All That Glitters Is Not Gold

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

All that glitters [sparkles, gleams] is not gold” is a saying which means that things/people which might look good on the outside may not be so when you look closer.

Sadly, we live in a world obsessed with glitter and outward appearances (e.g., social media highlights!).

1. The domain of darkness glitters

(a) Satan has lied from the beginning:

(b) Satan has servants who also look good but who lie:

(c) And sadly, many are duped by Satan and his servants (we all were, in fact):

2. All that is gold does not glitter

(a) Jesus was despised:

(b) But His blood was more valuable than any amount silver or gold:

(c) His true worth is praised:

3. Truth and the kingdom of God’s beloved Son

(a) Why did Jesus come into the world?

(b) The importance of truth:

(c) So we must be diligent to know this truth and to not let it go!

4. Remain transferred from darkness to light

(a) Jesus’ mission:

(b) Paul’s mission was the same as Jesus’ mission:

(c) Our mission is the same as that of Jesus and Paul:

(d) Beware, because “once transferred doesn’t mean always transferred”:

All that glitters [sparkles, gleams] is not gold” means that things/people which might look good on the outside may not be so when you look closer.

 

We’ve seen:

  1. The domain of darkness glitters (paradoxical)
  2. All that is gold does not glitter (= Jesus)
  3. Truth and the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (the truth is so important)
  4. Remain transferred from darkness to light (Jesus’ mission)

Everything becomes crystal clear when we see the Lord.

Isaiah found this out …

(i) He saw the Lord

(ii) He then saw himself and society minus the “glitter”

(iii) He was then truly transformed

That’s what we’ve got to do constantly!

Sound Doctrine

Sound Doctrine

Many today dismiss the importance of doctrine – opting instead for:

  • opinions,
  • emotional experiences
  • or the everchanging community expectations.

But let’s be reminded in this lesson of the vital importance of sound doctrine.

1. The source of sound doctrine

2. The effects of sound doctrine

Sound doctrine” = “healthy teaching”.

  • Anything else is regarded as “a different doctrine” (1Tim. 6:3) or “strange doctrines” (1Tim. 1:3).

Sound doctrine saves lives, nourishes churches and brings glory to God.

  • 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Sound doctrine: Know it, speak it, live it, defend it.

Sound doctrine saves lives!

How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?

How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?

Life” or “fire” are the only two destinations on the day of judgment:

  • Recall 20:15 .

How can you make sure that your name is “found written in the book of life” (v. 15)?

  • How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?
  • The devil is very happy when people are confused about how to get to heaven!

A sobering example

The answer is really very simple:

  1. Become a Christian!
  2. Remain/Stay a Christian!

Jesus said “I am …”

Jesus said “I am …

Why are we gathering together this morning?

  • There are no doubt many good reasons: obedience to God (Heb. 10:25), worship of God (Jn. 4:24), encouraging one another, (1Cor. 14:26), etc.
  • But surely a very important reason is because of who Jesus is!
Jesus said “I am …
1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35,41,48,51)
2. I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
3. I am (8:58)
4. I am the door (10:7,9)
5. I am the good shepherd (10:11,14)
6. I am the Son of God (10:36)
7. I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
8. I am the way, and the truth, and the life (14:6)
9. I am the true vine (15:1,5)

Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son

(Luke 15)

Four Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son

(Luke 15)

  1. Sin leads to the opposite of what it promises
  2. Repentance and confession are essential
  3. God is compassionate and gracious
  4. Don’t be appallingly selfish like the older brother

Luke 15 is one of the most loved chapters in all the Bible!

Its “parable” (i.e., v. 3) in four parts– the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, and the lost older brother – show many wonderful truths:

  • God’s great love for the lost,
  • His great efforts to restore them to Himself,
  • and His great joy when they are returned.

God allows us all choice, but longs for us all to be with Him. God wants all to be saved.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven Like? (Matthew 13)

What is the Kingdom of Heaven Like? (Matthew 13)

What is The Kingdom of Heaven Like?

  1. The sower (13:3-9,18-23)

People will react differently to “the word of the kingdom”! Many would, in effect, reject the kingdom! But the kingdom would be made up of those with honest and good hearts, who bear fruit with perseverance (cf. Luke 8:15). [Some Christians will not make it – let it not be you!]

  1. The tares among the wheat (13:24-30,36-43)

While the King is reigning, there will be those who recognize His rule and those who oppose, and such will be the case until the end of time.  i.e., The King will not remove all evil until the end of the world. We are not to attempt to exterminate evil people (we ourselves were evil once, Eph. 2:1-3)!

  1. The mustard seed (13:31,32)

Yes, there will be rejection and opposition (see 1 & 2 above), but the kingdom would still grow great and magnificent after a small beginning.

  1. The leaven (13:33)

The kingdom would spread everywhere, but without grandiose fanfare or military warfare.

  1. The hidden treasure (13:44)

Some will not be looking for the kingdom, but would recognise it’s great value when they saw it, and would give all to be part of it.  [So keep scattering the seed! cf. Matt.13:3]

  1. The costly pearl (13:45,46)

Others will be looking for the kingdom of great value, and will give all for it when they find it.

  1. The dragnet (13:47-50)

Those in the kingdom who become unfaithful will not inherit the heavenly kingdom. Careful sorting will take place at the end of the age.

That’s what the kingdom is really “like”, according to Jesus.

Do we have to be in the church of Christ to go to heaven?

Do we have to be in the church of Christ to go to heaven?

1. Community misunderstanding of the question

2. The proper understanding of the question

3. How to recognise the church of Christ today

4. How to be in the church of Christ today

(a) How to BE saved

(b) How to STAY saved