Passion for Truth
Passion: Heart for God - A preaching series through 1 John • Sermon • Submitted
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· 9 viewsThere is truth and there is error. Everything that appears to be truth is not necessarily truth. It must align with the Bible to be truth. If it does not, it is not truth!
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Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
18 “Little children, it is the last time...”
18 “Little children, it is the last time…”
as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists;
From the time Jesus ascended back to Heaven, believers have watched for His return. Each generation has believed they would live to see His coming in the clouds, just as we believe that Jesus could, and very well may return today!
Jesus said to John in the book of the Revelation, “Surely, I come quickly.” To which John replied, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
This phrase “the last time” or “the last days” is how the apostles referred to the period of time between the ascension and the return of Christ. This period has now stretched on for over 2,000 years.
Knowing that Jesus is coming soon is a great motivator for us to live holy lives . The Lord wants us to keep His return in mind. He wants us to live in light of eternity with the awareness that He could appear at any moment. This remembrance helps to keep us focused on our purpose in life - reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This remembrance helps to keep us focused on our purpose in life - reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While many believers have thought that they would live to see the Lord’s return, some of the apostles realized that they personally would not. Peter wrote about his impending death.
knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
There was a rumor that John would not die before the Lord returned, but this was a misunderstanding of Jesus’ words in
Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
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Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
If back then it seemed that they were living in the day of the Lord’s return, how much closer are we today to that wonderful event!!!
If back then it seemed that they were living in the day of the Lord’s return, how much closer are we today to that wonderful event!!!
Paul said at the end of his life,
If back then it seemed that they were living in the day of the Lord’s return, how much closer are we today to that wonderful event!!!
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Do you love and long for the return of the Lord? Are you excited for His return?
Our text continues,
“… and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists;”
Antichrist is a topic that has brought a lot of interest and intrigue throughout history. Who is he? What is antichrist all about? Let’s talk about that.
Opposition to Truth
Opposition to Truth
anti- : against
anti- : against
It is no mystery that there are many who are extremely vocal about their opposition to Jesus Christ. There are many who reject Him outright. They are against anything that mentions or even resembles something lifting up Jesus.
Scripture tells us
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
One day, after the rapture of the church, there will be a man who will be devoted to, led by, and empowered by Satan. This man will become the leader of the world. The Bible calls him the Man of sin, that Wicked one, or more commonly - Antichrist. He is the rider of the white horse in . He is called the Beast in the book of Revelation. He will oppose all that is godly. At one point, he will sit down in the temple of God which will be built in Jerusalem and declare that he is God.
Child of God, don’t fear that you will be here during that time! Scripture plainly tells us
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
We are promised that the Holy Spirit will abide with us forever. He is “He who now letteth” who will be taken out of the way. When He is taken out of the way, we go as well!
While the world waits on this Antichrist to come, there are many antichrists in the world today opposing God and the people of God. They are against God.
Our text says, “… even now are there many antichrists;”
There are many who are against Christ. Our world system is opposed to Christ. It is only natural for human beings born in sin to oppose Christ.
Jesus said,
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Many organizations actively oppose the teachings of God’s Word and seek to stifle the light of truth from shining. These, along with others, will seek to shut down the propagation of the Gospel and the ministry of the Word of God.
Our text says, “… even now are there many antichrists;”
God loves everyone and wants everyone to come to Him in faith, repenting of their sin. However, He does not love what everyone does. Because pride, lust, lying, stealing, self-righteousness, envy, fornication, unforgiveness, homosexuality, and many other activities of mankind are called sin by God in His Word, there are groups who actively seek through lawsuits and legislation to turn of the Light that exposes their sin.
There are other religions that stand in opposition to Jesus Christ.
Many have been deceived by religion. Many have been duped by doctrine that makes sense to our human minds. However, doctrine that is not in agreement with the Word of God is false doctrine.
There are other religions that stand in opposition to Jesus Christ.
Organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Freedom from Religion Foundation, and others actively oppose the teachings of God’s Word and seek to stifle the light of truth from shining.
These deceitful teachers, these false prophets can typically be detected by their teaching about Jesus Christ. Is He God. Is He the Son of God? Is He eternal? Is He sinless. Did He really die? Did He rise bodily?
There are other religions that stand in opposition to Jesus Christ. We must remember though, the real enemy is not human beings!
