DUMB IDOLS

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 10                                                                                                March 24^th, 2012

Memory Verse: Habakkuk 2:18 - What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Introduction: The living God spoke to the children of Israel from Mount Sinai. He parted the Red Sea. He sent His Son to earth. What has any other god done?

1. 1.God had given a religion to the Israelites. What did He say to them concerning the religion of the heathen? Jeremiah 10:2.

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

1. 2.What profit is there in another religion or other customs? v3.

Jeremiah 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

1. 3.What is the physical origin of other gods? Jeremiah 10:3, 4, 9, Romans 1:18-23.

Jeremiah 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jeremiah 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jeremiah 10:9 Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

1. 4.These gods, made by the hands of men, have what power? Jeremiah 10:5, Psalms 115:4-7.

Jeremiah 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Psalms 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 115:5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

Psalms 115:6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

Psalms 115:7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

1. 5.When has an idol shown signs of life? Jeremiah 10:5, 14.

Jeremiah 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jeremiah 10:14 Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

1. 6.We can learn from experience, from books, from our parents and teachers. What can we learn from these gods? Habakkuk 2:18-19.

Habakkuk 2:18 What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Habakkuk 2:19 Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

1. 7.How did Belshazzar insult the living God? Daniel 5:22-23.

Daniel 5:22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;

Daniel 5:23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Conclusion: Idols are made by men and have no power of their own. They cannot speak, teach, or walk.

WORSHIP GOD ALONE

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22                                                                                             March 10^th, 2012

Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:13-14 - 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Introduction: Many people in various churches worship a god and relatives, saints, angels, and other heavenly beings. Does the Bible allow for the worship and anybody or anything other than God Almighty?

1. 1.Are our dead family members in heaven? John 3:13.

John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

1. 2.Why aren’t they up there? John 7:34, John 8:21-23.

John 7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

John 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? Because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

1. 3.Where are the dead while they wait for the resurrection? Why worship them? John 5:28-29.

John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

1. 4.Are Old Testament prophets worthy of worship? James 5:17-18.

James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

James 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

1. 5.Are New Testament saints worthy of worship? Acts 10:24-26.

Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

1. 6.Paul rejected worship. Whom did he says to worship? Acts 14:11-15.

Acts 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Acts 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

1. 7.Are angels worthy of worship? Revelation 22:8-9.

Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

Revelation 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

1. 8.Whose duty is it to serve the saints? Hebrews 1:13-14.

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

1. 9.What is our relationship to the Father? Why would the sons of God worship relatives or each other? Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Conclusion: There are more scriptures that let us know that we should not worship anyone other than the Creator.

WALKING EPISTLES

Scripture Reading: John 21                                                                                                         March 17^th, 2012

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:2 - Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Introduction: A letter is written to deliver news. Once written, it can be read over and over. We ourselves, as walking letters of information are read by our families, friends, and neighbors. What should they be reading?

Definition: An apostle is a person who is sent to carry a message. An epistle is a letter. The type carried by a messenger.

1. 1.What type of epistle does Paul show a slight contempt for? 2 Corinthians 3:1

2 Corinthians 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

1. 2.What type of epistle does Paul proclaim the living saints in Corinth to be? 2 Corinthians 3:2

2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

1. 3.An epistle is written to be read by someone. Who will be reading these epistles? v2

2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

1. 4.Are these epistles written with letters, sentences, and paragraphs? 2 Corinthians 3:3.

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

1. 5.Who has sent these epistles? And to how many? Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 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.

1. 6.If we are not careful, these epistles, read of all men, can carry what message? Romans 2:21-24.

Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

1. 7.What message was written in the epistle of Peter? John 21:15.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

1. 8.What epistle was given to John and should be written in us for these final years? John 21:20-23, Revelation 1:1-3.

John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them
again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Conclusion: What should they be reading? They should be reading the same information written in Peter and written to John.

REDEMPTION THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Scripture Reading: Romans 3                                                                                                     March 3^rd, 2012

Memory Verse: Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Introduction: There is no penance sufficient for our justification. There is no animal sacrifice, ritual, or ordinance that can be used to purchase justification. There is only one justification for sins.

Definition: To propitiate means to appease, or to satisfy, or to relieve.

Propitiation simply means to appease.

1. 1.How many are righteous? Would this include Job, Moses, Enoch, Elijah, and others? Romans 3:10, (Psalms 14:1-3).

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Psalmss 14:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalms of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalmss 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

Psalmss 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

1. 2.How sinful are we mortal humans? Romans? Romans 3:11-12

Romans 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

1. 3.If we do our best to keep the law, what hope is there for us? Romans 3:20a, (Hebrews 10:1-4).

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

1. 4.Where can we find righteousness? Romans 3:22.

Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

1. 5.What does this redemption cost us? What must we accomplish to acquire this redemption? v24.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

1. 6.What is the spiritual substance that contains the redemption? v25.

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1. 7.If this redemption cannot be bought, how is it acquired? v26.

Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Answer: Through faith. We are justified by our belief in Jesus. The belief that His blood was shed for our sins and that He died in our place.

1. 8.So what is the relationship between faith and the law? v28, 31.

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Conclusion: The Bible is very clear on this topic. There should be no confusion. However, many today still perform acts of penance, rituals, ordinances, and even animal sacrifices. None of these is a propitiation for our sins. Again, redemption and justification is only through the blood of Jesus Christ the Savior