Attitudes Toward Worship

In the 4th chapter of John, Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman about worship.  The Samaritan woman pointed out the traditional worship the Samaritans engaged in versus the worship of the Jews.

However, through the course of the conversation Jesus revealed two key elements of worship.

John 4:20-24  "...Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”  Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.  You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Jesus emphasized twice that those who worship God must do so in spirit and in truth.

The word "truth" in this context refers to the correct doctrine for worship that we can find in the Biblical pattern.  This could be a whole series of lessons itself!

However, I want to focus in particular on what it means to worship God "in spirit".

To a certain extent, worshiping in spirit refers to worshiping with the correct attitude.  We simply must come to worship God in the right frame of mind and for the right reasons.

I would like to examine some incorrect attitudes we could have toward worship as well the attitudes we need to have.

Incorrect Attitudes to have Toward Worship

Attending in order to "punch one's ticket."

There are many who believe that as long as they show up on Sunday mornings they are faithful Christians.  To these individuals, Christianity is merely a one-day-a-week think.

Others may simply come to assembly only partake in the Lord's Supper; not realizing that communion is just as important as any of the other acts of worship.

These people forget that Christianity is a way of life.

Acts 1:1   The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach...

Notice in the introduction of Acts that Jesus both did and taught.  Jesus practiced what He preached, He talked the talk, but - more importantly - He walked the walk.

Likewise, we are commanded to do the same.

James 1:22  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Our attitude should be like that of the Psalmists.  He loved the Word of God so much that it became part of him.

Psalm 119:11, 97  Thy Word I hid in my heart ; O how I love thy law!

Notice that following the foundation of the church that the early Christians continued steadfastly in their work.  This was not just a one time thing!

Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

We need to realize that a person merely attending every church service does not make one a faithful Christian...

Being a Christian is a full-time job!  We must be fully committed at all times, not just one day a week.

If we come to worship just to punch our ticket; we come for the wrong reason.

Attending worship for one's own personal gain

There is a dangerous doctrine being taught by various denominations which can be damaging.  This doctrine, sometimes called the "prosperity gospel" says that if you worship God you will be blessed with great physical wealth.  (As the basis for their beliefs they use passages such as Mark 10:29-30 and 3 John 2.)

Is this the right reason to worship God?  Should our only motivation in loving God be a hope in gaining some kind of material reward?

We should love God because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19  We love Him because He first loved us.

To further debunk this idea, if all saints are supposed to be wealthy then what about Jesus Himself?

Matthew 8:19-20  Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”  And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

What about the Apostles?

Acts 3:2-6  And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Surely none are more dedicated to God than Jesus and the Apostles, and yet these faithful followers lived in poverty.  This is completely the opposite of what is being taught by those that preach the "prosperity gospel"!

Jesus taught that we would be blessed with what we need and that a love of riches is detrimental to spiritual growth.

Matthew 6:24  No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

It is obvious that if we are coming to worship just to obtain physical wealth that we are coming for the wrong reason!

Attending worship to be entertained

In today's world we are used to being entertained.  It's to the point that we come to expect it constantly!

As a result many congregations have given in to gimmickry in order to bring in visitors.  It is difficult to differentiate worship services from a rock concert.

Should this be the reason that we come to worship God, just to escape boredom?

Should the preacher try to entertain us?

Notice that the men present on the day of Pentecost were not entertained but cut to the heart!

Acts 2:36-37 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

When we allow the Gospel to stand on its own it yields lasting, life-altering results.  While gimmickry may attract crowds, when that gimmickry disappears so do the crowds!  The Word of God is powerful enough on its own to attract true followers.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What about singing?  I'll admit that this is one of my favorite parts of worship.  I love to sing!  But should the singing merely be a source of entertainment?

Ephesians 5:19  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Singing, like the other acts of worship, are to be dedicated to the Lord.  While we may derive pleasure from participation in singing we should not forget its true purpose.

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Additionally, as we sing we need to pay attention to the words rather than focusing solely on melody.  Singing in worship is not only pleasing to God, but also a method of teaching and admonishment.

Ultimately it should be Christ that draws us to worship, not entertainment.

John 12:12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem...

It wasn't free donuts or a game of softball that attracted the multitude to Jerusalem, it was the Son of God!  We need to remember that when we attend worship that Christ is among us!  That should be more than enough reason for excitement!

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

Again, if we come to worship just to be entertained, we come for the wrong reason.

Attending worship because of family tradition

Some attend church services merely because that's what their family has always done.  Maybe they've worshiped with the same congregation in the same building for decades.  They don't love God, want to study His word, or worship Him.  They've simply taken on their family's religion.

We must realize that your family is not going to get you to Heaven.  Notice the singular language used in the following passage.

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Salvation is an individual thing.  Again, notice the singular language.

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

If we attend simply because our family has always attended, we are not attending for the right reason.

Let us switch our focus at this time to the correct attitudes we should strive to have when it comes to worship...

The Correct Attitudes to have Toward Worship

Reverence

Reverence is a deep respect.  This is a perfect description of the attitude we ought to have when it comes to worship.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.

