Do Not Turn Away

INTRODUCTION.

A.        There are times when people do not like to hear the truth, if they are currently in the wrong.

1.         There are those who will listen and accept the truth, no matter how much doing so may hurt.

2.         There are those who will reject the truth, in favor of continuing to embrace their error.

B.        Within the denominational world, I believe there are many who have turned away from the truth. They have the Bible, yet they follow their churches doctrine.

C.        With this lesson, we will . . .

1.         Show some Bible examples of people who turned away from the Truth.

2.         Show why some people are hindered from accepting the Truth.

3.         Present a short list of the Truths which all men are to accept.

I.         SOME WHO TURNED AWAY.

            A.        The rich young ruler turned away. (Luke 18:18-23)

            B.        Some of the religious leaders. (John 12:42-43)

            C.        King Agrippa. (Acts 26:24-31)

            D.        Felix. (Acts 24:24-27)

            E.        Elymas. (Acts 13:6-8)

II.       WHAT HINDERS SOME PEOPLE.

            A.        Some people cannot get past the traditions of men.

                        1.         The Jews held to the traditions over the commandments of God. (Mark 7:1-13)

                        2.         We are not to be cheated or beguiled by the traditions of men. (Colossians 2:6-8)

            B.        Some people are simply ignorant of the Truth.

                        1.         They listen to those who pervert the Gospel. (Galatians 1:6-9)

                        2.         They do not study to confirm whether or not they are hearing the Truth. (Acts 17:10-12)

            C.        Some people willingly believe a lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

            D.        Some people are blind to the Truth and simply do not see. (Acts 28:23-29)

III.      DO NOT TURN AWAY FROM . . .

            A.        All the elements of salvation.

                        1.         Hearing. (Romans 10:17)

                        2.         Belief. (John 3:16; Mark 16:15-16)

                        3.         Repentance. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38)

                        4.         Confession. (Romans 10:9-10)

                        5.         Baptism. (John 3:3-6; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27)

            B.        The truth on who is the head of the church. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:17-18)

            C.        The truth on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)

            D.        The truth on the work of the local church.

            E.        The truth on morality. (Colossians 3:1-10)

            F.        The truth on all the Bible has to teach.

CONCLUSION.

A.        If you have been baptized into Jesus Christ, then wonderful. Live a faithful life by accepting all the Truth found only in the Bible.

B.        If you have not yet been baptized into Jesus Christ, based upon your belief, repentance, and confession, then make the decision today to obey the Truth taught by Jesus. Accept baptism as a necessary element to being saved and be baptized today.

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Do Not Turn Away -- April 3, 2005 -- File # 2042 - First Principles

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK