There are good people who covet and are not aware of their sin. Covetousness is a little understood subject.  The general idea is: to covet is to desire what belongs to someone else. That may be involved but much more is involved. When one goes shopping, he desires the goods and the owner wishes to sell. Is that wrong? Of course not!  However, sometimes we want something so badly that we are willing to do wrong in order to obtain it. That is a sin.

We can be covetous with what we already possess. In one of his parables, Jesus tells of a successful farmer. This man’s fields produced more than his barns would hold. Did he share it with anyone? No, he very selfishly hoarded it all. It was not dishonest gain. It was the fruit of his own labors but he was selfish. Jesus introduced the story with these words, "Take heed and beware of covetousness."

One of the most common forms of covetousness is gambling. The sin in gambling is not in taking a chance. We all take chances when we drive our cars to work, when we cross the street, when we take medicine. But, in doing those things we are not risking our goods while trying to take someone else’s goods. Any time the only way I can gain is for you to lose, something is wrong. That is greed. That is covetousness.

Even churches operate gambling games, all in the name of raising money for a good cause. Good causes should not rely on sinful fund raisers. Why would we appeal to the worst side of a man’s nature in an attempt to do good? Whether it is bingo, raffles, machines with stuffed toys, slot machines, roulette or whatever appeals to our desire to get something for nothing, it is an appeal to our covetous hearts.

Someone protests, "It is a game of skill, not a game of chance." That only makes it worse. If you are more skillful, that does not even give the other person an even break! Someone else says, "I budget so much for entertainment and gambling is my entertainment." Ah, but you really are hoping to win, aren’t you? Besides, when you do it, you are supporting an evil institution. Just remember, "Thou shalt not covet."

As the new year approaches, many people will make resolutions to do better, make improvements, settle old problems, aim for higher goals, set new standards.

It is good to make resolutions; it is even better to carry them out. If you make resolutions, be practical. Set goals that are high but attainable. It is self-defeating to aim so high that failure is certain. The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is a great example of a resolution which was carried out. A young man demanded of his father that his inheritance be given now. The father was wise enough to give it and let the young man learn from his experience. The young man left home and went far away. He soon wasted his money. He hired out to feed swine, a disgraceful thing for a Jewish young man. In his poverty, he came to his senses. He resolved, "I will go home and ask my father to make me a hired servant of his." The most important part of the story is told in four words: He arose and went.

He received a royal welcome as a son, not as a hired servant. In fact, when his father saw him coming, the father ran to meet him. That father represents God our Father. The only thing that will cause God to run is a sinner coming home! Do you need to come home?

Perhaps some of you who read this have not been attending church in quite some time. Won’t you resolve to start the new year right by being in God’s house this Sunday? Some of you have never obeyed the gospel of Christ. If not, you have never been born again. Never had your sins forgiven. Never been saved.

Maybe you are asking, what can I do? When the people on Pentecost were told they had by wicked hands crucified the Lord of glory, they were convicted and sorry. They asked, "Men, brethren, what shall we do?" Peter answered, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. Simple? Yes, but aren’t you glad it is? If it were complicated, most of us would never make it. Will it work? Yes, for God always keeps his promises.

Resolve now to make the year 2001 a year of victory in Christ.

     "GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN"     back to topics

Christ said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Luke 6:34. Some think this has reference to giving forgiveness to those who wrong us. It may have that immediate application. However, this is a general rule that works under all circumstances. We need to learn and practice this lesson.

This rule works whether it is practiced by Christians or by heathens. It is like the law of gravity. If a heathen steps from the top of a tall building into thin air, he is going to fall. If a Christian does the same, he will fall also.

Paul wrote "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Corinthians 9:6. Whether a farmer is an infidel or a Christian, this law works.

Christ said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:32. This is not dealing with what one puts into the collection basket, though it is a general rule and works there too. When we help others, it helps us more than it helps them.

Benjamin Franklin, a statesman of the American Revolutionary War days, was a man of great wisdom and put much of that into his Poor Richard's Almanac. He tells of attending a meeting in which a preacher made a powerful appeal for a worthy cause. Franklin said that he was so moved that he emptied his pockets to give! In reflecting on this, he said that the sermon had some small value but it was temporary. Benjamin Franklin said it would have been far better for the preacher to have made a rational appeal that would have caused him to give generously on a regular basis. This would have done permanent good.