It sounds strange to unbelievers, but our respect toward God is so deep that is akin to fear.  We would not dare disrespect our Creator!

1 Peter 2:17  Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Indeed, we ought to have this degree of respect for Him;  His power is so awesome that we can’t even begin to understand!

Job 38:4  Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?  Tell Me, if you have understanding.

If we have the proper degree of deep respect for God we will not fall asleep during the service, not talk or otherwise cause disruptions (cell phones, etc...).  God is to be the primary focus during our worship.

Humility

God has little patience for show-offs in His church.

The Bible tells us that we should humble ourselves before the Lord.

James 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

We should strive to be like the Tax Collector, certainly not like the Pharisee!

Luke 18:9-14  Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

In Remembrance

I mentioned the idea of reverence earlier in the lesson, which is a word that we usually associate with solemn events such as funerals.  In a sense, worship is like a funeral.

After all, we come together to remember Christ and all He did for us.

1 Corinthians 11:24-25  ...And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

We remember His death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures...

    In Obedience

We must worship God according to His divine instructions in order to please Him.  If we do not, we are not showing him respect we previously discussed.

When we fail to worship God according to His own instructions for worship, we are basically saying that we know better than Him concerning how we should serve Him.

This is one of the hardest ideas for the denominational world to understand, but all must recognize that man-made worship is not according to God's will.  Such worship is described as vain.

Matthew 15:9  And in vain they worship Me.  Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Surely, if anyone know how we ought to worship God it would have to be God Himself!

1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

 John14:6, 15  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me..." ;  If you love Me, keep My commandments.

In Faith

 It sounds obvious, but faith is essential in worship.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The bottom line is essentially this:  We must attend worship because we love God and want to please him and not for any other reason.

Conclusion

We must not forget that we must attend worship in order to please God.

Hebrews 10:25  ...Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

However, if your coming for the wrong reason; you might as well stay home.

We simply must worship God in spirit and in truth.

Are you worshiping for the right reason?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note:  This is based a sermon by Ralph Price with some added thoughts of my own.

Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing...”

I looked up the word “prayer” on an online concordance and found in about 365 verses (appropriate number considering the above verse).

Altogether, prayer is mentioned in the Bible some 500-600 times, depending on the source and the translation.  The count could be possibly even higher if you were to count all the times someone “cried out to the Lord” or simply spoke to God, which I would consider prayer.

It’s hard for me to imagine that something mentioned that many times in the Bible could not be significant!

What is Prayer?

Throughout the Bible we can see people communicating with God.

My definition of prayer would be direct communication with God.  I say direct communication because we don’t need to go through a priest (besides our true High Priest, Christ) to make this communication with our God.

Psalm 86:1  [ A Prayer of David. ] Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy.

Psalm 66:19  But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Just as we read earlier in 1 Thessalonians, we should be constantly praying!  Prayer is a very essential part of a Christian’s life!  When we fail to pray, we our doing a terrible disservice to ourselves and are damaging our relationship with God!

The Power of Prayer

The Bible is full of examples of prayers that God has answered.  There are accounts of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, the Apostles and so many others that prayed to God and were blessed through answered prayers!  I would argue that the power of prayer is as infinite as the power of God, seeing that God is the force behind prayer!

Jesus says the following of prayer in John 14:13-14:  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.  

As a former preacher often pointed out, “This does not mean that God is like Santa Clause.”

We must understand that God draws the line at requests that are outside of His will...  But more on that later!

The Benefits of Prayer 

Let’s examine some of the benefits of prayer...  But really, how could talking to God, your Creator, not be a benefit?

• Letting God know your needs -  Philippians 4:6-7  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

• Thankfulness - Colossians 4:2  Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving...

• Comfort/Strength in desperate times - Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 

I should mention that such prayers do not denote a lack of faith.  Quite the opposite!  Remember that Jesus prayed for strength while in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His arrest (Luke 22:44).

• Forgiveness - 2 Samuel 24:10  [ The Judgment on David’s Sin ] And David’s heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O LORD, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”  

Acts 8:21-23  "...You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.  For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

• Escaping temptation -  Mark 14:38 - “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

How to Pray

Wouldn't be great if the Bible gave us instructions on how to go about praying?  Guess what...  God's Word does just that!  The disciples asked of Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” in Luke and He shared with them what is commonly referred to as the "Lord's Prayer".

Luke 11:1-4  Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”  So He said to them, “When you pray, say:  Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done.  On earth as it is in heaven.  Give us day by day our daily bread.  And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

While it is not necessary that every prayer we offer up match the Lord's Prayer exactly, we can derive a pattern from Jesus' prayer.  Notice that Jesus offered his prayer to God, that He prayed with a proper reverent attitude, that He prayed that God's will be done, that He thanked God for blessings, and that He asked for forgiveness of sins and strength in the face of temptation.  Again, we do not necessarily have to repeat Jesus' exact words in our prayers, but we should follow His example.

Jesus Himself often sought solitude to pray.

Luke 5:16 - So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Jesus encouraged others to also pray in secret.  

