Wave 94

Do you know the plan of salvation? We start with Romans 3:23, then go to Romans 6:23, followed by Romans 10:9.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I am very excited to share with you the plan of salvation! We start with Romans 3:23, then go to Romans 6:23, followed by Romans 10:9.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The Romans Road starts with Romans 3:23.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I am very thankful for the apostle Paul, and one reason is because he gave us The Roman Road.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

References:

(1) The Bible stands out as a unique text because it transcends time, offering timeless wisdom and guidance.

(2) The Bible is unique because it speaks in the present time.

(3) The Bible is unique because it unfolds a single continuous story — of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. From Genesis to Revelation, one SCARLET THREAD OF REDEMPTION runs throughout it: God is redeeming His people through love.

(4) In my life time C. S. Lewis has been one of the greatest popularizers of the Christian faith along with other Christian apologists like Norman Geisler, Frank Turek, William Lane Craig, J. Warner Wallace, Alistar McGrath, and Doug Groothuis.

(5) Let me now articulate 6 habits that should be ABANDONED if we want to hear God’s voice clearly.

Habit 1. Refusing stillness.

Habit 2. Speaking constantly in prayer.

Habit 3. Neglecting Scriptures.

Habit 4. Persisting in known sin.

Habit 5. Expecting God to speak only through emotion.

Habit 6. Divided allegiance.

(6) Lewis says God continues to speak. The real question is whether we are willing to REMOVE what PREVENTS us from hearing Him clearly.

This is episode 264.

[verse 1]

Shabbat Shalom, O, we are blest,

with life and love, and song;

Hallelujah! Our Yeshua!

We unto Him belong!

(He is our anthem strong.)

Shabbat Shalom, let us give praise,

unto our righteous King;

Who intercedes to meet our needs,

our joyful hearts will sing!

(with grateful worshipping.)

[chorus]

Shalom! Shalom! Give honor to,

Him who our prayers receive;

for us to bless, in righteousness,

He will from sins relieve.

Let us rejoice in Him and give,

sweet praises to His name;

His blood was spilt, to cleanse our guilt,

we give Him great acclaim!

(Let us give Him acclaim!)

[verse 2]

Shabbat Shalom, we joyfully,

bless Him in faithfulness;

we love and give, and as we live,

declare His righteousness.

(Our God of holiness.)

Shabbat Shalom, O Mishpocah,

you love Him evermore;

Rejoice! Rejoice! Lift up your voice,

Let us our God adore!

(Our God Who does restore.)

[chorus]

Shalom! Shalom! Give honor to,

Him who our prayers receive;

for us to bless, in righteousness,

He will from sins relieve.

Let us rejoice in Him and give,

sweet praises to His name;

His blood was spilt, to cleanse our guilt,

we give Him great acclaim!

(Let us give Him acclaim!)

Shabbat Shalom! Amen.

Shabbat Shalom! Amen.

Shabbat Shalom! Amen.

Shabbat Shalom! Amen.

In this eye-opening interview, Doug Apple sits down with Mike Sharman, General Counsel for Share HealthCare, to discuss the alarming escalation of marijuana potency and its devastating effects on society. While the media has long promoted legalization, even the New York Times is now admitting that America has a "marijuana problem." Sharman breaks down the startling statistics — from a 1,452% increase in crime in certain neighborhoods to the massive risks posed to unborn children — and explains why Christian health sharing offers a vital, biblical alternative to secular systems that enable destructive behaviors.

-- Today’s marijuana has evolved from 4% THC in 1995 to upwards of 90% today, creating a "whiskey-strength" drug masquerading as a mild herb.

-- Recent studies show a direct link between chronic marijuana use and severe mental health issues, including a 30% rise in schizophrenia cases and increased rates of suicide.

-- Data reveals that young men who use marijuana daily are 82% more likely to exhibit violent behavior, debunking the myth that users are merely "lethargic."

-- Pro-life concerns are highlighted by a 70% higher risk of birth defects and a 230% higher risk of stillbirth for pregnant women using cannabis.

-- Share HealthCare operates on a biblical worldview, excluding marijuana users to keep costs affordable (as low as $149 for individuals) while ensuring members only support medically necessary expenses that honor the body as a temple.

-- Sharman explores the scriptural connection between "witchcraft" (pharmakeia) and mind-altering drugs, warning of the spiritual susceptibility that comes with substance use.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

-- 2 Timothy 1:7

-- Galatians 5:19-21

-- 1 Peter 5:8

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You can find out more information about Share HealthCare by calling 1-844-Share HC, or by visiting their website:

https://sharehealthcare.com/

Many who practice closed communion base their view on a misunderstanding of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 11:27, where he says, "Whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord." They argue that since communion is serious, the church must not permit anyone to partake who might be unworthy, lest they bring condemnation upon themselves and the church be complicit in their sin.

However, the Greek word anaxios, translated "unworthily," means "in an improper manner." It refers not to one's moral condition, but to the manner of participation. Modern translations such as the ASV, ESV, and RSV render the phrase as "in an unworthy manner," clarifying Paul's intent. His warning was not against unworthy persons, but against taking the Lord's Supper improperly. In Corinth, believers were turning the sacred meal into a common feast, showing irreverence, division, and selfishness. They failed to approach the supper with faith and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. Paul's rebuke, therefore, concerned how they observed the ordinance, not who was allowed to participate.

None of us are truly worthy to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ. If worthiness were required, none of us could partake. Paul's instruction, instead, focuses on self-examination and reverence. Yet even today, some Christians wrongly refrain from communion when feeling spiritually low, believing they are unworthy. Ironically, this disobedience to Christ's command, "this do in remembrance of me," only compounds their sense of guilt.

