Do Not Stop

02/02/2020 13:15

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Date: 30 January 2020
Text: Hebrews 6:1-12
Title: Do Not Stop....
 
Introduction:
 
We are living in days of great apostacy.
 
def. "Apostacy" - Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one's previous religious beliefs. One who undertakes apostasy is known as an apostate
 
Scotland  is a nation which formerly had a belief in God and a belief in God's Word has turned it's back on both. Scotland is leading the way in apostacy.
 
ill. Franklin Graham was due in Glasgow this week to speak. The venue to which he was coming canceled his reservation because of WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.
 
BBC QUOTE: "A US evangelist's event in Glasgow has been cancelled following pressure from the council and religious groups.
Franklin Graham, the eldest son of late preacher Billy Graham, said he believes homosexuality is a "sin".
A petition was launched calling for the event at the Hydro on 30 May to be scrapped - organisers reconsidered following "recent adverse publicity".
Mr Graham denied promoting hateful speech after his events in Liverpool and Sheffield were cancelled this week.
His visit to Glasgow was part of an eight-city tour of the UK...
Earlier this week the Reverend Bryan Kerr, a Church of Scotland minister in Lanark, launched a petition to pressure the SEC to rethink Mr Graham's appearance.
Backed by Glasgow's LGBT+ Interfaith Network, it said Mr Graham's views were "not mainstream" and did not "sit comfortably with many Christians in Scotland".
Mr Kerr said: "As the Bishop of Sheffield recently said 'Mr Graham's rhetoric is repeatedly and unnecessarily inflammatory and in my opinion represents a risk to the social cohesion of our city.'
....He said: "It is said by some that I am coming to the UK to bring hateful speech to your community. This is just not true. I am coming to share the Gospel.
"The rub, I think, comes in whether God defines homosexuality as sin. The answer is yes. But God goes even further than that, to say that we are all sinners - myself included.
"I'm not coming to the UK to speak against anybody, I'm coming to speak for everybody. You are absolutely welcome."
 
NOTE: A preacher is not to preach his or her own views. They are to declare GOD'S MESSAGE FROM GOD'S WORD. THEY ARE REJECTING GOD NOT EVANGELIST GRAHAM.
 
Our text in Hebrews 6 is waring to God's people against apostacy. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN THE NATION AROUND US IS GOING APOSTATE.
 
We must not stop but continue on for Jesus! Are you pulling back or moving forward?
 
