DO NOT TAKE THE LORD'S SUPPER IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER

PROCLAMATION

“For  as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show The Lord’s death till He come.  Wherefore whoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of The Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of The Lord … For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning The Lord’s body.  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”  1 Corinthians 11:26-30 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter with a discussion regarding the covering of the head by men and women. (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)  Then he goes into a discussion regarding the abuse of The Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)  He recounts what he himself had received from The Lord regarding why believers were to partake of The Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)  He follows this with a discussion regarding the unworthy taking of The Lord’s Supper without discerning The Lord’s body, and the consequences for doing so. (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)

 

APPLICATION

The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is not to be taken lightly.  This is something which we should do reverently in remembrance of Christ.  When Christ served bread to the two believers that He met, walked, and talked with on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. (Luke 24:30-31)  Likewise with us it should be an eye opening and revealing experience.  Those who eat and drink The Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner bring judgment upon themselves.  Many people are weak and sick for doing this unworthily and many people have died for this offense. (1 Corinthians 11:30)  The Lord Jesus instituted this on the night He was betrayed. (Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, and 1 Corinthians 11:24)  It is better for us not to partake of it than to do it in an unworthy manner.

 

 

GOD WILL NOT ALLOW MORE TO BE PUT ON US THAN WE CAN BEAR

PROCLAMATION

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man;  But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;  But will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by recounting the history of their ancestors from the Red Sea to the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:1-5)  He said that those things were recorded and recounted to them as examples of what not to do. (1 Corinthians 10:6)  Then he told them not to be idolaters or fornicators.  He told them not to test Christ with their sins and not to murmur about things.  Paul said that they would be tempted, but they would not be tempted beyond that which they could bear. (1 Corinthians 10:7-13)  He also told them to flee from fornication.  He told them that collectively they were the body of Christ.  Then He spent the remainder of the chapter discussing their freedom to eat meat from animals which had been sacrificed to idols.  He ended by telling them that whatever they eat, drink, or do should be done to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:14-31)

 

APPLICATION

We have all gone through trials and temptations.  We may be going through some of them right now, but if we are not, then we will definitely go through some trials in the future.  However, The Holy Spirit of The Lord God was, and is, and always will be with us.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  Being tempted is not a sin.  Jesus was tempted. (Matthew 4:1-11)  We sin when we yield and give in to the temptation.  But we do not have to yield, He will not allow us to be temped beyond that which we can handle.  Sometimes we need to remove ourselves from the places or the people that provide us with the temptation to sin.  Reading and studying The Word of God can help us when we are tempted.  God always provides us with a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  We just have to ask Him for His help.

 

 

BELIEVERS NEED SELF-DISCIPLINE

PROCLAMATION

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for 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.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter by talking about his rights as an apostle.  He provides a justification for them using worldly and Biblical examples to support his claim. (1 Corinthians 9:1-12)  Then he goes on to say that he did not use or claim that which is rightfully his. (1 Corinthians 9:13-18)   He ends by describing the need for self-discipline among believers, apostles, and preachers, including himself.  He states that we ought to run our race in such a way as to make sure that we get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)  For the prize which we seek is an eternal crown.

 

APPLICATION

In an athletic race event, there is only one winner.  Athletes must train and practice and make sacrifices to prepare for the race in order to win the prize which will not last.  However, in our spiritual race, all of us can be winners and get the prize which will last forever.  We must also work and make sacrifices in order to get our prize.  We must walk His way (Psalm 128:1) and exercise faith and self-control. (Hebrews 11:6)  If we live by The Word of God and follow His way, we will all receive an eternal crown as our reward.  Our salvation is not our reward; our salvation is a gift from God for those who believe in Christ.  Our rewards will be based upon the work we do during this life which gives God glory.  One day we will receive our crowns. (2 Timothy 4:8 and James 1:12)

 

 

SOMETIMES DOING WHAT WE KNOW TO BE RIGHT CAN BE WRONG

PROCLAMATION

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”  1 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV)