Historically, many churches of Christ in Great Britain practiced closed communion during the 19th century, later adopting open communion where each believer examined themselves. In Scotland, some Calvinist congregations went further, literally fencing the table and issuing communion tokens only to approved members who passed doctrinal examinations. Elders distributed these tokens beforehand, and only those deemed in good standing could partake. While rare today, remnants of this practice still exist in a few churches.

The chief problem with closed communion is clear: it places the authority of judgment in human hands. Certain members presume to decide who is worthy instead of allowing each believer to examine himself, as commanded in 1 Corinthians 11:28. Self-examination, as Burton Coffman explains, is like testing metals, to ensure sincerity and reverence, not perfection. No Christian should treat the Lord's Supper casually, for it is the central ordinance of Christianity and carries eternal significance.

Finally, the communion table is not our table, but the Lord's. The bread and cup rest upon His table, and only He can read the heart. Though no one is worthy of Christ's sacrifice, we are invited to partake as redeemed people, taking advantage of the grace offered through His Body and Blood. When we observe the Supper properly, we strengthen our faith, edify one another, and glorify God, the ultimate purpose of all worship. For He alone, with the Lamb who was slain, is truly worthy (Revelation 5:12-13).

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

Many people today express a common frustration with Christianity: "I believe in God, but I don't want to be judged by church people." This concern is not without merit. Scripture itself draws a clear line between judging others and warning them about what God requires. Understanding this distinction is essential for faithfully representing God's truth while reflecting His grace.

The Bible is clear that God alone is the ultimate judge. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:1, "Judge not that you be not judged," cautioning against assuming authority that belongs only to God. Human judgment becomes sinful when it presumes knowledge of another person's heart, their motives, or eternal destiny. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that while people look at outward appearances, the Lord looks at the heart.

Because humans lack this divine insight, Scripture consistently places final judgment in God's hands. Romans 14:12 affirms this truth by stating that each one of us will give an account of himself to God. However, the command not to judge does not mean believers are called to silence regarding truth and righteousness. Throughout Scripture, God instructs His people to warn others of sin and its consequences, not as an act of condemnation but as an expression of love.

In Ezekiel 33, God describes His servant as a watchman who is responsible for sounding the warning when danger approaches. The goal of the warning is not punishment but repentance and life. God explicitly states that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn from their ways and live. The New Testament reinforces this responsibility. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to preach the Word, correct, rebuke, encourage with great patience and careful instruction. This instruction highlights both truth and tone. Correction without patience becomes harsh judgment, while encouragement without truth becomes empty reassurance. True biblical warning holds both together.

The difference between judging and warning lies in authority, intent, and focus. Judging assumes moral superiority and seeks to condemn the person. Warning submits to God's authority, seeks restoration, and focuses on behavior in light of God's revealed will. Judging says, "I am above you." Warning says, "God has spoken and His way leads to life." As 2 Peter 3:9 explains, God is patient and desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Warning reflects God's mercy, not human pride. Scripture also reminds believers of their shared need for grace. Romans 3:23 states plainly that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This truth eliminates any claim to God's seat. The church is not meant to function as a courtroom but as a place of healing, repentance, teaching, and restoration. Ephesians 4:15 summarizes this calling well: Believers are to speak the truth in love. Living by God's standards without taking God's seat allows the church to remain faithful to scripture while extending compassion to a broken world. When truth is spoken with humility and love, it does not drive people away from God but invites them to encounter His grace, mercy, and transforming power.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." This striking confession is not merely self-criticism. It's a profound theological statement that reveals Paul's understanding of grace, redemption, and the depth of his own transformation.

Paul's use of the phrase "Chief Among Sinners" reflects his past as a persecutor of the church. Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a zealous Pharisee who actively sought to imprison and destroy followers of Jesus (Acts 8:3, Galatians 1:13). He describes himself in 1 Timothy 1:13 as a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. By calling himself the foremost sinner, Paul acknowledges the gravity of his actions and the depth of his need for salvation.

However, Paul's statement is not meant to wallow in guilt. It's meant to magnify the grace of God. In the very next verse, he writes, "But for that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life" (1 Timothy 1:16). Paul sees his life as a living testimony to the patience and power of Jesus. If God could redeem someone like him, then no one is beyond hope.

This message is essential to the gospel. Paul's confession underscores the idea that salvation is not earned by moral superiority or religious achievement. It is a gift of grace. By identifying as the chief of sinners, Paul dismantles any illusion of spiritual hierarchy. He levels the playing field, reminding believers that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and that all of us are equally in need of a Savior.

The ground at the foot of the cross is level. Moreover, Paul's words model the posture of humility that should characterize every follower of Jesus. Despite his immense contributions to the early church, his missionary journeys, his inspired writings, and his leadership, Paul never loses sight of his dependence on grace. His confession is not false modesty. It's a genuine recognition of his past and a celebration of God's mercy.

In a culture that often values self-righteousness and moral comparison, Paul's statement is a radical reminder that true spiritual maturity begins with humility. It invites believers to examine their own hearts, acknowledge their need for salvation in grace, and extend that grace to others. In conclusion, when Paul calls himself the chief among sinners, he's not exaggerating. He's testifying. His words reveal the depth of his past, the power of God's mercy, and the hope of salvation available to all. It's a message that continues to resonate: No one is too far gone to be saved, and God's grace is greater than any of our greatest failures.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/