AVAILABLE HERE AT JACKEXUM.COM.
This is FREE of charge for any and all who wish to study God’s plan for Redeeming man in the Spanish speaking countries!!! God bless you….
Redimido – “Redeemed” In Spanish – NOW AVAILABLE!!!
Reply
Author Archives: Jack Exum Jr
Amazing Grace Bible Class – Lesson Fourteen – “Giving Grace”
GIVING is a grace… not a law. Not like under the Old Testament Law.
Old Testament:
a.) Genesis 14:20 b.) Genesis 28:22 c.) Leviticus 27:30 d.) Numbers 28:25-27 e.)
Deut. 12:17 f.) Deut. 14:22-24 g.) Deut. 24:18-19 h.) Mal. 3:8, 10 i.) Luke 18:12; j.)
Hebrews 7:4-9
New Testament: Tithing is not a command… WHY? Answer is found in GRACE!
1. Giving is a grace not a law. It is tough to try and legalize grace!
A. Two things happen:
1.) Joy is taken out of the grace.
2.) Guilt comes back with the ‘law’.
B. 2 Cor. 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
1.) “Each man” = PERSONAL/PRIVATE/INTIMATE/POWERFUL almost secretive
attitude. (Hypocrisy destroys this grace) Not the way to grow in grace! (Matt.
6:1-4).
2.) “what he has decided in his heart” No external decision/ pressure/ threats/ guilt
3.) “to give” This is a voluntary – no force/ JUST LET HIM GIVE! Enjoy!
(Matt. 6:3 “don’t let your right hand know what left… is doing”)
(Acts 20:35 “more blessed to give than receive..”)
4.) “not reluctantly or under compulsion” Giving should be motivated by GRACE
not the budget, or bills, buses, or programs or missions, or ministers. One
motive beats all others… GRACE!
5.) “for God loves a cheerful giver” The result of growing grace is growing in giving
as well. When a need is presented… grace will respond.
2. There are two power principles (and some promises) mentioned in the word on the
grace of giving.
A. Power principle #1 = 2 Cor. 9:6
1.) Paul speaks of life in general, not just money. Sow generously reap
generously/Sow sparingly etc…
2.) Sow a smile/ get 12 back…
3.) Idea = not to divorce this grace from others… GROW IN GRACE = all of life!
4.) Result of Holy Spirit in life (create Christ in us).
5.) Proverbs 18:24 People reflect what we give out… snobbish/grouchy/fearful
/avoidance = come back to us. Friendly/generous/helpful/openhanded/joyful
/smile = comes back.
B. Promises made: 2 Cor. 9:8, 10.
1.) Food to eat
2.) Multiply your seed which is sown
3.) Increase the fruits of your righteousness (Make you a better person)
4.) “Money is NOT THE ISSUE, for it is little more than a measure stick into your
value system. It is one of the chief indicators of HOW YOU THINK – OF
YOUR PRIORITIES.”
5.) IMPORTANT: “GROW IN GRACE AND YOU WILL CHANGE IN ATTITUDE
AND DEVELOPMENT.”
C. Power Principle #2: Luke 6:38
1.) “Give and you will get” – Does not say “Give in order to get”
2.) Summarizes previous 37 verses
a.) Note: Vss. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37…
3.) We have taught SOWING, GIVING… but not REAPING.
a.) Yet reaping is as important to sowing as sowing is to reaping. This is a
lesson on GROWING IN GRACE, NOT GREED. It’s a lesson on the
HEART not the WALLET.
4.) Conclusion is simple: Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good
measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured
into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
a.) If you want good things to come into your life… what we need to do?
b.) Want people to visit/call/send cards to you… what we need to do?
5.) Wherever you are in this Grace… begin to GROW!
6.) Giving 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%? Wonderful!!! GROW
7.) 2 Cor. 8:7 “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in
knowledge,in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in
you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
2. Extra – Key Words in 2 Corinthians 8-9
A. Key Words
1.) “Grace” (8:1, 6, 9), 2.) “Gift” (8:4), 3.) “Gave” (8:5), 4.) “Gathered” (8:15), 5.)
“Care” (8:16), 6.) “Abundance” (8:20), 7.) “Bounty” (9:5), 8.) “Bountifully” (9:6),
9.) “Give” (9:7), 10.) “Grace” (9:8,14), 11.) “Multiply” 12.) “Giving” (9:11), 13.)
“Liberal” (9:13), 14.) “Unspeakable gift” (9:15).