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”  1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul tells them about eating food which had been used in sacrifices to idols. (1 Corinthians 8:1-6)  Some people thought that if they ate the meat of an animal which had been sacrificed to an idol that they were defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:7)  Paul told them that the idols can do nothing and that eating the meat which was sacrificed to them would not make them better or worse in the sight of God. (1 Corinthians 8:8)  He said that the problem is that those who are weak in The Word may see them eating that meat, and they may do likewise and then feel defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:10-11)  They may also change their opinion of the believers that they see eating that meat.  Paul said that the strong in The Word sin when they do things which cause the weak in The Word to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:12-13)  If eating meat in front of a brother offends him, then do not eat it in front of him.

 

APPLICATION

It is possible for a believer to do something which is right, but has the appearance of being wrong, which may cause someone who sees them to stumble and fall into sin.  As believers we must not only avoid doing evil; we must also avoid even the appearance of doing evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  It is better not to do something which we know to be right if it would cause someone who is less knowledgeable in The Word to stumble.  We are always being observed, especially by children, and we do not want to cause a child to sin. (Matthew 18:6)  Just because something is right, or legal, does not mean that we should do it.  If it appears wrong to other believers, then we should not do it.  Less informed believers who look up to us may become disillusioned and turn away from the faith.  We do not want to be guilty of causing someone to turn away from The Lord because they saw our behavior. (1 Corinthians 8:10-13)

 

 

A BELIEVER CAN SANCTIFY THEIR UNBELIEVING SPOUSE

PROCLAMATION

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; else were your children unclean, but now are they holy.”  1 Corinthians 7:14 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul tells them about marriage.  He is responding to a matter which was presented to him in a letter.  They wrote, “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1)  Paul told them that each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and that each woman should do so with her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)  He said that those individuals who were unmarried should stay unmarried.  However, if they cannot control themselves, then they should marry, because it is better for them to marry than to be consumed with passion and lust. (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)  He also told them that the married believer provides some covering for their unbelieving spouse.  Then he told them that whatever status they were in when they came to Christ, that they should remain in that status. (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)  Paul spends the remainder of the chapter addressing his concerns with marriage versus remaining single. (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)

 

APPLICATION

With respect to marriage, it is much better for a believer not to be “unequally yoked” and married to a non-believer. (2 Corinthians 6:14)  However, if a believer is married to a non-believer, it is better for them to stay married and not to divorce their spouse just because he or she is a non-believer.  The non-believing spouse, and any children born to their union, are blessed because of the believing spouse. (1 Corinthians 7:12-14)  Marriage is a Divine institution. (Matthew 19:5-6 and Mark 10:6-9)  Hopefully, the believer will live such a life that they can lead their non-believing spouse to Christ.  However, if the non-believing spouse chooses to leave the marriage, the believer should let them go.  It is better to live alone in peace than to stay with a spouse who wants to leave. (1 Corinthians 7:15)

WE BELONG TO GOD AND NOT TO OURSELVES

PROCLAMATION

 “What?  Know ye not that your body is the temple of The Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price;  Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that they were wrong to take one another to court in lawsuits.  Ungodly people should not judge The Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)  He also said that they were cheating each other and doing wrong and that there is no place in the kingdom of God for wrongdoers. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)  He told them that they had been set aside, washed, sanctified, and justified by The Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)  He told them that they should flee from fornication. (1 Corinthians 6:13, 6:15-16, and 6:18)  He also told them that they had been united with The Lord God and they were one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:16-17)  Then he told them that their bodies were temples of The Holy Spirit of God and that they should honor God with their bodies. 

 

APPLICATION

What Christ endured on the cross at Calvary paid the price for our sins.  In effect, He bought us and redeemed us, and now we belong to Him.  We do not belong to ourselves; we belong to The Lord God.  Our bodies are the temples of His Holy Spirit, who resides within us.  We need to behave in such a way as to honor Him.  That includes not only what we do and say to others but also how we treat our bodies and what we put in them.  We cannot live in immorality and effectively serve The Lord God.  We should live our lives in such a way as to give God glory.