How often we settle for small gains of the moment. We need to see the big picture. We need to teach and act with a view to the long run. Jesus said, "You have the poor with you always." The gospel is to be preached to the end of the age. Matt. 28:20. There will always be a need to help the helpless and there will always be the need to preach the gospel.

One of the great blessings is that in giving to the good causes which need our help, we ourselves will be blessed in return.

     GOD'S POWER TO SAVE     back to topics

We are very power conscious. The West Coast area is in danger of losing its electrical power. Blackouts are predicted. These power shortages produce great problems. It is not just the power that matters. it is all the things that cannot be operative without the power. Even if the power is produced as normal, the apprehension of losing it is disruptive and destructive.

The desire for power over other people's lives is major factor in many of the world's ills. For some reason many people have a strong desire to control other people. Many years ago, I knew a man who was the king-pin of country politics where he lived. Any politician seeking office wanted his support. He called the shots. He did not use his power for money. He wanted to have a controlling say about what was being done in his county. He could get jobs for the unemployed. He could get roads and bridges built. People came to him for favors.

Churches have suffered untold damage because some people in a church want to be in control. It is one thing to want to be in a place of power to be able to serve people. It is quite another matter to want to have power over people's lives for the sake of power.

Every person who professes to be a Christian is concerned about salvation - his own and that of the lost. God has one power to save. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation." Romans 1:16. That gospel involves the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This gospel is so important that Jesus commissioned his apostles to go into all the world and preach it to every creature. Mark 16:15. The failure to preach it has very serious consequences. Paul wrote, 'Woe is me if I preach not the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:16.

Once this gospel is preached, it is deadly if we fail to obey it. When Jesus returns, it will be in "flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God and who obey not the gospel." 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8. Judgment will be passed on those who fail to obey the gospel. 1 Peter 4:17. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation unto all them who obey him. Hebrews 5:8-9.

     GRACE AND LAW      back to topics

One of the clearest teachings of the New Testament is that we are "saved by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:6-8. Paul wrote the Galatians to say that anyone who would attempt to be saved by the deeds of the Law was fallen from grace. There are several reasons why this is true. The Law provided no sacrifice which was sufficient to atone for sin.

The writer of Hebrews stated that "the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin." Heb. 10;1-2. The Law could condemn, it could never justify. The violation of any one of the Ten Commandments constituted sin. Not a one of the Ten Commandments provided for the forgiveness of sin. All the sacrifices of the Law actually pointed to a coming sacrifice for sin, Jesus Christ.

Not only did the Law not prove adequate to take away our sins, but man cannot atone for his own sin. "O, Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps." Jer. 10:23.

Isaiah said, "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rage in His sight."

When God planned for Christ to come into the world to be a sacrifice for our sins, He did not seek the counsel of men. We had nothing to do with it. It was wholly to doing of God. From that standpoint, salvation was wholly a work of grace. This does not speak to the matter of receiving that grace. Providing it was wholly the act of God. But, we are told that God is "not willing that any should perish." 2 Peter 3:9. If His grace appeared to all men, Titus 2:9-11, and it did, why are not all men saved? Some preach universal salvation. Jesus taught many will travel the broad way that leads to destruction. Matt. 7:13. We need to read all of 2 Peter 3:9, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Salvation is by grace, not merit. However, that grace must be received. It is received when we obey the gospel of Christ. "He is the author of salvation to all them who obey him." Heb. 5:8-9. "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matt. 7:21.

Make sure we do not "fail of grace", Heb. 12:15.

     GUILT TRIPS     back to topics

Sometimes people are heard to say, "I don’t go to church because every time I go the preacher lays a guilt trip on me. I like to leave church with a good feeling, not feeling guilty."

As usual, there is an element of truth in much error. We all like to be made to feel good rather than bad. But, what if we are bad? Should we feel good?

There are two things we should certainly avoid: feeling innocent when we are guilty, and, feeling guilty when we are forgiven. Some people never see any wrong in their own lives. Others go through life seeing only their imperfections.

What about guilt trips? The fact of the matter is that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 . "There is none that doeth good, no, not one." Romans 3:12. The reason Christ died for us was because we are sinners. Those without Christ were described as "being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:12.

