Church of Christ is a heavenly place!
Why then, there are people chosen to depart from church of Christ!
Preface: Know what the Bible says: Eph.3:10-12
1. When saved people gathered in one place to worship God the church of Christ started. Ac.2:1, 1Cor.11:18
2. God's eternal purpose is for leaders in the church of Christ to know the manifold wisdom of God! Eph.3:10-11
3. These leaders are to train saved people to grow in their salvation! Eph.4:11-14, 1Pet.2:1-2, 2Pet.1:5-11
What kinds of people chosen to depart from the church of Christ?
A. Satan kinds of people! Job 1:6-7
1. Satan was among the sons of God and was talking to God!
2. But what did Satan like to do? Roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it!
3. Apostle Peter cautioned us with these words --> Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Pet.5:8
4. “Hard working church parents” had a son woke up 3 a.m. doing graffiti around this neighborhood!
Eventually this family chosen to depart from this church of Christ!
5. Yes, we all can be busy help do the Lord’s work!
Reach out to none believing acquaintance with precious truth from the Bible!
This is one forever unending task all can do for all time!
B. Professional hired preachers! John 10:10-11
1. Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Jn.10:10
2. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jn.10:11
3. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep.
So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.
Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. Jn.10:12
4. I am not owner of the sheep! God is owner of the sheep!
I am a God's humble chosen servant!
5. I found great pleasure and honor to defend all Lord’s sheep!
As long as I am the preacher, no wolf dares come near the Lord’s sheep!
6. Let me repeat this one! I do not own the sheep! All sheep belong to God!
I am a humble servant of God! I take great pleasure and honor to defend the Lord’s sheep!
C. There are false Bible teachers! 2Thes.2:1-12
1. These people are doomed to destruction!
2. They like to be Bible teachers in church of Christ but teach unscriptural teaching!
3. These people will rise up to destroy when faithful preacher and members move away from the church!
4. Apostle Paul described these people as savage wolves! Ac.20:28-30
5. To church of Christ elders Apostle Paul said these:
(1) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
(2) Be shepherds of the church of Christ, which he bought with his own blood.
(3) I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Ac.20:28-29
(4)Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
6. About 500 years later this happen in Rome among the Jews and Italian believers!
7. Apostle Peter wrote: Paul writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters.
His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort,
as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 2Pet.3:16
D. There are lazy people! 2Thes.3:1-15
1. These people are lazy in help do the Lord’s work!
2. But they are diligent and busy doing things that please their flesh! Gal.6:7-8
3. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you: If any will not work, neither let him eat. 2Thes.3:10
4. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. 2Thes.3:11
5. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ,
that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 2Thes.3:12
6. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him.
Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 2Thes.3:14
E. Conclusion: And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 2Thes.3:13
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this February 23, 2020.
VIDEO SERMON BY BROTHER CHAN ON February 23, 2020