Saved by the Gospel

Have you ever considered what is involved in worshiping God? What constitutes acceptable worship? In this lesson, we look at five elements fof worship that are necessary for worshipping God acceptably.

Listen as Marshall Halliburton shares his thoughts from I Samuel 7 and discusses the importance of monuments.

One does not have to examine the "religious world" for very long before it becomes evident that the idea that everyone has a right to his own belief is quite common.  Many people easily move from one denomination to another, even though those denominations may teach conflicting doctrines.  People seem to have the idea that "It doesn’t make a difference what a person believes.  Let’s just all sweep our differences under the rug and don’t let them become an issue.”

But consider the implications of such an attitude. If it doesn’t make a difference what a person believes, then: (1) Jesus would not have warned against false prophets – Matthew 7:15; II Peter 2:1; I John 4:1 (2) There would be no such thing as error – Ephesians 4:14; II Peter 3:16 (3) Error (if it did exist) would be as

In a recent conversation with Interview Magazine, Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “When you die, nothing happens. You’re just six feet under. Anyone who tells you anything else is a liar.” He went on to say, “When people talk about, ‘I will see them again in heaven,’ that sounds so good. But the reality is, that we won’t see each other again after we’re gone.”

That’s not an exact quote. His remarks included expletives I will not include in this rodcast.

Nevertheless, Mr. Schwarzenegger is sadly mistaken. Oh, it is true that when judgment day comes there will be a great separation. Those doomed to spend an eternity in hell will never again see those who will spend eternity in heaven.

But Christians have every reason to hope to see one another in heaven. Not only see one another, but recognize one another. The apostle Paul wrote, “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?” I Thessalonians 2:19.

Did you know our English word cemetery has its origin in a Greek word that mean sleeping place?  Interesting, isn’t it?  It’s appropriate though.  After all, a cemetery is a place where our bodies are put to rest as they sleep.  The Bible often describes death as sleep.  Paul, in reference to those Christians at Thessalonica who had died, wrote, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”  IThessalonians 4:13.

Those who have died do not cease to exist.  Their souls are not sleeping, only their bodies are asleep.  But the sleep of death is temporary. Those who are now sleeping will one day be awakened when the resurrection of everyone takes place.  In John 5:28-29, we find these words spoken by Jesus: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. What lessons can we learn from this one "simple" verse?

We know Jesus cares for us because He came to earth. He left heaven so that we may have eternal life. I know He cares for us because He went to the cross to make that eternal life possible.

Oh, but that’s not all. We can take comfort in knowing Jesus cares for us enough that He wants us to be with Him. That’s something He desires. He is not going to forget us, to leave us on our own. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3.

One of the saddest statements in the Bible is found in Psalm 142:4 when David writes, “…..no man cared for my soul…..” When experiencing the difficulties of life, whether you feel anyone cares for you or not, you can know Jesus cares.

Without a doubt, the greatest proof of Jesus’ care for us is seen in the cross. After all, this was Jesus’ reason for coming to earth – to give his life as a ransom, to redeem us from our sin. Mark 10:45.

When the soldiers came to take Jesus he could have called the angels to rescue him. But he cared enough for us that He was willing to allow his capture to take place. While on the cross, he could have proved he was king of kings by coming down from the cross. But He cared enough for us that he endured the suffering. It was through the cross that He proved he was king of kings.

Why did he allow himself to be captured and endure the pain and humility of the cross? Because He cares for you and me! Oh yes, He cares! I know He cares!

Does Jesus care, when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song? As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long."  Friends, that's  a fair question to ask.  Does Jesus REALLY care? Os yes he cares.  I KNOW  he cares.

One reason I know he cares is he left the beauty of heaven and came to earth.  By doing so, he made a great sacrifice before he ever went to the cross. II Corinthians 8:9 - "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Christ left heaven and came to earth so that I could one day be with him in heaven. Why did Jesus come to earth?  Because he loved me so.

Oh yes he cares, I know he cares.  His heart is touched with my grief.  When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I KNOW my savior cares!

Can you be righteous?  Yes! Certainly! In fact, not only that, you MUST be righteous in order to be acceptable to God. Its a mistake to think we can be accepted by God without living a pure and holy life. Notice from Proverbs 12:28 - "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death."