Christ promised his apostles the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin", John 16:8. Did it come to pass? The Holy Spirit came on the apostles on the Day of Pentecost and they preached Christ to those Jews who came for that great feast day. Peter said that God had showed his approval of Christ by many signs and wonders performed in their midst, but, "ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." Acts 2:23. That is the worst of all guilt trips. Did they need to hear it? Yes! And it pricked their hearts. They wanted to know how to be saved from their guilt. And they were told to repent and be baptized. Acts 2:38.

Man will never appreciate the grace of God until he becomes aware of the enormity of his sins. That is what made grace necessary. I need to realize that my guilt is so great that it took the death of God’s own Son to remove it. That is grace! God did not ignore my sin. He did not say, "That’s alright, my son. I’ll just pretend it never happened." No, he paid an awful price to get rid of my sin. We are guilty until forgiven.

When confronted by his enemies concerning what is true, Jesus often asked? "Have you not read . . . .?

What is spoken may or may not be true, but what is written in the word of God is always true. When men spoke being moved by the Holy Spirit of God, of course their message was true, but this is not true of uninspired men. We need to know the difference. Traditions can cover up the word of God. Guard against this.

The people of Berea searched the scriptures daily to see if what was spoken by Paul were so. Acts 17:11.Paul warned the Corinthians to "not go beyond what is written, 1 Cor. 4:6.

Sixty-three times the New Testament emphasizes "It is written."

It is true that in the first several years of the history of the church, there was no written New Testament. When it was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, every truth in it matched what had been spoken by inspired men. What was given by inspiration, spoken or written, was and is the word of God.

If a person came bursting into your place of worship this coming Lord’s Day declaring, "I have a new revelation from God", would you say "I’m sure you have so let’s hear it"? I think not. It is nothing new for false prophets to claim to be sent of God. Jer. 23:21, God said, "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied."

Measure any message by the word of God. When I stand up to preach I do not just quote scripture. I attempt to explain the meaning and there is scriptural precedent for that. Neh. 8:8 " So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Note that they did not take the liberty of giving any message except what was taught in the book of the law of God.

Many preachers of today mount the pulpit and declare that God has "laid a message on my heart to give you today." This amounts to a claim of inspiration. Beware of such teachers. Isa. 8:20 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

Paul wrote the Corinthians that Christ died for all because we were all dead. 2 Cor. 5:15. We were dead in our sins, dead to righteousness, without spiritual life. This does not mean we were born as sinners but we have all sinned. Rom. 3:23. That is a verb of action, something we have done, not something that was done to us. Inherited sin is not a scriptural idea. 

It ought to make any of us humble to realize that our sins are so serious that it required the death of God’s own Son to take away our sins. It is easy to look at a sinful world and say, "Christ died for sinners." But what about me? He died for ME? What have I done that is so very bad? Yes, Christ died for even me!

The Law of Moses could condemn but it could never take away sin. Under it, priests offered the blood of bulls and goats but those offerings only reminded the people they were sinners. It could never take away sin. Heb. 10:1-4. What, then, was the remedy? The death of God’s only Son. Christ said, "Sacrifice and offerings (prescribed by the Law, lgh) thou wouldest not, but a body thou hast prepared me." Heb. 10:5.

There is no way we can pay for our own sins. We have nothing with which to pay. The death of our firstborn son, the cattle upon a thousand hills, all of earth’s gold would not pay for one of our sins. It takes nothing less than the very life blood of Christ. That is why the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace and not of works.

Being saved by grace does not mean we are saved without obeying God, it just means that our obedience is not the price paid for sin. The grace of God has appeared to all men, but is teaches us to deny ungod-liness and worldly lust and to live righteously, soberly and godly in this present world. Titus 2:11-12.

I cannot be saved without repentance. Luke 13:5. God commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30-31.

I cannot be saved without scriptural baptism for "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. See also Acts 22:16.

I must be faithful unto death. Matt. 10:2; Rev. 2:10.

It is the grace of God that allows me to do all these things.

      HE REMEMBERS THAT WE ARE DUST      back to topics

The Psalmist reminds us that God is merciful and forgiving. He then tells us why, 'He knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:14.

God "knows our frame". He should. He made us out of the dust of the earth. This tells me that God knows that I am human, I am not God. God is perfect. I am imperfect.

