"If Only We Had Known" and "Brethren, There Is Danger Ahead"

The Morning Service

Today was the first Lord's Day of our gospel meeting with Ronny Wade. This morning Ronny used 1st Corinthians 2:7,8 as his text reading. He introduced his sermon with a recollection of how the Jews of Jesus day didn't recognize Christ as the Messiah or His gospel as the Truth of God's Word. They failed to understand and perceive things as they really were.

He entitled the morning sermon, "If We Had Only Known." We all must realize there can be times when we fail to understand things as they really are - and quite often the prices we pay are very high.

First, if we only knew the consequences of sin we would certainly live more righteously. The wages of sin is death. Those wages will be paid, but we often fail to fully comprehend that.

Ronny spoke of the high cost of immorality. He cited Numbers 32:23, which speaks of our being sure our sins will find us out. Ronny answered the question, "How will our sin find us out?"

a) Sin finds us out in our conscience. Our conscience should understand the difference between right and wrong. When we commit sin our conscience uncovers our sin.

b) Sin finds us out in our cowardice. Adam and Eve hid themselves from God after they sinned. People seek to commit sin in the shadows where they won't be discovered.

c) Sin finds us out in our defeats. Moses wasn't allowed to enter into the Promised Land due to the sin he committed. Defeat uncovered his sin - and it will uncovers our sins, too.

d) Sin finds us out in the conduct of our children. David's sin resulted in his being tormented by the dreadful behavior of his children.

Second, if we only knew or properly understood the misuse of our tongue we'd behave better. He spoke to us of the value of keeping our mouths shut more and in choosing our words more carefully. He then recited to us a prayer he came across - a prayer for our tongue. I'll try to get a copy of it and post it later. It was quite good.

Third, if we only knew how brief out lives would be we'd devote more of ourselves to God's service. He cited the rich man of Luke 16 who clearly had failed to realize the importance of living a righteous life while he was on earth. We must all understand that another day of life is not promised. It's up to us to make wise use of our time in preparation for eternity.


The Evening Service

Acts 20:28-32 was the text reading tonight. These verses contain the apostle Paul's address to the Ephesian elders. Paul warns them of the coming troubles that will plague the Church. Ronny entitled the sermon, "Brethren, There Is Danger Ahead."

Some of the dangers we face today are: 1) uninformed membership, 2) misinterpretating the mission of the Church, 3) decreasing emphasis on a "thus saith the Lord" along with a lack of reliance on God's Word and 4) the increasing tendancy for congregations to divide.

Ignorance of the scriptures makes us vulnerable to Satan's devices and false doctrine. It's important that we spend quality time studying our Bibles.

The purpose of the Church is summarized in Ephesians 4:12. The sum and substance is clearly stated: perfecting of the saints, working of the ministry and edifying the body.

Our reverance for God should be displayed in our reverance for His Word. His Word takes on His characteristics. Proper respect of God's Word should lead us to deal carefully with the Gospel and incorporate it fully into our lives.

Unity is the opposite of division. Unity isn't found in the opinions of men, but is only found in a reliance on the gospel. Unity will exist when people are dedicated to follow the gospel. Problems should be calmly addressed and resolved. Brethren should not divide as a solution to conflict.

It was a good day of worship. Ronny certainly did his part by edifying us in the Truth.

Remember, the meeting continues each night this week at 7:30pm. Please make plans to attend. We think you'll find it rewarding.