B. Key Thought: “GIVING IS A GRACE NOT A LAW”
C. Key Person: JESUS IS OUR LAW AND EXAMPLE… HE GOVERNS OUR
ACTIONS, (Eph. 4:13-14)
Mother’s Day
I found this news paper clipping amongst dad’s papers…. Word for word… here it is!
“Jack Exum, minister of the Church of Christ, Largo, who rates tops as a preacher, tried his hand at a Mother’s Day poem this year and proved to be a punk poet even when his subject matter is good.”
“To Mother On Mother’s Day ’50”
When and if we’re all together,
Once again at home,
Mother, father, sisters, brothers,
Just nine of us alone;
We’ll stop and think for a moment
Of just what God has lent
To us in the form of mother,
And just what she has meant.
To think of the days that are now gone by,
And bring them in dress review;
And turn back the pages of old Father time,
To a day in ’32.
Beulah was just then sixteen
And Marie was two years behind;
Mildred twelve and that was all,
Three better sisters you could not find.
Thomas was ten, Fred Junior was eight,
And Jim had just started to school;
And poor little me and mother stayed
At home the whole day through.
Let’s move the calendar up a year to 1933,
Kiss brother and sister off to school;
Wondering why it had to be.
Leaving you at home, all alone,
That you could not see;
Yet turning hand with mother would say,
“Just you and me”
Yet bring the date to ’36,
To that one great time in May
When we the children of her house,
Crowned her mother, “Queen for a Day”.
Silver and gold we had not much,
Nor presents to give away;
Yet she was our exclusive queen,
On this our Mother’s Day.
Yes, those were the good ol’ days gone by
Days that cannot be recalled,
Only in our remembrance,
And that’s the sad part of it all.
But now may you forever reign,
Upon this your only throne;
Service, love and helping others,
Our remembrance of you, dear mother.
Jack Exum
Letter From Jack Exum To Union Avenue Church Of Christ
Going through dad’s old papers and pictures I came across this letter, printed in a bulletin for the union Avenue Church of Christ. He was in Ireland at the time he wrote, and he was busy for sure, but he loved the work!!! It was 1967 I believe…
“Greetings to you all from the mission fields that are truly green (in Ireland) instead of white. I have never been busier. Each week I have from six to ten cottage film meetings and with this years itinerary, we are facing long hours. The school for evangelists and Bible teachers began this week with twenty five in attendance. Our regular services, plus two special classes at the nearby boy’s club keeps us moving.
Our first annual all-Irish lectureship will come in April. Next month I will be in Scotland for a worskshop. Charles Hodge from Ft. Worth, will be with us in a campaign this summer, and out Bible camp, called, “Camp Shamrock” is open for two weeks in August.
Our print shop is producing literally thousands of tracts and many times that in other literature and advertisements. A major drive to place one tract and a special invitation to enroll in Bible Correspondence courses in every house, is to begin soon. This is called “Operation Invasion”. Last week, counting classes and all, I was teaching more than 100 non-Christians. We are happy to report to you all that property is being bought, and plans for our building to be are coming along fine.”
“Two were baptized this week, three converted last week, and two the week before, and one before that. In fact, week by week – even day by day- people are coming to Christ.
We praise His wonderful name for this. We received the wonderful news that Union Avenue (Church of Christ) is counted on the ($) advertising program so needed. The missionary can count on Union Avenue. Never can we forget the overwhelming hospitality and generous way you received us. In my busy schedule, I consider Union Avenue as ‘REST STOP’. Remember our love for you all, your beloved elders and ministers… and Annie G.”
Why put this little note in the web site? Well to show just how important supporting congregations are and the results which can come when the relationship and communication between missionary and supporters are good. Hard work on the part of missionaries can never be over estimated. not all fields have the same results… but when Jesus is preached, people respond.
The Man Who Would Not Quit
All hail to the boy who raised his eyes,
And saw the greatness of the skies,
Who grabbed a fist of polluted air,
And began his walk up the stairs,
Even with braces that did not fit,
He was the boy that would not quit!
Like a shot of a gun, others passed by on a dead run,
They would say to the boy, as they passed him by,
You’ll never make it to the skies,
But in his slow pace, he just walked on,
He never stopped to rest or sit,
But with a smile on his face – in his heart a great song,
He was the boy who would not quit,
Graduation day came as he stood in the crowd,
Many were not there who had spoken so loud,
Yet the tassel and gown were a perfect fit,
For that crippled boy, who never did quit.
