Introduction

• Matthew 5:13-16

Remembering our influence in the world

“You are the salt of the earth”

• Matthew 5:1-2, 3-12
• Ezekiel 16:4; Leviticus 2:13; (Ezra 6:9; Romans 12:1)

“… but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”

• Salt cannot lose its flavor as long as it is still salt. If it is changed by its environment, it can lose its properties.

“it is then good for nothing …”

• Matthew 25:30

“You are the light of the world”

• John 8:12; 12:46; 1:4-9

“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”

• People will be able to see us if we are standing for the truth, even if they don’t want to.

“Nor do they light a lamp …”

• Ephesians 5:8, 11; Luke 1:79
• The purpose of the lamp was to burn bright and shine.
• Song: “Let The Lower Lights Be Burning”
• We must fulfill our purpose!

“Let your light so shine …”

• III John 1:9; Galatians 2:20
• This is about letting God’s light shine through us. It is not about us trying to shine our own light.

Religious responsibility as a member of Christ’s universal church

Local church

• Ephesians 3:10-11, 21; I Peter 4:17

I

Moral conduct

• Romans 13:13-14

Civic

• Romans 13:5

Social

• Romans 13:8
• Ephesians 4:25

Economic

• Ephesians 6:5-9
• Ephesians 4:28

Spiritual service

• II Timothy 2:15, 2 – Everyone must teach to the extent of their abilities.
• Matthew 28:19
• Galatians 6:9-109 – Do good and help others.
• I Thessalonians 5:17

Husband – wife

• If we do the other things, but neglect our spouse of family, we are wrong.
• Colossians 3:18; Ephesians 5:22-27

Parent – child

• Ephesians 6:1-4

Introduction

• Jesse Jenkins requested a sermon on the division in the 1950s-1960s.
• Why is this important?
  • Old Testament apostasy from the beginning came from within.
  • New Testament division and fall always came from within.
    • Acts 20:28
    • I Timothy 4:1
    • Hebrews 3:12
    • II Timothy 4:2-4
    • This fall was already starting during Paul’s lifetime. Elders started leading more than one congregation, leading to Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, then the Protestant Reformation and more division.

History repeating

• In the 19th century, the organization of the church was again corrupted, and instrumental music was introduced.
• In the 20th century, there were only about twelve full-time conservative preachers, but they taught thousands, and the church grew enormously.
  • The sponsoring church arrangement came about, along with institutionalism (organizations set up to do benevolent work), recreation, and entertainment.
  • Churches came to be known as either liberal or conservative churches of Christ, depending on if they supported these institutions or not.
  • Churches split, even to the point of taking members to court as troublemakers.
  • II John 1:9
• The division in the late 19th century eventually produced three groups:
  • The conservative church were generally known as churches of Christ.
  • The more liberal group was usually known as the Christian Church.
  • In time an ultra-liberal group spawned, known as disciples of Christ.
• The division of the late 20th century had the same results:
  • The conservative churches hold to Biblical infallibility and insistent on having a “thus saith the Lord” for teaching and practice.
  • There are the “main-line” institutional churches that insist we do NOT have to have authority for all that we do.
  • There are the ultra-liberal folks who are determined to have the church take its place among the denominations.
• This emphasizes the need for each generation to be taught the basic principles over and over again.
  • II Peter 1:12-13
  • When Israel came to the promised land, there were certain instructions that were given along these very lines.
    • Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 6-8

What about the Benchley church of Christ?

• We are reputed to be a big strong congregation!
• How can we avoid this same cycle?
• By learning from the mistakes of the past.
• By following God’s instructions to Israel: Keep my commandments, walk in my ways, teach my children.
• And doing as the Holy Spirit directed: II Timothy 4:2-4

Addiction, continued:

• What is the difference between a habit and an addiction?
  • Habit vs. Addiction: What’s the Difference?
    • Habits can be positive or negative. Addictions are always negative.
  • Good habits are created in 18-66 days. Bad habits can be created in as little as three days.
• Being sober
  • I Thessalonians 5:4-11
  • II Timothy 4:5
  • I Peter 1:13-19
  • I Peter 4:7
  • I Corinthians 15:32-34
  • I Timothy 3:3
  • Titus 1:7
• What are the early signs of addiction?
  • What is an addiction?
  • Types of addiction
  • Identifying the initial signs
  • Look for changes in personality
  • Look for changes in health
  • The long-term life consequences
  • Next steps towards recovery
• How to talk to someone with an addiction
  • If necessary, stage an intervention
  • Try to stay involved
  • Strike a balance

Introduction

• John 1:1

Birth

• John 1:14
• Micah 5:2
• Luke 2:4-20 – Jesus started in a manger.
• Luke 2:24 – They could not afford a lamb for the offering.
• Mark 6:1
• Philippians 2:5-8 – Christ humbled Himself to live and serve on earth.
• Hebrews 4:15

Life

• He lived as a perfect example to us.
• I John 2:6
• Luke 7:19
• John 8:26-29 – Here is our example, to always do the things that please the Lord.
• John 4:31-32
• Luke 12:21

Death

• Mark 15:24-39
• Ephesians 1:7
• Revelation 1:4-7 – Jesus loves us and released us from our sins with His death.
• John 3:16
• Romans 5:8
• I am loved!
• I Peter 1:18
• Titus 2:13-14