Introduction

• II Timothy 1:5 – We must make our faith our own.
• I John 4:1 – This is my responsibility.

First generation Christians

• When he hears the truth for the first time, it’s always from the vantage point of unbelief and error. He had his beliefs and faith called into question in terms of truth.
• Conversion is always a traumatic experience, paying a great price.
• With reference to truth, what he is concerned with is, is it right or am I right with truth? Am I faithful and lower to the truth? Sees faith differently.
• The problem: Apt to become radical. Identifies any variation with innovation or defection. Equates own belief and own perception with the truth. It’s personal.

Second generation Christians

• He hears the truth for the first time from the vantage point of belief. Had things to be sorry for, but not like the first generation Christian.
• Conversion is not traumatic. Parents were there when baptized. Grew up in a context of belief.
• Concern becomes the people. Let’s not disturb them, because it’s going so well. Not am I right, but who will I upset. Have I just inherited what I believe and grew up with – go back over old ground.
• The problem: Seldom becomes radical. He becomes liberal. Rationalizes innovation as a way to do it better. Doesn’t have background to be a radical.

Testimonies from those who are first generation Christians

• What was your conversion experience like? How were you taught? What were the major roadblocks to conversion for you? What sacrifices did you make or continue to make after conversion?

Introduction

• John 11:1-16

Jesus let Lazarus die.

• John 11:5-6 – Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, yet He did not leave immediately to see Lazarus when He heard he was sick.
• Jesus loved them … so he let Lazarus die.
  • Jesus let Lazarus die because he loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
  • John 11:4, 15 – Jesus had a plan all along.
• They were allowed to suffer, though they were loved by the Lord, so God’s glory could be displayed.
• Matthew 10:28-31
• Whatever happens in life, use it to glorify God.

Martha’s response

• John 11:17-27 – Martha was a great woman of faith. Martha never questioned Jesus’ love or His power.
• Martha declares her faith in the Lord in the midst of grief.
• II Corinthians 4:7-8
• Psalms 42:5; 109:21-30 – It’s natural to be upset, but we must not lose our faith.
• Martha keeps things in the right perspective.
  • For those who follow Christ, death is not permanent.

Jesus cares deeply

• Lazarus’ death caused Jesus to be deeply moved.
  • John 11:32-40
• Even though He let it happen … He still had so much compassion for His children.
  • Luke 2:12
  • Matthew 20:34
  • Mark 8:2; 1:41
• God still has compassion on us today.
  • John 11:40-44

How is holy living possible? (continued)

The process of sanctification

The work of the Holy Spirit

• Romans 15:16 – Gentile offering … sanctified by the Holy Spirit
• Romans 15:18-19 – by word/deed, by miracles (signs/wonders), by power of the Spirit of God
• I Corinthians 6:11 – washed/sanctified/justified … by the Spirit
• II Thessalonians 2:13 – sanctification by the Spirit
• I Peter 1:1-2 – the sanctifying work of the Spirit
• Holy Spirit – what do we know?
  • He is a He, not an “it” – John 14:16-17
  • He spoke – I Timothy 4:1; Acts 8:29; 10:19-20; Acts 13:1-4; John 14:26
  • He intercedes – Romans 8:26
  • He has a mind/knowledge – Romans 8:27; I Corinthians 2:11
  • He has love – Romans 15:30
  • He can be hurt by us – Ephesians 4:30; Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 5:3
  • Gift of the Holy Spirit received at baptism – Acts 2:38-39; 11:7; I Corinthians 12:13
• Location of the Holy Spirit
  • Titus 3:5-6 – He is instrumental in our spiritual regeneration when we become Christians.
  • I Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
  • Ephesians 3:14-16 – strengthens our inner man
  • John 14:17
  • Romans 8:9-11
  • Galatians 4:6
  • Ephesians 3:20

The work of the Word of God

• Ephesians 6:17 – word=sword of the Spirit
• John 17:17 – sanctified by truth=word
• Ephesians 5:25-26 – sanctify … by the word

Sanctification:

• … is received through Christ
• … takes place at baptism upon obedience (death of the old man)
• … is ongoing (as we walk in the light)
• … is work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Bible)

Introduction

• Philippians 2:15

What is going on?

• Genesis 4:6-10
• Genesis 6:11-13
• Sin is going on. It is nothing new.
• Hebrews 1:1-3
• Ezekiel 7:23
• Hebrews 11:36-39
• Mark 15:22-25 – The creation murdered the Creator.
• Luke 23:41 – Jesus did nothing wrong!
• Mark 16:10-15 – Jesus’ disciples were so confused that they did not believe that He had been resurrected.

What is the solution?

• Matthew 15:18 – Change the heart!
• Laws and law enforcement are important, but more fundamental than that is the hearts of men. No laws can be good enough or law enforcement comprehensive enough if the hearts of men are not aligned with God.
• Matthew 10:7-23, 28 – People were hostile to this message.
• Jonah 3:1-8
• Hosea 4:1-7 – The more people left God, the worse society became.

What should I do today?

Love your neighbor as yourself.

• Luke 10:25-37 – Prove yourself a neighbor to others.
• Matthew 5:44

Put on the new self.

• Ephesians 4:24
• People need to submit to Jesus. We must be the example showing the way.

Support justice, but not vengeance.

• Romans 12:17-21
• Romans 13:1-4

Pray

• I Timothy 2:1-2

Endure

• Hebrews 12:1-3

The slavery practiced in America was full of sin.

Stealing people is slavery.

• I Timothy 1:10 – Enslaving listed as a sin.
• Exodus 21:16 – Death penalty for selling someone into slavery.
• This is not the same as imprisoning criminals.

Mistreating people is sinful.

• Galatians 5:19-21
• Matthew 7:12
• James 5:4
• Philippians 2:3

Racism is sinful.

• Genesis 1:27
• Acts 17:26
• I John 4:20-21
• Matthew 22:39

Slavery existed in various forms and was regulated in various ways in the Old Testament.

“a Hebrew man or woman”

• Deuteronomy 15:12-18

“slaves from the pagan nations”

• Leviticus 25:44-46 – Under the Old Covenant, it was permitted to buy and own slaves with certain restrictions.
• Leviticus 18:2-3, 24-30 – Don’t do what these other nations were doing.

New Testament slavery

• I Corinthians 7:18-24 – There are different kinds of slavery: physical and spiritual.
• I Corinthians 12:13
• Galatians 3:28 – You can be a Christian no matter what state you are in.
• Colossians 3:11