Islam
Islam
says that Jesus was a good prophet but certainly not God nor the son of God. However, the Bible states very clearly
but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
and not holding the head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Mormons
Mormons
say that Jesus was a man who was good enough to earn favor with his father and thus acquired the status of deity. However, the Bible plainly reveals that
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Seventh Day Adventists
Seventh Day Adventists
say that Jesus is the same as the archangel Michael - a created being and not the eternally existing God and son of God that the Bible claims Him to be. However, God says,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
We must remember though, the real enemy is not human beings!
We must remember though, the real enemy is not human beings!
John Adams, the second President of the United States said,
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
There is an enemy who is anti-Christ. He attacks and battles against us. Just remember, he is defeated!
and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
There are those who, under the cloke of religion, engaged in practices contrary to Scripture, but because others did not know any better, it was believed that Christians had committed such atrocities.
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” - John Adams, to the Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102)
Col
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
There are those who, under the cloke of religion, engaged in practices contrary to Scripture, but because Christians were blamed and others did not know any better, it was believed that Christians had committed such atrocities.
John Adams, to the Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102)
There was the Roman move to exterminate Christians when the emperor Nero started a fire that burned much of the city while he played his violin, then blamed the fire on the Christians. This coverup brought about the torture and deaths of many Christians including both Peter and Paul.
I think of the Crusades when many Muslims and Moors were killed in the name of Christianity, but the reality was that it was not Christians at all but the Catholic Church - started by Constantine who blended Roman paganism with Christian terminology and the false doctrines of those who separated from the Church that Jesus established.
However, part of those freedoms taught in the Word of God allows for those who do not believe. They are not to be forced to practice our beliefs. God has granted every person the choice of whether to believe or not.
These are antichrist - against Christ.
There is another definition of anti-
anti- : instead of
anti- : instead of
It is a substitute for something. Therefore, antichrist is not only against Christ but also instead of Christ. There are teachings that are quite prevalent within Christian churches that
Paul warned the pastors from the churches around Ephesus,
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Even in the days of the apostles, there were men who taught works for salvation or to keep your salvation. There were those who taught you should be baptized in order to be saved. There were those who taught that people had to keep the law (works) in order to be saved. Many other beliefs began to creep into the fellowships of believers.
Others will teach, very subtly, that in order to be saved or to stay saved, we have to do certain deeds or we cannot sin. The problem is, that is just not what the Bible teaches. As humans, we all sin. That is not an excuse but rather a confession.
God knows that we are susceptible to sin, so as we have seen, He has prepared a means for us to continue in a relationship and fellowship with Him.
Jesus paid for all of our sins - past, present, and future! By His death on the cross, all of our sins were washed away when we trusted Him as our Savior.
That is why Jesus was able to say, “It is finished!” The work was done! Salvation could now be offered because the price had already been paid!
Salvation is not by our works but by the work that Christ has completed on the cross! We cannot do anything to merit His forgiveness or to earn eternal life. The best we can muster amounts only to filthy rags in the sight of God.
But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
It is through trusting Jesus Christ and Him alone for our salvation that we can have eternal life. If we trust in anything else, we are not trusting Jesus. If we trust in our ability to earn His forgiveness through good works, we are trusting ourselves and not Jesus. In reality, we are saying that there was no need for Jesus to die because we can do this ourselves.
But the Bible says,
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
When we trust in ourselves instead of Christ, we are rejecting His redemptive work. We are trusting in ourselves to be our own savior. That is an exercise in futility!
When false doctrine is preached, many are led astray and many of them are led to Hell. Trusting your own works to get you to heaven will cause you to end up in Hell.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The Word of God is clear that salvation is in Christ alone. Eternal life is a gift of God.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Everlasting life
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eternal life
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
Our text goes on to say,
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Many of these John speaks about were once part of the fellowship of believers. However, because of sin that they wanted to continue, self promotion fueled by their pride, or confidence in their reasoning rather than the actual teachings of Scripture there were many who left and started their own sects.
This same thing happens today. Good people will hear the Word of God preached, but they will not want to submit themselves to it. So they make up their minds that they are going to continue doing what they want. They find a verse that they can twist to make it say what they want in an effort to justify their sin. They will say,
“I know the Bible says that, but...”
“I know the Bible says that, but...”
Many will accept a watered down, powerless message that is devoid of Scriptural truth because they do not want to hurt anybody’s feelings. They would rather believe that everyone is fine regardless of what they believe because
“...but they are good people!”
“...but they are good people!”