While God forbids us to sin and commands us to do right, at the same time he knows our frailty, our weaknesses. Satan tempts us powerfully. It is only with the help of God that we overcome.

It is right that we condemn sin. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the apostles into all truth. Christ said of the Holy Spirit, "He will convict the world of sin." When Peter and the other apostles stood up on the day of Pentecost and preached as the Spirit gave them utterance, Peter said, "You have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain the Lord of Glory."

What effect did this have on the listeners? "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" True gospel preaching will have the effect of convicting sinners of their sins.

It is not enough to know we are sinners. We need to know how we can be free of our sins. Gospel preaching not only convicts of sin, it points to the way of salvation. When the people on Pentecost asked what to do, Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized, every one you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. Many preachers are giving different answers. The one Peter gave was spoken by the Holy Spirit through Peter. Since you must face God in judgment one day, which answer would you rather rely on, your preacher's or Peter's?

God hates sin but loves the sinner. How much does he hate sin? Enough to give Christ to die on the cross to get rid of sin. How much does he love sinners, enough to give Christ to die on the cross to save lost sinners.

The cross of Christ shows the extreme hatred God has for sin. It also shows the extreme love he has for sinners.

Time was when it would be said of a man, "His word is as good as his bond." That should be true of every Christian. It is not that the person needs what we promise, we need to do what we promise. Our character is at stake. It may mean the loss of money and time. It is better to lose money and time than one’s character and one’s soul.

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" Psalm 15:1. "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not." v. 3. Here is a person who has given his word (sweareth), he learns it will be to his disadvantage (his own hurt). In spite of the hurt that results, he changeth not. He does not alter his word. He does not alibi. He does not say, "I found a better deal." Or, "I know that’s what I said but I have changed my mind." Or, "I know what I promised but he doesn’t deserve it." It does not matter what the other person deserves. It does matter what I am. I must not allow the other person’s character determine what my character will be.

Joshua and the men of Israel made a treaty of peace with the men of Gibeon. Israel had been forbidden to make peace with the inhabitants of Canaan. Three days later, they learned the Gibeonites were neighbors. The Israelites kept their word. Later, when Saul was king, he slew many of the Gibeonites and God punished the land with a famine for three years because Saul had not kept the treaty of peace. 2 Samuel 21:1. It is serious business to break one’s word.

The Bible uses strong language. To go back on one’s word is to lie. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent [change, go back on his word]: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19.

We should carefully think things through before making obligations. Easy promises may not be easily fulfilled. Once made, they must be kept. Yes, even parents must keep promises made to their children!

"Thou shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths." Matthew 5:33.

How we perceive God greatly affects our worship and our religion in general. We need to take a close look at how we see God. We need to read our Bibles carefully to see what the real picture of God is. Men tend to think of God as being like themselves. God said, "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself."Psalm 50:21. 

A study of Greek and Roman Mythology will show how those cultures viewed their gods. They were drunkards, liars, thieves, murderers, adulterers and whatever kind of sinner you wish to name. Why? They had created their gods in their own likenesses. They did not love their gods. They served them to keep them from venting their anger and displeasure upon them. Or, in order to obtain their blessings. Many "Christians" have the same view of our God.

There are others who do not go to that extent but who do believe that the God of the Old Testament is not the same as the God of the New Testament. They think of one as a God of hate and vengeance and the other as a God of love. This is a false view. Over and over again in the Old Testament, God is seen as a God who loves and blesses. Did He show displeasure at rebellion and disobedience? Many times. Is He seen in the New Testament as a God who will punish wrongdoers. Absolutely! "It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." 2 Thess. 1:6. Again, Rom. 3:5-6, "Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?"

No person in Old Testament times could have the perception of God that we presently have. Why? Because not one of them could possibly know that God loved them enough that He would give His only Son to die for them. We know the love of God in a fuller and richer way than did they. This love is intended to draw us to God. When we see the love of God in giving Christ, it causes us to love Him. "We love him because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19. Jesus further said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15.

There is a great range of ideas about the importance of baptism - all the way from its being completely unnecessary and non-essential to a belief that it effectins salvation even in people whose will is in no way involved. In other wards, infants who have no idea of what is taking place and even infants who are stillborn.