I. Do not stop growing.
A. You got saved - Great! -  Keep growing.
1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
note: When somebody gets saved that is the point of their spiritual birth.
Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1Pe 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
ill. I've been on a maternity ward with my wife 6 times. Amazing to see a new born baby. You wonder what they are thinking as they enter into life. "Wow what a really big womb!" Probably more like - "Feed me!" You wrap them up, put a little hat on them, and cuddle them. They are now your responsability.
- Not one of our children dressed themselves, walked out of the hospital and drove us to our home."
exp. Some animals can run the day they are born - Praise God children don't.
exp. Birth is just the beginning of their physical life outside of the womb of their mother.
app. When you got saved, you were BORN AGAIN! PRAISE GOD - KEEP GROWING.
1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 
 app. Salvation is vital to spiritual life - but it is also just the beginning of the life God has for you as a believer. YOU GOT SAVED - DON'T STOP GROWING.
B. You learned some basics - That's good! Keep growing. 
exp. Discipleship is the initial steps in the Christian life.
2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
1. Baptism is a basic teaching.
exp. It was so familiar - some who got saved asked to be baptized before being taught about baptism.
ill. The Ethiopean Eunuch - Act 8:36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
exp. Other's were taught it the day they got saved by the men who led them to Jesus.
 ill. Cornelius and his family - Act 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
ill. The Philippian Jailer - 
 ill. Acts 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
exp. Baptism is a basic that young believers learn quickly.
2. Laying on of hands.  
exp. This was more of an apostolic ministry. Divine Healing, giving of God's Spirit....
ill. We do this in a dedication service, Praying for healing as in James, ordination or commissioning service. 
3. Resurrection of the dead and Hell. (Both are fundamental to salvation.)
ill. My wife had the joy of being the first person to share with our 21 year old neighbor lady that Jesus rose from the dead. She didn't know - but that is a basic teaching of God's Word which even she as a non believer could understand.
app. You got the basics down pretty quickly after salvation. Have you kept growing since then?
Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
C. You are maturing - Wonderful! - Keep growing.
exp. Maturity is what we are seeking in our Christian life.
1.....let us go on unto perfection; ...3  And this will we do, if God permit.
exp. Perfection in God's word is "(moral or mental ) completeness." Moral and mental completeness is maturity or full growth.
ill. Toys R Us was the big toy store when I was growing up. They had a theme song, "I don't want to grow up, I'm a toy's r us kid, there a million toys at Toys R Us that I can play with....they've got the best for so much less, you'll really flip your lid.... from bikes to trains to video games... It's the biggest toy store there is...."
 ill. How many of you as a child thought like me, "I've got it pretty good? I think I'll just stay a kid."
ill. Then I remember going to college thinking, "If I'm an adult, why don't I feel grown up?" An 18 year old is considered an adult but there remains a lot of intellectual and emotional growth before a person is a mature man or woman. I WASN'T REALLY MATURE.
ill. Paul's instruction to Timothy SHOW that physical and spiritual growth is needed.
2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
exp. Timothy had been a boy. Now he was a man. PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
 ill. Logan has just passed my wife in height this past week. It's fun to watch the kids grow up.
 app. There is a growth even more wonderful to behold - it is the growth of a believer in the things of God. 
 transition: Be on guard against apostacy - DO NOT STOP GROWING!
 
