1. Potential Dangers & “A Very Present Help”
Psalm 46

2. Potential Dangers & A Very Present Help
Culture and Community
John 4:20 our fathers…
Today
God’s help
1. A message independent of culture Mk. 16:15
2. A message that guards us Rom. 12:2
3. A message that sends us into society 1 Cor. 10:31-33

3. Potential Dangers & A Very Present Help
Other churches of Christ
Jer. 3:6-8; Rev. 2-3
Today
God’s help
1. Perfect plan for churches Eph. 4:11-12
2. Godly influence of others Acts 15:31; Acts 16:2
II. Other churches of Christ
A. Examples
1. Among the Israelites, they had brethren who departed (1 Kg. 13; Jer. 3:6-8)
2. Rev churches of Christ (all in same region) had compromised, some in visible ways others in less visible ways; some in widespread ways and others in less common ways = potential danger
B. Today
1. I have been saddened to see the influence of some Christians and churches of Christ in this area (preacher post pic online shirtless w/ wives/dtr in bikini, false teachers invited to youth lectureships or similar occasions defended by “nobody’s perfect”)
2. Do all churches have problems? Yes. But do all churches condone, ignore, or practice sin on an ongoing basis? No.
C. God’s help
1. Scr to identify God’s plan for His churches Eph. 4:11-12
a. by this we can identify sources of dangerous influence
b. wisdom in no diocese, district, or area oversight which slows the spread of error
c. wisdom in providing---
2. influence of other brethren and churches
a. Acts 15:31; 16:2 (Rev churches)
b. I have been encouraged to see the influence of many Christians and the Lord’s churches in this region (using opportunities to know each other, uncompromising persistence, weekly door-knocking, regular Bible studies in the community).

4. Potential Dangers & A Very Present Help
Riches
Matt. 19:23
Today
God’s help
1. Warning Deut. 6:10-12; Prov. 19:10; Matt. 6:19; 13:22; 19:23
2. Training Mt. 6:19-34; Prov. 27:23-27; Eccl. 2:1-26; 1 Tim. 6:6-19; Acts 20:35
III. Riches
A. Mt. 19:23
1. This statement is not unique to this young ruler---why did Jesus say this? Why is it hard? More: than you need, perceived stability, distractions, decisions, opportunities to get more, deceit, to lose, that others want.
2. How many things that are not sinful did Jesus say this about?
B. Are you rich? If it was hard then, is it hard today?
1. “Rich” typically means having more than the necessities---is that you?
2. If it is hard for a rich man, it is harder for his children who have worked less and have more.
C. God’s help
1. Warning us (Deut. 6:10-12; Prov. 19:10; Matt. 6:19; 13:22; 19:23)
2. Teaching us how to prioritize, use, share, and enjoy riches without sin or foolishness (Mt. 6:19-34; Prov. 27:23-27; Eccl. 2:1-26; 1 Tim. 6:6-19; Acts 20:35)
a. contentment 1 Tim. 6:6-8 if expectations exceed the basics, we are vulnerable to the sin of grumbling
b. generous sharing Acts 20:35 (1 Tim. 6:17-19) God has hidden blessings available in no other way

5. Potential Dangers & A Very Present Help
Family
Matt. 10:37
Today
God’s help
1. adopted into His family Rom. 8:15
2. more family Matt. 19:29
3. makes us a light to them Matt. 5:14-16
IV. Family
A. Mt. 10:37 What does this tell you about what the apostles faced in their decisions and work?
B. Family can provide the most disheartening discouragement (reject it, accept it then leave it, claim it but not live it), tempting us to trade eternity for a few years of potential peace (w/ father, mother, children, grandchildren, etc.).
C. God’s help
1. for now and forever adopted into His family (Rom. 8:15) - church (Mt. 16:18) - kg (Col. 1:13)
2. more family Mt. 19:29
3. make us a light to our family Mt. 5: remembering that they are watching is good for us!

6. Potential Dangers & A Very Present Help
Self
Matt. 10:38-39
Today
God’s help
1. put old man to death Rom. 6:4
2. new life Rom. 8:6
3. living sacrifice, holy, acceptable Rom. 12:1-2
V. Self
A. Mt. 10:38-39
B. Without the Lord as our shepherd, we are deceived by Satan and become one of our own worst enemies
1. Serve ourselves, living by I want to. . . (drink, addicted to tobacco, gamble)
2. Create our own plan of righteousness and deceive ourselves into believing we are serving God (believe Jesus is God and am a good neighbor-friend-spouse-parent)
C. God’s help
1. put to death the old man Rom. 6:4
2. new life = spiritually-minded (not self-minded), following the Spirit (= Jesus, Father) not self Rom. 8:6
3. a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, constantly renewed mind Rom. 12:1-2

7. Potential Dangers & “A Very Present Help”
Psalm 46
Turn to Christ Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10
Return to Christ Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9
Abide in Christ John 15:7