A simple poem, found in dad’s old papers… One that shares a simple thought… Needed by Christians far and wide… Winston Churchill was invited to speak for a prestigious university in England, and as he rose to speak, all were silent. Slowly he approached the platform, and he looked at the young faces. He simply said, “NEVER! NEVER! NEVER QUIT!” With these words, he sat down. Speeches and sermons do not have to be ‘everlasting’ to have ‘eternal impact’.
Christians get discouraged with life and circumstances. Yet it is the attitude you bring to life and meet life’s challenges, that is most important. “Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before,
14 I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14)(BBE).
Wherever you are in your Christian walk, whatever has happened… NEVER QUIT! Don’t worry about the judgment which comes from others… You just stand in the grace of God and move forward. One day there will be a ‘graduation’ and because Jesus is faithful… your reward in heaven is just waiting…
Amazing Grace Bible Class – Lesson Thirteen – “Grow In Grace”
* “THE SECRET OF GRACE IS IN ITS GROWING. (Like Leaven)(As a young plant)(It’s the nature of grace to grow.)(No limit or law on how much saturation, or growth.)(“It is for the sheer joy of it, the feeling of fulfillment, the fruit that is just natural to it.”)
* Orange trees bear oranges – joyfully/willingly/ gladly – Not their TASK – it is their NATURE – THE MORE THEY GROW, THE LARGER THEIR CAPACITY. They have no goals, no programs, FOR IT IS “FRUIT-BEARING” NOT WORK-DOING.”
* John 15:1-8
* Charles Hodge “Use your imagination. Imagine a cornstalk. COMMAND this cornstalk to make corn. It cannot! A CORN STALK CANNOT MAKE CORN! Only God can make corn. He bears corn on a cornstalk. This is fruit – not works. It is INTAKE not OUTPUT. A cornstalk of itself, cannot manufacture corn. A cornstalk will produce in direct proportion to what it has brought in. This is a simple LAW of nature – INTAKE DETERMINES OUTPUT. The cornstalk brings in to put out. A cornstalk needs soil, water, sun and minerals. The more the better. You do not blame the cornstalk during a drought. No farmer is angered with a cornstalk during bad conditions. The cornstalk is at the mercy of intake. Put it in and nature will put it out. So simple!” (“Amazing Grace”, 20th Century Christian Foundation, pg. 61).
1. COLOSSIANS – GROW IN GRACE
(Apply what has been learned!)
A. Vs. 1-4 “Raised with Christ” –
1.) “Set” New focus/goals/aim
2.) “For you died” (attended your own funeral) – Hidden in Christ – BOXES
B. Paul reasons this way, YOU HAVE DIED TO SIN… RAISED UP WITH CHRIST…
NOW SEEK/SET YOUR HEARTS (DESIRES) ON THINGS ETERNAL. YOU
MUST PLOW THE GROUND BEFORE YOU PLANT THE SEED. MUST WEED
AS PLANT GROWS!
1.) Notice the BALANCE in Paul’s reasoning vs. 5-9
2.) “Put to death” – An encouragement to keep on doing what was done at
new birth!
C. How does this phrase make since here… “INTAKE DETERMINES OUTPUT”.
1.) Conversion is not MORAL REFORMATION (based on will power) IT IS
SPIRITUAL REGENERATION.
a.) Luke 3:15-17; John 3:3-5; 7:37-39; Titus 3:5-7 cf NIV and KJV
E. Vs. 12-15 – (Put on) the new ways
1.) cf. Philippians 2:12f; 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace and knowledge”
(“IN-TAKE DETERMINES OUT-PUT”)
2. GALATIANS – GROW IN GRACE
A. Galatians 5:22-24
1.) Paul did not say, ‘Grow in church attendance’, ‘grow in taking the Lord’s
Supper’, ‘grow in adding more busses’, ‘grow by adding more elders or
deacons’, ‘grow in having a larger number in Bible study’, or ‘grow in meeting
you budget’… On and on we go with a list of DOING THINGS (none of which
are wrong within themselves nor should be opposed or discouraged). THESE
ARE NOT GRACES so much as they are duties and jobs, and organizations,
AND THE RESULTS OF GROWING IN GRACE.
B. The forgotten FIRST COMMAND (and second) Love God/Love others as self.
1.) Division is not the product of growing in grace… it is the result of growing in
pride!
2.) Teach the truth of baptism and Lord’s Supper – but these can be done w/o
growing in grace.
C. 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace and knowledge”
3. PETER – “GROW IN GRACE”
A. Graceless Simon – the worst disciple
1.) Said/did wrong thing (foot in mouth)
2.) If Simon can make it… anyone can make it.
B. Simon was converted
1.) First gospel sermon – Acts 2:14-40
2.) Cornelius – Acts 10
3.) Simon grew in grace and knowledge of the Lord.