II. Do not stop believing.
 exp. The great problem in our APOSTATE world is unbelief.
ill. I'm praying about writing a new Gospel flyers. The last flyer I wrote was entitled, "The Answer to Unbelief is Faith." It is a call to unbelievers to come to faith in Jesus.
 exp. Unbelief as the next few verses in our text will show is damnable.
Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
 app. Believers, KEEP BELIEVING in JESUS, the ONLY way of salvation.  
question: HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED TRUE SALVATION?
ill. XGames Big Air - skateboard and bmx - 75 foot ramp - 65 foot gap - 27 foot high half pipe. The commentators tell you what trick the guy just did. But, I can't really see it until they slow it down. note: If you were brave enough to try a trick on this ramp - you may close your eyes and think you did a great trick - But, I could show you the replay and reveal whether what you thought you did WAS TRULY YOUR EXPERIENCE.
exp. vv.4-5 reveal what the experience of salvation is like for someone who has truly been born again. YOU COULD FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE SALVATION - IF SO - you should be able to examine your experience with God's Word and agree that is WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED.
A. Keep believing that which opened your mind to God's truth.
4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, 
exp. Salvation is an EYE OPENING experience.
 ill. Many is the person who after salvation says, "Why didn't I see that before. I was so blind!" And they are correct.
ill. The blind man of Bethsaida 
Mark8: 22  And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
23  And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
24  And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
25  After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
exp. Like the blind man who came to Jesus for healing - men's eyes need to be opened spiritually and they need to be focused spiritually.
1. Satan had you spiritually blinded.
2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2. You need the glasses of spiritual discernment.
1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
app. Have your eyes been opened to see clearly the truth of salvation by faith in Jesus! Is it so clear you can not but know that it is absolutely true? HOW CAN YOU TURN AWAY in unbelief WHEN YOUR EYES HAVE BEEN OPENED?
B. Keep believing that which was given you from above.
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, 
ill. Jesus offered a taste of this heavenly gift to the woman at the well.
Joh 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 
14  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
ill. Remember Jesus first miracle - water into wine. John 2:9  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
exp. He had drunk grape juice unlike anything else he had ever tasted. Jesus made it.
app. THE WATER OF LIFE IS JESUS. If you have drunk of Jesus - YOU EXPERIENCED A SATISFACTION which is NOT of this world. HOW CAN YOU TURN AWAY in unbelief WHEN JESUS HAS SO SATISFIED YOU?
C. Keep believing that which gave you God's Holy Spirit.
and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
exp. The Holy Spirit is a person. He is also called living water and He indwells every person who has been born again.
 ill. I have had some muscle spasms (twitches) - I had one in my stomache the other day and said to my wife, "The babies kicking." Do you know, most mothers are aware that they are carrying another person in their body. It is shocking and difficult to believe that someone can carry a baby full term without knowing it is there.
app. Can you be born again and not understand by experience that God's Spirit is inside of you?
1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
 app. How can you turn away in unbelief when God has given you HIS HOLY SPIRIT?
D. Keep believing that which gave you appetite for God's Word.
5  And have tasted the good word of God, 
ill. Do you like sardines? My kids give me a hard time. They wrinkle up their nose and may wave their hand in front of their face if I eat sardines. They definitely will not eat them.
 ill. Do you like chocolate or blueberry muffins? Costco - 2 6 packs of muffins or just over 5 pounds. My kids want to join if that is what I'm eating.
question: How does God's Word taste to you? Do you wrinkle up your nose, wave your hand in front of your face or do you DELIGHT TO EAT IT.
 app. How can someone claim to be saved who has no appetite for WHAT GOD SAYS?
APP. HOW CAN YOU TURN IN UNBELIEF FROM SOMETHING SO GOOD?
E. Keep believing that which gave you a taste of the power of God.
5  And have tasted .... the powers of the world to come,
exp. When someone get's saved they have opportunity to experience the power of God.
Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:24  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
 ill. super chipping my dodge quad cap pickup truck - diesel cummins engine - same engine as in big caterpillar earth moving equipment - the super chip opened it up. 
exp. You experienced the power of that super chip as soon as you put it on.
ill. I got saved at 5 and I still remember the powerful reality of that experience. I've had other experiences of the power of God at work in my life since my salvation.
 app. Have you experienced the power of God? How can you turn away in unbelief after experiencing the power of God?
F. Keep from turning in unbelief from JESUS, the ONLY way of salvation.
6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
note: The illustration is hypothetical and yet is it frightening in it's force. If apostacy were possible BY GENUINE BELIEVERS there would be no help for them. LIKE THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - PUSHING AWAY GOD'S SPIRIT - THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THIS PERSON.
question: Is apostacy possible, can a believer turn away from God and be damned?
Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
 ill. Barnes commentary likened it to a man who is drowning pushing away the board of salvation that was pushed towards him. IN TURNING FROM CHRIST AND THE OLD RUGGED CROSS - THERE IS NO REMEDY. It's like joining with those who mocked Jesus on the cross and crucifying him again.
 app. Unbelieving Friend - don't be the person who turns away in unbelief when God is waiting to give you everything we just considered! Humble your heart and take God's gift of salvation.
app. Believer - how can you turn away in unbelief after SO FULL A PROOF OF GOD'S SAVING GRACE AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE?
 
transition: Be on guard against apostacy - DO NOT STOP GROWING! Do not stop believing!
 
