When A Brother Falls Back Into Sin (Men Mark Tumandan)

Falling back into sin is one thing that every soul needs to careful, the reason there is a need to encourage one another, help one another, and rescue one another in the damnation of hell.

There are so many admonitions in the Bible about apostasy, falling back into sin.

In New Testament

One incident is the case of Simon the Sorcerer. The record of Apostle Luke to Theophilus as guided by the Holy Spirit revealed that Simon believed the preaching of Philip about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, in fact Simon was baptized (Acts 8:9-13)

"Then Simon himself believe also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

Simon knew that he was just tricking, deceiving the people of Samaria of his so-called miracles thus he could see the difference between the truth and the lie, the real and the fake.

As we trust the word of Jesus "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" Mark 16:16, we can conclude that Simon was saved after his baptism.

In fact Simon continued with Philip after his baptism.

But the opportunity of seeing the wonderful works of God became the opportunity for Simon to fall back into sin. He tried to bribe the Apostles to have the power of laying on of hands.

"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."

The intention of Simon is "that whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost" verse 19.

It seems it is good but if granted then one can conclude when he had the power of laying on of hands through bribing it from the Apostles, then whomever he would lay of hands then there should be money involved.

Thus there would be a cycle of corruption, bribery.

Preacher should be careful of this kind of corruption. When he recommends a fellow gospel preacher for support, then there should be no percentage of money involved. When there is a legitimate needs, there should be no opportunity to do sin by cutting the money intended for the needs.

Simon Was Rebuke

Thus there would be a cycle of corruption, bribery.

Apostle Peter immediately rebuke Simon "Thy money perish with thee because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money".

Peter added "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."

The rebuke of Apostle Peter followed by a love of a brother, a spirit of Christ to save all men. Peter in verse 22 said " Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."

It means there was a chance for Simon to be with the Lord again, to be saved again, to have fellowship with the Apostles again, only he needed to REPENT. What a great love!

When a brother is fallen  back to sin, what should we do?

1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. (Gal. 6:1)

2. Jesus commanded that "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." 

There were brethren who had fallen back to sin, fallen through mishandling benevolence, false reports, and worldly things.

They need to be rebuked and admonished to REPENT.

There are times when a brother falls back to sin, the one who converted him is being malign as if he has participation of his sins. 

When a Filipino preacher falls back to sin, mishandled the Lord's money with deliberate intention to deceive the saints, then his fellow Filipino preachers and the US preachers who recommended him also being affected of practicing corruption. IT SHOULD NOT BE.

Peter did not blame Philip about the sin of Simon. When Philip baptized Simon, Philip did it heartily for the Lord.

Warning

Proverbs 24:17 "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:" 

It is forbidden to rejoice when an enemy is fallen how much more when he is a brother in the Lord. 

Christians should not rejoice over the sin of his fellow brother "Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;" 1 Cor. 13:6

What We Are Doing By T. Sean Sullivan

What We Are Doing By T. Sean Sullivan
 
Introduction:

Preaching is a grave responsibility before God, for souls. There is an absolute requirement for anyone who would assume to preach; that requirement is, "Preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Also included in the direction of 2 Timothy 4:1-5, is constant courage to present God's word when it is welcomed, and when it is entirely unwelcome. The overall need for gospel obedience must preclude all prejudices, and all who preach must do so with conviction and without hesitation (Acts 20:27).

There also must be a balance in the approach to presenting God's word. Verse 2, in 2 Timothy 4, says, "Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching." Every congregation needs all three admonitions in a good balance. There are things that must be done, of which we must be convinced. There are thing to stop, of which we must be rebuked. But, there are also things that we are doing; things we must continue doing, of which we must be exhorted.

Today, let's be exhorted to continue in the good things that we are doing.
 
We are following the Pattern:

God has provided a pattern, for all believers to be united in "mind and judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27). The Bible is the revealed standard by which we: Receive the knowledge of truth (John 8:31-32; John 17:17); understand the expectations of God (Hebrews 11:6-Romans 10:17); and have the plan revealed, for the salvation of our souls (Philippians 4:9).

