Articles
Anticipating What Comes Next
Anticipating What Comes Next
By Paul R. Blake
During the singing of the invitation song, Fred put his songbook in the rack, picked up his coat and put it on, gathered up hid Bible, notebook, and class book, then he checked his watch, nodded to his children to gather their things together, all the while trying to distractedly sing an old familiar song from memory. What has Fred done? He finished worshiping before the worship period ended. He is now in the going home frame of mind and not focused on the unfinished worship of God.
I am certain you have noticed that after the conclusion of a sermon and before the extending of the invitation, I ask the audience to open song books and prepare to sing, and I pause until they are finished. Experience taught me that I can't speak over the sound of song books sliding out of racks; and, if I can't speak over it, erring Christians and sinners can't hear over it. When I start the invitation, most of the audience has finished listening and is settling their minds on singing before the sermon has ended. And I understand it. Most of the audience is in right standing with the Lord and unconsciously realizes that the invitation is not directed toward them. The problem with going out of listening mode into singing mode before the sermon has ended is that it is infectious; that is, it spreads to persons who really need to hear the invitation.
Anticipating what comes next often tempts folks into quitting the task at hand before the work is done. I frequently read of old soldiers of the cross who stood fast for sound doctrine for most of their lives, only to draw back or compromise with error near the end of their days. Alexander Campbell, after fighting the battle to leave denominationalism and preach the Gospel without creeds, compromised his message later in life by advocating that salvation can be found in denominations. J. W, McGarvey, after teaching sound doctrine on worship in the Lord’s church, compromised with proponents of instrumental music in worship. I have personally witnessed too many examples of Christians who struggle long and hard through some great trial or dire temptation, only to fall away just before the burden is lifted. How tragic to endure the greatest part of the trial only to quit just short of success! They went into the resting mode before the time of rest had come.
"On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of countless millions, who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to rest, and resting, died" (Sam Ewing).
We are called to persevere unto the end of trials and tests, we must strive against sin until the end of our days, and we must work in the vineyard of the Master until we are called home. Never give up until you pass through the gates of heaven. (Heb. 10:35-39)
Why Jesus Came into This World
On seven occasions, Jesus announced the seven different reasons for why He came into the world. First, He came to bring light (John 12:46). The whole world lay in darkness - delusion, sin, and despair. He came as a healing light (Mal. 4:2), and as a guiding light (John 8:12).
Second, He came to judge willful blindness (John 9:39). He came to rebuke those who are willingly blind and lead them with divine truth.
Third, He came to kindle a fire (Luke 12:49). By the fire of His word, the Lord burns out the world's filth and rubbish. He burns out the evils in people hearts, and destroys the impurities in their lives.
Fourth, He came to cause division (Luke 12:51; Matt. 10:34). He came to start a warfare against the forces of evil. He is the Captain leading the forces of righteousness, and waging an unceasing fight against sin and error.
Fifth, He came to enthrone truth (John 8:37). At no time did He hesitate to speak the truth, even when it was unpopular. Those who loved the truth listened and received His word. (John 8:31-32).
Sixth, He came to bestow life (John 10:10). As the Lord of life, He came to give, enrich, and beautify life. Those who follow Him have the abundant life, and in the end, eternal life.
Seventh, He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). This seems to be the grand summation of all the purposes of the Lord in coming into the world. In all that He did and suffered, He had one objective - to seek and save the lost. His purpose was totally unselfish. All that He did was for our good and salvation.
Happy are those who learn the Lord's will and do it! Jesus said, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).
Test Your Bible Knowledge of Names
1. What is the longest name in the Bible? __________
2. What is the shortest name in the Bible? __________
3. What is the only name by which we must be saved? _________
4. What is the New Testament name for God’s children? _________
5. What were Abraham and Sarah’s original names? __________
6. What new name was given to Jacob? __________
A Moments Wisdom
--Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
--It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours.
--Nothing is as embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said couldn't be done.
--Nothing is as frustrating as arguing with someone who knows what he's talking about.
Upcoming Sermons
12/13/20 AM - “Many Will Seek to Enter the Kingdom, And Will Not Be Able”; PM - Daniel in the Lions’ Den: Not Just a Children’s Bible Story
12/20/20 AM - Seven Stipulations of Sacrifice; PM - Dealing with Impossible People
12/27/20 AM - The Mystery of the Resurrection; PM - Isaiah: Prophet of Redemption
1/3/21 AM - Resolutions of the Apostle Peter; PM - Singing Service: Congregational Choice
1/10/21 AM - Testing for True Friends; PM - Naomi and Ruth: God’s Non-Traditional Family
1/17/21 AM - As We Have Received Mercy…; PM - …Let Us Be Merciful
1/24/21 AM - Learning to Love Difficult People; PM - Elijah: A Preacher on the Run
1/31/20 AM - Learning to Live with Difficult Christians; PM - Guest Speaker: Doug Sanders