III. Do not stop serving.
song: "If you're saved and you know it clap your hands - clap, clap, ....stomp your feet..... turn around...."
 exp. Fun children's song - but in real life - "If you're saved and you know it, put on a towel and serve." 
ill. Be like your Saviour - 
Mar 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
exp. If you are God's child IT SHOULD BE EVIDENT BY WHAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO.
A. If you are saved and you know it - certify it. (PROVE IT IS GENUINE.)
7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
 exp. If a field didn't produce fruit, but produced thorns, they would declare it unfruitful (cursed) and set it on fire to burn off the thorns and seeds. 
9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
exp. Genuine salvation comes with some visible proof that salvation has taken place. 
"THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION."
ill. Thomas Kincade - print - certificate of authenticity - DNA ink. Proving that it is genuine art from the workshop of Thomas Kincade.
 app. Is your salvation evident by genuine fruit in your life? We ought to be able to certify our salvation. 
1. Certify it - by serving God out of love for Jesus. 
10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, 
Exp. Accompanying our salvation OUGHT TO BE a willingness to work and labour for Christ.
 ill. I can almost see the Asostle Paul looking at some who professed faith in Jesus but had no desire to serve the Lord. That was so unlike Paul himself.
1Co 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
app. Don't be apostate - do not stop serving. GET IN THERE AND DO SOMETHING FOR GOD.
2. Certify it - by serving the church out of love for Jesus.
in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
exp. The worked for God and they kept working for God. IT WAS A TESTIMONY THAT THEY HAD TRULY BEEN SAVED.
Ill. Some when they profess salvation - look genuine - but then they turn away.
 Mark 4:16  And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20  And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
app. How has your salvation brought you to serve God? In what way do you minister to the saints? Don't be apostate - DON'T STOP SERVING. CERTIFY YOUR SALVATION. PROVE IT'S GENUINE.
B. If you are saved and you know it - show it.
11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
question: Did the author of Hebrews think any person had a right to a free ride who claimed to be saved? "WE DESIRE THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU."
QUESTION: Did he put an end of contract date on how long a person was to serve, "Until the end."
app. Have you shown the same diligence to serve? SERVING ACCOMPANIES SALVATION!
C. If you are saved and you know it - get with it.
12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
exp. Don't be lazy - SERVE!
 ill. Read the Bible and try to find a lazy servant of God of WHOM GOD APPROVES!
ill. Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Joseph, Paul, Peter, Elijah..... these men worked tirelessly for God!
 
 conclusion: Our day is one of apostacy!  
 
WE MUST NOT STOP BUT CONTINUE ON FOR JESUS?
 
Do not stop growing? (Have you go on to maturity?)
 
Do not stop believing? (Have you forgotten how graciously God has worked in your life?)
(Has He worked in your life?)
 
Do not stop serving? (Serving accompanies salvation. It is the natural evidence of a believer.) 
Are you serving?
 
 
 

If you would like to watch a video of this message, please click on this link.

 

Date: 30 January 2020

Text: Hebrews 6:1-12

Title: Do Not Stop....

 

Introduction:

 

We are living in days of great apostacy.

 

def. "Apostacy" - Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of, or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one's previous religious beliefs. One who undertakes apostasy is known as an apostate

 

Scotland  is a nation which formerly had a belief in God and a belief in God's Word has turned it's back on both. Scotland is leading the way in apostacy.

 

ill. Franklin Graham was due in Glasgow this week to speak. The venue to which he was coming canceled his reservation because of WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.

 

BBC QUOTE: "A US evangelist's event in Glasgow has been cancelled following pressure from the council and religious groups.

Franklin Graham, the eldest son of late preacher Billy Graham, said he believes homosexuality is a "sin".

A petition was launched calling for the event at the Hydro on 30 May to be scrapped - organisers reconsidered following "recent adverse publicity".

Mr Graham denied promoting hateful speech after his events in Liverpool and Sheffield were cancelled this week.

His visit to Glasgow was part of an eight-city tour of the UK...

Earlier this week the Reverend Bryan Kerr, a Church of Scotland minister in Lanark, launched a petition to pressure the SEC to rethink Mr Graham's appearance.

Backed by Glasgow's LGBT+ Interfaith Network, it said Mr Graham's views were "not mainstream" and did not "sit comfortably with many Christians in Scotland".

Mr Kerr said: "As the Bishop of Sheffield recently said 'Mr Graham's rhetoric is repeatedly and unnecessarily inflammatory and in my opinion represents a risk to the social cohesion of our city.'

....He said: "It is said by some that I am coming to the UK to bring hateful speech to your community. This is just not true. I am coming to share the Gospel.

"The rub, I think, comes in whether God defines homosexuality as sin. The answer is yes. But God goes even further than that, to say that we are all sinners - myself included.

"I'm not coming to the UK to speak against anybody, I'm coming to speak for everybody. You are absolutely welcome."