In this congregation: We respect Jesus as "the" authority (Matthew 28:18-20). We acknowledge, in every way, that Jesus is the Head of the church, His body (Ephesians 1:20-23). We determine to do and say only those things which are authorized by Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). We determine to live as Christians, living for Jesus (Galatians 2:20).

In this congregation: All teaching and preaching must be of the truth (Ephesians 4:15). The truth of the "word of God" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The truth of the "doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9).

The truth without apology and without tampering (Galatians 1:6-9). The word of God is the direction: It is the one guide for every soul in this world (Mark 16:15-16). It is the revealed pathway of Christ: From where we are, to where the Father is (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 2:21-23). It is the "pattern of sound words" to which we adhere ourselves in a need to become what they are (2 Timothy 1:13).

We provide for the knowledge of God's word in this place.                          
 
We are Working, and Depending on God

As we take our stand on God's revealed will, we have a pattern of worship and service set for us.  We know that God expects us to do His will-to be those who willingly submit to the "doing" of His will (Matthew 7:21). We know that there is work for us to accomplish: Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us the word of God was given so that "the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Also, Titus 2:14 states that Jesus, "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." In the desire to please God, we are doing the works of faith. This was also said of our brethren in Thessalonica, "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father…"  The works of faith are those things that are verified by the Scriptures (Romans 10:17).

In doing the works of faith, we are not forgetting our need for God's grace. We know that all the good works, even if accomplished entirely, will never reach Heaven. We will never deserve Heavenly entrance on our own. We rely the grace of God, supplied to us through His merciful love. However, God has applied the stipulation of obedience to His will for the hope of His grace. We are told in Ephesians 2:8 that we are "saved by grace through faith". Faith, is not just acceptance of God's existence-it is obedience to His will (James 2:19). Our faith must be alive and working-because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-18, 20-26). We absolutely trust in God's grace; but we do not deny His will, that directs us to His expected works (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We provide for the doing of God's will and the hope of His grace in this place.
 
We are sharing the Hope

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope of salvation (Romans 1:16). We are not selfishly holding it away from the souls who so desperately need its hope (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are letting others know that there is hope, and how it is to be gained. The fact that we provide a place for God's word to be taught, is part of what we do. We also, by way of friends with large mailing lists, send out our Sunday morning bulletin every week to about 35 countries-some of our effort from here is going "into all the world".

Our greatest growth tool is our good example (Matthew 5:16). The darker this world becomes the brighter the light needs to be. We are talking to others about the truth, and these conversations may, someday, bear fruit for the Lord. We are inviting people to services in the hope that their interest in pleasing God may be peaked. We are also very welcoming, when those visitors attend our services.
We provide for the increase of the Lord's church in this place, and others.
 
Conclusion:

We are doing much in this place. We are standing for truth. We are doing God's will, and trusting in His saving grace. We are sharing the hope with others.

Do not underestimate our ability: To know the truth (John 8:31-32). To do God's will (Matthew 7:21). Also, to increase the number of Christians in this world (Romans 1:16).

The opportunity to take on your hope of salvation is now. Through the grace of God, He has mercifully shown us His love, and we have His plan to follow, to be saved. The truth is yours to know and obey, and doing so you will be saved from your sins. The only thing standing between you and your salvation is your determination to obey. Why not come to God, right now?

GINOO, KANG KINSA MAN KAMI MOADTO? (Jn. 6:68)

GINOO, KANG KINSA MAN KAMI MOADTO? (Jn. 6:68)

  

Introduction:

1. Jn. 6  Moadto kang Hesus ug mubiya kang Hesus

   a. Sa may timog sa dagat sa Galiiee adunay 5,000 ka tao nakadungong Kaniya, nagdawat sa pagkaon ug nagproklamar nga siya Hari!

   b. Gisundan sila Siya hangtod sa Capernaum kun hain siya nagsugid nga ang Iyang misyon espirituhanon

   c. Vs. 35 Ako mao ang tinapay sa kinabuhi: espritituhanon na mana

   d. Vs. 54  Kaon ug inom: eternidad nga kinabuhi, pagkabanhaw

   e. Vs. 63  Ang pulong nga Akong isulti : espirituhanon, kinabuhi

   f.  Vv. 66-69 Kun si Hesus dili atong Manluluwas, kinsa man Siya?