Matthew 6:5-8  And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

We should pray with sincerity and humility!  The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a great example of how to pray and - just as importantly - how not to pray!

Luke 18:9-14 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

When to Pray/What to Pray for

I remember when I was very young and in Sunday School classes with my mom.  She taught us something that has always stuck with me - You can pray anywhere, anytime, for anything!

We must realize that prayer is not just for Sunday.  Likewise, it seems that many people think that you can only pray at church, or just before a meal or other special occasions.  Prayer can be done whenever, wherever!

We need to remember others in our prayers.

James 5:16  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

We should pray for family, friends, enemies (Luke 6:28 - Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.), neighbors, co-workers, those who are sick, leaders

We can also pray for ourselves.  It’s not selfishness to pray for yourself!  Praying is a sign of humility and is pleasing to God.  I think refusal to pray for yourself would actually be a sign of pride.

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Prayer

Sometimes we get flustered with words and feel like we've messed up a prayer because maybe we have said something incorrectly. We don’t need to worry about that because the Holy Spirit make intercession for us.

Romans 8:25-27  “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  

Just as a lawyer may speak on your account to the judge, the Holy Spirit is your advocate in prayer to God.

Personal Tips on Prayer

Make prayer a priority!  Be persistent!  The Parable of the Persistent Widow demonstrates the necessity of persistence.

Luke 18:1-8  Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”  Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Note:  I think that the widow’s persistence is different from “vain repetition” because she is demanding justice.

Have a prayer list next to your bed.  Oftentimes I pray before going to bed.  Something I did years ago that helped me was making a prayer list that I kept near my bed.

Read Scripture Probably even better than a prayer list would be to read scripture before praying!

Pray with your spouse!

What about "Unanswered Prayers"?

Many say that their faith is tested when God doesn’t answer their prayers.

As we have read before, we must pray in accordance to God’s will.  We must realize that God is the one answering the prayer, so He decides whether it’s in His will or not.

Sometimes we ask for things that are not in God’s will.  Even still, God does indeed answer these kind of prayers.  We must realize that "No" is a possible answer to a prayer.

There is actually account of Jesus Himself engaging in such a prayer, just before His crucifixtion.

Matthew 26:39  He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”  

Matthew 26:42  Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Did this prayer make Jesus sinful for asking God for something that was not in His will?  Certainly not!  Who would want to go through the agony of the cross?  Even though Jesus prayed for some other way, He ultimately recognized and submitted Himself to God's will.

My point is this:  Just because God doesn't answer a prayer with a "Yes" doesn’t mean that we should question Him.  Nor does it mean that we are sinful.  He knows what’s best for us in the long run and can see the big picture even when we can’t.

I’ve heard people sometimes say “Thank God for unanswered prayers.”  Which sounds like a funny thing to say, but because of our short-sightedness, we sometimes pray for things we don’t actually need and God knows this!

 Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Does God hear the Prayers of the Unrighteous/Those who are not Christians?

This is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately and is a pretty hot topic of debate: Does God hear/answer the prayers of the unrighteous?

Two verses in particular are often cited in this debate:

Proverbs 15:8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Proverbs 15:29  The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Based on these two verses alone, it appears that God does not hear/answer the prayers of the unrighteous.

However, I think there is a difference between an unrighteous person and someone who is lost but seeking truth.  I believe God hears the prayers of those truly seeking Him.

Obviously, God is not going to answer a prayer from an unrighteous and unrepentant person wishing ill on someone else.  But on the other hand, I believe God does hear and answer the prayers of those that may be lost but sincerely seeking God.

We read of a situation like this in Acts chapter 10 in the account of Cornelius.  If you recall, at this point in Acts, Cornelius would have been considered lost because he was a Gentile and was not yet a Christian.

But we read that Cornelius was a person who was diligently seeking God and we read that his prayers were answered even before he became a Christian!

An angel visiting Cornelius said in Acts 10:31: Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

We must remember that when praying, faith is necessary!!!

Matthew 21:22  And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

Cornelius, despite not yet being a Christian, had faith in God.  Thus, his prayers were heard and even answered!

Conclusion - Prayer's Role in Salvation

Before we conclude this lesson, let’s consider Proverbs 15:29 once again...

Proverbs 15:29  The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Whether we are asking for comfort or forgiveness, if we are in an unrighteous and unrepentant state, the Lord is far from us which is the complete opposite of what we want!  We should be seeking righteousness so that God will be near us in our prayers!

In this study we covered a lot of topics concerning prayer, but one thing we did not talk about was prayer’s role in salvation.

Reading further into the account of Cornelius, we see that he was eventually led down the right path through an answered prayer, but we know that he was not yet a Christian until he repented and was baptized.  It was not a prayer that saved him.

We must recognize that there is not mention of a “Sinner’s Prayer” anywhere in the Bible.

There are, however, several steps to salvation that are mentioned in the Bible, and Cornelius himself  (and others like him throughout the book of Acts) followed these steps as he sought to please God.

The End of the World

"The End of the World" is a very popular topic.