 

 

 

BE CAREFUL WITH WHOM YOU ASSOCIATE

PROCLAMATION

“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extorter; with such an one not to eat.”  1 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that it had been reported that there was sexual immorality among them.  Not only was there fornication among them but some of the men were sleeping with their father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)  Also members of the church knew about this but did not do anything about it.  Here Paul urged them to take action. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)  He had written to them previously warning them not to associate with sexually immoral people (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) and now he was being more specific in this letter. (1 Corinthians 5:11)  The epistle entitled First Corinthians is actually the second of four letters written by Paul to the believers at Corinth.  Expel the wicked people from among the church, God will judge them. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

 

APPLICATION

We may not have control over who is in our family, or the people that we work with, but we choose our friends.  We need to give some thought to the people that we choose to spend time with.  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  None of us is perfect, we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23)  This is not to say that we should not speak to non-believers or back-sliders.  However, if we continually spend time with unapologetically, incorrigible sinful people, what does that say about us?  We should fellowship with people who share our beliefs, values, and principals. (1 John 1:7)  We should not fellowship with those who continually walk in darkness. (Ephesians 5:11)  We really should not call ourselves “Christian” if we continue to walk in darkness with our sinful friends. (1 John 1:6)  Once we accepted Christ we were changed into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we should put away our old sinful ways, and our old sinful friends.  There should be a difference between the life that we lived before we accepted Christ and our life afterwards, including what we say and do, and who we do it with.

 

THAT WHICH IS DONE IN THE DARK WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE LIGHT

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until The Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart;  And then shall every man have praise of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling the people that they should regard all of the apostles and leaders as servants of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:1)  He said that those entrusted with leadership positions must be proven faithful and that it is The Lord God who will judge them. (1 Corinthians 4:2-4)  The Lord will judge the leaders, and everyone else.  He will bring to light all of the things which were done in darkness.  He will also expose the motives for every action and spoken word.  Those who are worthy of praise will receive it from God. (1 Corinthian 4:5)  Do not think of yourselves beyond what is written, then you will not think that you are better than one another. (1 Corinthians 4:6-13)  Paul states that he was writing this letter not to shame them but to warn them.  He said that he became their father in Christ and urged them to imitate him. (1 Corinthians 4:14-16)  He sent Timothy to minister to them and to remind them of the things that he had taught them, for some of them had become arrogant. (1 Corinthians 4:17-18)  When he comes to them, he will see what kind of power they have.  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:19-21)

 

APPLICATION

We really should not judge people because we are not qualified.  We do not have all of the relevant information available to us upon which to base a just decision.  We can only hear what is said and see what is done in our presence.  (Recordings can be so easily manipulated.)  We have no idea of the thought processes or motives which were behind them.  Only The Lord God can see the heart and the mind, (Jeremiah 20:12) and only He has all of the information about a person which is necessary in order to judge him justly. (Hebrews 10:30)  All of the things which were done in the dark will be brought to light.  One day we will have to give an account of our stewardship (Luke 16:2) including every thought, deed, and spoken word. (Matthew 12:36)  We will all stand before Christ. (Romans 14:10-12)  Don’t believe the people who say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

A BELIEVER'S FOUNDATION IS JESUS CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder,  I have laid the foundation … For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation … every man’s work shall be made manifest … and fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work aide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved …”  1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter by telling the believers in Corinth that they were still “worldly, mere infants in Christ” quarreling and jealous, and he had to feed them The Word of God as milk for they were not ready for it as solid food. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)  It was not important which leader they followed for all of them were servants, vehicles which brought them The Word of God. (1 Corinthians 3:4-5)  One of them planted the seed and one watered it but only God made it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)  Then he told them that he given them the foundation, Jesus Christ, and they should be careful what they build upon that foundation.  All that they built, their work in this life, would be judged and tested with fire. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)  Only those things which gave God glory would pass through the fire.  He ended the chapter by telling them that their body is God’s temple.  The Spirit of God dwells within them and they should be careful how they treat that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