 

NOTE: A preacher is not to preach his or her own views. They are to declare GOD'S MESSAGE FROM GOD'S WORD. THEY ARE REJECTING GOD NOT EVANGELIST GRAHAM.

 

Our text in Hebrews 6 is waring to God's people against apostacy. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN THE NATION AROUND US IS GOING APOSTATE.

 

We must not stop but continue on for Jesus! Are you pulling back or moving forward?

 

I. Do not stop growing.

A. You got saved - Great! -  Keep growing.

1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

note: When somebody gets saved that is the point of their spiritual birth.

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1Pe 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

ill. I've been on a maternity ward with my wife 6 times. Amazing to see a new born baby. You wonder what they are thinking as they enter into life. "Wow what a really big womb!" Probably more like - "Feed me!" You wrap them up, put a little hat on them, and cuddle them. They are now your responsability.

- Not one of our children dressed themselves, walked out of the hospital and drove us to our home."

exp. Some animals can run the day they are born - Praise God children don't.

exp. Birth is just the beginning of their physical life outside of the womb of their mother.

app. When you got saved, you were BORN AGAIN! PRAISE GOD - KEEP GROWING.

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

 app. Salvation is vital to spiritual life - but it is also just the beginning of the life God has for you as a believer. YOU GOT SAVED - DON'T STOP GROWING.

B. You learned some basics - That's good! Keep growing. 

exp. Discipleship is the initial steps in the Christian life.

2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

1. Baptism is a basic teaching.

exp. It was so familiar - some who got saved asked to be baptized before being taught about baptism.

ill. The Ethiopean Eunuch - Act 8:36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

exp. Other's were taught it the day they got saved by the men who led them to Jesus.

 ill. Cornelius and his family - Act 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

ill. The Philippian Jailer - 

 ill. Acts 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

exp. Baptism is a basic that young believers learn quickly.

2. Laying on of hands.  

exp. This was more of an apostolic ministry. Divine Healing, giving of God's Spirit....

ill. We do this in a dedication service, Praying for healing as in James, ordination or commissioning service. 

3. Resurrection of the dead and Hell. (Both are fundamental to salvation.)

ill. My wife had the joy of being the first person to share with our 21 year old neighbor lady that Jesus rose from the dead. She didn't know - but that is a basic teaching of God's Word which even she as a non believer could understand.

app. You got the basics down pretty quickly after salvation. Have you kept growing since then?

Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

C. You are maturing - Wonderful! - Keep growing.

exp. Maturity is what we are seeking in our Christian life.

1.....let us go on unto perfection; ...3  And this will we do, if God permit.

exp. Perfection in God's word is "(moral or mental ) completeness." Moral and mental completeness is maturity or full growth.

ill. Toys R Us was the big toy store when I was growing up. They had a theme song, "I don't want to grow up, I'm a toy's r us kid, there a million toys at Toys R Us that I can play with....they've got the best for so much less, you'll really flip your lid.... from bikes to trains to video games... It's the biggest toy store there is...."

 ill. How many of you as a child thought like me, "I've got it pretty good? I think I'll just stay a kid."

ill. Then I remember going to college thinking, "If I'm an adult, why don't I feel grown up?" An 18 year old is considered an adult but there remains a lot of intellectual and emotional growth before a person is a mature man or woman. I WASN'T REALLY MATURE.

ill. Paul's instruction to Timothy SHOW that physical and spiritual growth is needed.

2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

exp. Timothy had been a boy. Now he was a man. PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

 ill. Logan has just passed my wife in height this past week. It's fun to watch the kids grow up.

 app. There is a growth even more wonderful to behold - it is the growth of a believer in the things of God. 

 transition: Be on guard against apostacy - DO NOT STOP GROWING!

 

II. Do not stop believing.

 exp. The great problem in our APOSTATE world is unbelief.

ill. I'm praying about writing a new Gospel flyers. The last flyer I wrote was entitled, "The Answer to Unbelief is Faith." It is a call to unbelievers to come to faith in Jesus.

 exp. Unbelief as the next few verses in our text will show is damnable.

Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 app. Believers, KEEP BELIEVING in JESUS, the ONLY way of salvation.  

question: HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED TRUE SALVATION?

ill. XGames Big Air - skateboard and bmx - 75 foot ramp - 65 foot gap - 27 foot high half pipe. The commentators tell you what trick the guy just did. But, I can't really see it until they slow it down. note: If you were brave enough to try a trick on this ramp - you may close your eyes and think you did a great trick - But, I could show you the replay and reveal whether what you thought you did WAS TRULY YOUR EXPERIENCE.

exp. vv.4-5 reveal what the experience of salvation is like for someone who has truly been born again. YOU COULD FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE SALVATION - IF SO - you should be able to examine your experience with God's Word and agree that is WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED.

A. Keep believing that which opened your mind to God's truth.

4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, 

exp. Salvation is an EYE OPENING experience.

 ill. Many is the person who after salvation says, "Why didn't I see that before. I was so blind!" And they are correct.

ill. The blind man of Bethsaida 

Mark8: 22  And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

23  And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

24  And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

25  After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

exp. Like the blind man who came to Jesus for healing - men's eyes need to be opened spiritually and they need to be focused spiritually.

1. Satan had you spiritually blinded.

2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2. You need the glasses of spiritual discernment.

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

app. Have your eyes been opened to see clearly the truth of salvation by faith in Jesus! Is it so clear you can not but know that it is absolutely true? HOW CAN YOU TURN AWAY in unbelief WHEN YOUR EYES HAVE BEEN OPENED?

B. Keep believing that which was given you from above.

and have tasted of the heavenly gift, 

ill. Jesus offered a taste of this heavenly gift to the woman at the well.

Joh 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 

14  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

ill. Remember Jesus first miracle - water into wine. John 2:9  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10  And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

exp. He had drunk grape juice unlike anything else he had ever tasted. Jesus made it.

app. THE WATER OF LIFE IS JESUS. If you have drunk of Jesus - YOU EXPERIENCED A SATISFACTION which is NOT of this world. HOW CAN YOU TURN AWAY in unbelief WHEN JESUS HAS SO SATISFIED YOU?

C. Keep believing that which gave you God's Holy Spirit.

and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

exp. The Holy Spirit is a person. He is also called living water and He indwells every person who has been born again.

 ill. I have had some muscle spasms (twitches) - I had one in my stomache the other day and said to my wife, "The babies kicking." Do you know, most mothers are aware that they are carrying another person in their body. It is shocking and difficult to believe that someone can carry a baby full term without knowing it is there.

app. Can you be born again and not understand by experience that God's Spirit is inside of you?

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

 app. How can you turn away in unbelief when God has given you HIS HOLY SPIRIT?

D. Keep believing that which gave you appetite for God's Word.

5  And have tasted the good word of God, 

ill. Do you like sardines? My kids give me a hard time. They wrinkle up their nose and may wave their hand in front of their face if I eat sardines. They definitely will not eat them.

 ill. Do you like chocolate or blueberry muffins? Costco - 2 6 packs of muffins or just over 5 pounds. My kids want to join if that is what I'm eating.

question: How does God's Word taste to you? Do you wrinkle up your nose, wave your hand in front of your face or do you DELIGHT TO EAT IT.

 app. How can someone claim to be saved who has no appetite for WHAT GOD SAYS?

APP. HOW CAN YOU TURN IN UNBELIEF FROM SOMETHING SO GOOD?

E. Keep believing that which gave you a taste of the power of God.

5  And have tasted .... the powers of the world to come,

exp. When someone get's saved they have opportunity to experience the power of God.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:24  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

 ill. super chipping my dodge quad cap pickup truck - diesel cummins engine - same engine as in big caterpillar earth moving equipment - the super chip opened it up. 

exp. You experienced the power of that super chip as soon as you put it on.

ill. I got saved at 5 and I still remember the powerful reality of that experience. I've had other experiences of the power of God at work in my life since my salvation.

 app. Have you experienced the power of God? How can you turn away in unbelief after experiencing the power of God?