2. Si Hesus lamang ang makahatag ug tubing sa atong mga panginahanglan:

   a. Alang sa kapasayloan sa atong mga sala

   b. Sa pagsukol sa tentasyon ug sala

   c. Alang sa paghupay ug kadasig sa mga panulay sa kinabuhi

   d. Alang sa katungod sa relihiyon

   e. Alang sa saktong pagsimba

   f. Sa pag-atubang sa kamatayon

   g. Sa pag-ikyas sa empyerno ug adunay balay sa langit

I. Alang sa Kapasayloan sa Atong Mga Sala

   A. Si Hesu-Kristo Adunay Gahom Sa Pagpasaylo sa Sala

        1. Jn. 1:29  Tan-awa, mao kana ang Cordero sa Dios, nga magakuha sa sala sa kalibutan

        2. Matt. 9:2  Anak, salig; ang imong mga sala gipasaylo na

        3. Matt. 20:28  Bisan ang Anak sa tao wala mianhe aron pagaalagaron kun dili sa pag-alagad, ug paghatag sa Iyang Kinabuhi alang sa paglukat sa daghan

        4. Lk. 24:46-47  Nagahatag sa pagpasaylo sa mga sala

   B. Ang mga Makasasala Muadto Kaniya ug Makakaplag ug Kapasayloanan

        1. Acts 2:36-39  Nakasala, napasaylo

        2. Kun dili kini ang halad ug manluluwas, kang kinsa man kita moadto?

II. Sa Pagsukol sa Tentasyon ug Sala

   A. Si Hesus Nagatudlo Kanato Unsaon Pagpildi Kay  Satanas

        1. Matt. 4:1-11  Si Satanas mihawa sa kapildihan

          a. Vv. 1-4  Ang Pangibog sa Unod mapildi pinaagi sa gugma sa Dios ug sa Iyang Pulong

          b. Vv. 5-7  Ang Garbo sa Kinabuhi mapildi pinaagi sa gugma sa Dios ug sa Iyang Pulong

          c. Vv. 8-11  Ang Pangibog sa Mata mapildi pinaagi sa gugma sa Dios ug sa Iyang Pulong

        2. Si Satanas nagagamit ug mao gihapon nga mga pamaagi karon

        3. Dili kita mga biktima nga walay magtabang– makasukol kita ug makadaug

        4. Kun dili si Hesu-Kristo ang tubag alang kay Satanas, kang kinsa man kita moadto?

III. Alang sa Paghupay ug Kadasig sa mga Panulay sa Kinabuhi  

A. Si Hesus Mato ang atong Kadasig Kun Si Satanas Magtintal Kanato

        1. 2 Cor. 12:7-10  Kalig-on diha sa kahuyang

   B. Ang Dios pinaagi ni Kristo Nagsarang Kanato sa Pagtabang sa Matag-usa

        1. 2 Cor. 1:3-5  Ang Dios sa tanan nga paghupay

   C. Ang Dios pinaagi ni Kristo Nagatabang Kanato sa Tanan nga Panulay

        1. Kun Si Kristo dili makatabang kanato, kang kinsa man kita moadto?

        2. Si Satanas ug ang iyang mga tao dili makatabang kanato – siya mao ang tuburan sa tanan nga pag-antos!

IV. Alang sa Katungod sa Relihiyon

   A. Si Hesus isip nga Manluluwas Nagadala Kanato sa Iyang Pulong

        1. Jn. 6:63, 68  Ang Iyang pulong, espirituhanon, nagahatag ug kinabuhi

        2. Matt. 28:18-20  Pailalum sa Iyang katungod alang sa kaluwasan

        3. Jn. 12:48  Hukman pinaagi sa Iyang Pulong

   B. Ang Mga Tao Nagalapas sa Iyang Katungod, Giilisdan ang Iyang Pulong

        1. Santo Papa, Councils ug mga Denominasyon naga-ilis niini

           a. Matt. 23:9  Tawga ang bisan kinsa nga imung amahan: “Pope” pasabot “amahan”, mga pari nagatawag ug Amahan

           b. 1 Tim. 3:2-5  Obispo dapat nay pamilya: Obispo sa Katoliko walay asawa ug mga anak

