor 11:17-34; 16:1-2; Acts 20:7
    2. They worshipped (Sing Acapella, Prayer, Giving, Teaching, & observing the Lord’s death)
    3. They worked together in local congregations (cf. Rom 16:16)
      • Organized with Elders, Deacons, & Saints. (Phil 1:1; 1Tim 3; Titus 1)
    4. The work of these local congregations (congruently with all local congregations) is all about saints…
      • Making Saints. (Matt 28:19)
      • Teaching Saints. (Matt 28:20)
      • Helping needy Saints. (Acts 11:29)

Levels as we READ

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Levels of progress as we READ

Level One is RESEARCHING the unknown. Our first time Reading to discover what’s there. Pausing to look up word definitions. Reading through the books and letters in a short amount of time, but not hurriedly, to gain familiarity with the contents. This may last through two or three readings.

Level Two is continuing to read & taking a closer EXAMINATION of what we read. Taking note of context, audience, & speaker. This begins to happen after multiple readings after the text becomes familiar. 

Level Three is continuing to read and making ASSOCIATIONS between passages you’ve previously read. Looking up cross references of key verses, especially quotations of other scriptures.

Level Four reading is DIGGING DEEPER to DISCOVER buried treasure. ie. Searching Topical associations, People, Places, & Terms.

Reading is the foundation for Study. Reaching the next level only happens with continual reading. Study is just reading at higher and higher levels. 

READ

1) Research.

2) Examination.

3) Associations.

4) Digging Deeper.

Here is a link to a printable bible reading bookmark that lists the books of the bible.

If you live in the Borger area and would like to learn how to read your bible more effectively, please contact us.

things we ought to PROTECT pt6: EYES

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“O Timothy! keep that which is committed to thy trust,” (1Tim 6:20).

We’ve been taking a closer look at the 7 things we ought to protect.

This next one is about protecting our eyes. Jesus said,

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt 5:28). In the Old Testament, JOB said, “I made a covenant with mineeyes; why then should I think upon a maid” (Job 31:1)?

Theeyes are said to be windows to the soul. I’m not sure about that, but I do know that the things of the heart defile a person. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21-23).

Things enter our hearts through oureyes, and ears. So, let’s guard oureyes.

The EYES have it.

Pr 3:7 Be not wise in thine own EYES: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 Pr 3:21My son, let not them depart from thine EYES: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

 Pr 4:21 Let them not depart from thine EYES; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

 Pr 4:25 Let thine EYES look right on, and let thine EYELIDS look straight before thee.

 Pr 5:21 For the ways of man are before the EYES of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

 Pr 6:4 Give not sleep to thine EYES, nor slumber to thine EYELIDS.

 Pr 6:13 He winketh with his EYES, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

 Pr 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her EYELIDS.

 Pr 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine EYE.

 Pr 10:10 He that winketh with the EYE causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

 Pr 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the EYES, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

 Pr 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own EYES: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

 Pr 15:3 The EYES of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

 Pr 15:30 he light of the EYES rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

 Pr 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own EYES; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

 Pr 16:30 He shutteth his EYES to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

 Pr 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the EYES of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

 Pr 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the EYES of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

 Pr 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his EYES.

 Pr 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing EYE, the LORD hath made even both of them.

 Pr 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine EYES, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

 Pr 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own EYES: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

 Pr 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his EYES.

 Pr 22:9 He that hath a bountiful EYE shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

 Pr 22:12The EYES of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

 Pr 23:5 Wilt thou set thine EYES upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

 Pr 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil EYE, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

 Pr 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine EYES observe my ways.

 Pr 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of EYES?

 Pr 23:33 Thine EYES shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

 Pr 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine EYES have seen.

 Pr 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the EYES of man are never satisfied.

 Pr 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil EYE, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

 Pr 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his EYES shall have many a curse.

 Pr 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their EYES.

 Pr 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own EYES, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

 Pr 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their EYES! and their  EYElids are lifted up.  Pr 30:17 The EYE that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.