Many people have claimed to know when the world is going to end, and many will still yet make the assertion.  Y2K, the Mayan Calendar ending in 2012;  Here lately we have lived through several "prophesied" apocalypses.  Even some that claim to be Christians will proclaim to know the date at which the end will come.  One preacher famously stated that the world would end in 2011, and another claimed that it would happen with the sign of the Blood Moon.  And yet even these believers have been proven wrong by our continued existence...

Personally, I'm hesitant to make light of the whole situation, even though I also haven't believed that any of these events were actually going to happen.  I don’t find the ignorance of the misguided to be funny and I don’t think God does either.

However, today I would like for us to study some about the end of the world.  I’d like to discuss when the end is going to occur, an account of surviving an apocalyptic situation, the importance of being prepared for the end, and how to be prepared.

When will the End come? 

The verse that I always think about when someone proclaims that they know when the end of the world is going to occur is Matthew 24:36, in which Jesus Himself says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”  

Basically, as Jesus clearly states here, nobody knows when the end of the world will occur but God.

I suppose we could just about end the lesson right here...

However, if we continue to read through this section of verses, we will find that there is more still to learn.
 

The Time of Noah

I believe that Bible is a road map for those seeking righteousness to follow and that it gives us instructions for pretty much any situation we would encounter in this life and the life to come.

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Bible gave us an example of an apocalyptic situation and how to survive it?

Actually, if we turn back to Genesis we can find just that.  We recall the account of the Great Flood from Genesis, which is often referred to as an apocalyptic text.

Genesis 6:5-7 - Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.   And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.  So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them..."

Back in Matthew 24:37-38, Jesus goes on to say, “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”  

You can almost imagine this taking place during Noah’s time.  People were going about their normal business, completely oblivious to the fact that their doom was nearly at hand.  Perhaps they even mocked Noah as he prepared the Ark, much like unbelievers mock Christians today.

“Therefore, Keep Watch...”

Even though the world didn’t end during any of the preciously mentioned events, it doesn’t mean that it couldn’t end today, tomorrow, or whenever!

Matthew 24:42-44 - Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.

In this section of verses, Jesus explains that we should always be ready and prepared, because He will come at an unexpected time.  He compares His coming to that of a thief coming to steal.  A thief, as we know, does not loudly proclaim his coming.  If he did that, we would have locked the door, reinforced the windows, or do whatever else we felt was necessary to protect ourselves and our possessions.  Nowadays, most people feel prepared for theft, with their fancy locks and alarms.

Preparedness and security are highly valued in our society today.  But what about spiritual preparedness?

Surely this is more than a “Jesus is coming, look busy” situation! (That's a bad joke I’ve heard tossed around for years...)

How Do We Prepare For The End?

Well, how exactly do we prepare ourselves for the end?  Let’s look back once again to the example of Noah, one of the sole survivors of an apocalyptic situation.

Hebrews 11:7 - By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Noah, much like us today, was forewarned of the impending destruction of mankind by God (Noah was directly warned by God and we are warned today by God’s Word).  I think it’s important to notice that Noah took this warning from God seriously, which is something that not many do today.  But also, I think we should notice that Noah doesn’t just sit on this information from God and do nothing about it.  Noah not only listened to God but he obeyed and did as God commanded.

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The Importance of Baptism

So many downplay the importance of baptism in God’s plan for salvation (while others might say that I put too much emphasis on baptism; if that is the case, it's only because not enough teach baptism as necessary) and are reluctant to obey this simple command of God.  But as we have already seen, God cares about obedience just as much as faith.

1 Peter 3:20-21 - ...In the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Our obedience in following God  is putting our faith in action.  Noah understood this in his days, Christians should understand it today.  Noah probably had no idea what an ark was when he started building it.  People may have even thought he was crazy as he was building it.  In the same way, Baptism seems like a “silly” way for salvation to take place, but it’s the way God chose for us.  If God commands it, is it really that silly?


“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise...”

There were so many people making fun of the group who thought the world was going to end at various times.  As I said earlier, I didn’t feel like joining in.  I feel sorry for how misguided they were and probably still are.

To make matters worse, when a misguided group calling themselves “Christians” does something like this, it gives the further misguided unbelievers more reason to not believe; True Christians lose credibility just a little bit more.  Paired with the hypocrisy of so many out there that also call themselves Christians, the unbelievers question their already wavering (or nonexistent faith) in God, because, once again, “Those crazy Christians predicted the end and it didn’t happen.  Let’s all go back to what we were doing to start with.”  Oftentimes, the unbelievers question God and everything that He offers because of the shortcomings of those calling themselves His followers.

But we know that God is real and that his promises are true.  Another reading concerning the end to consider:

2 Peter 3: 1-17  - Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation!

One comforting aspect to this whole talk about the end of the world is that God doesn’t want anyone to perish.  Delaying the apocalypse is giving humanity another chance at salvation!

Are You Prepared? 

All should be concerned about the end of the world, because eternity follows, and As far as our eternal destination is concerned, there are only two options: Eternal Life or Eternal Destruction.

