Safeguards For Your Soul - Nathan Rages

As the Apostle John warned about the threat of false teaching in 1John 2:18-27, he also described four safeguards given by God for our spiritual protection:

1. Stay with the saints (v19).

2. Continue in Apostolic doctrine (v21,24).

3. Heed the Holy Spirit’s teaching (v20,27).

4. Keep the eternal perspective (v25).

Does Inerrancy Matter? - Nathan Rages

Eight reasons why it's important to believe that the Bible is free from errors:

1. Because the Bible declares its own truthfulness (2Samuel 7:28, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 119:89,96,140, Proverbs 30:5, Luke 24:25, John 10:35, John 17:17, Acts 24:14, Romans 15:4).

2. Because what the Bible says, God says (Matthew 1:22, Matthew 19:4-5, Acts 1:16, John 1:1, 2Timothy 3:16, 2Peter 1:21).

3. Because God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19, Romans 3:4, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18). 

4. Because even the Bible’s small details are important (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 5:17-18, Mark 12:26-27, Galatians 3:16).

5. Because the Bible’s history narratives are essential (1Timothy 2:12-14).

6. Because we must stay under the Bible’s authority (Genesis 3:5, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, Isaiah 66:2).

7. Because a church needs a shared foundation (1Timothy 3:15, Amos 3:3).

8. Because unbelief is progressive and destructive (Hebrews 3:12-13, 2Corinthians 2:11) .

Beware of Antichrists! - Nathan Rages

Seven characteristics of the Antichrists

1John 2:18-26, 4:1-3, 2John 1:7.

1. Their identity: the Antichrist vs. many antichrists.

2. Their time period: the last hour.

3. Their initial location: within the church.

4. Their teaching: denying Christ.

5. Their tactics: deception.

6. Their denunciation: liars and deniers.

7. Their departure: went out from us.

Loving the World - Nathan Rages

1John 2:15-17  15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

1. The Command: Do not love the world (v15).

2. The Reasons:

   (a) Because it’s incompatible with the Father (v15).

   (b) Because it’s full of evil things: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and boastful pride of life (v16).

   (c) Because it’s only temporary (v17).

3. Some Applications:

   (a) Count the cost of becoming a Christian.

   (b) Be careful with the earthly things you most enjoy.

   (c) Be careful who is influencing you. 

   (d) Look to Jesus’ perfect example.

Fall Fellowship Camp sermons now available

YouTube "playlist" of six sermons from the Fall Fellowship Camp at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, October 6-9, 2022. 

Sunday October 9th Worship Meeting Location

Because most Redeeming Grace Church members will be participating in the Fall Fellowship Camp, October 6-9, the worship service on Sunday the 9th will be held at the chapel of the Turkey Hill Ranch Campground near Freeburg, MO at 10:00am, with lunch served afterwards.  Anyone is welcome to join the meeting at the Campground.  Our regular weekly schedule will resume, Lord willing, after the Camp.

Stages of Spiritual Maturity - Nathan Rages

In 1John 2:12-14, the Apostle addresses those who would read his letter, dividing them into three categories:  

1. Children

your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake (v12)

you know the Father (v13)

2. Young men

you have overcome the evil one (v13)

you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (v14)

3. Fathers

you know Him who has been from the beginning (v13)

you know Him who has been from the beginning (v14)

Lessons for us:

1. Christians are at different stages of spiritual maturity.   

2. Christians are expected to grow over time.

3. Christians need Gospel-centered reassurance.

4. Christians are described as victorious.

5. Christian victory results from applying God’s Word.