 

APPLICATION

Only what we do for Christ will be counted in the end.  As believers we will pass through the fire on Judgment Day but our work and efforts here on earth which did not glorify God will be burned up.  Only those things which gave God glory will survive the fire and we will receive a reward for them.  Everything that we have done in our lives from the moment we accepted Christ will constitute our works, and only that which glorified God will be counted in the final tally.  As believers, it is on Christ the solid Rock we stand and build our house. (Luke 6:48 and 1 Corinthians 10:4)

 

 

UNIMAGINABLE GREAT THINGS AWAIT US

PROCLAMATION

“But as it is written, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, in a letter to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that he only spoke to them about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  He said that his message and his preaching were not full of enticing words or reflective of human wisdom, but they were a demonstration of the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)  He declared God’s wisdom and power and said that no man has seen, or heard, or imagined what The Lord God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)  Here Paul quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. (Isaiah 64:4)  Then he said that it is by The Spirit of God that he preaches and not by anything that he learned from man. (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

 

APPLICATION

It is possible to learn some things by what we see or by what we hear.  However, there are certain things which can only be learned and understood through the aid of The Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)  This is why we as believers should prayerfully read and study The Word of God.  There are things in The Bible and in life that we will need help in order to understand.  However, there are some things which will never be understood by non-believers. (1 Corinthians 2:14)  Certain things are only for those who love The Lord and who wait on Him.  “Wait, I say, on The Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  For The Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 22:6)  We will all be enlightened, as the song says, “by and by.”  Only God can reveal to us what He has in store for us.

THE MESSAGE FROM THE CROSS IS LOVE

PROCLAMATION

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-18 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, in a letter to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins by introducing himself and Sosthenes, a believer who is with him.  He Greets them with a formal salutation and then tells them that he thanks God for them. (1 Corinthians 1:1-4)  He says that they have been enriched in every way.  They do not lack for any spiritual gift, and they eagerly await the coming of The Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:5-9)  Then Paul says that he had heard that there was disagreement and division between the believers in the church at Corinth based upon which leader they were following. (1 Corinthian 1:10-12)  His message to them was that they should on one accord.  Christ was not divided, and His message was clear.  He told them that they should focus on the message of the cross.  He said that the world may think that the message of the cross is foolishness, but those who are saved know that it is the love of Christ and the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:13-18)  Then he told them that God made foolishness of the wisdom of the world.  The Jews wanted signs and the Greeks wanted wisdom, but he preached Christ crucified; for the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:19-31)

 

APPLICATION

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  It divides mankind into two groups, believers who are saved and non-believers who are not saved.  The message of the cross should not divide saved people, it should unite them.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  It was out of His love for us and His obedience to God, The Father, that Christ stayed on the cross. (Matthew 26:42 and Luke 22:42)  While suffering on the cross He showed His love by forgiving those who crucified Him and those of us who made His crucifixion necessary. (Luke 23:34)  The fear and reverence of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10)  Those of us, whom God has called to believe, know that all power and wisdom come from God. (1 Corinthians 1:24-25

 

 

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE WORD OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ … and by good words and fair speech deceive … But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  And The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”  Romans 16:18-20 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul begins this final chapter of Romans by naming the thirty-five believers who were with him as companions, and who also sent greetings to the believers in Rome. (Romans 16:1-15)  He encourages them to greet one another with a “holy kiss.”  Then he urges them to “watch out for those who cause division” in the church.  Who with smooth talk and flattery will deceive many naïve believers. (Romans 16:16-18)  He said that they had heard of their good works and he wanted them to be knowledgeable regarding The Word of God for themselves and not to mix it with that which is evil.  He said that soon The Lord God would put Satan in his place, but they were to resist the devil until that happens. (Romans 16:19-20)  He ends the letter with salutations and a benediction. (Romans 16:21-27)