All that really matters is: What does the Bible teach?

Christ said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. Peter told those on Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you . . . for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. He later wrote, "Baptism doth also now save us." 1 Peter 3:21.

Listen in contrast to what is taught in a Standard Manual: "Baptism is not essential to salvation, for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of ‘baptismal regeneration’." For many, that is reason enough: "Our churches utterly repudiate" it.

But that is not the end of the matter, read further: "But it [baptism] is essential obedience, since Christ has commanded it." Since you can be saved without baptism (?), but cannot be obedient without it, would you conclude that one can be saved without obedience?

Further: "It [baptism] is also essential to a public confession of Christ before the world, and to membership in the church which is his body." If baptism is essential to a public confession of Christ but is not essential to salvation, it means that confession of Christ is not essential to salvation.

It gets worse: "And no true lover of his Lord will refuse these acts of obedience and tokens of affection [baptism]." If you can refuse baptism and still be saved, but cannot refuse baptism and be a true lover of the Lord, that would mean you could fail to love your Lord and still be saved. If not, why not? Christ taught that those who will not confess him before men will be denied by him before the Father in heaven. Matt. 10:32-33.

Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:8-9. He will come in flaming fire and take vengeance of all who obey not the gospel, 2 Thess. 1:8-9. So, obedience is essential to salvation. The greatest com-mandment is love God with your whole being, Matt. 22:37. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15.

      HOW WERE YOU SAVED?     back to topics

Salvation from sin is the most important thing in one=s life. If you are saved, everything is right and if you are lost everything is wrong. Anything so important should never be a matter of doubt. We need to make our salvation as sure as we can.

We have a standard by which we can guage our salvation. It is the word of God.

When the word of God tells us we will be saved on certain conditions and we then meet those conditions, we can be assured that we are saved. Until those conditions are met, we are lost. Different people hold differing viewpoints on what those conditions are. Some would say, "Simply believe." Others would tell you to "Pray through." Some say God chooses you independently of anything you do. Still others contend that one must by faith do the will of God.

One of the most common conceptions is that of saying the "Sinner's Prayer". It is presented in different forms. The gist of it goes something like this: "I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I now accept him as my Savior." If this were Biblical, I would be most happy to preach it. However, it is not Biblical.

If this prayer were Biblical, it certainly would be found in scripture. But, is it? It is not. In fact, it is contrary to scripture. A baptized believer committed a grievous sin and was told to "Repent and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." Acts 8:22. However, this was never once said to a sinner who had never been born again. Men often get matters in reverse. They tell sinners to repent and pray. They tell those they consider to be saved to then be baptized. The Bible tells it the other way around. Sinners were told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38. A fallen believer was told to repent and confess his sins and pray. Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:8-9.

Can you trust Jesus to keep his word? He promised, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. When one is scripturally baptized, is he trying to save himself? No, he is trusting Jesus to save him the way Jesus promised to save him. That is truly salvation by faith.

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

Even our Lord Jesus Christ did not consider that being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, or held on to, but, "He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

Humility is a hard lesson to learn. Actually, true humility exalts a person rather than debases one.

The story is told that George Washington and General Lafayette were walking together one morning when they were greeted by one of Washington’s slaves. The old slave paused, tipped his hat, and said, "Good Mo’nin’, Gen’l Washington."

Immediately, George Washington removed his hat, bowed, and said, "Good morning to you, and I hope you have a pleasant day."

General Lafayette was shocked. When he recovered his composure, he exclaimed, "Why did you bow to a slave?"

Washington smiled as he replied, "I would not allow him to be a better gentleman than I."

When character is important to us, humility comes easier. It is humbling to apologize when we have erred. But, if we care about our character, we must.

Think about how humbling it must have been for Saul of Tarsus, a man who excelled all his peers, to do an about face. He led the charge against Christianity. Then he was confronted with the fact that Christ really is the Son of God, not the imposter he had supposed him to be. What will he do? He humbly submitted to be baptized and immediately began to preach Jesus as the Christ, the looked for Messiah.

There are many people today who are too proud to admit that they have believed and practiced false doctrine. To be saved, we will have to be humble enough to learn and accept truth however painful it may be.

Nearly every conversion in the book of Acts involved people who were already very religious, but religiously wrong. How about you?