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

According to the Bible, the narrow gate, “the way which leads to life,” is a one-way street.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..." 

While the religious world would tell us that there are many avenues going various that lead to the same destination, notice that Jesus explicitly states here that there is no other way to get to Heaven.  It's only through Jesus can we hope to attain eternal life.

But perhaps instead of being concerned with the end of the world, we should be concerned with end of ourselves, which is likely more immediate.

Hebrews 9:27 - ...It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment...

Just as we don’t exactly know when the end of the world is going to take place (Today, tomorrow, or 1000's of years from now), but we also don’t know when our own personal time on earth will come to an end.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow.

James 4:13-14 - Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Many of us fully understand the fragility of life, from the loss of friends and loved ones.  I’m not trying to scare anyone here today, but we have to understand that the same could happen to us.

If your world was to end tomorrow and your own personal apocalypse was to occur... Would you be ready?

Jesus Is Coming Soon

"What must I do to be Saved?"

"What must I do to be saved?"  

Surely there are few greater inquires that any believer would ask of God!

As a believer in the Word of God, I would answer the question in saying that one must hear the Gospel message, believe it as God's Word, repent of their sins, confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and be baptized.

Many would likely disagree with this assertion and some might point out that there are actually a number of variations to this all-important question are asked in the Bible.  In at least 4 different instances, there would appear to be no less than 4 different answers...

1.  The Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-19  

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”

In this particular instance Jesus Himself told the Young Ruler to basically just keep the Law of Moses.

Why was he not told to obey the Gospel?

2.  The Jews on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:36-38

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

\Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This time Peter told the Jews that they needed to repent and be baptized.

Why were the Jews not told to believe?

3.  Paul in Acts 22:10, 16

So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

Paul recounted that he was told in a vision that he should "arise and be baptized".

Why was Paul not told to believe or repent?

4.  The Philippian Jailer and his Household in Acts 16:26-30

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.  And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.  But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Paul and Silas told the Philipian Jailer that he and his household need only believe in Jesus to be saved.

Why did Paul and Silas leave out baptism and repentance?

------------------------------------------------

At first glance, three different answers to the same question would appear to be a major inconsistency  in the Scriptures when it comes to salvation.  An incongruence such as this would justifiably cause some to wonder about the validity of the Word of God as a whole!

But, rather than be satisfied with these Biblical "sound-bytes", let us dig a little deeper and examine context of each of these instances.  Let us see if we can't make sense of these apparently different responses and find a definitive answer once and for all.

------------------------------------------------

1.  The Young Ruler 

Looking back at the instance involving the Young Ruler, we must look at the historical context in relation to the Scriptures.  During this time in which Jesus was still on Earth in the flesh, the New Covenant was not yet in effect.  Jesus was right to tell the Young Ruler to follow the Old Law since the New Covenant was yet to arrive.  Only after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection was the Old Law done away with to make way for the New.

Colossians 2:14  ...Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 

Ephesians 2:14-16  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,  having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Hebrews 8:13  In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

At the time when the Young Ruler asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to obey the Law of Moses because that law was still in effect.

2.  The Jews on the Day of Pentecost

Reexamining the answer that Peter gave to the Jews, it is again important to examine the historical context.  As previously discussed, we have already established that the New Law did not come into effect until after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.  Notice that the 2nd chapter of Acts takes place after these events.  The Day of Pentecost is famously remembered as being the occasion of the first Gospel sermon.

Toward the conclusion of Peter's message, the Jews were charged with bringing about the death of Christ.  As we read, we know that they were "cut to the heart" and they subsequently asked what they should do about it.  Remembering that the New Law was now in effect following Christ's death, the Jews were rightly told to repent and be baptized. 

One might ask why they were not told to believe.  The answer is simple:  We can infer that the Jews were aware of who Jesus was at this point.  They would have known Him in the flesh and witnessed His teachings.  They now knew that He was the Son of God and that they were responsible for His death.  If they did not believe why would they ask what they needed to do to avoid condemnation?  It is apparent that the Jews already believed, and that being the case, they need not be told to do so once again.

3.  Paul

Once again, context is very important to consider.  Remember that prior to becoming the Apostle Paul, he was known as Saul, a man who was definitely not a believer in Jesus.

Acts 8:3  As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

When Saul was on his way to Damascus, "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord", he had a vision of the Lord that caused him to have a change of heart.

Acts 9:4-6  Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Annanias met Saul in the city and baptized him.

It is evident, that following the vision, Saul believed.  His actions proved his working faith that would lead him to become the Apostle Paul, as he would soon come to be known.

What about repentance?  In Acts 9:9, 11 we read that Paul was in prayer for three days.  Imagine how Paul must have felt realizing that he had done so much damage to the church! We can infer that Paul was praying for repentance at during this prolonged period.   Additionally, this can be further evidenced by Paul's future teachings on the importance of repentance.

4.  The Philipian Jailer and his Household

Unlike the others we have discussed up to this point, the Jailer was not aware of who Jesus was.  Therefore we see that he was taught the Word by Paul and Silas.