C. 2 Peter 1:3-10 Read
D. Is this the same Peter
1.) Luke 5:8 “Get away from me Lord, for you don’t know how many sins I’ve
really got.”
2.) Matthew 17:4 “Let’s build three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses and
one for Elijah.”
3.) Matthew 16:22 “No Lord, you are not going to the cross!”
4.) John 18 “I don’t know the man!!!”
E. YES, this is the same man… but NOT the same man….
1.) He grew and grew and grew and grew in grace….
F. Peter’s encouragement, “Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ…”
Conclusions:
Grace as opposed to law/works… simply enables and promotes the growth which many leaders are seeking in their congregations. The problem seems to be in the way leaders and preachers are going about trying to get their congregation to grow.
Grace is a motivator, liberator, and encourager… whereas law/works (check-list system) and the resulting efforts at ‘perfect performance’ and guilt for failure…does not promote growth. Growth will come as Christians grow in grace…. the results will be with joy, and love, and will be the natural fruit of the Spirit who lives within each and every Christian… This in turn will promote unity in the body of Christ.
Responses To The Holy Spirit – An Outline
1. Conversion – Acts 2; 5:32; I Cor. 6:19-20
2. Grieve the Holy Spirit – (Rule not over-rule) – Eph. 4:30-32
3. Quench the Holy Spirit (Like putting green grass on a fire)(Smother)(Suffocate)(Extinguish)
4. Resist – Fight against (Kill – destroy) – Acts 7:51-60
(Sin against the Holy Spirit) – Matt. 12:31-32
5. Walk/Be led by the Holy Spirit – LIVE! – Galatians 5:16, 18, 25
6. Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
7. TOTAL REJECTION – 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:25-26
That You Might Believe – “Jesus The Lamb Of God”
Inexhaustible fullness, revealing God, witnessed by John (the baptist), the very Lamb of God… this is Jesus!
In this study we will be looking at John 1:16-34. Jesus was only six months younger than John. A ‘junior’ in earth time, but eternal in ‘timeless’ eternity, caused John to admit the superiority of Jesus. John’s work was to prepare the way… and even though he was at ‘center stage’ for a time… when Jesus appeared, he had no problem with stepping aside. Other exaggerated as to John, because all were looking for the Messiah…. but it was not him. This passage goes on to say three things about Jesus:
a.) He is the FULLNESS (Gk. “pleroma”) the sum total of all that God is. Colossians 1:17; 2:9.
b.) He is GRACE UPON GRACE (grace instead of grace/ grace on top of grace/ wonder upon wonder). Limitless/ unmerited grace!!! (Romans 4:1-9). Thus there is no worry about ‘running out of’ grace, for His grace is as deep as His love for mankind.
c.) He is God (the Son) His mind/character/being… all the same as the Father and the Spirit. It may be hard to grasp, or wrap our arms around GOD… but since Jesus reveals GOD… it is easier for us to relate to and ‘wrap our arms around’ Jesus. He opens the door to our knowing God. Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life, NO ONE CAN COME TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME.”
* Thus the importance of our Savior, our ‘doorway’ … ‘DOORKNOB’ (if that is easier) but He is our way to the Father!
1. IN JESUS – THE DISTANT, UNKNOWABLE, INVISIBLE AND UNREACHABLE GOD HAS COME TO MEN (A little boy was crying in the night, when his dad came in to comfort him… “Can you stay with me dad?” he asked.” The wise father said, “God is always here my son… don’t be afraid”. The child looked up and said, “But dad, I just want a God with skin”.
2. THE WITNESS (vs. 19-28) Begins the story of the ministry/miracles of Jesus)
Recently I was ‘asked'(?) to be on a jury for a capital murder trial. During the trial, there were ‘witnesses’… people who had actually seen the event. Some were credible and some were not. Based on the evidence and witnesses who testified, we either believed the witnesses or not. Some were more credible than others…eventually a judgment was passed down.
