SECURING THE HEART

(Matters concerning our spiritual state)

By being ready to give a Biblical answer for what we believe

Text: I Peter 3:15

(Brethren everything you believe will be questioned – and it should be)

Concerning salvation

The steps of salvation are written and illustrated – in other words, God tells us then He shows us.

  1. Hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17; Acts 18:8).
  2. Believing the gospel (Acts 8:12; Acts 16:30-31).
  3. Repenting of past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31).
  4. Confessing Christ (Acts 8:37; Luke 6:46).
  5. Being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27).

The need for faithful service

  1. We are called to a wonderful service (Matthew 20:1-16; I Corinthians 3:9), the harvest unlike any other (Matthew 9:37-38). There is an urgency involved (John 4:34-35).
  2. The work of faith, the labour of love (I Thessalonians 1:3).
  3. Never grow weary of well doing (I Corinthians 15:57-58).
  4. Serve faithfully until your time is no more (Revelation 2:10).
  5. The tremendous words; “Well done, thy good and faithful servant” await (Matthew 25:21; 23).

The reality that some will depart from the faith

  1. The warning and the concern expressed (I Corinthians 10:12; Philippians 2:12; II Corinthians 11:2-3; I Peter 5:8; I John 4:1; II Peter 2:1; Hebrews 3:12-14).
  2. The departure foretold (I Timothy 4:1-2; II Timothy 4:2-4).
  3. There will be some saved souls that will sadly exchange heaven for the world (II Peter 2:20-22; II Timothy 4:10).
  4. Some in the church are spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1-5).
  5. Rescue those who can still be reached (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20).
  6. Some are beyond reach (Jude 12; Luke 8:11-15; Hebrews 6:4-6).

The reign of Christ over His kingdom

  1. Jesus was born to reign (Luke 1:30-33; John 18:36-37).
  2. Jesus was raised from the dead to reign (Romans 15:12).
  3. Jesus is reigning at the right hand of God (Acts 2:30; 33; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3).
  4. Jesus will reign until the end of time (I Corinthians 15:24-26).

The second coming

  1. The promise of His return (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11).
  2. The second coming will be unannounced (Mark 13:32-33; I Thessalonians 5:1-3; II Peter 3:10-12).
  3. The second coming of Christ will be both noisy and visual (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7).
  4. Judgment will commence (Luke 19:14-27; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:1-46).