Acts 16:31-34  So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.  Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

After the Jailer and his household were taught the Gospel message, they believed as evidenced by their being baptized immediately thereafter.

Additionally, we can find evidence for the Jailer and his household's repentance in the 33rd verse in which it is mentioned that they "washed their stripes."  The "stripes" spoken of here were the wounds that the Jailer had previously inflicted upon Paul and Silas when they were whipped in the prison.  The Jailer washed their wounds, demonstrating his sorrow for his sinful deeds against them.

------------------------------------------------

Rather than an inconsistency, we instead see that these 4 "different" answers to the same question actually reveal a consistent message regarding what one must do to be saved.

We must recognize that the Word of God and the teaching of Christ and His disciples are consistent!

Jesus Himself stressed the importance of repentance and baptism.

Luke 13:3  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

Mark 16:16  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Notice that even when the question, "What must I do to be saved?" is not asked explicitly...

• The Ethiopian Eunuch was taught the Word and subsequently baptized in Acts 8:26-39.
• During the first Gentile conversion involving Cornelius the Centurion, teaching was followed by repentance and baptism in  Acts 10.

Why resist what the Bible plainly and consistently states regarding salvation?

------------------------------------------------

Note:  This lesson was originally presented by Steve Clayton at Science Hill Church of Christ.

The Lord's Supper

Through the course of this lesson I hope to address some common questions that one may have about the Lord’s Supper, such as:  Where did the Lord’s Supper come from?  What is the Lord’s Supper?  What is it not?  Why do we partake of the Lord’s Supper?  How should we conduct ourselves during the Lord’s Supper?

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Where did the Lord’s Supper come from?  Appropriately enough, it came from the Lord Himself!

We have several accounts of the institution of the Lord’s Supper in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Let us read the account from Matthew at this time.

Matthew 26:26-29 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” 

What the Lord’s Supper is Not

I think it’s important to understand that the Lord’s Supper is not a common meal.  This is a mistake that some of the early Christians made.

1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Reading through these verses, it is apparent that some of the early Christians were incorrectly observing the Lord’s Supper and treating it as a carnal feast, like a barbecue or something someone would have with their friends on the weekend.  Certainly fellowship among Christians is encouraged throughout the Scriptures, but the Lord’s Supper is not a common feast.

Paul corrected and rebuked the offenders in these verses as their conduct was not praise worthy.  The Lord’s Supper is to be an act of worship in which focus is on our spiritual nourishment, not fulfilling a physical need for food and drink.

“In Remembrance of Me”

Why did Jesus institute the Lords Supper?  In Luke’s account we find an answer to this question.

Luke 22:19-20 - And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you..." 

In the latter part of Luke 22:19, Jesus states that the purpose of what He is doing is to be “in remembrance of Me.”  Basically, the Lord’s Supper is a memorial feast.  This is an act of worship in which we are setting our minds back to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, not only His death, but also His resurrection which is the very foundation of our faith!

Emblems of the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is symbolic in some ways (much like baptism).  Jesus states in Luke 22:19-20 that the bread represents His body and that the “cup” or the fruit of the vine symbolizes the His blood that is shed for us.

Some believe that during the Lord’s Supper the bread actually becomes the flesh of Christ and the fruit of the vine becomes His blood.  We are hard-pressed to find any evidence of this in the Bible, so we must conclude that this is symbolic in nature; The bread and fruit of the vine represent Christ’s flesh and blood, but do not actually, physically transform into them.

Observation of the Lord’s Supper

When are we to partake of the Lord’s Supper?  In Matthew and Luke’s account, the Apostles are partaking in the Lord’s Supper, but we can also see that early Christians partook in the Lord’s Supper during worship.

Acts 20:7 - Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

From this verse we can see that the Lord’s Supper (although it is not called such here) is to be done of the first day of the week.  There are no other mentions in the Bible that indicate any other day of the week for the Lord’s Supper to take place.

• How often should we partake of the Lord’s Supper? 

Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

In this verse we read that the first Christians, those baptized on the day of Pentecost, continued steadfastly not only in the Apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, and in prayers, but also in the “breaking of the bread.”  The word “steadfastly” insinuates that this was not something that they did just once, but rather that this was an act of worship that they observed on a regular basis.

From Acts 20:7 and Acts 2:42, we can tell that the Lord’s Supper is to be observed regularly on the first day of the week.  Seeing that the first day of the week occurs every week, we can deduce that the Lord's Supper is to be partaken on a weekly basis.

• Who can/should partake of the Lord’s Supper?  

I think that Acts 2 also gives us an answer as to who partake of the Lord’s Supper.  It’s Christians who observe the Lord’s Supper.  The people who were continuing steadfastly in the breaking of the bread were those that were baptized on the day of Pentecost.  The Bible indicates that the Lord’s Supper that is to be observed by Christians on the first day of the week.

Conduct during the Lord’s Supper

How are we to conduct ourselves while partaking of the Lord’s Supper?

How should we conduct ourselves during worship in general?

The Israelites in the Old Testament were rebuked for inappropriate worship.

Malachi 3:8-9 Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.

The Israelites were offering less than their best to God, sacrificing lame and sick livestock.

Malachi 1:6-8 “A son honors his father, And a servant his master.  If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’  “You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’  By saying, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’  And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil?  And when you offer the lame and sick,  Is it not evil?  Offer it then to your governor!  Would he be pleased with you?  Would he accept you favorably?”  Says the Lord of hosts.

The Israelites were not exhibiting the proper measure of reverence in their worship.  They were offering less than their best.  Obviously, this type of worship was not pleasing to God!

For a more specific answer to the original question, let us turn to 1 Corinthians 11.

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 - For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.  Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

From this reading, we notice several things.

First of all, as we have already read, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, His death and resurrection.  I think that it is clear that this is a solemn event that should be approached with reverence.  The Lord’s Supper, much like the other acts of worship we offer to our God, is not something to be taken lightly.

We must not partake in an “unworthy manner” as Paul states in verse 27, which would make us guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  I think this verse shows us how serious and solemn the observation of the Lord’s Supper should be.  

Additionally, each one that partakes of the Lord’s Supper should “examine himself.”  Sometimes it is hard to focus on the Lord’s Supper. We should make every effort to set our thoughts on Jesus.  This is almost like a time of meditation in which Jesus is the primary focus of our thoughts.

Some have suggested ways to assist in doing this since our minds tend to wander. Oftentimes we sing a song to help us get into the proper mood and mindset.   Memorizing Scripture to focus on or even open your Bible to read during this time could also be beneficial.

Above all, we must remember that the Lord’s Supper is to be done with reverence, as with any other act of worship.  We must apply the appropriate focus and mindset when we partake.  During the Lord’s Supper, we cannot allow our minds to wander and be distracted by other things.

Conclusion

I hope this lesson has answered questions that some may have had concerning the Lord’s Supper.  I think it is good for Christians to sometimes go back and study fundamental topics such as this and encourage anyone that has any questions to please simply ask.

Before we fully conclude this lesson, let us turn to Luke 22:30 which, once again, gives us a clue as to who can partake of the Lord’s Supper (although this verse does not specifically refer to the Lord's Supper).

Luke 22:30 - ...That you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This verse indicates that the Lord’s table is in His kingdom.  Therefore, we must conclude that in order to eat and drink at His table or partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must be members of Christ’s kingdom.  How do we become members of the Lord’s kingdom?

John 3:3-5 - Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”  Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

I think it’s important to remember that in order to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must first be a part of His kingdom.  In order to be a part of Christ’s kingdom, we must first become a Christian.

Master, the Tempest is Raging

This is one I haven't heard in a while...

Lessons from the Flood - Genesis 6-9

Questioning the “Flood Story”

I remember a Biology teacher that I had back in high school.  I loved his class and delighted in learning about the amazing living things we share our planet with.  One day in class, one way or another, it came up in the conversation that he was a Christian and he was talking about his belief in the Bible.  However, he made sure to point out that in spite of his belief of the Bible as the Word of God he did not believe in the account of the Great Flood because it was just “too unbelievable”.

Let’s briefly examine a few common objections that unbelievers bring to the debate about whether or not the Great Flood actually occurred:

Where would all the water come from?

Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, earning it the nickname “Blue Planet”.  The majority of that water is saltwater, with the rest consisting of freshwater.  And most of Earth’s freshwater is found in snow, glaciers and ice caps, including the those found in the polar regions.  It’s interesting that many of the same people who decry the Bible and, subsequently, the Flood account easily forget that one of the major environmental concerns of our time is the melting of the polar ice caps and rising sea levels due to the rising of Earth’s temperatures!  The preacher of the church I studied with while in college believed that Earth was as populated as it is today (His reasoning: “Why would there be a need to flood the entire planet if it wasn't fully populated?”).  There certainly seems to be enough water in one state or another that would make this possible!  The Biblical account mentions, in addition to rainfall, the "...fountains of the great deep were broken up..." (Genesis 7:11).  While this may have been considered beyond comprehension at one time, current scientific discoveries lend some support to this mysterious phenomenon mentioned in Genesis.

How would one man collect all of the known species on the entire planet?

This was probably my Biology teacher’s gripe with the Flood account.  The biodiversity of our planet is staggering: There are millions of species on planet Earth today and new species are being discovered every other day it seems.  This does not take into account the number of subspecies that additionally exist.  For example, just think of the different types of frogs around the world adapted to the most diverse of ecosystems.  People who question the Flood account point out just how difficult it would be to gather all of these creatures and put them on a boat.  Honestly, I’m not sure how Noah went about doing this and we can only speculate.  Perhaps God intended for him to collect the major species (or "kinds" as Genesis mentions) of the planet, not counting the various subspecies?  Is it possible that the species that Noah collected for the Ark adapted to their present ecosystems following the Flood?  While some Christians may debate the plausibility of Darwin's theory of Evolution, there is no denying micro-evolution which is proposed to lead to the various species and subspecies we encounter.  Is it possible that the various subspecies we see today descended from the Flood survivors?

It’s just too unbelievable!