Some will follow the masses that pack out an auditorium to hear someone tell them how good they are and that God just wants to make them happy. They will defend the wrong beliefs and actions of others by saying that they are good people, they mean well, or they are sincere!
It is important that we guard against error and live by the truth, regardless of who agrees or disagrees.
God knows that we are susceptible to sin, so as we have seen, He has prepared a means for us to continue in a relationship and fellowship with Him.
Jesus paid for all of our sins - past, present, and future! By His death on the cross, all of our sins were washed away when we trusted Him as our Savior.
That is why Jesus was able to say, “It is finished!” The work was done! Salvation could now be offered because the price had already been paid!
Salvation is not by our works but by the work that Christ has completed on the cross! We cannot do anything to merit His forgiveness or to earn eternal life. The best we can muster amounts only to filthy rags in the sight of God.
But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians
It is through trusting Jesus Christ and Him alone for our salvation that we can have eternal life. If we trust in anything else, we are not trusting Jesus. If we trust in our ability to earn His forgiveness through good works, we are trusting ourselves and not Jesus. In reality, we are saying that there was no need for Jesus to die because we can do this ourselves.
There is another definition of anti- which is “instead of.” It is a substitute for something. Therefore, antichrist is not only against Christ but also instead of Christ.
But the Bible says,
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Hebrews 9:22
When we trust in ourselves instead of Christ, we are rejecting His redemptive work. We are trusting in ourselves to be our own savior. That is an exercise in futility!
When false doctrine is preached, many are led astray and many of them are led to Hell. Trusting your own works to get you to heaven will cause you to end up in Hell.
While Our text goes on to say,
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Trusting your own works to get you to heaven is a sure fire way of ending up in Hell.
The Word of God is clear that salvation is in Christ alone. Eternal life is a gift of God.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Everlasting life
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans
Eternal life
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
Scripture is clear that
Materialism, denominationalism, modernism, entertainment, careers, relationships, secular causes, false doctrines, and many other antichrists offer themselves instead of Christ. Sometimes, they even creep into churches.
I think of the Crusades when many Muslims and Moors were killed in the name of Christianity, but the reality was that it was not Christians at all but the Catholic Church - started by Constantine who blended Roman paganism with Christian terminology and the false doctrines of those who separated from the Church that Jesus established.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Many of these John speaks about were once part of the fellowship of believers. However, because of sin that they wanted to continue, self promotion fueled by their pride, or confidence in their reasoning rather than the actual teachings of Scripture there were many who left and started their own sects.
Paul warned the pastors from the churches around Ephesus,
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
There are those who, under the cloke of religion, engaged in practices contrary to Scripture, but because others did not know any better, it was believed that Christians had committed such atrocities.
Even in the days of the apostles, there were men who taught works for salvation or to keep your salvation. There were those who taught you should be baptized in order to be saved. There were those who taught that people had to keep the law (works) in order to be saved. Many other beliefs began to creep into the fellowships of believers.
I think of the Crusades when many Muslims and Moors were killed in the name of Christianity, but the reality was that it was not Christians at all but the Catholic Church - started by Constantine who blended Roman paganism with Christian terminology and the false doctrines of those who separated from the Church that Jesus established.
However, a healthy body has a way of expelling toxins, and the church of Jesus Christ has a unique ability to root out and expel false doctrine and any other antichrist that eases itself into the body.
There are those who, under the cloke of religion, engaged in practices contrary to Scripture, but because others did not know any better, it was believed that Christians had committed such atrocities.
I think of the Crusades when many Muslims and Moors were killed in the name of Christianity, but the reality was that it was not Christians at all but the Catholic Church - started by Constantine who blended Roman paganism with Christian terminology and the false doctrines of those who separated from the Church that Jesus established.
How can we guard against antichrist in our lives and in this church? By doing what we are called, commissioned, and commanded to do. Uplift truth!
Commitment to Truth
Commitment to Truth
One of the greatest weapons Satan has is not the protestor or even the avowed atheist but rather the so called Christian who denies the authenticity and accuracy of the Word of God, the preacher who compromises truth for the sake of popularity and retaining the crowd, and the church that focuses on things that make us feel better rather than taking a stand and lifting up truth and the Gospel!
Our enemy does not always work through blatant opposition to Jesus Christ. Sometimes, he works through offering a substitute for Christ or His way. He offers us “good things” in exchange for the best things.