F. Keep from turning in unbelief from JESUS, the ONLY way of salvation.

6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

note: The illustration is hypothetical and yet is it frightening in it's force. If apostacy were possible BY GENUINE BELIEVERS there would be no help for them. LIKE THE UNPARDONABLE SIN - PUSHING AWAY GOD'S SPIRIT - THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THIS PERSON.

question: Is apostacy possible, can a believer turn away from God and be damned?

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

 ill. Barnes commentary likened it to a man who is drowning pushing away the board of salvation that was pushed towards him. IN TURNING FROM CHRIST AND THE OLD RUGGED CROSS - THERE IS NO REMEDY. It's like joining with those who mocked Jesus on the cross and crucifying him again.

 app. Unbelieving Friend - don't be the person who turns away in unbelief when God is waiting to give you everything we just considered! Humble your heart and take God's gift of salvation.

app. Believer - how can you turn away in unbelief after SO FULL A PROOF OF GOD'S SAVING GRACE AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE?

 

transition: Be on guard against apostacy - DO NOT STOP GROWING! Do not stop believing!

 

III. Do not stop serving.

song: "If you're saved and you know it clap your hands - clap, clap, ....stomp your feet..... turn around...."

 exp. Fun children's song - but in real life - "If you're saved and you know it, put on a towel and serve." 

ill. Be like your Saviour - 

Mar 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

exp. If you are God's child IT SHOULD BE EVIDENT BY WHAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO.

A. If you are saved and you know it - certify it. (PROVE IT IS GENUINE.)

7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

 exp. If a field didn't produce fruit, but produced thorns, they would declare it unfruitful (cursed) and set it on fire to burn off the thorns and seeds. 

9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

exp. Genuine salvation comes with some visible proof that salvation has taken place. 

"THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION."

ill. Thomas Kincade - print - certificate of authenticity - DNA ink. Proving that it is genuine art from the workshop of Thomas Kincade.

 app. Is your salvation evident by genuine fruit in your life? We ought to be able to certify our salvation. 

1. Certify it - by serving God out of love for Jesus. 

10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, 

Exp. Accompanying our salvation OUGHT TO BE a willingness to work and labour for Christ.

 ill. I can almost see the Asostle Paul looking at some who professed faith in Jesus but had no desire to serve the Lord. That was so unlike Paul himself.

1Co 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

app. Don't be apostate - do not stop serving. GET IN THERE AND DO SOMETHING FOR GOD.

2. Certify it - by serving the church out of love for Jesus.

in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

exp. The worked for God and they kept working for God. IT WAS A TESTIMONY THAT THEY HAD TRULY BEEN SAVED.

Ill. Some when they profess salvation - look genuine - but then they turn away.

 Mark 4:16  And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

17  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

20  And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

app. How has your salvation brought you to serve God? In what way do you minister to the saints? Don't be apostate - DON'T STOP SERVING. CERTIFY YOUR SALVATION. PROVE IT'S GENUINE.

B. If you are saved and you know it - show it.

11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

question: Did the author of Hebrews think any person had a right to a free ride who claimed to be saved? "WE DESIRE THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU."

QUESTION: Did he put an end of contract date on how long a person was to serve, "Until the end."

app. Have you shown the same diligence to serve? SERVING ACCOMPANIES SALVATION!

C. If you are saved and you know it - get with it.

12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

exp. Don't be lazy - SERVE!

 ill. Read the Bible and try to find a lazy servant of God of WHOM GOD APPROVES!

ill. Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Joseph, Paul, Peter, Elijah..... these men worked tirelessly for God!

 

 conclusion: Our day is one of apostacy!  

 

WE MUST NOT STOP BUT CONTINUE ON FOR JESUS?

 

Do not stop growing? (Have you go on to maturity?)

 

Do not stop believing? (Have you forgotten how graciously God has worked in your life?)

(Has He worked in your life?)

 

Do not stop serving? (Serving accompanies salvation. It is the natural evidence of a believer.) 

Are you serving?

 

 

 

 

 

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