This is the one that gets me...  It's understandable to hear this from scoffing nonbelievers, but I'd like to shift focus to believers for this particular point. I've actually heard people claiming to have faith (like my Biology teacher) say this!  The thing I can’t believe is the audacity of these “believers” to pick and choose verses that they will accept and those that they won’t.  To me, it just goes to show weak faith and poor respect for God’s Word on their part.  You think that he Flood is too difficult to believe?  So you’re saying that you believe the accounts that detail God’s ability to resurrect the dead are true (the very basis of Christian faith), but the Flood account is false?  These accounts are written in the same, divinely-inspired book!  The Bible is full of "unbelievable", miraculous things, but one of the fundamentals of our faith is that we have an all-powerful God!  If God created the world, the forces that govern it, and the creatures that inhabit it, surely He is powerful enough to make the bring about the Flood!  Certainly, with an all-powerful God, nothing is impossible if it is in His will!

Yup...  Among other things.  What of it?

Possible Evidence from other Sources - Despite the many people that would seek to discredit Flood account, it’s interesting to note that numerous ancient cultures around the world (Native American, African, Asian, European) have their own “Flood myth” that are somewhat similar to the account in the Bible.  Is it possible that this account had been handed down through generations since the time of flood as humanity repopulated the planet and broke off into their own cultures?

In the end, it all comes down to faith.  Obviously non-believers will always doubt the intangible.  Whether it is an event that occurred long, long ago or an all powerful God, all we have to rely on is our faith... And we shouldn't be ashamed of that!

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

But rather than debate and discuss the validity of the Flood story (After all, as Christians, we ought to believe the entire Word of God), let us examine a few lessons that the Flood account from Genesis can teach us about the nature of God, the importance of obedience, and a few other points.

God’s Attitude toward Sin  - Genesis 6:1-7

Our study of the Flood account brings us to the 6th chapter of Genesis.  One of the first things we can learn from this account is God’s attitude toward sin.  Genesis 6:5-7 states, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 

Even the Earth itself seems to have been affected by the iniquity of man.

Genesis 6:11-12 - The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Due to the sinfulness of man, God decided to wipe the Earth clean through a great flood.

God gives Grace (To those who walk with Him) - Genesis 6:8-9

Despite the wickedness of all of mankind, Genesis 6:8 tell us that “...Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”  

Genesis 6:9 gives great credit to Noah, stating that “...Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”

Today, just like in the time of Noah, we should know that it is possible to live righteously in an unrighteous world!  Today, just like in the time of Noah, God gives grace to those who walk with Him!

God spoke to Noah

Throughout the Flood account, we see that “God spoke to Noah.”  This phrase (God spoke to Noah or said to Noah) is repeated numerous times through the account of the Flood.

Through His Word, God speaks to us even today.

Are we listening as Noah did?

Noah’s (Obedient, Working) Faith - Genesis 6:13-22

God gave Noah a list a very specific instructions concerning the construction of the Ark and the gathering of the creatures that would be taken onto the Ark.  

Despite the specific and tedious commands that God imparts...

- Never once do we see Noah questioning God (Wouldn't cedar be just as good as gopher-wood?)

- Never once do we see Noah adding to what God commanded (What about adding another window?)

- Never once do we see Noah taking away from what God commanded (Do I have to take the snakes aboard?  I hate snakes!)

Genesis 6:22 simply states - Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

A major theme in the book of Hebrews is the concept of faith without works being a dead faith.  God is pleased by an obedient, working faith.  In Hebrews 11:6-7, we are told that we should strive to be as faithful as Noah -  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Noah could have easily ignored God’s warning, but when he was warned, he moved with godly fear.  Just imagine how different the account of the Flood would have turned out if Noah had not taken action!

However, it would appear that Noah took God seriously and was completely obedient in following God’s instructions.  Do we have the same attitude?

God is True to His Word - Genesis 7

God pledged to destroy every living thing back in Genesis 6.  Sure enough, by the end of Genesis 7, God has done what He said He would do.

There are many who claim to be believers today who choose not to believe in the existence of Hell, arguing that a loving God would not condemn anyone for eternity. However, Hell is declared as a harsh reality throughout the Bible.

2 Peter 3:1-7 - Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Just as God said He would bring about the Flood, He will also bring about judgment to all.

As scary as that may be, God offers us a means of escape, just as He did for Noah.

God Saves the Faithful Genesis 8

Once again:  God promises that Judgment is coming!

Matthew 24:37-39  But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

We must realize that God is not slack concerning His promise.  Just as the Flood was promised to cleanse the Earth, Jesus will return and we will be judged someday.

2 Peter 3:8-9 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

God offers us salvation from our sins through His grace.  Just like Noah, He commands us to take action!

1 Peter 3:20-21 ...In the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

God has a plan for our salvation.  Baptism is likened to the waters of the Flood, only now water serves as a means of our salvation.  Instead of building an Ark to be saved from the condemning waters of the Flood, God offers the cleansing, saving water of baptism and repentance.

Do you desire the salvation God offers?

Are you willing to obey as Noah did?