If Satan can get us so busy handing out blankets to the homeless that we don’t have time to hand out a gospel tract, he is happy! If he can get us to worry that we will make people mad if we proclaim truth, he can get us to hold back and not declare the truth as we should!
Churches will send teams to foreign lands to dig wells and install pure water stations. They will give our clothes and medical supplies. They will give books and toys. They call these mission trips. However, they are not fulfilling the great commission, the main job of the church! They are not giving the Gospel to these. They make sure they have pure water to drink, but they don’t tell them of the Living Water! They give them food to eat, but they don’t share with them the Bread of Life!
These are antichrist!
There are beliefs and opinions today that are diametrically opposite of the teachings of the Bible. What the Bible says is good is being called evil, and what the Bible says is evil is being called good. In an effort to not offend and to be sure that no one feels uncomfortable, churches are leaving off the preaching against sin, teaching on Hell and judgment, and that there is only one way to Heaven.
Throughout the years, many churches and professing Christians have given in to the draw of opinions of others. The Bible calls this the fear of man.
The fear of man bringeth a snare:
But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
They call themselves Christian, but they do not give preeminence to Christ. They offer their opinion instead of God’s Word.
These are antichrist.
But the apostles said it best
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Then again,
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
We must obey God. We must know, believe, and obey the truth.
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If the church is not lifting up truth, who will? No one!!!
Know the Truth!
Know the Truth!
If the church is not lifting up truth, who will? No one!!!
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If the church is not lifting up truth, who will? No one!!!
Know the Truth!
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
While there is a lot that presents itself as truth, there is only one truth. That is God’s truth.
You will hear people say that you can have your truth and I can have mine. The problem is that when it comes to objective, absolute truth, there can be only one.
You see, two opposing beliefs cannot both be true. They are either both false or one fo them is true and the other false.
There has been overwhelming evidence of the truth of the Bible. Not only does the Bible prove Itself, but It has been tested and tried and proven to be a supernatural book. No other book has been as authenticated and verified. The New Testament is the most authenticated piece of ancient literature in the history of the world with over 5,000 pieces of manuscripts some even dating back to A.D. 130.
For about 40 different people from various walks of life, from many different countries, 3 different continents, throughout over, 1,500 years to write in 3 different languages to produce one book that is consistent in its message although it addresses many controversial subjects and
to be found to be totally accurate in everything it says - that is a miracle! That is supernatural! That is the work of God!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Believe the Truth
Believe the Truth
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
1 John 2:22-
Abide in the Truth
Abide in the Truth
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If the church is not lifting up truth, who will? No one!!!
1 John 2:24-
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one which doeth righteousness is born of him.
1 John 2:24-
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By exalting truth, error is exposed. By shining the light darkness flees. By preaching the cross, carnality runs.
Another definition of antichrist is instead of Christ. There are many things that are accepted by our society as a replacement for Christ. Sadly, there are large numbers of professing Christians who accept many things instead of Christ and His Word.
Abiding speaks of the fellowship that we enjoy
but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
When He appears, I want to be found walking in truth, abiding in truth, proclaiming the truth. When we stand before Him, I want to bow my head in worship, not hang my head in shame. Same motion, different motivation.
That is why it is important that we stay
Our enemy does not always work through blatant opposition to Jesus Christ. Sometimes, he works through offering a substitute for Christ or His way. He offers us “good things” in exchange for the best things.
If Satan can get us so busy handing out blankets to the homeless that we don’t have time to hand out a gospel tract, he is happy! If he can get us to worry that we will make people mad if we proclaim truth, he can get us to hold back and not declare the truth as we should!
Churches will send teams to foreign lands to dig wells and install pure water stations. They will give our clothes and medical supplies. They will give books and toys. They call these mission trips. However, they are not fulfilling the great commission, the main job of the church! They are not giving the Gospel to these. They make sure they have pure water to drink, but they don’t tell them of the Living Water! They give them food to eat, but they don’t share with them the Bread of Life!
These are antichrist!
They call themselves Christian, but they do not give preeminence to Christ. They offer their opinion instead of God’s Word.
These are antichrist.
Throughout the years, many churches and professing Christians have given in to the draw of opinions of others. The Bible calls this the fear of man.
The fear of man bringeth a snare:
But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
I
They call themselves Christian, but they do not give preeminence to Christ. They offer their opinion instead of God’s Word.