 

APPLICATION

There are those who belong to church congregations, but they are not there to serve The Lord.  They are there to serve themselves.  They corrupt the church by deceiving the heart and mind of believers. (Romans 16:18)  We need to be careful regarding what we hear, just because it was said in church does not make it true.  We need to compare what we hear with The Word of God before accepting it because people will attempt to deceive us. (Jeremiah 9:4-5 and Mark 13:5)  We need to resist the devil, and those doing his work, by submitting ourselves to The Lord God and His Holy Word. (James 4:7)  We also need to study The Word of God so that we can correctly discern that which is true in what we have heard. (2 Timothy 2:15)

 

 

THE BIBLE GIVES US HOPE

PROCLAMATION

“For whatsoever things that were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of The Scriptures might have hope.  Now The God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus;  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God in a letter to the believers in Rome.  Paul begins this chapter by stating that the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.  Let each of us please his neighbor and edify them. (Romans 15:1-2)  He states that The Scriptures were written for them and for future generations to come in order to teach and to encourage believers.  Then he prayed that God would give them the same attitude towards each other as Christ had towards them so that they could glorify God in unity. (Romans 15:4-6)  Christ ministered to the Jews so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be fulfilled, and so that the Gentiles might glorify God as it is written in Psalms 18:49 (Romans 15:8-11) and in Isaiah 11:10. (Romans 15:12-13)  Paul told them that he wrote boldly to them because of the grace that God had given to him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. (Romans 15:14-16)  He said that he would not speak on anything except what Christ has done through him to help the Gentiles become obedient to The Word of God. (Romans 15:17-22)  He told the believers in Rome that he plans to stop and see them on his journey to Spain, but now he is on his way to Jerusalem to give to them the contributions from the people in Macedonia and Achaia. (Romans 15:23-27)  Then he asked them to pray for him and his safety from the non-believers in Judea. (Romans 15:23-33)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible was written and passed down through the ages for us and for future generations to come.  It has been translated into almost every language so that all people of the world can be exposed to it.  However, we are not only to read it, but we are to behave as it teaches. (Romans 2:13 and James 1:22)  It also encourages us and gives us hope because it tells us that in the end we will win because The Lord God is with us.  The Bible is also the instruction manual for living a Christian life.  It teaches us how to treat fellow believers and how to treat others.  The more you read it, the more you will learn from it.  When the end comes, we win.

DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK

PROCLAMATION

“So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”  Romans 14:12-13 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the faith. (Romans 14:1-9)  Then he said that we must all give an account of ourselves to God.  Don’t judge someone just because they do things differently.  Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause him to stumble.  It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall into sin. (Romans 14:21)

 

APPLICATION

We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that we avoid any behavior or action which is wrong, or even appears to be wrong. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  Even if we know it to be right, we should avoid it if that behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is wrong.  We live our lives not just for ourselves alone.  What we do affects those around us.  Not only should we avoid sin and things which appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our less-knowledgeable brother thinks is wrong, at least while we are in his presence.  We who are strong in the faith should not do anything that would cause those who are weak in the faith to stumble and sin, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their conscience.  Just because we can do something does not mean that we should do it.  We should be mindful of the feelings of others, and the effect that we have on them.

 

 

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

 

THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

 

PROCLAMATION

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand;  and let us therefore put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:11-12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by telling them to obey those who had governing authority over them because God has established them. (Romans 13:1-2)  He also told them that the one’s in authority were God’s servants for their good.  If they do wrong, the servants can also be agents of God’s wrath.  Paul told them to submit to the authorities not only to avoid punishment, but also to have a clear conscience by being obedient. (Romans 13:4-5)  That is why he tells them that they should pay taxes and pay their debts. (Romans 13:6-8)  Then he encourages them to fulfill the law of love. (Romans 13:8-11)  Here, he says that the day of salvation is near.  It is time for them to put off their evil ways, put on the armor of God, and to clothe themselves in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 13:12-14)