Consider the following events:
a.) Day one: vs. 19-28 – The witness of John – “I’m not HIM” (not Elijah, not THE prophet… I’m just a voice crying in the wilderness! John realized his reason, his purpose. So many today never see their purpose in life, or they think that if they are not ‘THE prophet’ or the one in the ‘limelight’ then it’s not good enough. John was humble, bold and satisfied to serve in the shadow of One greater.
b.) Day two: vs. 29-34 – The Lamb of God – Lamb/Sacrifice/Sin, these are connected by demand. It is the demand of justice. It is God’s greatest mystery… the saving of mankind. Paul teaches us in Romans 3:21-26 through the sacrifice of Christ God is declared JUST as well as the JUSTIFIER of those who have faith in Jesus. It is a salvation which is not based on law keeping, but on faith. It is in Jesus that we see IN is dealt with by the SACRIFICE of the LAMB of God.
c.) Day three: vs. 35-39 – The ‘Following’ begins – John, saw Jesus… and realized, this is the One. He begins now to point people to Jesus… “There is Jesus… the One who was promised, the Lamb of God!!!” Those that had been following John, now began following Jesus. Mission accomplished! Well done John! Today we would do well to learn from john. Never seek to be followed, or be in the lime-light or be the ‘big man’… just point people to Jesus.
d.) Day four: vs. 40-42 – Andrew Simon Peter’s brother – What began here, is still going on today, with Andrew, an ordinary fisherman who saw Jesus, heard Jesus, and was so touched by Jesus, that he brought his brother Peter. The rest is ‘His-story’ as more and more were brought to Jesus. Has it stopped? Of course not… ordinary people are still bringing other ordinary people to the Someone who is not Ordinary. Because He is not ordinary… people seek Him out. People follow. They don’t have to… not coerced to… they just see in Jesus, Someone who has the answers to life and eternity, Someone who loves them. May this same joy and excitement of finding Jesus, be with you in your life.
e.) Day five: vs. 43-51 – Phillip and Nathanael – Met Jesus….Not much is said of them, accept that they followed Jesus! That’s enough! (Although we know there was more!)
All in all we see…
a.) John affirms Jesus is the Christ
b.) John tells of the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders.
c.) Pharisees (Sanhedrin) are looking for false prophets
While many others came to love, believe in, and follow this one called Jesus of Nazareth… the Son of God!
The ‘religious elite’ were asking questions of John… Who are you? (Messiah?)(Elijah?)(Prophet?)… all were answered with a firm, “NO”. Jesus later would ask the disciples the question, “Who do men say I am?” Various answers came, but the one that counted, the one Jesus wanted was “Who do you think I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (“You are the one we have been looking for and the one with the answer to life’s problems. You are the one and only Messiah!”) (Matthew 16:13-16). Malachi speaks prophetically of the Messiah as the “messenger”. Not just any messenger, but THE MESSENGER. The prophet is so excited, because times were hard in this prophet’s day. The bright ‘light’ … “He is coming” He is the “smelter” and “purifier”. Like a “refiner’s fire” and laundryman’s soap. Of course there is a ‘cleansing coming’ when He comes. Sure, the picture of Jesus cleansing the temple comes to mind, but there is more… cf. Luke 3:15-18! Then notice Malachi 4:4-6… as with all other Old Testament prophecies, they all point forward… to Jesus.
Who are you John? He knew who he was not… he knew who he was. His was a special place at a special time… Preparing people for the coming Christ was his life, and he gave his all to it.
3. WHY DID JOHN BAPTIZE?
Read Mark 1:4-8! John was a rough, tough man. A wilderness preacher that “preached a baptism of repentance FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS”. So were people forgiven when they were immersed by John? Sure! This seems to give some people problems, but that’s what the Book says. Everyone was going out to hear John speak, and ‘obey the gospel he was preaching’, but it was also in preparation for the coming Christ, and the preparation of those of Israel who would be ready for the Messiah. Did these need to be re-baptized later in the name of Jesus? Of course. Since Jesus was to be crucified, and ascend to the Father and then send the Holy Spirit… The church was still to be established. Just as in Acts 19, these disciples had not heard that there was even a Holy Spirit, so they were immersed again. We shall look more at being born again in John 3, but John’s immersion was temporary, but accomplished it’s purpose… it pointed all who would come, to the King. According to Zech. 13:1, the chosen people had to be cleansed… prepared for the coming King (Jesus).
4. THE LAMB OF GOD – vs. 29-34 – (Cf. Isaiah 53:1-7)
“Passover” the word was rich in meaning since the days of Moses and the deliverance from Egypt. The lamb that was to be slain for each family, in remembrance of the deliverance from slavery (representing sin for us), was spotless, no bones broken, and perfect…. Jesus is the Lamb (used 29 times in Revelation) of God! Perfect, spotless, and the “once for all sacrifice” given to perfect salvation for all who come. He is our sacrifice.
Jesus is our “AMNOS” – which gives us the word ‘amnesty’… God’s great Lamb!
Our great propitiation, God’s satisfaction… our great salvation. PRAISE GOD!
Next: “The First Disciples”