If Satan can get us so busy handing out blankets to the homeless that we don’t have time to hand out a gospel tract, he is happy! If he can get us to worry that we will make people mad, we will not proclaim truth! IF the church is not lifting up truth, who will? No one!!!
These are antichrist.
But the apostles said it best
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Acts 4:19
Then again,
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
We must obey God. We must know, believe, and obey the truth.
While there is a lot that presents itself as truth, there is only one truth. That is God’s truth.
It is the responsibility and privilege of the church to uphold and support the truth. Jesus is truth!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
You will hear people say that you can have your truth and I can have mine. The problem is that when it comes to objective, absolute truth, there can be only one.
Many have been deceived by religion. Many have been duped by doctrine that makes sense to our human minds. However, doctrine that is not in agreement with the Word of God is false doctrine.
Paul told the pastors from the churches around Ephesus,
The problem is that when it comes to objective, absolute truth, there can be only one.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
You see, two opposing beliefs cannot both be true. They are either both false or one fo them is true and the other false.
Acts 20:28
There has been overwhelming evidence of the truth of the Bible. Not only does the Bible prove Itself, but It has been tested and tried and proven to be a supernatural book. No other book has been as authenticated and verified. The New Testament is the most authenticated piece of ancient literature in the history of the world with over 5,000 pieces of manuscripts some even dating back to A.D. 130.
These deceitful teachers, these false prophets can typically be detected by their teaching about Jesus Christ. Is He God. Is He the Son of God? Is He eternal?
Is He sinless. Did He really die? Did He rise bodily?
For about 40 different people from various walks of life, from many different countries, 3 different continents, throughout over, 1,500 years to write in 3 different languages to produce one book that is consistent in its message although it addresses many controversial subjects and
to be found to be totally accurate in everything it says - that is a miracle! That is supernatural! That is the work of God!
Jehovah’s Witnesses say that Jesus was created by God. They, along with the Seventh Day Adventists believe that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. Mormons believe that Jesus is a son of God along with Lucifer. They believe that He was man who was good enough to become a god Himself.
Still others believe that while He lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world, His sacrifice and payment was not quite enough. They believe that there are works that we have to do to earn that gift.
Herein lies an enormous problem! If our salvation was dependent upon our works, what works are these? Our righteous works of course! But what about
But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
How then can we with filthy rags earn the favor of God?
Others believe that while we are saved by grace, we retain that salvation by our good works.
Paul said,
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-
It is important to know what the Bible says and to believe the truth!
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
If you place your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, but you believe you can lose your salvation,
Trusting your own works to get you to heaven is a sure fire way of ending up in Hell.
Jesus said,
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
When Jesus walked among men, He declared to His disciples that He would build His church.
When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:13-
The Bible word for church comes from the Greek word ekklesia which means called out assembly.
Jesus called His disciples out from the world to follow Him.
He purchased the church with His own blood
Jesus called His disciples out from the world to follow Him. He purchased the church with His own blood
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
He commissioned the church.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
He is in charge of the church!
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18
He said to continue in His Word.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
We are encouraged to desire His Word.
as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
We are taught the importance of living our lives based on the Word of God. It is
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
It is the responsibility and privilege of the church to uphold and support the truth. Jesus is truth!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Many have been deceived by religion. Many have been duped by doctrine that makes sense to our human minds. However, doctrine that is not in agreement with the Word of God is false doctrine.
Paul told the pastors from the churches around Ephesus,
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
These deceitful teachers, these false prophets can typically be detected by their teaching about Jesus Christ. Is He God. Is He the Son of God? Is He eternal?
Is He sinless. Did He really die? Did He rise bodily?
Still others believe that while He lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world, His sacrifice and payment was not quite enough. They believe that there are works that we have to do to earn that gift.
Herein lies an enormous problem! If our salvation was dependent upon our works, what works are these? Our righteous works of course! But what about
But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
How then can we with filthy rags earn the favor of God?
Others believe that while we are saved by grace, we retain that salvation by our good works.
Paul said,
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John Adams, the second President of the United States said,
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” - John Adams, to the Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102)
However, part of those freedoms taught in the Word of God allows for those who do not believe. They are not to be forced to practice our beliefs. God has granted every person the choice of whether to believe or not.
John Adams, the second President of the United States said,
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” - John Adams, to the Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102)
However, part of those freedoms taught in the Word of God allows for those who do not believe. They are not to be forced to practice our beliefs. God has granted every person the choice of whether to believe or not.