 

APPLICATION

As the old saying goes, “Wake up, it’s later than you think.”  The end of our time on this earth is almost here.  We all need to humble ourselves, and turn from our sinful ways and pray, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14) while we can for once the day of salvation comes, and the grave has called, it will be too late. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  We need to seek Him while He can still be found (Matthew 7:7) because there will come a time when it will be too late to seek Him. (Proverbs 1:28)  We need to put on the whole armor of God now. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  Don’t put off for tomorrow that which should be done today, for tomorrow is not promised to us.

 

 

DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD

PROCLAMATION

“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 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God. (Romans 12:1-2)  He encouraged them not to think too highly of themselves. (Romans 12:3)  He told them that just as we have many different parts to our body, that we are different but collectively they make up the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5)  He said that each of us have different gifts which have been given to us by God.  Then he goes on to tell them how to use their gifts, ad how to behave towards one another. (Romans 12:6-16)  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness, and The Lord God would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)  Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

 

APPLICATION

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it. (John 8:23)  We are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face.  We are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see The Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, and don’t think higher of yourself than you ought to think. (Romans 12:3)  The more you read and study The Bible, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.

 

ALL OF US NEED GOD'S MERCY

PROCLAMATION

“As concerning the gospel … the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy … so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.”  Romans 11:28-32 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  There were, and still are today, those in Israel who reject Jesus, The Christ, but He will not reject His chosen people. (Romans 11:1-6)  Because of their rejection and transgressions, salvation was offered to the Gentiles. (Romans 11:11)  Paul presented the example of a twig, the Gentiles, being grafted onto an olive tree and thriving because of the nourishment from the tree’s root. (Romans 11:17-21)  The Jews are God’s chosen people.  Just because some of them are non-believers and disobedient does not mean that God will turn His back on them. (Romans 11:28-32)  At one time all current believers were also disobedient non-believers.

 

APPLICATION

We are part of the chosen elect of God.  The grace of God and His calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light are without repentance.  God does not change His mind about us.  He dislikes our sins, but He still loves us.  God made a promise to Abraham (Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:18) and if we believe in Christ, then we are heirs with Abraham to the promise of God. (Galatians 3:29)  Jesus, The Christ, said that I have sheep, Gentiles, which are not of this sheep fold, Jews, which I will bring in and there will be just one fold. (John 10:16)  He also said I am the vine, and you are the branches. (John 15:5)  A branch cannot survive by itself; it must be connected to the vine and the root. (John 15:4-6)  Just as we were grafted in because of our faith in Him, so many others, who are disobedient, will be grafted in. (Romans 11:17-21)  Pray for those who are currently lost.  We who have received mercy should pray for mercy to be extended to others. (Matthew 5:7)

IF YOU BELIEVE IN CHRIST YOU WILL BE SAVED

PROCLAMATION

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:9-10 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  In this chapter Paul states that the essence of the gospel is that whoever believes in Christ and confesses Him will be saved.  He begins the chapter saying that it is his heart’s desire that all of Israel might be saved.  He can testify that they have a zeal for God but do not know Him and have not submitted to His righteousness. (Romans 10:1-3)  Paul states that everyone who truly believes and calls on the name of The Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)  Unfortunately, not all who hear will believe. (Romans 10:16)  Faith comes by hearing The Word of God.  Israel heard but they did not obey. (Romans 10:18-21)

 

APPLICATION

We are saved by our faith by what we believe and not by what we do. (Ephesians 2:8)   Faith comes by first hearing The Word of God and then believing it. (Romans 10:17)  Salvation is not something that we work for or earn.  It is a gift from The Lord God (Ephesians 2:8-9) to those who believe.  It is not for those who give Him lip service.  It is only for those who sincerely and truly believe. (Romans 10:9)  God can see our heart and He knows our intentions. (Luke 16:15)