               (ang uban nga denominasyonal nga mga pastors)

           c. Mk. 16:16  Tomoo, bawtismo, luwas : Ang sa Katoliko nga doktrina naga-ingun bawtismo, luwas, tomoo

           d. Mk. 16:16  Tomoo, bawtismo, luwas: Denominasyonal nagatudlo nga  too, luwas, bawtismo

   C. Kang kinsa man Kita moadto Aron Masulbad Kining mga Nagbahinbahin nga mga Dokrtina ug Makalibog?

1. Ibalik ang katungod ni Kristo, biyae ang katungod sa Katoliko nga iglesia ug uban nga mga denominasyon

        2. Si Kristo lamang ang may pulong nga makahatag ug eternidad nga kinabuhi

V. Alang sa Saktong Pagsimba

   A. Si Hesus Isip Manluluwas Nagatudlo sa Sakto nga Pagsimba

        1. Jn. 4:20-26  Pagsimba sa espiritu ug kamatooran

        2. Acts 20:7  Balaan nga Panihapon matag Dominggo

        3. 1 Cor. 16:2  Amot matag Dominggo

        4. Acts 2:42  Pagtudlo sa Pulong sa Dios

        5. Acts 2:42  Pag-ampo

        6. Col. 3:16  Pag-awit

   B. Ang Tanan Nga Pagsimba nga Wal Gitudlo ni Kristo Kay Bakak

        1. Pag-ampo kay Maria ug sa uban nga mga balaan Prayer

        2. Balaan nga mga Adlaw: Pasko, Semana Santa, Adlaw sa mga Kalag

        3. Pagsunog sa mga insenso, tulunggon

        4. Choir, solo, duet, ug mga quartet performances sa pagsimba

        5. Pagsayaw

        6. Dili masabtan nga mga ampo, pagsinggit, pag palakpak ug uban nga mga butang nga makalibog

   C. Kun dili kita magpailalum sa pagtudlo ni Kristo, Kang Kinsa man Kita Moadto?

        1. Ang pagtudlo ni Kristo nakahomoot sa Dios

        2. Ang pagtudlo sa mga tao nakahimoot sa mga tao – nahigugma sa tradisyon, garbo ug kalingawan Man’s practices please man

VI. Sa Pag-atubang sa Kamatayon

   A. Si Hesus Isip nga Dios Adunay Gahom Diha sa Kamatayon

        1. Jn. 11:43-44  Iyang gibanhaw si Lazarus

        2. Jn. 10:17-18  Gahom bisan sa Iyang Kamatayon

        3. Jn. 5:28-29  Gahom sa tanan mga patay

   B. Kinsa Man ang Sama ni Hesus nga May Gahom Diha sa Kamatayon?

        1.Kinsa man ang may gahom sa iyang kamataron ug makapatinood niini?

        2. Kinsa man ang makasulti kanato bahin sa kahulugan sa kamatayon ug magbanhaw kanatao gikan sa mga patay?

        3. Si Kristo lamang ang Ginoo sa Kamatayon ug Ginoong Magtutudlo

VII. Sa Pag-ikyas sa Empyerno ug Adunay Balay sa Langit

   A. Kun isalikway Siya, Kita mamatay sa atong mga sala ug padulong sa empyerno

1.   Jn. 8:23-24 Paghigugma sa sala nagadala kanato padulung sa empyerno

   B. Kun toohan Siya, Dal-on Kita padulong sa Langit

1.   Jn. 14:1-6  Siya mao ang Dalan!

   C. Kun ato Siya Isalikway, Kinsa man magdala kanato padulong sa Langit?

        1. Kinsa man nahibalo sa dalan? Unsa man ang ilang pagpamatood?

        2. Kang Kinsa Man Kita Moadto?

Invitation:

Acts 2:36-38 Biyaa imung mga sala, biyaa ngadto kay Hesus!

Written in English by Ron Halbrook “LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? (Jn. 6:68)

Translated to Cebuano

Translated by   Men Mark Tumandan         Evangelist of:

Purok Balunto, Labangal                             Mountain Top Libas  church of Christ

9500, General Santos City                          Kamanga, 

Mindanao, Philippines                                9502, Maasim Sarangani Province